Herb Deutsch Has Passed Away

video upload by Moog Music Inc



Herb Deutsch passed away yesterday. He was born on Feb 9th, 1932, making him 90 at the time of his passing. If you come to this site you know who he is. You can find pages of posts featuring him here. He was constantly active in the synth community, from it's birth as the co-inventor of the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog, to this day. I thought I would share the recent GIANTS video featuring him above from February this year.

When the greats pass away, I like to capture images and bios at the time of their passing. To the left is Herb Deutsch's current Facebook profile image. Directly below that is the last update of his posted on December 7. Below that is an image from the Wikipia page for him with the text that immediately follows. Finally, below that are some images of him from the early days from Moog Music's Herb Deutsch Looks Back on the Early Days of Electronic Music tribute.

He and Morton Subotnick likely had the greatest influences on the design of synthesisers as we know them. Herb brought us the tonal influence via the keyboard as the direct interface for a synthsizer and Subotnick brought us atonal sound exploration akin to tape manipulation.

via Wikipedia

"Herbert A. Deutsch (February, 1932 - 9 December 2022[1]) was an American composer, inventor, and educator. Currently professor emeritus of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University, he is best known for co-inventing the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog in 1964.

Deutsch died on 9 December 2022.[2]

Herbert A. Deutsch (February, 1932 - 9 December 2022[1]) was an American composer, inventor, and educator. Currently professor emeritus of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University, he is best known for co-inventing the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog in 1964.

Early life and education
Deutsch was born in 1932 in Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. At the age of four, he first realized he had a musical gift. Through his childhood, he studied music and began composing at a young age. Deutsch attended the Manhattan School of Music, earning his B.A. and M.A. there.

Work with Moog
Deutsch had assembled a theremin based on Moog's design in 1962 and in November, 1963 he introduced himself to Moog at a music-education conference in Rochester, NY.[3] In 1964 Moog and Deutsch started investigating the possibilities of a new instrument to aid composers.[4] Deutsch has been credited with the keyboard interface of the Moog.[4] He composed the first piece ever for the Moog ("Jazz Images - A Worksong and Blues"[3]) and performed early Moog concerts at The Town Hall and The Museum of Modern Art in New York (1969's Jazz in the Garden [5]).[6] The prototype Moog synthesizer, developed by Bob Moog and Herbert Deutsch in 1964, is part of the collections of The Henry Ford museum.[7]

Career
Deutsch was a dedicated educator. In the early 1970s he taught at St. Agnes High School in Rockville Centre, New York. He has taught at Hofstra University for over 50 years and was twice the chair of the music department. Deutsch co-founded the Long Island Composers Alliance in 1972, and worked with music foundation NYSSMA. In 1994 he proposed its Electronic Music Composition Showcase.[8]

via Moog Music's article Herb Deutsch Looks Back on the Early Days of Electronic Music

"On October 12, 1964, Bob Moog unveiled the first modular voltage-controlled synthesizer, an instrument that forever changed the course of modern music.

It began quietly, in 1964, when Bob Moog designed a new electronic instrument to composer Herb Deutsch's request. Herb wanted something to create complex and experimental sounds, tones not easily found from other instruments or with studio trickery. What Bob designed was not wholly new, it sprung from a powerful new combination of existing ideas. The concepts, when combined with some elegant design choices, made a very powerful and revolutionary new system. The new ideas found in the Moog synthesizer took several years to catch on, and it is likely even the first users had little idea what range the new instrument could truly offer."

Happy Birthday Herb Deutsch!

In case you missed it, Herb Deutsch turned 90 today! See Moog Music's GIANTS | Herb Deutsch and The Bog Moog Foundation post featuring a video of Herb and a raffle for a Minimoog Model D signed by him.

You can find numerous posts mentioning Herb Deutsch in previous posts here.

Rather than go with a classic shot of Herb with a Moog synthesizer, I thought I'd go with what is currently featured on Wikipedia. Why? Why not? It's a reflection of popular culture outside of our inner synth community, and it's interesting in that this is the image they selected for him. It's also a great shot! 

Here's a blurb from Wikipedia:

"Herbert A. Deutsch (born February, 1932) is an American composer, inventor, and educator. Currently professor emeritus of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University, he is best known for co-inventing the Moog Synthesizer with Bob Moog in 1964.

