Oberheim OB-MX 12 Voice Analog Synthesizer

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via this auction

See the seller's other items for more.

"For sale is an very rare Oberheim OB-MX analog synthesizer. This OB-MX is fully loaded with SIX voice cards for a total of 12 voices! Maxed out and really takes advantage of all the capabilities this synth has to offer. Lush pads, insane modulation huge monos and leads. An amazing sounding synthesizer with some incredible abilities for routing..."

Pics of the installed voice boards below.

You can find a couple of samples of the OB-Mx from Brian Kehew of The Moog Cookbook in this post from 2006.

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Alesis Andromeda A6 SN (21)A60500190

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"Includes: Printed Manual, Power Lead, CD with 5 Soundbanks (Rob Papen, Klaus Peter Rausch, Joerg Huettner, Brian Kehew, Pim Schilperoort)... All voices tune perfectly. Serial Nº.: (21)A60500190, this is unit number 190, one of the very first ones (around 3000 units ever produced, so these synths are relatively rare). This means that this Andromeda was built in the USA (and not in Taiwan like the last ones produced after Alesis being bought by Numark)..."

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Early Moog Modular Filter Bank Identified

See the top red update from Brian Kehew dated 1/6/12 in this post.

Bob Moog Foundation Releases 2012 “Moog Pioneers in the Studio” Calendar

"December 6, 2011 - Asheville, NC - The Bob Moog Foundation announces the release of its 2012 calendar, “ Moog Pioneers in the Studio.” The calendar features photos and history from Bob Moog’s archives, as well as photos from collections of pioneering synthesists. The photos and text, compiled and written by BMF volunteer historian Brian Kehew, focus on more obscure luminaries and their fascinating instruments.

Through documenting the many musicians, composers, and scholars who collaborated with Moog, the Foundation aims to share the breadth of material encompassed in the inventor’s archives and to share the very rich history of electronic music. In addition to three photos that feature Moog himself, “Moog Pioneers in the Studio” also features Joel Chadabe, Jon Appleton, Jean Jacques-Perrey, Chris Swansen, Jon Weiss, Max Brand, Herb Deutsch, JD Robb, Eric Siday, Emmanuel Ghent, Mort Garson, and Gil Trythall.

As an ode to Moog’s pioneering work in modular synthesis, the background of calendar grid features art images of vintage Moog modules from symphonic synthiesist Erik Norlander’s 1967 modular system. The images were taken by Shaun Hollingsworth of [SIC] Images. The calendar was designed by Rose Hecht and edited by Geary Yelton. Both Kehew and Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa wrote forewords for the calendar.

“Saints be praised, the Bob Moog Foundation has released another fantastic, picture-laden calendar, this one for 2012! Featured in gorgeous vintage photos and posing with Moog modular synthesizers — and on occasion with the great Bob Moog himself — are 12 important pioneers of synthesized and electro-acoustic music. Some of these pioneers I’m familiar with, others not so much, and I welcome the challenge of learning more about them beyond what’s revealed by their accompanying captions. Cheers to the Bob Moog Foundation for recognizing these pioneers! I urge everyone to support the crucial Bob Moog Foundation cause by first purchasing this new calendar and by contributing in any way humanly possible.”

—Mark Vail, Music Historian, Author, Teacher and Journalist

The calendar is available for purchase on the Bob Moog Foundation's brand new online store. All proceeds from online sales go to support the Foundation's ongoing projects, including the preservation of Bob's historical and extensive archives, the expansion of our Dr. Bob's Sound School, and creation of the Moogseum in Asheville, N."

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Moogfest Panels Feature Mavericks, Legends and Pioneers

"Moogfest History and Technical Panels Draw on Deep Legacy and Industry Connections

The Bob Moog Foundation is bringing together top minds in history, technology and education for this year’s history and technical panels. Experts, ranging from Bob’s colleagues in the seminal days of synthesis to the more contemporary sound sculptors of today, are coming from around the country to share their ideas and vast experiences. The Bob Moog Foundation will be responsible for the historical content at Moogfest, including items from Dr. Bob’s Archives such as rarely seen vintage photographs and historic audio clips from recently restored reel-to-reel tapes.

