When Moog Made a Keytar

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the Moog Liberation from 1980

0:00 Intro jam
0:57 Keytar History
2:30 Musical Interlude
3:24 What is The Liberation?
7:23 Impact and Summary
7:57 Sample Pack
8:20 Outro jam and Patron Shoutout"

Moog Liberation 44-Key Dual Oscillator Keytar Synth SN 1634X

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"The only model currently available for sale in Australia! This vintage Moog Liberation 44-Key Dual Oscillator Keytar Synth is the coolest Keytar ever made, and one you can wear over your shoulder with pride (think DEVO)! [see bottom pic] A fully functional and reliable instrument, perfect for any musician or producer looking for the classic Moog analogue sound. With its filter wheel, touch pitch slider, built-in modulation, two oscillator monophonic or 10 voice polyphonic options (to name a few highlights); this keytar synthesiser offers endless possibilities for sonic exploration.The Moog Liberation features CV out and Trig out ports, allowing for easy integration into any studio setup, and an extra long cable to connect the synth to the original Moog Interface/power supply (IEC/"kettle cord" connector, 220V/50-60HZ/20Watt). Do you have an Uncontrollable Urge to be as cool as DEVO? The this is the Girl U Want. Don't miss out on the chance to own this piece of musical history. PS Keytar weighs 7kg; power supply/cable 4kg. Oh and strap mount lugs are fully intact for strap on! Includes pdf manual also."

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Moog Liberation Keytar Synth w/ Power Supply/Interface, Manual, Strap Points SN 1600X & 3332

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"Step into the spotlight with the legendary Moog Liberation, one of the first and most iconic keytars ever made. Released in 1980, this vintage analog synth gave keyboardists the freedom to break away from their rigs and take center stage alongside guitarists and vocalists. With its dual oscillators, rich Moog filter, and onboard modulation controls, the Liberation delivers that unmistakable, fat, and expressive Moog sound in a package designed for performance. The left-hand grip houses ribbon style pitch bend control, modulation, filter, and volume controls, allowing for real-time expression while you shred like a synth god.

This unit comes fully equipped with the Moog synth interface/power supply, the original manual, and strap mounting hardware for attaching your favorite guitar strap. If you'd like the straps mounted before shipping, just let us know! The Liberation connects to its external interface via a 20-foot cable, keeping your synth tones clear while letting you roam freely on stage. It features a classic Moog low-pass filter with resonance, a white noise generator, and polyphonic mode, making it versatile for both thick monophonic leads and layered textures. The build quality is rock-solid, with a sleek black design that screams vintage cool.

If you're looking to own a piece of synthesizer history, this Moog Liberation is your chance. Whether you're a collector, a synth enthusiast, or a performer looking to channel some serious 80s energy, this keytar delivers in both sound and style. Vintage Moogs hold their value incredibly well, and the Liberation is a rare find in such complete condition. Don’t miss out—grab this Liberation and break free from the keyboard stand!"

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Belgian Magazine Article Featuring Mario Mathy

This one is in via Jos who had the following to say followed by an English translation of the article.

"Years ago, I sent you information about Mario Mathy (I think 2019). You published it on your blog. [you can find it in previous posts featuring Mario Mathy here] Afterward, Mario Mathy's 'Jumping Dance' went viral and achieved cult status.

Since your blog has become the most comprehensive and important documented synthesizer resource online, the attached article should also be saved for future history. It would be cool if you could share it with the rest of the synthesizer community. I translated it from Dutch to English using Google Translate.

Notice in the picture below the article that the photo was taken during the period when Mario endorsed Korg.

All I can see in the picture is Korg equipment. The song 'Love Dreams' is from his first album.

I expect most of the songs from his first album ‘Hello This is Mario Mathy’ were created using Korg synthesizers (in contrary to what you would expect from the album cover showing only casio).

After his first album, the single 'Jumping Dance' was released in Belgium. 'Jumping Dance' was from his second album, 'Music-Land'.

On his second album, you can hear a noticeable difference in his sound.

This likely resulted from switching from Korg to Casio synthesizers.

Mario was my piano teacher when I was about 15 years old."

You can check out Mario Mathy's releases on Discogs here.

The following is the tranlation of the article pictured in this post.

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KORG POLY 800 SYNTHESIZER 1984 CHUCK LEAVELL POSTER/BROCHURE

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8" X 11" OPENS TO 16" X 21"

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Moog Liberation - some kind of "techno" jam

video upload by Franz Kreimer Keys

"This is a short jam with my Moog Liberation Keytar. It's much more than a monophonic Moog!

Have fun with keyboards!

Watch my Video about this fantastic machine:"

Moog Liberation 1981 - more than a Keytar!

video upload by Franz Kreimer Keys

Click CC in the player controls, bottom right for subtitles.

"This Video is about and for the Moog Liberation from 1981. It's the first Keytar - but with about 6,5 kg not really a lightweight. There are so many features in this Analogsynthesizer!!!
Don't miss to see how many different sounds you can make with this Synthesizer.
Have fun with Keyboards!"

MOOG LIBERATION Analog Synthesizer Keytar SN 1031

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Korg 707 49-Key Performing FM Synthesizer Keytar w/ Extras

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"With Original Box, Original Program Card, Memory Storage Card, Power Supply and Strap."

Yamaha keytar as MIDI controller - SHS-10 playing Reface CS and CP

video upload by Alfonse

"Using two keyboards from the Reface series as sound modules for the SHS-10 to play via MIDI. The SHS-10 has a MIDI out only, which can be connected to the Reface keyboards via a standard MIDI cable.

The pitch bend, sustain and vibrato controls on the SHS-10 all map to controls on the Reface. On the CS, vibrato controls the LFO depth, switching to its highest setting when pressed. Since the LFO can be assigned to pitch, filter, amp, there are a number of possibilities for sound design here. On the CP, vibrato controls modulation, which is a feature unavailable from the front panel of the CP itself.