Deutsch had assembled a theremin based on Moog's design in 1962 and in November, 1963 he introduced himself to Moog at a music-education conference in Rochester, NY.[1] In 1964 Moog and Deutsch started investigating the possibilities of a new instrument to aid composers.[2] Deutsch has been credited with the keyboard interface of the Moog.[2] He composed the first piece ever for the Moog ("Jazz Images - A Worksong and Blues"[1]) and performed early Moog concerts at The Town Hall and The Museum of Modern Art in New York (1969's Jazz in the Garden [3]).[4] The prototype Moog synthesizer, developed by Bob Moog and Herbert Deutsch in 1964, is part of the collections of The Henry Ford museum.[5]

Deutsch is a dedicated educator. In the early 1970s he taught at St. Agnes High School in Rockville Centre, New York. He has taught at Hofstra University for over 50 years and was twice the chair of the music department. Deutsch co-founded the Long Island Composers Alliance in 1972, and works with music foundation NYSSMA. In 1994 he proposed its Electronic Music Composition Showcase.[6]"

Happy birthday Herb! :)

Synth Pioneer Herb Deutsch on the Minimoog-Enter to Win this Vintage Model D Signed by Herb Deutsch

video upload by moogfoundation

Click here for additional posts featuring Herb Deutsch.

"We both thought that this instrument should be an instrument that people are going to want to buy and have in their homes, and bring to gigs with them." - Herb Deutsch

Enter to win this stunning vintage Minimoog Model D in a custom walnut cabinet, signed by synthesizer pioneer Herb Deutsch https://bit.ly/DeutschMinimoogRaffle

The Minimoog featured is serial number 11,535, built at Moog Music’s Cheektowaga, NY factory during the late 1970s. It has an estimated value of $10,000. Due to the highly-coveted nature of this archetypal synthesizer, and the iconic signature from Herb Deutsch, it is likely to increase in value. This Minimoog has been meticulously restored by revered synthesizer technician Wes Taggart of Analogics, who also crafted its new custom walnut cabinet enclosure. It is in excellent technical and physical condition.

The raffle begins on February 9th, to commemorate Deutsch’s 90th birthday, and serves as an homage to his seminal contributions to the Moog legacy. It ends on March 7, 2022, at 11:59pm ET, or when all 4,500 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Tickets are $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200, or 40 for $500

Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Foundation’s hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 20,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The raffle will also help support the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential facility located in Asheville, NC, which brings Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy and the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages. The Moogseum, which opened in late May of 2019, has welcomed over 14,000 visitors from all over the world, despite significant challenges due to the pandemic.

Our last raffle sold out so be sure to purchase your tickets early.

Herb Deutsch Family Donation to Form Heart of New Bob Moog Foundation Archival Collection

via The Bob Moog Foundation

"We are thrilled to share that we have recently received a truly exceptional donation of artifacts from the estate of Herb Deutsch.

New in our archives is the first known audio recording of the historic 'Jazz in the Garden' concert performed in August 1968 at MOMA. These hugely significant items — early letters between Bob and Herb as they made musical history together, catalogs, reel-to-reel tapes, and much, much more — form the heart of our new Herb Deutsch Collection of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

It will be weeks or months before we can share the entire collection with our community. Until then, we are honored to steward these priceless pieces of electronic music history that Herb and Bob created together, and delighted at the opportunity to share them with you.

Your partnership and support empower us to provide a permanent home for historic items like those in the Herb Deutsch Collection.

Every raffle ticket, every merch purchase, every piece of gear bought from our Official Moogseum Reverb Shop supports efforts like this one — to preserve and celebrate the history of electronic music, and share it with the world.

We do this work together. Thank you for being part of it!"

And:

Michelle Moog-Koussa: Remembering Herb

An excerpt:

"I would visit Herb and his wonderful wife Nancy every time I was in New York City, which allowed Herb and me to take long walks around their neighborhood. During those walks he would talk about Dad, the early days of pioneering the Moog synthesizer, about the darker period when Dad had to sell the business, the couple of times that Herb and Dad had significant disagreements, and the years Herb served as marketing director, and then sales director for Moog Music in Buffalo, in the period after Dad had left the company."

Read the full remembrance of Herb Deutsch here.

Herb Deutsch Live Performance at the Henry Ford Museum July 26, 2014

Published on Jul 26, 2014 Astronauta Pinguim

Filmed by Astronauta Pinguim. Note track 3 features the first recording ever on the Moog synthesizer.

