Superbooth 2017: Behringer Model D Intro, Demos & Interview on Upcoming Synths

Superbooth 2017: Behringer Model D - First Look +Listen

Published on Apr 21, 2017 sonicstate

"Literally straight out of the box after the courier delivered it to the show, we get a first look at the new Model D. Sorry about the lighting conditions, but it was a bit of a hurried shoot."

Side note: You might remember Behringer mentioned two new synths were going to be launched at the Superbooth. So far we have the Model D, the DeepMind6, and the DeepMind rack. So, unless another synth is announced, I'm guessing the DeepMinds were the two new synths, as they are launching for production, while the Model D is still in the prototype stage.

Superbooth 2017: Behringer D Synthesizer Sound Demo

Published on Apr 21, 2017 SYNTH ANATOMY

Behringer MiniMoog Model D Hands-On Sound Demo at Superbooth 2017

Published on Apr 21, 2017 Ask.Audio

"We got hands-on with the first prototypes of the the upcoming $400 Behringer Minimoog Model D analog synth clone.

High-quality audio.

This is well worth watching!!!"

Amazona.de - Superbooth 2017 Interview with BEHRINGER about upcoming Synthesizers

Published on Apr 21, 2017

"Short Interview with Pete Sadler and Rob Belacham from BEHRINGER about upcoming Synthesizers"

Behringer Minimoog Model D Update - Working Prototype - Behringer to Donate All Proceeds to Moog

An update via Uli:

"Allow me to provide you with an update.

The Model D prototype is now up and running and all functions seem to be working well.

Next week our system engineer will go through a rigorous testing procedure and meticulously compare every stage with the MiniMoog reference sample.

Next is the MIDI software implementation which will take around 1-2 weeks.

We expect the metal, plastic and wood sample parts to come in within the next two weeks and provided all goes well, we should be able to showcase a complete working sample by middle of April.

Please bear in mind that we are still many months away from shipping this synth as metal and plastic tooling has not yet started.

We have also not done any EMC and safety testing which can possible delay the project; depending on the test result we might need another board spin.

Thanks for the great input many of you have provided.

Uli"

As for Behringer donating all proceeds to Moog? Um, what day is it today? Oh yeah... I guess not.

Update: Just to be clear, the bit on proceeds going to Moog was an April Fools joke on this site only, not from Behringer.

New $400 Behringer Minimoog Model D - Renders, Initial Specs, Poly Chain up to 16 Note Polyphony

This one in via Soviet Space Child. Uli Behringer mentioned the possibility of a Minimoog clone coming from Behringer in this previous post. We now have renders and the following details:

"This is a first draft of our 'D' Synth with a proposed feature set below.

Our goal is to design in a Poly Chain feature that allows combining up to 16 synths through Midi.

Depending on the feedback we will then decide if we move further and build a first prototype.

Our targeted retail price is around US$ 400.

Analog Synthesizer with 3 VCOs, 24 dB Ladder Filter, LFO, 16-Voice Poly Chain and Eurorack Format

1. Analog synthesizer with triple VCO design
2. Reproduction of original “D Type” with matched transistors and JFETs
3. 0.1% Thin Film resistors and Polyphenyline Sulphide capacitors for frequency stability
4. Analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
5. 5 variable oscillator shapes with pulse width variation
6. Classic 24 dB ladder filter with resonance
7. Fully analog triangle/square wave LFO
8. Switchable low/high pass filter mode
9. 16-voice Midi Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16-voice polyphony
10. Overdrive circuit
11. Noise generator
12. Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
13. 46 controls for real-time access of all important parameters
14. External audio input for processing external sound sources
15. Low and high level outputs
16. Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection
17. 3-Year Warranty Program

Uli"

Behringer Considering a Minimoog Model D Clone

Update: renders & initial specs posted here.

This one spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

Thoughts? Is this ethical considering Moog Music has already re-issued the original Minimoog Model D? A cheaper clone would undoubtedly hurt Moog's income, potentially making it more difficult for them to make new products. Does that matter to you? Feel free to leave a comment below.

"Thanks for the great feedback. I certainly respect everyone's opinion and emotions.

Allow me to share my view:

Our loyalty is always with our customers and hence we build what they request. This is what we stand for and this will never change.

The general rule and the law clearly describe that technology is free for everyone to use, provided it is not protected. You may have a different personal view, but that's how our society and every industry works - again why the law has been designed the way it is.

