"Exhibition features Keith Emerson's Legendary “Monster Moog” Modular Synthesizer through October 18th, 2009
CARSLBAD, CA/ASHEVILLE, NC – The Museum of Making Music (Carlsbad, CA), in partnership with the Bob Moog Foundation, has opened Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog exhibition, to run through April 30, 2010. The exhibit is the first of its kind, marking the first public display of the artifacts from Bob Moog’s archives and an examination of the impact of his work on the world of music.
MONSTER MOOG INSTALLATION
On August 30th, Keith Emerson's (Emerson, Lake and Palmer, The Nice) mammoth “Monster Moog” modular synthesizer was added to the exhibit after it was featured the previous evening in a musical celebration of the exhibit opening by Emerson and Erik Norlander. Emerson used this remarkable instrument on numerous recordings over the past 40 years, including his solo in “Lucky Man” (1969), possibly the most popular synth solo in history. He also used the synthesizer on countless world tours and is generally credited with pioneering the use of the Moog modular as a touring musician.
The “Monster Moog” began as a modest system, but grew over time as Emerson
requested that Moog create custom additions for his touring instrument, including extra modules, custom sample-and-hold, and several pre-sets, an innovative addition for that time. The synthesizer grew into a massive cabinet of five sections and over 75 modules. It stands more than four feet above its special base – almost 8 feet high. Its sound is noticeably clearer and stronger than any other keyboard Emerson plays – it is an instrument of significance and legend, and arguably the most famous synthesizer of all time.
Bob Moog and Keith Emerson enjoyed a special relationship of toolmaker and musician that grew in to a lifelong friendship. Moog is noted for listening to musician's needs and technical specifications which he then used to improve his instruments: This dynamic is explored throughout the Waves exhibit.
KEITH EMERSON