Moog Announces New Modular Systems for 2015 with Back to the Future Sounds Documentary

Back to the Future Sounds Published on Jan 19, 2015

"On January 19, 2015 Moog Music Inc. announced their plans to recommence a limited run manufacturing of three of their most sought after 5U large format modular synthesizers: The System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. These three modular synthesizer systems were originally created and manufactured by Moog in 1973.

To commemorate the announcement, Moog shot a short film at their factory about the inspiring and multifaceted relationship artists have with modular synthesizers. The video features electronic music pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, David Borden, Dick Hyman and Herb Deutsch alongside performances on the new Moog modular systems by Holy Ghost! (DFA Records), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Opal Tapes/ Spectral Sound), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw/Leaving). Each artist played a patch on one or more of the new Moog modular synthesizers recorded in one take with no overdubs."

Suzanne Ciani | System 55

Published on Jan 19, 2015

"In this video, electronic music and sound design pioneer Suzanne Ciani explores the Moog modular System 55 for the first time in decades. Ciani came to the Moog factory in Asheville, NC to play the first System 55 newly handcrafted by Moog in over thirty years. The patch, created and performed live, was shot in one take and features a sequence designed on the 960 Sequential Controller that's driving three 921B oscillators into a 904B High Pass filter whose cutoff is being modulated by a 921 oscillator. A second set of 921B oscillators is also being played manually into a 904A Low Pass filter whose cutoff knob is also being modulated by the 921 oscillator. The resulting sound of each is then sent through its own dedicated MF-104M analog delay for ambience. The audio has been captured directly with no eq, compression, or editing applied."

And the press release:

"ASHEVILLE, NC – January 19, 2015 — January 19, 2014 Asheville, NC: 50 years ago, at its first introduction, the Moog modular synthesizer represented as radical a transition as Kandinski’s abstracts or Kodak’s cameras – offering both a break from yesterday and a startling glimpse of tomorrow. And, as with all cultural explosions, the impact of Dr. Bob Moog’s invention was impossible to evaluate from the epicenter. It’s only now, 50 years down the line that we can get some measure of the importance, and the sheer untapped potentiality of the Moog Modular Synthesizer.

Today, it is with great excitement that Moog Music Inc. announces their plans to re-commence the limited run manufacturing of three of their most sought after 5U large format modular synthesizers: The System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. These three modular synthesizer systems were originally created and manufactured by Moog in 1973.

To commemorate the announcement, Moog shot a short film at their factory about the inspiring and multifaceted relationship artists have with modular synthesizers. The video features electronic music pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, David Borden, Dick Hyman and Herb Deutsch alongside performances by contemporary modular artists like Holy Ghost! (DFA), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Spectral Sound/Opal Tapes), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw). Each artist played a patch live, in one take, with no overdubs on one or more of the new Moog Modular systems.

The foundation for this announcement was laid last year at Moogfest 2014, when Moog released the Emerson Moog Modular system – a faithful recreation of Keith Emerson’s legendary modular instrument, which was the culmination of three years worth of research and engineering. Now Moog will use the techniques learned recreating the EMMS manufacturing process to once again build these modular systems. Crucially, in deference to the unique character and appeal of the original instruments, these systems will be made entirely to their original product specifications and manufacturing techniques and processes.

Working from the 1970s schematics, the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 will be meticulously handcrafted, as a true recreation of the original. The modules are built from the original circuit board films - just as they were in 1973- by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, and using traditional wiring methods. The front panels are photo-etched aluminum, a classic process rarely still used in today’s synthesizer manufacturing, to maintain the classic and durable look of vintage Moog modules.

Upon their first release in 1973, the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15 represented a high watermark for modular synthesis, and their inimitable tones can be heard shaping many much-loved albums. They were fundamental in the development of contemporary soul, RnB, and disco from giving Stevie Wonder’s classic run of 70s LPs their questing, innovative edge, to providing Giorgio Moroder with the pulsating machine melodies that ushered in electronic dance. At the same time, these were the instruments that inspired Brian Eno to push further out into seas of layered tranquillity on his pioneering ambient albums, or provoked bands like Yes and Tangerine Dream to blast their sonic freak outs into the cosmos.