In case of the MiniMoog there is no IP (Intellectual Property) involved as the technology is more than 40 years old and all patents have long expired. As a result, the property is now in the public domain, free for everyone to use. Without this principle there would only be one car or synthesizer manufacturer in the world.
For this exact reason you will find many companies who are manufacturing replicas of all sorts, including the MiniMoog - simply google it.

We believe there are two typical types of customers:

The ones who aspire to purchase the original product and provided they can afford the price, they will buy such a high-priced product.
It is well known marketing knowledge, that lower cost and competing products do contribute to more awareness and hence stimulate both ends of the market.
Many companies such as Tesla, Toyota etc. have now opened their patents to the public domain to allow other manufacturers to enter the same market and actually compete with them.

Open source and open innovation are now trends that you'll find in many industries, simply because the benefit of collaboration outweighs protection of your IP.

https://www.tesla.com/blog/all-our-p...are-belong-you

Our primary customer is not the well-off doctor or lawyer, but the people with much less income. I was a struggling musician myself when I started my business 30 years ago and I made it my mission in life to enable musicians to pursue their musical dreams without financial obstacles.

This is the reason why we work with extremely slim margins and consequentially our focus must be on achieving high volume production as otherwise we couldn't survive.

When you work with such slim margins, aside from research and development, much effort goes into DFM (Design for Manufacturing), DFC (Design for Cost) and production engineering etc.

We employ over 400 engineers in MUSIC Group and we're hiring 100 more. You will find our engineering facilities in the UK, US, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, China, Philippines etc. If you're interested, feel free to drop by at our offices and meet our fantastic people.

Perhaps this synth is a great little project to demonstrate how the design process works and I am happy to involve you in the development.
Since the development has been done 40 years ago, it is a rather minimal engineering effort and once we have a working prototype and a projected price, we can then decide whether we will bring this product to market or not.

Someone here in the forum had a great idea to pack this synth into a compact Eurorack format and this coincides with some of our engineers' ideas. I will have our designers to come up with a quick design draft for you to comment on.

Thanks

Uli"

via Gearslutz.

Vintage Original 1971 Moog Catalog

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

via this auction

"Original 1971 Catalog from Moog. Early Minimoog prototype photo and each version of the modular systems. Many pages, some wear from minimal use."

CLICK FOR MORE »

New Minimoog Model D Now In Full Production

via Moog Music

"Today we announce that after more than 30 years, production of the Minimoog Model D synthesizer has resumed. Introduced in 1970, the Minimoog Model D was the first portable synthesizer and served as the archetype for all electonic keyboards that followed. Conceived as a response to the large-scale modular synthesizers of the 1960’s, the Minimoog’s portability, accessibility, and expressiveness made it the go-to instrument for musicians looking to expand beyond the traditional sounds of the time.


[video just posted here with part 1]

Throughout history, the Minimoog Model D has been used by the most forward thinking artists to design the sound of the future. Bernie Worrell used the Minimoog to establish Parliament Funkadelic’s futuristic funk sound. Kraftwerk employed the Minimoog on the pioneering concept album Autobahn, sparking an entirely new genre. Gary Numan replaced his live band’s guitars with Minimoogs, creating the prototype for industrial music. The classic sound of the Minimoog Model D can be heard on Bob Marley’s Catch A Fire, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and many more.

Each Minimoog Model D is lovingly handcrafted at our employee-owned factory in Asheville, NC. This legendary 3-oscillator monophonic instrument is securely housed in a hand-finished aluminum chassis and locally-sourced Appalachian hard-wood enclosure. To realize the unmistakable sound of the world’s first performance synthesizer, we preserve the component placement and through-hole design of the original analog circuit boards, employing military-spec precision resistors and custom-reissued transistors to complete the circuit.

Though no changes have been made to the original sound engine or audio signal path, the Minimoog Model D now includes a series of functional modifications to expand the instrument’s sonic capabilities beyond the factory specifications of a 1970’s production unit. These modifications include a premium Fatar keybed with velocity and after pressure available via top panel CV jacks, a dedicated analog LFO with triangle and square waveshapes, CV outputs for pitch, gate, velocity and after pressure, basic MIDI integration, and a mixer overload modification, which when engaged, allows the Minimoog Model D to conjure thicker and far more overdriven sounds than before.