Playlist:

1. Herb Deutsch - Lost Your Numer

2. Herb Deutsch on the Theremin at Henry Ford Museum

3. Herb Deutsch - Jazz Images (excerpt)

4. Herb Deutsch on the Minimoog Synthesizer

Hofstra Honors Herb Deutsch with Moog Modular Display

"Hofstra Honors Professor Emeritus of Music Herbert Deutsch and Unveils

A Display of the Moog Synthesizer That He Co-Created with Robert Moog,

An Invention That Revolutionized Music

Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 11:15 a.m., New Academic Building, South Campus

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … Hofstra University Professor Emeritus of Music Herbert Deutsch will be honored for his years of service to the University and his place in music history in a special ceremony on April 14, 2010, at 11:15 a.m. The ceremony will see the unveiling of a display featuring the Moog synthesizer, co-created by Dr. Robert Moog and Professor Deutsch in 1964 –an invention that changed the course of music history.

The display is situated in Hofstra’s New Academic Building, located on the South Campus. In addition to Hofstra students, alumni, faculty and administrators, the ceremony will be attended by Michael Adams, president of Moog Music, located in Asheville, North Carolina.

Professor Deutsch, who is a resident of Massapequa Park, NY, is also a Hofstra alumnus, having graduated in 1956 with a B.S. in education. He returned to the University as a professor in the early 1960s. At a 1963 New York State School Music Association Conference, Professor Deutsch met Dr. Robert Moog , who invited him to collaborate on the design and development of a music synthesizer. Professor Deutsch received a $200 research grant from Hofstra to be used toward expenses on the project. Dr. Moog and Professor Deutsch designed the first prototype synthesizer in July 1964 and completed its construction by the fall of that same year.

Professor Deutsch is also a well-known composer, who has received approximately 15 ASCAP awards and more than 20 Meet the Composer grants. In 2007 he was named Music Educator of Note by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. A composer of music in various media, Professor Deutsch’s work has been widely performed and commissioned works have been featured at national and regional conferences of The Music Educators National Conference, Small Computers and the Arts Network, the Society for Electro acoustic Music in the United States and other organizations.

In 1972 he co-founded and currently serves as president of the Long Island Composers Alliance (LICA). He has served several previous terms as president and is also the Alliance’s archivist. In 1973 he created the first "Music By and For Students" concert for LICA. During his teaching career at Hofstra, he founded the Jazz Ensemble, the Electronic Music Studios, The New Music Ensemble and developed B.S. degree programs in Composition/Theory, Jazz & Commercial Music and Music Merchandising.

The display that will be featured at the April 14 ceremony showcases not only Hofstra’s first synthesizer but also correspondence from Dr. Moog and a congratulatory letter from Hofstra confirming Professor Deutsch’s $200 research grant.

For more information on the ceremony, call Hofstra’s Department of Music at (516) 463-5490 or the Office of University Relations at (516) 463-6819.

About Moog Music: Moog Music and its customers carry on the legacy of Bob Moog, who along with Herb Deutsch invented the synthesizer. Moog designs and manufactures electronic musical instruments, including Little Phatty® and Minimoog® Voyager® synthesizers, Moogerfooger® effects modules, Etherwave® theremins and The Moog Guitar. Founded by Bob Moog, Moog Music designs and manufactures its products in Asheville, N.C."

Herb Deutsch Interview on Astronauta Pinguim

"In 1963 Herb Deutsch met Robert Arthur Moog at a conference of the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) in Rochester, NY. The year before, Herb had built a Melodia model theremin, from an article written by Robert Moog on “Electronics World” magazine, in which Bob explained step by step how to assemble the theremin and this was the initial subject of conversation between them.The ideas evolved very quickly, and they decided to work together in a project to build a sound synthesizer, based on the principles of voltage controlled that were already being developed by Bob. In 1964 they designed and assembled the first prototype of the Moog synthesizer and, among other things, it was Herb who insisted on the idea of using a keyboard similar to a piano, because it would be more practical to composers and it would also help to increase the sales of the new instrument."
You'll find the full interview on Astronauta Pinguim

via Fabricio Carvalho aka Astronauta Pinguim on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Update: Just spotted the following video linked in the interview and realized I hadn't posted it before. You'll notice the tuning on the Mini is a off. He mentions it at the 2:00 mark. This is Minimoog #94.