All panels, demonstrations, and workshops will take place between Noon and 6:30 PM EST at the Moogaplex, located at the Haywood Park Hotel complex at 1 Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville, just a stone’s throw from many of the music venues. They are first come, first serve for those who bought either weekend passes or have a pass for that particular day.
Convergence – Hardware and Software Integration in the 21st Century & The Award of OMG-1 One-Of-A-Kind Synth (Friday, 3pm)


The One-Of-A-Kind OMG-1, designed by Eric Persing

The creation of electronic music has always relied on exploring all technologies available. In the modern context, that often means transcending the divide between the tactile experience of hardware devices and the ever-increasing capabilities of computers. An incredible panel of sonic explorers moderated by Spectrasonics’ founder Eric Persing will investigate the challenges of how electronic instruments can reach their ultimate potential through the convergence of multiple technologies.

During this panel, Persing will be awarding his one-of-a-kind OMG-1 synthesizer to the winner of the OMG-1 Contest, Torley Wong. You won’t want to miss this historical moment!

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Early Moog Modular

via Marc Doty's Photos.

If you remember from this post and this earlier post, Marc is spending the Summer with The Bog Moog Foundation.

If you look at the large panel towards the left you'll see what looks like a filter bank. I was curious if this was one of the five only in existence, mentioned at 6:47 in the video below, by the late David Hillel Wilson, former curator of The New England Synthesizer Museum. If you look at the video you will see that it is not the same. It is also not the same as the 914 Filter Bank pictured here, or the 907A here. It looks closest to the 914. [Update 1/6/12 via Brian Kehew: "The old filter module is an original 907 Fixed Filter bank (the 907a is the same thing, but turned vertically; I assume to save panel space. The 914 is 'Extended' meaning more bands and options"]

Update: some additional info from Michelle Moog-Koussa: "Hi All, this modular was the demo unit at R.A. Moog, Co. I believe the modules are dated 1967, but I'll have to double check. In 1970, when Bill Weytana took over the company, Bob sold this synth to David Borden, a good friend and a founding member of Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece. David used the synth for years until sometime about 10 or 15 years ago, Bob called him and asked if he could have it back, at which point David sent it without hesitation. It's the only modular we have in the archives and we're very grateful to have it. The synth still bears the Mother Mallard plaque on the left side. Here's a photo of it, taken at our Pushing the Envelope Exhibit: http://www.facebook.com/l/EAQCbjJb1/on.fb.me/o17LeM. @Matrix, I don't think this is a special filter bank like David was talking about, although it would be amazing to have one of those in the archives. It looks like this system most closely resembles a "Synthesizer Ic' from the 1967 catalog. @Custom synth, it's not used.......yet. When we have the resources to restore it and share it, we will certainly use it!"


YouTube Uploaded by turbid on Oct 28, 2007

You can find all three parts in this post commemorating David Hillel Wilson, as well as this earlier post.

Couple of screen grabs (I'm pretty sure I have some better pics from my visit back in 2006):

Morris Hayes with Moog Voyager & Plexiglass B3 & Leslie

via Brian Kehew

"Morris Hayes, keyboard player for Prince, with plexiglass Hammond B3 and Leslie 147. Plus Minimoog Voyager."

COMDYNA LGP-20 Analog Computing System

via this auction
As always, the seller's description:
"This machine is a combination of two Comdyna GP-10 analog computers and a MicroHybrid I digital control and interface system. It is one of only 20 made for the US Navy for use in their control laboratory schools. It offers 20 Operational Amplifiers, multipliers, coefficient setting pots, etc etc. The MicroHybrid has comparators, two counters, and I/O facilities for controlling the two GP-10 machines. The Operator's and Maintenance Manual, as well as various descriptive brochures, are included. It is assumed you have a basic familiarity with analog computation techniques, and the proper math backround to be able to set up the programming.

I purchased this machine some years ago for use in experimental music synthesis and composing. It was to be an expansion of my Comdyna GP-6 machine (which I am using currently). It was purchased in the condition shown and described below. My music research has branched out into other channels, so this Computer is not going to be used for the original purpose. Time to get it out of storage in into use!