The Minimoog Model D is now available for order through authorized Moog dealers world-wide.

*NOTE: Due to the complexity of the build process coupled with the demand for other Moog instruments, we are only able to produce a small number of Minimoog Model D units per month."

The Crowminius Desktop Analog Synthesizer Now on Kickstarter

You might remember Scott Rider's (aka the Old Crow) Crowminius from back in 2015. It is now on Kickstarter seeking funding. Click through for full details and funding levels. The Crowminius is a Minimoog inspired analog monophonic synth.

Some details captured for the archives:

"The Crowminius is a desktop analog monophonic music synthesizer built in the spirit of Dr. Moog's famous Model D.

The Crowminius is a complete desktop monophonic analog music synthesizer inspired by Dr. Robert Moog's legendary Minimoog model D. The Crowminius is constructed from standard components with no esoteric parts and is fitted into a sleek aluminum attache case for easy portability.

The Crowminius features an Atmel MIDI control front-end based on the ATMEGA328P chip, the same as used in the popular Arduino Uno. The open-source firmware supports MIDI note, velocity and aftertouch as well as MIDI pitch and mod wheel support. An optional LCD can be installed to monitor system functions but it is not necessary. In the case of interfacing with vintage pre-MIDI gear such as the classic Minimoog, modular synthesizers and modern instruments that offer the necessary control signals, the unit can be operated from pitch control voltage and choice of voltage trigger or switch trigger jacks.

The Crowminius features three full-range oscillators (tone generators) that each can be set via rotary switches from sub-sonic frequencies through a set of "organ stops" (octaves) from 32' (bass) to 2' (high soprano). Each oscillator has six waveforms also set by rotary switch to provide the harmonic spectra used to create various sounds.

Oscillators 1 and 2 each feature individual pulse-width modulation generators--a feature not found on the vintage model D--and oscillator 3 can be set to act as a "control oscillator" to provide vibrato and filter modulation by use of the on-board modulation control or by MIDI modulation commands from a remote controller.

The Crowminius has an on-board white/pink/red noise generator that can be used to create audio effects such as wind and surf sounds, but the noise source can also be used as a modulation source. Another feature included on Crowminius that makes use of the noise generator is a "sample/hold" circuit that uses oscillator 3 in control mode as a clock to trap the noise signal levels and provide a series of stepped random modulation voltages.

These signals are all presented to the 4-pole ladder filter and control amplifer, an all-discrete transistor (no chips!) circuit combination that defined the sound of 1970s progressive rock. The filter has dedicated controls for tracking and modulation, and the filter and amplifier each have their own contour generators to control the dynamics of your sound.

Other features include an external audio input into the filter, a "locking" portamento/glide circuit for moving from note to note in solo style, and a "decay mute" feature which allows immediate muting of notes when keys are released. Both the glide and decay mute functions can be operated by external footswitches if needed.

Finally, two essential performance features are provided. A reference tone at A-440 ("concert A") can be enabled for precise instrument tuning. This tone is created by the microcontroller using a direct-digital synthesis algorithm that outputs a very accurate PWM-modulated sine tone. Secondly, a dedicated headphone jack and headphone volume control allow the performer to mute the instrument, set up a new voice patch, tune up and and un-mute right back into a live session without disrupting the performance.

The entire Crowminius system is powered from a single 12VAC, 500mA wall-pack power supply, with provision to allow the use of two supplies for improved supply operation.

The best part about all this is: the Crowminius already exists! The Crowminius was originally presented as a DIY project to synthesizer enthusiasts in early 2015, but as so many people have asked about a pre-assembled version it was decided to offer a production run with an initial goal of shipping 100 units. To this end the design has already been reworked for surface-mount assembly, with the production prototype being hand-built and fully tested before committing the SMT assembly line to production.

More information is online at http://www.crowmini.us/"

SoundForce Minimoog-style MIDI Controller - SFC-Mini on Kickstarter

The SoundForce SFC-Mini prototype posted here is now on Kickstarter, available in a variety of cool colors.

"The SoundForce SFC-Mini is a USB controller for your Mini-style synthesizer plugins. USB-powererd, class compliant (plug&play) and compatible with Win/Mac/iPad. Get hands-on control of your software synthesizer and bridge the gap between hardware and software!"

Full details including pricing through the different award levels on Kickstarter here.