From Moog to Mac: A Special Concert by Herb Deutsch

YouTube Uploaded by NYUGallatin on Jul 20, 2011

"Presented on April 15, 2011 by the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University."

Also see:
The Mini Moog Synthesizer with Herb Deutsch - History of the Minimoog

Herb Deutsch interviewed by Dr Blankenstein @ Queens Museum 09-27-14

Published on Apr 4, 2016 DoctorBlankenstein

http://www.drBlankenstein.com

"A Conversation w/ Herb Deutsch - Dr Blankenstein Interviews Herb Deutsch @ The Queens Museum, New York on September 27th, 2014.

This is a 25 minutes chunk of what was a 1 hour and 30 minute interview with Moog synthesizer's musical genius, life long educator.... Herbert Deutsch. The conversation was moderated by myself, Drew Blanke (Dr. Blankenstein). Here is the original promotional link: http://www.queensmuseum.org/events/a-...

I am sorry in advance for the fact that the video cuts short so quickly. There was no one manning the camera and we assumed it would record a file longer than 30 minutes (THANKS SONY BLOGGIE!!!). We were sadly wrong. That being said, the first 1/3 of the interview gave some really new and exciting incite into the wonderful mind of Mr. Herbert Deutsch. We cover what got him into music, when he first started making stuff, and of course.. when he met Dr. Robert Moog.

It was amazing to have Herb come to the Queens Museum in Corona, Queens (a place he had mentioned has some very deep history with him, the forming location of the 64' NY World's Fair) and meet my circuitry class / see their wonderful circuitry projects. Thanks Herb! :)"

First Look at Moog's New Analog Synth by Herb Deutsch

NAMM 2013: NEXT FROM MOOG...

Published on Jan 9, 2013 MoogMusicInc·221 videos

"During Moogfest 2012, Synth Pioneer and collaborator of Bob Moog, Professor Herb Deutsch, visited the Moog Machine Shop to explore Moog's next generation analog synthesizer while in it's research & design phase.

Since the inception of the synthesizer, Bob Moog tested his ideas, instruments, and sounds with musicians and colleagues, most notably Wendy Carlos and Herb Deutsch on the Moog Modular systems.

This spirit of collaboration continues at the Moog factory to this day and is essential to our work. It is a key part of the product development process, as it furthers our ideas and helps us shape better tools for musicians."

http://www.moogmusic.com/sight-and-sound/product_demo/namm-2013-next-moog

Update: Some notes/analysis (I may add to this so check back and of course, feel free to add yours in the comments): It sounds aggressive. Note the Multidrive - pre-filter gain in addition to the overload on the Little Phatty. Also pointed out are the sub oscillator and noise generator.

It looks tiny!  It will be interesting to see how it is ultimately packaged.  The one Herb is playing in this video has a two octave keyboard and is smaller than the Phatty. A new mini Mini? A new Prodigy?

Note he never touches the left panel. On the right the large knob is obviously the filter cutoff knob. Bottom right of it is the Multidrive. I'm guessing the bottom left would either be resonance or possibly a separate gain knob for the Multidrive? The center knob to the left appears to be the sub oscillator. To the right you can clearly see what looks like two ADSRs and a Volume knob. Possibly a separate headphone volume knob? The bottom left knob on the board is the noise generator and to the right of it (the bottom left of the two adjacent knobs) I'm guessing is Filter Env amount as it adjusts the filter amount as he turns it.  What's the knob to its right?  A separate Res Env amount?  That would interesting.

As for the left board, there are three switch type knobs in the top row.  I'm guessing one selects the oscillator for the corresponding knobs, one for oscillator waveform, and one for octave pitch.   What's not clear though is if this is a one osc plus sub or multi-osc plus sub synth.  I only hear one osc plus sub.  You don't hear the typical beating between oscillators, but then Herb mentions "stable oscillators" in the plural. The knob above and below the sub oscillator knobs are likely oscillator levels.  The bottom row on the left looks like they could be a pitch envelope.   Finally, a knob for audio in and the last two knobs for an LFO?