However, the reintroduction of these instruments is not about reliving the past – while much incredible work has been done with the Moog Modular, there is so much further yet to be explored in this relatively young instrument. Artists had only begun to grasp the vast possibilities of these large format modular synthesizers when they went out of production over thirty years ago. Decades of electronic experimentation have enabled musicians to move on from viewing the Moog Modular as a replacement for traditional instrumentation. Now a new generation of artists, with a greater understanding and more complex tools, will have the opportunity to explore the power of these singular sonic machines. Today, the modular synthesizer is viewed in the manner Bob Moog originally intended: to “discover endless offbeat, unconventional, and even irrational ways of working.”

The dedicated nature of the Moog modular rebuilding process is such that the units will come in extremely limited quantities. There will be 55 units of the System 55, priced at $35,000 per instrument; 35 of units of the System 35, priced at $22,000 per instrument; and 150 units of the Model 15, priced at $10,000 per instrument.

Alongside these Moog Modular Systems will be the Sequencer Complement B Expansion Cabinet, a dual 960 Sequential Controller, an accompaniment to the System 35 and System 55, that has been out of production for over 30 years– as well as an optional 5-Octave duo phonic keyboard."

http://www.moogmusic.com/content/moog-modular-synthesizers

NAMM 2015: Malcolm Cecil

Published on Jan 25, 2015 Electronic Musician Magazine

"Electronic Musician interviews Malcolm Cecil about TONTO at the NAMM Show 2015."

TONTO - New Flickr Shot

From Flickr:

"This is the legendary and mythical TONTO modular synth setup, owned by old school synth nerd / producer / tape op Malcolm Cecil. It was featured on alot of Stevie Wonder's best music, including the track, "Superstition". There are ARP, Oberheim, Serge and Moog modules in TONTO, and even some created by Malcolm, himself. If you are a synth geek, and you've never heard of TONTO, consider yourself a synth geek in training, and class is in session. It is rumoured by Malcolm himself that TONTO contains a very large amount of spare wire from an Apollo space shuttle."

Check out the words TONTO in the middle, above the keyboard.

Inverse Room 's Ambient Creot

Great way to decompress. Title link takes you to the site with podcast. Via Inverse Room.



Update from Inverse Room on the shot above:
"I'm standing next to Malcolm Cecil's TONTO, the famous Moog/Serge/Oberheim/ARP/homemade synth on all those Stevie Wonder records. I was interviewing Malcolm for TapeOp magazine a while back and got to see the great beast!"

"Dear Friends--

It's time for another of my episodes of Creot Radio--volume 42, AMBIENT
CREOT. This podcast consists of 50 minutes of langourous loops,
reverb'd strings, echoing guitars and synth pads as thick as a
mattress. Also, extra points if you can find the pitch-shifted hair
dryer. I'll be introducing each song in a soothing voice that
guaranteed to lull you into a false sense of personal well-being. The
podcast has just been posted and will be up all week.

http://www.creotradio.net

Creot Radio is an ALL-ORIGINAL weekly (usually) podcast of independent
music. Check out the text that accompanies each podcast for photos,
links, and information about our contributing artists. And visit our
merch section for Creot Radio artists' CD's...and for the stunning
embroidered Creot Radio iron-on patch.

Enjoy the music. Buy the patch. It's the right thing to do.

Yours
John"

Stevie Wonder - Superstition live on Sesame Street

YouTube via RSLweblog

"It doesn't get much better than this.... I can't imagine a better feel good song than this one! Check out the REST OF THE VIDEOS in this collection! Stop by my music webpage (Ryan's Smashing Life) and say hello!"

Some interesting notes via Malcom Cecil on the AH list:
"I engineered and co-produced Superstition and still have the Master Track Sheets, Work Orders and Tape Legends from all of the recordings that I made with Stevie between 1971 and 1975.

The 8 tracks of clavinet are actually 4 stereo pairs, however, there are two very important timed stereo slap back tape tracks that Stevie was listening to while he played the first pass. They bwere created on a two track Ampex with a varispeed.