Archetype Of A Synthesizer - The Haxan Cloak

"Recently, Moog had the honor of sitting down with Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor [see the bottom of this post], the genre-defining music innovator, master synthesist and Academy Award winning composer. In the interview, Reznor recounts his intimate relationship with the Minimoog Voyager, which he feels “is the archetype of what a synthesizer is and should be.” Through personal stories, Reznor reveals his decades long history with the instrument and how it has shaped the way he views and creates music.

The video is set to an original score by British electronic music producer, The Haxan Cloak, co-producer of Bjork’s Vulnicura.. Befitting the occasion, the artist used a Minimoog Voyager and a prototype Mother-32, Moog’s newest synthesizer, to create the score.

'I made the track in a unique way that I never have before.

I have had modular synths for a long time, and consistently produced music with them, but purposefully never had a ‘keyboard-based’ setup because of not wanting to treat them in such a ‘traditional’ manner (purely for reasons of self-limitation).

Having the Voyager allowed me to utilize a more responsive approach of seeing the picture and essentially ‘playing’ along to it. I then took those results and used them to modulate other parameters and processed them further. The Mother 32 was used extensively as a sound source alongside also.

The Voyager is a synth I have always been fascinated by, but unfortunately never had the opportunity to own. I knew people that had them, but my first physical encounter was actually on the recent Bjork tour. I used it for a lot for recreating basslines from her back catalogue, which it did effortlessly.
It’s such an incredibly versatile synth and has already become a uniquely indispensable backbone of my studio.' - The Haxan Cloak"

The End of an Era - Moog Voyager to be Discontinued

It's hard to believe it's true, but the Moog Voyager, Bob Moog's first synthesizer after getting the Moog Music name back, is being discontinued after 13 years.

I was fortunate enough to pick up a Signature Series Voyager, brand new in the box, on clearance years ago when the last ones were being blown out. It never left the studio and I never sent it out for updates. I wanted to preserve Bob Moog's Voyager exactly as it left the factory, as he signed off on it.

I also have a Minimoog Model D, a Minitaur and the Sub Phatty. What set the Voyager and Model D apart of course was that third oscillator. It makes a difference. I'm curious if Moog will replace the Voyager with another three osc synth. Perhaps a re-issue of the original Model D? Owning both, I have to say each stands on it's own and is different enough to warrant both. The Voyager is refined, yet exudes power. The Model D is wild, aggressive, rough around the edges, but can be tamed.

Whatever Moog comes up with next, I'm sure it will be great. All of their synths to date have something special to offer.

An interesting side note is Bob Moog's Moogerfooger and theremins, released before the Voyager under the Big Briar name, will live on.

The official press release from Moog Music with a tribute video from Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor follows below.

"After 13 years & 14,000 instruments, production of the Minimoog Voyager is coming to an end. Moog will lovingly handcraft 600 final units of the Minimoog Voyager at their factory in downtown Asheville, NC before saying goodbye.

The Minimoog Voyager is the foundation of the modern Moog synthesizer. When it went into production in 2002, it signaled the rebirth of Moog Music, and the re-emergence of the analog synthesizer as a viable creative tool in our increasingly digital world. The design philosophy behind the Minimoog Voyager set the pattern for all of Moog’s subsequent work: where beauty, high mechanical quality, and sonic excellence are equally paramount in the service of musical ideas. The Minimoog Voyager is an embodiment of this ideology, and a wellspring of inspiration for Moog’s instrument design now and into the future.

Most importantly, the Minimoog Voyager is the last synthesizer that Bob Moog designed from start to finish. His DNA is in the circuits of this machine, and it is the culmination of Dr. Moog’s life’s work, which was dedicated to electronic musical instrument design.

Recently, Moog had the honor of sitting down with Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, the genre-defining music innovator, master synthesist and Academy Award winning composer. In the interview, Reznor recounts his intimate relationship with the Minimoog Voyager, which he feels “is the archetype of what a synthesizer is and should be.” Through personal stories, Reznor reveals his decades long history with the instrument and how it has shaped the way he views and creates music. The video is set to an original score by British electronic music producer, The Haxan Cloak, co-producer of Bjork’s Vulnicura. Befitting the occasion, the artist used a Minimoog Voyager and a prototype Mother-32, Moog’s newest synthesizer, to create the score.