This LGP-20 apparently had it's control panel broken at some point in it's life, and another LGP panel was provided. The replacement panel was cut out of a machine, and has a power transformer and the external sockets, as well as a connector for the regulator board attached. These parts are also on the main machine. The control panel harness must be spliced into the existing wiring. The main machine harness has bits and pieces of the switches, etc still attached. The clean-up and splicing job should take about an hour for a competent tech to perform.

The Power Supply regulator board is missing. There are three main options:
1. If one is still available from Comdyna, purchase it. Even a 'blank' board can then be easily populated.
2. Make a new board. All parts are common and are instantly available from Mouser, Digikey, etc,. The complete schematics and layout is in the Manual.
3. Operate the System using external power supplies - plus/minus 15VDC, plus/minus 10VDC (well regulated) and plus 5VDC for the MicroHybrid is required. Current is an amp or two, and there are many supplies which will do the job.

I have recently powered up the MicroHybrid portion of the System and it appears to be working as it should.

If you are experienced in basic electronic-technician level work, or can enlist the services of someone who is, restoring this machine will be easy. I just have too many other projects currently to allow the luxury of time needed for it." This one in via Brian Kehew.

Update via dkelvey in the comments: I have a LGP-20 that is working. I just this last weekend had it doing spyrogrphs at the Maker Fair in San Mateo, CA. I can assist in connecting the wires by giving someone a point to point listing. I'd be most interested in a copy of the LGP-20 manual though. That I don't have. See a quick flash of my machine and output at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDnIGM-J4Os [comes in at 1:30]
Dwight "

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Brian Kehew demonstrates the Mellotron at the Museum of Making Music

YouTube via MellotronMovie | January 24, 2011 |

"Brian Kehew demonstrates the Mellotron at the Museum of Making Music screening of "Mellodrama: The Mellotron Movie" in September 2010
www.mellotronmovie.com"

2000 Year Old Man - Part 1 of 3

YouTube via dave2112c | March 15, 2009 |
Moog intro. This one in via Brian Kehew (www.curvebender.com).
"Mel Brooks & Carl Reiner Classic Improvational Bit..."

Bob Moog Foundation Inspired Moments of 2010

"Inspired. That word is embedded in the history, ethos and mission of the Bob Moog Foundation.

Bob was inspired by the possibilities of unlimited sonic reality and by what he called "the network of ideas." The convergence of those ideas and possibilities in Bob's work effected millions of people around the world who were in turn inspired by his inventions and the music they spawned. This inspiration, and the way it changed people's lives, drives the very heart of our work in igniting creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation.

Be part of the inspiration. Donate today.

In 2010, the inspiration that is rooted in Bob's work has manifested itself in some of my proudest moments in the Foundation's history:

* In April we concluded "Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog" exhibit at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. Over 200 items from Bob's archives were on display, seen by over 20,000 people.

* In May, we made modular synthesis accessible (thanks to Amos Gaynes and August Worley) by transforming Erik Norlander's legendary "Wall of Doom" custom modular Moog synthesizer from a 6' x 7' monolithic structure into six portable rack mount cases. It was featured at our spring fundraiser Moogus Operandi. This unique instrument will travel once again this spring (and beyond), giving audiences new insights into the origin of synthesis.

* In October, the Bob Moog Foundation wowed standing-room-only audiences at Moogfest with historical, educational and technical panels and discussions, drawing the attention of the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal . That same month, preservationist Seva Ball finished restoring and transferring 88 reel-to-reel tapes from our archives.

* Throughout the year, we exposed children and adults to the science of sound through MoogLab; we gave people all over the world a rare glimpse into some little known facets of the Moog legacy through historian Brian Kehew's detailed explorations of moments in time captured in material from our archives; and we reveled in the varied and important work of our corps of committed, talented volunteers.

What inspires you? Unbridled musical exploration? Innovative methods in education? Unknown history brought alive to illuminate the future? Opening people's minds to a world of possibilities that in turn make them more creative thinkers?

This is our work-- the work of the Bob Moog Foundation. We illuminate history so that it might serve as a lesson for the future. We provide unparalleled opportunities for young and old to explore sonic realms and sculpt sound as an avenue to ignite creativity through science.