As for sound, my initial impression was that this sounds aggressive. More so than my Voyager. Similar to the Minitaur (see my review), but drier sounding for some reason. I'm guessing it's just the patch he's playing, but we'll see. To date, I'd say the Voyager, Phatty series, and to a large extent, the Minitaur all have the same tonal quality. They have that creamy analog Minimoog feel to them. It will be interesting to see if this synth can go in another direction. The first obvious thought would be Arturia's Minibrute. Herb doesn't make a point to call out a completely new direction for the Moog sound though. His message is the classic Moog filter sound with new Multidrive and Noise.

NYC Composer Michael Whalen on the Minimoog Model D Signed by Herb Deutsch

video upload by moogfoundation

"'... It's a piece of art ... a piece of history.' - Michael Whalen

Recording artist, synthesist, composer, and producer Michael Whalen on why the Minimoog is so iconic, and why this one, in particular, is priceless.

Enter to win this stunning vintage Minimoog Model D in a custom walnut cabinet, signed by synthesizer pioneer Herb Deutsch https://bit.ly/DeutschMinimoogRaffle

The Minimoog featured is serial number 11,535, built at Moog Music’s Cheektowaga, NY factory during the late 1970s. It has an estimated value of $10,000. Due to the highly-coveted nature of this archetypal synthesizer, and the iconic signature from Herb Deutsch, it is likely to increase in value. This Minimoog has been meticulously restored by revered synthesizer technician Wes Taggart of Analogics, who also crafted its new custom walnut cabinet enclosure. It is in excellent technical and physical condition.

The raffle begins on February 9th, to commemorate Deutsch’s 90th birthday, and serves as an homage to his seminal contributions to the Moog legacy. It ends on March 7, 2022, at 11:59pm ET, or when all 4,500 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Tickets are $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200, or 40 for $500

Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Foundation’s hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 20,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The raffle will also help support the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential facility located in Asheville, NC, which brings Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy and the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages. The Moogseum, which opened in late May of 2019, has welcomed over 14,000 visitors from all over the world, despite significant challenges due to the pandemic.

Our last raffle sold out so be sure to purchase your tickets early."

Minimoog Model D Signed by Herb Deutsch - NYC based Michael Whalen on why this synth is so special

video upload by moogfoundation

"Get your raffle tickets: https://bit.ly/DeutschMinimoogRaffle

'The Mini[moog] is iconic because of the sound ... really nothing sounds like it.' - Michael Whalen

Recording artist, synthesist, composer, and producer Michael Whalen on why the Minimoog is so iconic, and why this one, in particular, is priceless.

Enter to win this stunning vintage Minimoog Model D in a custom walnut cabinet, signed by synthesizer pioneer Herb Deutsch https://bit.ly/DeutschMinimoogRaffle

The Minimoog featured is serial number 11,535, built at Moog Music’s Cheektowaga, NY factory during the late 1970s. It has an estimated value of $10,000. Due to the highly-coveted nature of this archetypal synthesizer, and the iconic signature from Herb Deutsch, it is likely to increase in value. This Minimoog has been meticulously restored by revered synthesizer technician Wes Taggart of Analogics, who also crafted its new custom walnut cabinet enclosure. It is in excellent technical and physical condition.

The raffle begins on February 9th, to commemorate Deutsch’s 90th birthday, and serves as an homage to his seminal contributions to the Moog legacy. It ends on March 7, 2022, at 11:59pm ET, or when all 4,500 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Tickets are $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200, or 40 for $500

Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Foundation’s hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 20,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The raffle will also help support the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential facility located in Asheville, NC, which brings Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy and the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages. The Moogseum, which opened in late May of 2019, has welcomed over 14,000 visitors from all over the world, despite significant challenges due to the pandemic.

Our last raffle sold out so be sure to purchase your tickets early. Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/DeutschMinimoogRaffle

Learn more about the Bob Moog Foundation: https://moogfoundation.org/"

Vintage Minimoog Model D Signed by Herb Deutsch - Bob Moog Foundation 2022 Raffle

video upload by moogfoundation

"Get your raffle tickets: here

In celebrating the 90th birthday of pioneering synthesist Herb Deutsch, the Bob Moog Foundation is excited to announce its fundraising raffle for a fully-restored vintage Minimoog Model D signed by the legend himself.

The Minimoog featured is serial number 11,535, built at Moog Music’s Cheektowaga, NY factory during the late 1970s. It has an estimated value of $10,000. Due to the highly coveted nature of this archetypal synthesizer, and the iconic signature from Herb Deutsch, it is likely to increase in value. This Minimoog has been meticulously restored by revered synthesizer technician Wes Taggart of Analogics, who also crafted its new custom walnut cabinet enclosure. It is in excellent technical and physical condition.