I recorded them because they are an important intrigal component of the musical line. I timed the slap to be drum track to create the funky feel. I only used the first stereo pair of clavinet tracks that were recorded with those slap back tracks in the final mix. If your tracks are numbered those clavinet tracks are 7 & 8 and the associated stereo slap tracks are on tracks 6 & 9 but if not you can hear which they - you can always listen to the mix!

Stevie recorded the drums (solo) first, then the cavinet/slap echo tracks and then the TONTO bass. Then he put down a reference vocal with "Lal-as" for words (except for "very Superstitious"). The words didn't get written until about two weeks later and the horns were added much later

I am very surprised to hear that that you have copies of the original tracks! I guarded those masters with my life but I gave them all to Stevie when we stopped working together in 1975.

I guess his security system 'aint what it was when I was with him - but then a lot changed when I left.

Peace,
Malcolm Cecil"

Inverseroom, TONTO and Cecil

Image via this thread on the Matrixysnth forum.

"here's me [inverseroom] playing TONTO via a pair of Moog Drums, with Malcolm Cecil looking on...I interviewed him a couple of years ago. Pic by my bandmate Jim Spitznagel."

Live! — Part 3 Featuring Malcom Cecil & Andy Rourke

Live! - Trailer from KiNo on Vimeo.

Live! — Part 3 from KiNo on Vimeo.

"Poet of Sound and Image KiNo presents a film in episodes: Live! Documentary of life and collaborations in New Vague City. This film is dedicated to my friend Ira Cohen who passed away recently; leaving behind a materialised account of the akashic records in his poems, photographs, films and inspiring conversations with the individuals whom were graced by his friendship. With highlights from the KiNo Exhibition — Invasion from Within. Featuring footage of the performances with musical legends Malcolm Cecil (Pioneer of electronic music) and Andy Rourke (The Smiths). Ira Cohen film The Invasion of Thunderbolt Pagoda strangebeautiful.net/​2007/​08/​16/​ira-cohen/​ Made by 9" Features TONTO

Moogfest 2014 Presenters Include Makers Roger Linn, Dave Smith, Tom Oberheim, Don Buchla, Forest Mims & More

"Moogfest 2014 Announces Daytime Presenters Including Futurists, Musicians, Scientists, Authors, Filmmakers, and Pioneers of Electronic Music Instrument Design

Phase 1 tickets start at $199 for 5-Day General Admission, and $499 for 5-Day VIP Admission while supplies last through December 19 when Phase 2 GA tickets go up to $299. All prices exclusive of applicable fees.

ASHEVILLE, NC – November 14, 2013 – Moogfest is a five-day festival dedicated to the synthesis of technology, art and music. Since its inception in 2004, Moogfest has been a magnet for artists, engineers, and enthusiasts of Bob Moog. With an experimental lineup of daytime conference programming featuring cultural, artistic and technological luminaries and punctuated by a diverse line up of landmark nightly performances, Moogfest honors the creativity and inventiveness of Dr. Robert Moog and pays tribute to the legacy of the analog synthesizer. This is no ordinary festival.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Invasion From Within — Malcolm Cecil - Tonto & KiNo Update

The schedule of live performances link in this post is fixed.

Live! — Part 3

TONTO at 1:42
"Poet of Sound and Image KiNo presents a film in episodes: Live!
Documentary of life and collaborations in New Vague City.

This film is dedicated to my friend Ira Cohen who passed away recently; leaving behind a materialised account of the akashic records in his poems, photographs, films and inspiring conversations with the individuals whom were graced by his friendship.

With highlights from the KiNo Exhibition — Invasion from Within.
Featuring footage of the performances with musical legends Malcolm Cecil (Pioneer of electronic music) and Andy Rourke (The Smiths).

Ira Cohen film
The Invasion of Thunderbolt Pagoda
strangebeautiful.net/​2007/​08/​16/​ira-cohen/​

Made by 9"

SYNTH EVOLUTION - Illustrations of Classic Synthesizers

"SYNTH EVOLUTION is a new business specialising in illustrations of classic synthesizers, from the earliest Moog and Buchla systems of the early 1960s, right up to the introduction of the first analogue modelling synths of the early 1990s.