Over the course of its 13-year production run, the Minimoog Voyager has become one of the most iconic analog synthesizers in history. Its impact on modern music can be heard on countless records and seen on stages around the world with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre, Radiohead, Herbie Hancock, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Daft Punk, Bjork and many more.

As a thank you to existing Minimoog Voyager owners, Moog is offering 20% off on all Minimoog Voyager upgrades, modifications and calibrations to domestic customers until the end of the year. Contact techsupport@moogmusic.com for more information.

The Minimoog Voyager is still available in limited quantities at stocking dealers in Performer and Electric Blue versions while supplies last. For pricing and availability, please visit www.moogmusic.com/dealers."

Please check with MATRIXSYNTH sponsors on the right of the site.  They help make this site possible.

Trent Reznor | Archetype of a Synthesizer

Published on Sep 30, 2015 Moog Music Inc

"Through personal stories, Trent Reznor recounts his relationship with an iconic analog synthesizer and describes how it has fit into his creative process over his storied career.

Original score by The Haxan Cloak, co-producer of Bjork’s Vulnicura. Befitting the occasion, the artist used a Minimoog Voyager and a prototype Mother-32, Moog’s newest synthesizer, to create the score."

http://www.moogmusic.com/news/end-voy...

SoundForce SFC-Mini - Mini-V/Monark - Minimoog-style MIDI controller

Published on Aug 8, 2015 SoundForce

"Check out the handmade prototype of my new Minimoog MIDI controller. It's compatible with the ARTURIA Mini-V as well as the NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Monark synth plugins. Please share this video if you like it and if you want to support my work. http://sound-force.nl/"

Hohner S4 String Synthesizer

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

via this auction

Under the racked Minimoog, under the cat.

"This is a very rare Hohner S4 string synthesizer. I have found no information about this item anywhere. Is it a prototype? I don't know. I do know its a cool paraphonic divide-down synthesizer with "cello" and "strings" sections. Two release modes, fast decay and slow decay. Three octave select buttons. Here is the sound. I am guessing it was manufactured in the mid-to-late 1970s. It operates like it should. Cosmetically, it looks fair for an instrument that has obviously been gigged. The tear in the tole on one of the close-ups has been glued. I will ship carefully, in two boxes, as it has a heavy, boat anchor style power supply with a volume pedal. Here's the only audio sample I have of it. Sorry, its half-way in. https://soundcloud.com/isopod/isobot-1wip"

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Bob Moog Foundation Raffle for Vintage Moog Liberation Synthesizer

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

"Asheville, NC - March 16, 2015...

Today the Bob Moog Foundation announces its spring raffle for a vintage Moog Liberation synthesizer. The raffle, a fundraiser in support of the Foundation's projects, runs through April 20, 2015 or until all 2,000 tickets are sold. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through the Foundation's website. The winner will be announced on April 24, 2015. Also included in the raffle is an original owner's manual for the Liberation, written by Rock Wehrmann in 1980.

The Moog Liberation is distinctive in its form and function as a keytar, or guitar-shaped synthesizer. It was one of the first of its kind when released in 1980, and provided freedom to move around stage while playing. The Liberation was quickly adopted by such bands as Devo, The Human League, Jean Michel Jarre, Tom Coster of Santana, Herbie Hancock, Spyro Gyra, and more.

The Liberation is a strap-on, dual oscillator, monophonic/polyphonic analog synthesizer with one voltage controlled 24dB/octave Moog filter (VCF) and one voltage controlled amplifier (VCA). It boasts a polyphonic section, which allows for synth-like chords, a ring modulator, noise generator, syncable VCOs, and a ribbon controller, located in the neck portion of the instrument.

'The Moog Liberation has a special significance to the Bob Moog Foundation,' remarks executive director Michelle Moog-Koussa. 'Through our archives, we are the proud stewards of the Liberation prototype, a host of fascinating schematics, and a variety of conceptual drawings. The raffle will be a springboard for us to share other historic materials regarding this intriguing instrument.'

The instrument being offered is in excellent technical condition. It has been meticulously restored by the highly regarded restoration studio, Tone Tweakers. There are minor exterior flaws comprised mostly of minor chips in the paint as a badge of its vintage status.

The Liberation raffle follows the Foundation's successful fall 2014 raffle of a vintage Minimoog Model D, won by Danny Hagan of Statesboro, Georgia. Funding raised from the Foundation's raffles supports its innovative educational project, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, and the organization's Archive Preservation Initiative.