The raffle begins on February 9th, to commemorate Deutsch’s 90th birthday, and serves as an homage to his seminal contributions to the Moog legacy. It ends on March 7, 2022, 11:59pm ET, or when all 4,500 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Tickets are $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200, or 40 for $500.

Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Foundation’s hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 20,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The raffle will also help support the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential facility located in Asheville, NC, which brings Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy and the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages. The Moogseum, which opened in late May of 2019, has welcomed over 14,000 visitors from all over the world, despite significant challenges due to the pandemic.

Learn more about the Bob Moog Foundation: https://moogfoundation.org/"

Some pics of the Minimoog via
The Bob Moog Foundation.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Rare R.A. Minimoog Featured in Music America Exhibit & Signed Moog Source Giveaway

via The Bob Moog Foundation

Left: Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, poses for a picture with Bob Santelli, Executive Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music alongside Herb Deutsch's R.A. Moog Minimoog at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas.

"The Bob Moog Foundation's Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, and Board of Advisors member Francis Preve recently attended the opening of the Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History exhibit at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas to celebrate the inclusion of a rare R.A. Moog Minimoog from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

The R.A. Moog Minimoog, which belonged to electronic music pioneer Herb Deutsch, is serial number 1094 and is one of only 210 R.A. Moog Minimoogs to have been manufactured. The synthesizer was given to Herb by Bob Moog in 1971.

The rare Minimoog synthesizer was chosen to represent Bob Moog's indelible legacy as someone who created instruments that revolutionized the face of music by bringing a brand new palette of sounds to the performing musician, as well as honor Herb Deutsch for the significant role he played in the development of synthesizers and electronic music.

Other objects in the exhibit include: Thomas Edison's wax cylinders, Jimi Hendrix's guitar, Janis Joplin's pants and letters, Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet, Arlo Gurthrie's hand-written song lyrics, and much more.

The exhibit will be at the LBJ Presidential Library from now until August 11, 2024. It will then travel to four other presidential libraries over a two-year period."

And the raffle:

"We are excited to announce that thanks to IK Multimedia, everyone who purchases a ticket for our Moog Source raffle will receive a download code for the Syntronik 2 Sorcerer!

Normally priced at $49, the Syntronik 2 Sorcerer is a virtual synthesizer built by Erik Norlander using the exact Moog Source being raffled. Following the end of the raffle on February 26th, all ticket purchasers will receive an email with download instructions.

The Source, serial number 3948, is an excellent condition vintage synthesizer signed by Bob Moog. It features rich sound quality and a technical lineage rooted in the legendary Minimoog. The Source is lauded for its sequencers, sample and hold, arpeggiator, presets, unique data wheel, and patch memory storage. The synthesizer features a mylar touch control panel, single-knob functionality, and the trademark Moog sound.

THE RAFFLE ENDS IN ONE WEEK!
Tickets for the raffle are $20 each, 6 for $100, 14 for $200, and 40 for $500. The raffle is open internationally.

As an added bonus for this raffle only, get a free 2024 Bob Moog - His Life and Work 90th Birthday Commemorative Calendar when you purchase a bundle of 6, 14, or 40 tickets. This offer is valid until the limited quantity of calendars runs out. This offer does not apply to the purchase of individual tickets."

Herb Deutsch Featured in LI Herald

This one spotted by synchro1 in the LI Herald: "Unbeknown to many, one of the pioneers of modern music makes his living on the South Shore. Anyone who has studied music at Hofstra University would recognize him, as he has been teaching at the school for 51 years. His name is Herbert Deutsch, and he lives in Massapequa Park with his wife, Nancy. In 1964, at age 32, he co-invented the Moog synthesizer, helping to pave the way for electronic music...

It wasn’t until 1968, four years after Deutsch and Moog finished the prototype of the synthesizer, that it had its first commercial breakthrough, when composer Wendy Carlos used it in a recording called 'Switched-On Bach.' 'All of a sudden, classical musical people all bought it,' Deutsch said. 'That’s when the instrument really became big...'

The two men shared an intense fascination with music. While Deutsch himself was a musician, Moog made instruments, having earned his Ph.D. in physics engineering at Cornell in the late 1950s.