Take this opportunity at year's end to be part of our inspired and inspiring work. Make an on line donation today or send a donation to:

Bob Moog Foundation
P.O. Box 8136
Asheville, NC 28814

Inspired and grateful for your support,
Michelle

Michelle Moog-Koussa
Executive Director
Bob Moog Foundation"

Santa came early...

via Brian Kehew:

"Just got this in... very excited. I had seen and played the prototype, but it's even nicer on the final released version. Cyril Lance had mentioned they went for an "upgrade" on the wood - and it is much nicer quality than my old Voyager. It looks a lot more like the wood on early Minimoogs from the 70-72 era, which I think were the most attractive ones.

Looking forward to putting it through it's paces soon... "

Brian Kehew Explores Rare Hockman Photos

Full article with more pics at the Bob Moog Foundation.

"Bob working with a Minimoog and the one of the new "Accessory" line - the Sample and Hold controller, which connected to the Minimoog to generate random and stepped voltages."

Maximize Your Moogfest Experience

"GET THE MAXIMUM MOOG AT MOOGFEST 2010 HALLOWEEN WEEKEND – 10/29-10/31 IN ASHEVILLE, NC

Going to Moogfest 2010? Be sure to get the most out of your festival experience. You’ll enjoy the music even more if you take advantage of these unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of Moog:

PROJEK MOOG
Saturday, 6:00pm – 6:50pm at The Orange Peel

A stellar lineup of some of today’s most proficient multi-instrumentalists (including Moog Chief Engineer, Cyril Lance), Projek Moog has composed a specific piece of music for Moogfest, one that highlights the various instruments for which Moog Music is renowned. Joining the group will be Brian Kehew, a close friend of Bob Moog’s and best known for his work in the Moog Cookbook as well as being the historian for the Moog Foundation. If you want to see the many facets of Moog Music at work, this has to be on your must-see list.

The inspiration in creating this show was to feature new instruments and the artists whose valuable input helped perfect them. Both Brian Kehew and fellow Projek Moog musician Billy Cardine have been involved in helping create instruments that are truly inspirational. Brian has been associated with Moog for years and Billy recently helped with a brand new stringed instrument which will make its debut at Moogfest.

Having these great musicians involved in product development is emblematic of what Bob was all about and the legacy of Moog Music. Instruments are collaborative - they need to be intuitive and soulful. Brian and Billy's involvement have kept this spirit alive and Projek Moog is about celebrating that legacy.

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Sound Opinions A History of the Moog

"Guitars, bass, drums…blah blah blah. This week it’s all about the Moog! The Bob Moog invented synthesizer has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past few years. New artists love the analog sound, and many are gathering at next week’s MoogFest in Bob Moog’s adopted hometown of Asheville, NC. Jim and Greg talk to Brian Kehew, the Bob Moog Foundation’s official historian, about the synthesizer’s history and legacy." More details and podcast links at Sound Opinions here.

Sounds of the Re:Union - Bob Moog Foundation

YouTube via StateoftheReUnion | October 19, 2010

"Bob Moog, the inventor of the Moog Synthesizer, was a true pioneer of electronic music. The Bob Moog Foundation looks to educate and inspire by preserving and furthering Bob Moog's legacy. Sounds of the Re:Union spoke with Bob's daughter Michelle Moog and Bob Moog Archive historian and member of Moog Cookbook Brian Kehew about Bob, his legacy and the foundation's work."

This one in via Michelle Moog-Koussa of the Bob Moog Foundation

Also listen to Moogfest feature by John Dillebreto of Echoes featuring MMK and Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment.

Moogfest Workshops

"MOOGFEST 2010 ANNOUNCES RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY MOOG WORKSHOPS AND PANELS AT THE MOOGAPLEX

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND – 10/29-10/31 IN ASHEVILLE, NC
MoogFest 2010, the extraordinary three-day festival which celebrates the innovative spirit of sonic pioneer Robert Moog, during Halloween weekend, October 29-31, in Asheville, NC, has already announced most of its outstanding lineup. Now, in addition to MoogFest’s excellent musical offerings, the festival will also give attendees the opportunity to dig deeper into the world of Moog with a wide range of panel discussions and workshops.