For more information about the raffle [click here]
To purchase tickets: [click here]"

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Czechoslovakia's 1977 Modular Synth, the Číslizvuk

via Connor 'Macleod' Eck on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

This is the first post to feature the Číslizvuk.

There was also the Vurt and the ASYZ.  Curious if there was any connection between them all.

Update: some info via Bastl Instruments:

"Milan Guštar wrote about him in the book Elektrofony II:

In 1977 Miroslav developed Kasper and Jaromir Vitek in the Czechoslovak Research Institute of Radio and Television (sausage) modular monophonic synthesizer Číslizvuk. The tool is analog, in some of his circuits are also used in digital integrated circuits. In addition to the prototype were built only three specimens obtained Pilsen Experimental Czechoslovak Radio studio, studio Czechoslovak Television and Music Faculty of the Prague Academy of Performing Arts. It currently has one tool in their collections Czech Museum of Music.

Číslizvuk is completely modular, individual blocks are interconnected and all their inputs and outputs are connected to the socket on the front panel. The tool includes two VCO, VCF, two, two VCA, two envelope generators, shaping and control voltage sequencer. VCO form a rectangular signal with a PWM signal continuously adjustable between a saw and a triangle. Both signals can be mixed. The dependence between the Debug voltage and frequency is 0.6 V / oct. VCF are third-order LPF. Beamformer control voltages comprises two inverters and two integrators with adjustable time constant. Sequencer has two channels and eight steps, individually adjustable lengths. All modules are placed in a common metal enclosure measuring 45 x 32 x 58 cm. Four-octave keyboard is connected dvanáctižilovým cable included in the set are two pedals generating variable control voltage."

Update 2: some additional in via Bastl Instruments:

"Bastl Instruments VURT was a research lab of radio and television and they mady several synths including this one Čislizvuk + this minimoog style one: http://czechkeys.blog.cz/0912/syntetizer-antares-ii"

Bastl Instruments ASYZ was another research lab focused more into film production - since it was in one city there must have been a connection... the music in the mainstream film production was awesome at that time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2FGi9pvLW4 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5UzJjF1Emc"



Osada Havranů 1/5


Zdeněk Liška-ikarie xb1

Minimoog Voyager Prototype

via Moog Music on Facebook

Keith Emerson’s personal Moog Minimoog THE ORIGINAL spilt system?

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

via this auction

via the seller: "For Sale is likely the only original Moog synthesizer owned and used by Keith Emerson that will ever be for sale. Keith Emerson’s other Moog unit, his massive modular system, will certainly one day wind up in a museum and not be available to collectors.
This incredible and historic Minimoog has some very serious provenance. Keith Emerson owned it, recorded with it and toured with it using it on his most famous 70’s and 80’s tours. Further to that Keith had it heavily modified for his unique purposes making it truly a one of a kind relic of music history.

Robert Moog liked the idea so much he created a prototype of what was to be a factory split system. Photos of that unit are online however I have never known anyone to actually own one or see one..

It was technician Tony Wride, who first acquired Keith’s original Moog Minimoog directly from Keith Emerson in 1992. As the story goes with a bit of help from Will Alexander who handled the transaction. The unit was later sold to a synthesizer collector in Texas via auction. That collector is whom I purchased it from.


A unique opportunity to own a piece of Rock history! This Minimoog was one of the earliest ones owned by Keith Emerson (26 June 1973 date on keyboard) and he had the keyboard and electronics separated so that it could be used in his stage setup. Basically the keyboard was set up to slide into place when required while the electronics section remained out of the way"

Update via Seth Elgart in the comments: "Moog actually did make a split keyboard. I've never seen one in person but they did exist. A bit more polished than Emerson's actually as it's not a modification."

Also this exact one appears to have been previously listed here back in 2012.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Erik Norlander and Galactic Collective Help Celebrate Bob Moog's Birthday

You saw the videos posted here and here, as well as the announcement here and the rare Moog Apollo prototype & modular system.  The following are some official pics of the event and the press release from The Bob Moog Foundation.

"Asheville, NC - May 2014... Synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog's upcoming 80th birthday was commemorated in grand fashion on May 8th with a "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert by virtuoso synthesist Erik Norlander and his band The Galactic Collective to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation.