But when it came to electronic music, Deutsch recalled, Moog was something of a neophyte. 'He really didn’t know much about electronic music,' Deutsch said.

During their conversations, however, the two planted the seeds for what would become the Moog synthesizer. 'We kept talking about the fact that it would be great if there was an inexpensive, small instrument that could create electronic music,' said Deutsch.

The two eventually parted ways, but reunited — and continued their conversation — at a concert in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in January 1964. They agreed to meet again that summer and brainstorm ideas. Moog wrote a formal letter to the Hofstra administration, outlining their plan in the hope that the university might give Deutsch a research grant. It did: $200.

'So for Hofstra’s $200, we got together in the summer of ’64,' Deutsch recounted, 'and within about three weeks, we developed what was going to be the Moog synthesizer.'"

Read the full article here. If you want to read up on some of the history behind the beginnings of Moog and Buchla, check out the book Analog Days in the Synth Books section. Also check out the Moog documentary in the Synth Movies section.

Bob Moog Foundation Announces Virtual Moogseum Tour Featuring Moog Prototype & Herb Deutsch

"We are thrilled to announce a very special one-hour virtual Moogseum tour, Sunday, December 13, 2020, focusing on the Moog modular synthesizer prototype and featuring special guest Herb Deutsch, who collaborated with Bob Moog on developing the pioneering synth.

Deutsch, now 88 years old, used the prototype synthesizer to compose for many years, then donated the instrument to The Henry Ford museum in 1982. It is on loan and being exhibited at the Moogseum through December 31, 2020, making this tour one of the last chances to see it in this unique facility.

The tour will explore Bob Moog’s history leading up to his meeting with Deutsch, and will draw from the vast collection in the Bob Moog Foundation Archives. Deutsch will then join the tour from his home in Long Island, and share his memories and insights into working with Moog during this crucial moment in music history. He will take questions after the tour.

Tickets are available on a “pay what you can” basis through the Eventbrite. The funding generated from the tour will help support the Moogseum, which was closed for five months due to the pandemic.

The prototype heads back to the Henry Ford at the end of the year, so don't miss this special opportunity!

Get Your Tickets HERE"

GIANTS | Herb Deutsch

video upload by Moog Music Inc

"'GIANTS' is a platform for legendary electronic musicians and innovators to express themselves through the art of storytelling. This new documentary series, filmed and produced by Moog Music, is about honoring and preserving the legacy of these artists and sharing their untold stories with the world.

The first installment of 'GIANTS' focuses on Herb Deutsch, co-inventor of the Moog modular synthesizer. The composer, music educator, and friend and collaborator of Bob Moog journeys back in time to talk about some of music history’s most prolific moments and expand on “the perfect definition” of what music is and can be: sound organized in time.

00:00 Introduction
02:21 Sound Organized in Time
05:37 A Christmas Carol, 1963
10:00 Bob Moog Origins
14:14 Musical Articulation
18:17 Moog at MoMA
20:36 Moog Legacy"

Also see Vintage Minimoog Model D Signed by Herb Deutsch - Bob Moog Foundation 2022 Raffle

NAMM 2015 - Moog Modular Re-issue NAMM Floor Demo Video

Published on Jan 21, 2015 sonicstate

Sound on Sound's Gordon Reid shows Sonic State's Nick Batt the new Moog Modular system at NAMM 2015 with Keith Emmerson smiling on.  Bob Moog, Brian Eno, Klaus Schulze and Herb Deutsch are featured in the background pics as well.

Update: I originally thought Klause Schulze was Jean-Jacques Perrey. Thanks goes to Qwave for the correction in the comments.  Herb Deutsch also added to the list.

"It is Klaus Schulze (with a special steel worker helmet) in the very beginning of the video behind Nick. The picture was taken during the Stahl Symphonie ("Steel Symphony") at the Ars Electronica festival in Linz (Austria) on the 8th September 1980."

"And at 20:24 you see Bob Moog with Herb Deutsch on the left picture in the back. And it is Eberhard Schoener (german musician, composer, conductor, and arranger) on the right picture. He got the a III P Moog Modular system as one of the very first musicians in Germany. Btw: in the next bavarian village used to live Florian Fricke (Popul Vuh), who also got a Moog Modular III P with the sequencer complement B very early. And Mr. Fricke sold his Modular to Klaus Schulze on the 22nd of December 1975. I think you will now see why I did the little detour about Florian Fricke."