The Red Bull Music Academy has teamed up with AC Entertainment, Moog Music and the Bob Moog Foundation to bring together top minds in history, technology and education of Moog. Experts, ranging from Bob's colleagues in the seminal days of synthesis to the more contemporary sound sculptors of today, are coming from around the country to share their ideas and vast experiences. The Bob Moog Foundation will be responsible for the historical content at MoogFest, including items from Bob Moog's archives such as rarely seen vintage photographs and historic audio clips from recently restored reel-to-reel tapes.

News on the other activities will be announced in the coming weeks. With all of these exciting elements solidifying, MoogFest is proving itself more and more to be an essential experience for music fans and sonic adventurers from all over the world.

MoogFest 2010 Red Bull Music Academy Moog Workshops, Demonstrations & Panels:

SYNTH HISTORY PANEL – THE BIRTH OF THE MINIMOOG
Featuring:
Herb Deutsch (co-collaborator on first Modular in 1963)
Dave Van Koevering (first salesman for Minimoog and VP of Marketing at Moog Music in the 70s)
Tom Rhea (Former clinician, design consultant, and director of marketing at Moog Music; wrote Minimoog manual)

Moderated By:
Brain Kehew (Bob Moog Foundation Historian and keyboardist (Moog Cookbook)
TARA BUSCH – ARTIST PERFORMANCE & DISCUSSION ABOUT REMIXING WITH MOOGERFOOGERS
Tara is a synth siren well known as a prominent analog synth-blogger for AnalogSuicide.com. Her performances are ethereal explorations of analog sound.

TECH. PANEL - ADVANCED APPLICATION & SYNTHESIS
Featuring Cyril Lance, Head Engineer at Moog Music, and other Moog engineers.

SYNTH HISTORY PANEL – EXPLORATION OF THE BOB MOOG ARCHIVES

Featuring:
Brian Kehew (Bob Moog Foundation Historian, Keyboardist)
Michelle Moog-Koussa (Executive Director, Bob Moog Foundation)
Seva David Ball (Archive Preservationist, currently restoring Bob Moog's reel-to-reel tapes with a grant from the Grammy Foundation)

TECH. PANEL - MODERN DAY SOUNDSCULPTING

Featuring:
Richard Devine (acclaimed sound designer)
Tara Busch (prominent analog synth-blogger and synth-performer)
RICHARD DEVINE – ABOMINATRON II PERFORMANCE

Richard is one of the world's most acclaimed, young sound designers. His clients include top names in film and advertising. Richard will be performing on Moog Music's Abominatron II, a homage to Bob Moog’s original synthesizer prototype, created with current Moog synthesizers and effects processors.

SYNTH HISTORY PANEL - EXAMINING THE LEGACY OF MINI SYNTHS
Featuring:
Craig Anderton (Founder EM Magazine, signal processing guru, editor EQ Magazine)
Geary Yelton (Associate Editor of Electronic Musician, freelance journalist)
Steven Fortner (Editor, Keyboard Magazine)

Moderated By:
Brian Kehew

THEREMIN PERFORMANCE & LESSON WITH DORIT CHRYSLER
Dorit is an accomplished musician and composer best known for her ethereal Theremin style. After Dorit's performance, Moog Music will distribute 20 Theremins to the audience and participants will receive an interactive lesson from Dorit.


TECH. PANEL – THE POWER OF MODULAR SYNTHESIS
Featuring:
Erik Norlander (Synth rock legend, Moog aficionado, accomplish synth designer)
Amos Gaynes (Moog Music engineer)
The Wall of Doom (Erik's massive custom Moog Modular synthesizer)

MOOG GUITAR SOUND SCULPTING WITH SAUL ZONANA
Saul is a killer guitarist who has worked with Adrian Belew, Ace Frehley, Crash Test Dummies. He will integrate the Moog Guitar, Moogerfoogers, Multi-Pedal, and Little Phatty into an exploration of the guitars amazing capabilities.

All panels, demonstrations, and workshops will take place between Noon and 6:30 PM EST at the Moogaplex, located at the Haywood Park complex. They are first come, first served for those who bought either weekend passes or have a pass for that particular day. The dates, and times will be announced in the coming weeks.