The concert, held at Asheville's Isis Music Hall, featured Norlander, accompanied by bandmates Jeff Kollman on guitar, Mark Matthews on bass, and Nick Le Par on drums. Norlander's onstage rig included three very special, fully restored vintage synthesizers from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, including a 1967 Moog modular, an early Minimoog Model D, and an extremely rare Moog Apollo.

"The convergence of the Moog modular, the Minimoog, and the Moog Apollo in one performance is nearly unprecedented," notes Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation. "Not since Keith Emerson toured with a prototype Apollo in the early '70s have they been heard together in live performance, making this "Tribute to Dr. Bob" concert a truly historic occasion."

The 1967 R. A. Moog Co. modular is an iconic synthesizer on permanent loan from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was built for the first electronic music studio in the state, and hand delivered by Bob Moog.

The 1973 Minimoog was donated to the Foundation by Asheville composer and arranger Tom Coppola, who used it to record the signature three-note "Duracell sound", among many other commercial and musical applications. The Minimoog was the first mass-produced commercially available synthesizer that the working musician could afford. It is considered by many to be the most iconic synthesizer of all times.

Norlander used the Foundation's Minimoog and modular for giant bass sweeps and drones, adding weight and atmosphere to his tracks, "Arrival," "Sky Full of Stars" and "The Dark Water."

The priceless Moog Apollo is one of the few of its kind in the world. This 1973 instrument, newly and fully restored by the Bob Moog Foundation, served as a prototype for the production model Polymoog. The Apollo is one of the earliest polyphonic synths, synthesizers that could play more than one note at a time.

Norlander brought the Apollo alive in a stunning solo during his signature piece, "Dreamcurrents," using the harpsichord program to conjure the early days of polysynth performance art with classic, vintage tones. He reprised the harpsichord again in the waltz section of "After the Revolution," normally played on acoustic piano. Norlander later employed famous "Vox Humana" program in his bombastic choral opening of "Neurosaur" and used the Apollo soft analog brass sound for his gentler introductory theme on "Fanfare for Absent Friends."

"Bob Moog brought a new voice to the musical landscape, and our musical vernacular would be very different without his enduring contribution," Norlander remarked. "The name 'Moog' is synonymous with art, science and innovation, and as a keyboardist and synthesist, I can think of no greater tribute than using Bob's timeless inventions as the core instruments in my own craft."

Drew Heller, guitarist for the African fusion band Toubab Krewe, opened the show for the Galactic Collective, joined by his father, Grammy award winning producer/composer Steven Heller. Bob Moog had a close musical relationship with Toubab Krewe; Steven Heller was long-time friend and musical collaborator. Their acoustic set was marked by stories about Moog's generosity, fearless pursuit of the unknown, and his sense of humor."

Erik Norlander on the Last Working Moog Apollo Prototype

via experimentalsynth.com

"Erik Norlander on the last working #moog Apollo prototype, Minimoog Model D, Voyager and modular. Bob Moog Foundation benefit concert."

Bob Moog Foundation Announces Significant Archive Additions

"Asheville, NC - February 2014... The Bob Moog Foundation (BMF) has announced significant additions to the Asheville, NC-based foundation's archives. Included in these new additions are several rare prototypes, including one of the few Moog Apollo Synthesizers in the world (the Apollo became the prototype for the Polymoog), the Moog Liberation, Moog Drum Controller, Moog Sequencer, Moog Song Producer, Moog Feedback Suppressor; as well as production models of the Minutemoog, and a Moog Vocoder. Also added to the archives are more than 1,000 schematic drawings dating from 1965 through 1985.

'These instruments and drawings join our growing collection of treasures that also includes Roger Powell's custom keyboard controller, designed by Bob; a duophonic Minimoog; and two vintage theremins,' remarked Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of the late inventor. 'We're thrilled with the ongoing interest our archives are generating from organizations and individuals.'

These latest additions to the Foundation's collection of historic documents and musical instruments come on the heels of the permanent loan of vintage instruments by the Music Department of University of North Carolina at Greensboro in December 2013.

According to Moog-Koussa, over 400 of the more than 1,000 documents received in this latest contribution have already been inventoried and entered into a searchable database.

'But that's just the beginning,' she continues. 'We will soon begin the most detailed and formalized part of the archiving process - cataloging. It takes time to do it right, but these materials are too significant not to do it right.' She anticipates the process will take 12 to 18 months, after which the documents will be scanned and the most significant of them shared.