Herb Deutsch - Electronic Voyager EXTENDED INTERVIEW #1

Herb Deutsch - Electronic Voyager EXTENDED INTERVIEW #1 from Electronic Voyager on Vimeo.

"Electronic Voyager: Retracing Bob Moog’s Sonic Journey…

Support us on Kickstarter April 25 to May 25, 2016

http://tinyurl.com/ElectronicVoyagerKickstarter

Michelle Moog-Koussa is on a journey to retrace her father’s footsteps, meeting some of the people who played a role in Bob Moog's story. Composer and educator HERB DEUTSCH was one of the most important. His pivotal meeting with Bob in the early 1960s lead directly to the development of the Moog modular synthesizer, which would form the template for the many synthesizers that followed."

Herb Deutsch's Moog Vocoder (Bode) 16-chan 327A Up for Auction

via this auction

"Just serviced. Rare Moog Vocoder Model 327A/MBVO (16-channel), co-designed by Dr. Harald Bode & Dr. Bob Moog. This unit is a piece of musical history, too, as it was owned by Dr. Herb Deutsch, who co-designed the first Moog synthesizer in the early '60s with Dr. Bob Moog. Seller knows Herb Deutsch personally & acquired the unit from him directly (authenticity can be provided). Includes copies of manuals/documentation & patch images. The Moog Vocoder was used by artists including Wendy Carlos, Moog Cookbook, Devo, Saga, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and filmmaker/composer John Carpenter, among others.

In 1979, Moog Music released its vocoder, although its design and architecture are almost identical to the Bode 7702 model (see image of Bode Vocoder with a "cross-over" patch). It's a 16-band analog vocoder, which separates voice/synthesizer sounds (carrier signal) into frequency-bands ranging from 50 to 5080 cycles-per-second. It does not have any internal oscillators, so it is designed to be used as a signal processor for external carrier & modulator wave sources. The modulator is typically a vocal or drum beat used to modulate the carrier/synth sound being processed. It has microphone & line inputs, as well as 16 synthesizer inputs (1 for each frequency-band), and 16 outputs. This 16-channel cross-matrix patching system provides incredible flexibility, allowing for full external patching between synth & vocoder sections. Other features include a high-frequency bypass, a short 6ms response time for capturing fast percussive sounds, sample-and-hold, and a global bypass switch to turn off the vocoding effect (it has no built-in output mixer, MIDI or CV/Gate).

Sounds great! Recent service included replacement of parts, cleaning & otherwise. Includes power cord, but no patch cords (Seller can refer Buyer to patch cord vendors). The handles/rack-mounts are reversible. 115v/220v switchable. In good physical condition but has some surface scratches, etc. Message Seller with any questions. Moog Vocoders have sold for more than US$5,000 on eBay & private transactions in recent years.

Example: Hear the nearly-identical Bode 7702 vocoder in action [video below]

Own a piece of musical history, and a great addition to any modern studio!"





Bode (Moog) Vocoder 7702 Demonstration Uploaded by intromix on Jun 13, 2011

Pioneering Synthesist Herb Deutsch to Perform Concert in NYC

"Pioneering Synthesist To Perform Concert in NYC

Herb Deutsch, the experimental jazz musician who collaborated with Bob Moog in developing the Moog synthesizer prototype, and who composed the world’s first musical composition using the Moog, “Jazz Images”, is performing a concert in New York City on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Mr. Deutsch will perform with several multi-talented musicians from the Long Island Composers Alliance (LICA), including long-time musical partners Paul Hefner and Jack Hotop. Theremin and electronic violin virtuoso Darryl Kubian will also be featured, along with Grammy Award winning composer/pianist and Thereminist Rob Schwimmer and pianist and electronic composer Phyllis Chen, The concert will feature several world premiers by Mr. Deutsch and others. The synthesizer, theremin, piano, toy piano and computer will be spotlighted.

Details on time, date and location are listed below.

“Music Reflecting The New Electronic Technologies“

Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Park Avenue United Methodist Church
106 E 86th Street, New York City

post-concert reception

suggested church donation: $10
seniors & students: $5

For information, call 516-799-8815 or contact licamusic.org."

via the Bob Moog Foundation blog. Image via hofstra.edu where you can find a short bio.