All drums were Logic drum synth sounds.

Yamaha SHS-10 "Sholky" (1987)
Yamaha Reface CS (2015)
Yamaha Reface CP (2015)

Big thanks to @musicbroth for the loan of the SHS-10. They're a fantastic community music resource in Glasgow, UK, lending instruments and running workshops with a mission to provide access to music for everyone. https://www.musicbroth.org

Music: "Cloudfall" (C) Copyright 2024 Alfonse
Download the track here: https://alfonse.bandcamp.com/track/cl..."

Moog Liberation - a short Improvisation

video upload by Franz Kreimer Keys

"This is a short impro with my Moog Liberation.
It's a Moog Keytar from 1980 with Serial 1111.
Have fun with Keyboards!"

Rare KEYTEK CTS-2000 Crosstable Synthesizer w/ Carts

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MIDI NES AXE

video upload by Love Hultén

"@catbeatsofficial jammin his brand new commissioned Hultén MIDI axe!

The guitar includes a built-in NESpoly synth, a detachable dome for avatar replacement and a custom strap made from extraterrestrial skin 👽 Based on the YouRock MIDI guitar #midiisback"

Moog Liberation "Keytar" Synth w/Original Case, Interface, Manuals SN 3212

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via this auction, also on Reverb

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"A complete (with owner's manual, service manual, case, power supply/interface, modern replacement interface cable) and functional example.

Our keyboard associate in the shop spent a couple hours testing every single key, switch, slider, wheel, pad, etc. (Yes, we pay him to have fun!) His only notes on playing condition: "Switches in modulation section took some working back and forth to get consistent operation. 'EMPHASIS' slider only seems to have audible effect at the top quarter of its travel range."

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Yamaha SHS-10 - a mini FM keytar

video upload by Alfonse

"Music: 'Adventure Plank' (C) Copyright 2023 Alfonse
Download the track here: https://alfonse.bandcamp.com/track/ad...

Yamaha SHS-10 'Sholky' (1987)

This is a 2-op FM synth in the form of a mini-keytar, with pitch bend wheel and vibrato in easy reach of the left hand on the neck. It has a MIDI Out port, which allows you to use it to control other instruments.

The lead line uses voice 32 Horn, making use of the vibrato and portamento effects and the pitch bend wheel. The main drum pattern used was 03 Fusion 2. The track starts with 01 Rhythm and Blues 2, and 02 Fusion 1 is used for a fill-in at the middle and end of the final solo section.

Big thanks to @musicbroth for the loan of this keyboard. They're a fantastic community music resource in Glasgow, UK, lending instruments and running workshops with a mission to provide access to music for everyone. https://www.musicbroth.org"

Junost-21 Analog USSR Vintage Keytar Synthesizer w/ Original Manual, Schematics & Case

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I don't think I ever knew these were made in Poland. This is the first post to mention it.

"This Junost-21 synthesizer is a vintage piece of equipment that is made in Poland. It comes in its original box and includes all manuals. The synthesizer has 37 keys and is a keyboard type with synth keys. It has a MIDI (DIN) Out port and two pedal inputs. The Junost-21 is an analog synthesizer that features a modulation wheel, arpeggiator, and built-in effects. It is a great addition to any collection of synthesizers or pro audio equipment. This synthesizer is in working condition and is sure to provide hours of musical enjoyment."

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Moog Liberation SN 3226C

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"Has some severe cosmetic blemishes: oxidation on fasteners, mismatched knob, loose hats on some of the sliders, no strap buttons. But everything works! Even the "fingerboard" functions.

Comes with an aftermarket power supply and cable that is much smaller than the OEM ones."

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Moog Liberation

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White Moog Liberation SN 3077 w/ Case & Manuals / Docs

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Tuning label on back.

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Moog Liberation Fully Serviced w/ Original Case, PSU, & Cable

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NAMM 2023 - Eon-One.net - Netherblade

video upload by sonicstate

"Eric Netherland of Eon-One.Net showed us the Netherblade, a MIDI controller that has a sound engine which can run any plug-in, be it samples, physical modeling, granular, digital, or any other type of plug-in. It has a real-time pitch bend feature that can bend any note to any other note polyphonically.

Eric handbuilds each Netherblade, and there are only a few of them in existence as he mostly builds them to order. The price range is between $2,400 and $2,700, depending on the CPU and memory and whether the customer wants a painted or natural finish. The Netherblade has three interface types: keyboard, Fretboard, and a grid for triggering drums and other sounds.

Netherblade Price: 2,400 - 2,700 USD

https://eon-one.net/netherblade_page...."

The Netherblade is a unique and expressive musical instrument. Stylish, precise, fast, and fun to play. This is the first MIDI controller that can accurately bend pitch from any note to any other note on a standard keyboard, fretboard or grid layout. There is virtually no learning curve for any keyboardist or guitarist although there are infinite open doors to create new techniques. Independent per-note pitchbending is seamless and fluid with nothing in the way of sliding to any interval in any direction whilst remaining in tune. Vibrato is natural and intuitive with no need for fixed LFO modulation. The instrument allows a players character to come thru so no two performances will sound exactly alike

Response time is lightning fast and, with no moving parts, can play faster than a standard keyboard.

Pitch and articulation are separated for easier control. With the integrated XYZ pad, you can simultaneously modify 3 MIDI controllable parameters while playing and bending notes in real time. Examples: volume, timbre, harmonics, muting, effects, etc. Additional switches provide octave up/down and configurable keyswitching.

Quotes
"Polyphonic Ondes Martenot", "True Fretless Keyboard", "Fun To Play!", "Fast Learning Curve"

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