'Creating a wide-ranging collection that includes not only his work, but also the work of those he influenced is the goal of the Bob Moog Foundation,' she adds. 'It is from this perspective that we can achieve the truest picture of his life's work and ultimately appreciate his contributions to science and music.'

As Moog-Koussa observes, her father was generous with his talent and knowledge. 'Inspiring others fueled his own creativity. We endeavor to carry on that tradition at BFM.'

Moog-Koussa points to the work of Dr. Bob's Sound School (DBSS) as an example of BMF's ongoing outreach and education, an important part of her father's legacy. The 10-week curriculum teaches second grade students the physics of sound using acoustic and electronic musical instruments such as the theremin, as well as oscilloscopes. The information is supplemented by custom educational materials developed by the BMF educational team. 'Bob was a life-long learner,' his daughter explains. 'He never stopped asking 'what if' and wanted others to ask the same question. I can't think of a better tribute to his life and work than encouraging a new generation to ask the same question.'


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About the Bob Moog Foundation

The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Asheville, North Carolina. Our mission is to ignite creativity through the intersection of music, science and innovation. The Bob Moog Foundation was founded to honor the legacy of Bob Moog by inspiring people of all ages through the genius of Bob's legendary work in providing innovative musical instruments to musicians, giving them a new voice for creativity. The Foundation provides much-needed innovative and effective educational opportunities to today's youth - tomorrow's generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers.

The Bob Moog Foundation is not affiliated with Moog Music."

http://moogfoundation.org

The Bob Moog Foundation Announces Significant Archive Additions

"Anaheim, CA (January 23, 2014) – Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation™ (BMF) and daughter of inventor Bob Moog, today announced additions to the Asheville-based foundation’s archives including over 1,000 schematic drawings from 1965 to 1985; several rare prototypes, including a Moog Apollo synthesizer (the Apollo became the prototype for the Polymoog), the Moog Liberation, the Moog 1130 Drum Controller, Moog Sequencer, Moog Song Producer, and Moog Feedback Suppressor; as well as production models of the Minitmoog, and a Moog Vocoder. The announcement was made on the first day of NAMM, an annual gathering of the music manufacturing industry, which attracts 100,000 people over the weekend.

'These instruments and drawings join our growing collection of treasures that includes, among other items, Roger Powell’s custom dual-keyboard controller, designed by Bob; a duophonic Minimoog; and two vintage theremins. We are thrilled with the ongoing interest our archives are generating from organizations and individuals,' Moog-Koussa said. These additions to the BMF’s collection of historic documents and musical instruments come on the heels of the BMF’s receipt of a permanent loan of vintage instruments by the Music Department of University of North Carolina at Greensboro in December 2013.

Moog-Koussa said that 400 of the more than 1,000 documents received in this latest contribution have already been inventoried and entered into a searchable database.

'But that’s just the beginning,' she said. 'We will soon begin the most detailed, formalized and time-consuming part of the archiving process – cataloguing. It takes time to do it right, and these materials are too important not to do it right.'

She anticipates that the cataloguing process will take between 12 and 18 months to complete. After that, the documents will be scanned and the most significant of them shared.

'Creating a wide-ranging collection that includes not only his work, but also the work of those he influenced is the goal of the Bob Moog Foundation. It is from this perspective that we can achieve the truest picture of his life’s work and ultimately appreciate his contributions to science and music,' she said.

'Bob was generous with his talent and knowledge; inspiring others fueled his own creativity,' Moog-Koussa said. 'We are doing that every day at BMF, just a little differently.'

Moog-Koussa points to the work of Dr. Bob’s Sound School™ (DBSS) as an example of BMF’s ongoing outreach and education that is an important part of her father’s legacy. The 10- week curriculum teaches second-grade students the physics of sound using acoustic and electronic musical instruments such as the theremin, as well as oscilloscopes. The information taught through the musical instruments is supplemented by custom educational materials developed by the BMF educational team. 'Bob was a life-long learner. He never stopped asking ‘what if’ and wanted others to ask the same question. I can’t think of a better tribute to his life and work than encouraging a new generation to ask the same question.'

The Bob Moog Foundation, based in Asheville, N.C., continues Bob Moog’s legacy of innovation through education and outreach programs that promote the intersection of music, science, history, and imagination.

The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, and is independent from, not affiliated with and not supported by Moog Music, Inc."