MoogFest 2010 tickets are on sale now. To purchase weekend passes or single day tickets and for more information about the festival visit moogfest.com. To see the weekend schedule visit http://moogfest.com/2010/moogfest-2010/schedule/friday/.

MoogFest 2010 Lineup:

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Holy Mother of Moogfest

"You've been asking for it and now it's finally here - we've got the core schedule of shows at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville Civic Center and The Orange Peel for you to sink your teeth into! You can find it on the Schedule page at moogfest.com - or by simply clicking here.

As if we hadn't given you enough Halloween treats, we're still adding artists into the moogfest mix. Our most recent lineup additions include Javelin, Alex B, Nosaj Thing, Dark Party, Headtronics (Bernie Worrell, Freekbass & Adam Deitch), Shout Out Out Out Out, Volt Per Octaves featuring special guest Bernie Worrell and Projek Moog with special guest Brian Kehew! But we're not done yet - a handful of additional artists will be joining the lineup in the coming weeks, plus we'll be releasing information about late night shows and special events in clubs and other venues throughout Asheville. Information regarding moogfest 2010’s workshops, panel discussions, art exhibitions, installations and film screenings, will be announced in the coming weeks as well.

Moogfest 2010 weekend passes are going quickly. To purchase weekend passes or single day tickets and for more information about the festival visit moogfest.com."

Mystery CV-controlled quad audio box - Buchla?

via Brian Kehew

"My friend found this in some surplus yard near the Bay Area. It's a CV-controlled quad audio box of some kind, with joystick control. Missing most of its guts and no labels. Obviously not a production unit. Wonder if it's related to the Grateful Dead concerts in quad?"

Anyone have any ideas?

Update via Cooper Sloan in the comments: "Looks buchla... Besides proximity to Berkley and aesthetics the blue pcb is a clue."

via Brian: "Not Buchla from the people I've asked, and the connectors etc are different. But it seems so similar in style, so maybe a related copy. He had a lot of people work for him that could have built this as well."

via Dennis Matana on the AH list: "Looks like something from Elektor. They also used blue pcb's...and the connectors look similar. I'm restoring a Formant at the moment and also the vocoder from Elektor."

Update via gchang (Gary Chang) in the comments: "The obvious Buchla nod is the jack selection - using banana jacks for the cv inputs, but none of the layout is at all similar to Buchla devices, who rarely created anything with conventional VCAs.

My guess is that it is a custom quad locator made for a studio that had a Buchla system as the main unit of the room... "

Phantasmagoric Lucite Organ and Speakers by Wersi

via 1stdibs. Spotted and sent in via Brian Kehew: "Look at this thing! From the controls, it may be similar to the Condor/Kondor Wersi made in the 80s, a pretty hip synth. No price, I think you make an offer...."

Details from the site:

"USA 1970's
Words fail to describe the awesomeness of this piece! Made in 1970 by Wersi Electronics, it is one of only 5 ever made. Reportedly its cost in 1970 was over $100,000.

The Delta Digital DX500 organ comes replete with all manuals, control panel templates, music stand, amplified speakers, lucite dollies, pedal board, adjustable bench and chromed keys. And it works beautifully!!!

Speaker dims: 19.5x16.5x44.75" LWH

Condition*
Amazing!
Some light scratches, light wear to chrome keys.

Measurements
height: 42.5 in.
depth: 45 in.
width/length: 4 ft. 0.8 in.

Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/Techniques: Lucite, chrome
Creator: Wersi

Photography
provided by Modern One"

See link above for contact info.


Update via organfairy: "This Wersi organ is not from the 1970's. It was part of a series with Alpha, Beta (made famous by Klaus Wunderlich), Gamma, and this Delta model. It is from 1984 or 85 and is all digital.
The reason why somebody think it is from the 1970's is probably that it looks very much like the Wersi Saturn that came out in 1976. It was also wide but slim and on two chromed pillars.

Flemming A.K.A. Organfairy"


Update: word is Daft Punk picked up this clear plexi glass organ.  You can see it featured in Mixmag here.

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