Every synth manufactured during that time has been covered - from the big names of Moog, Roland and Yamaha to the more esoteric products from RMI, Wersi and Powertran. Between them, all these synthesizers - and more importantly, the musicians who use them, have transformed music of the last 50 years bringing previously undreamt of sounds and styles to musical culture.

The first range of products from SYNTH EVOLUTION are stylish white ceramic mugs emblazoned with illustrations of these mighty instruments. There is a selection to browse from on the website, but any synth from a list of over 270 can be requested!

Note that currently only synthesizers are available - drum machines, samplers and more recent instruments are in the pipeline, as are other products.

Delivery worldwide.

www.synthevolution.net

Pictured:

Moog Modular 3C (1967)

Buy now

The Moog Modular Synthesizer 3C (1967) was one of Robert Moog's earliest instruments and formed the basis of what was to become the world's largest modular synthesizer 'TONTO'. Created by Malcolm Cecil, 'The Original New Timbral Orchestra’ eventually comprised two Moog Modular 3C's as well as many other modules from other manufacturers.




Arp 2600 (1971)

Buy now

The Arp 2600 was created in 1971 by Alan R. Pearlman and has been a classic ever since. Notable users are too numerous to list in full, but include Stevie Wonder, Jean-Michel Jarre, Orbital, Rick Wakeman and Nine Inch Nails. It was also used to create R2D2's bleeps and bloops in Star Wars.


Yamaha CS-80 (1977)

Buy now

The polyphonic Yamaha CS-80 is synonymous with the lush chord sound of Vangelos - such as the opening sequence of Bladerunner.

Released in 1977, it's eight note polyphony was a revelation, but it's 90kg weight meant some serious weight training was required to own one.


Con Brio ADS 200 (1980)

Buy now

The Con Brio Advanced Digital Synthesizer (ADS) 200 was an extraordinary synthesizer released in 1980 costing over $20,000. Based on additive synthesis, FM, phase modulation and some other esoteric sound generation methods it had 64 note polyphony and 16 oscillators per note.

Quite a beast, and a splendid looking one too - perfect for a retro-futuristic mug of tea!

—————
SYNTH EVOLUTION is the brainchild of Oli Freke, a composer and musician who’s had a lifelong passion for the synthesizer. He has previously supported the Human League on tour, run a dance music label, performed live house and techno in clubs and festivals, performed Brazilian drumming at the world famous Glastonbury festival and composed music for television. Find out more at www.olifreke.co.uk"

Steve Austin Battles Bigfoot To A Synthesizer Soundtrack by Tonto's Expanding Head Band

Published on Nov 3, 2014 Jay Calloway

"Secret agent Steve Austin, the bionic Six Million Dollar Man, battles Bigfoot---who turns out to be a part-android alien creation! The music is 'Cybernaut' by Tonto's Expanding Head Band. I don't own anything---neither the film footage nor the music. (The government owns this. It's classified Above Above Top Secret.)"

For those not familiar with Tonto's Expanding Head Band, via wikipedia: "Tonto's Expanding Head Band was a British electronic music duo consisting of Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff. Despite releasing only two albums in the early 1970s, the duo were (and still remain) influential because of their session work for other musicians (most notably Stevie Wonder[1][2]), extensive commercial advertising work and the unique warmth and personality of their work."

And of course, see the TONTO channel label for more specifically on the TONTO modular system.

The Original New Timbral Orchestra

YouTube via haledrix | November 23, 2010 | 8 likes, 0 dislikes

"Malcolm Cecil - one half of TONTO's Expanding Head Band - shows you around The Original New Timbral Orchestra. Called TONTO for short, this super synthesiser was used on Stevie Wonder's classic albums from the early 1970s, namely Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions and Fulfillingness' First Finale. TONTO also appeared on albums by The Isley Brothers, DEVO, Gil Scott-Heron, George Harrison, Jeff Beck, Steve Hillage, Billy Preston and many more."

Follow-up to Stevie's Wonder Men - BBC Radio on TONTO.
Also see the TONTO label for more. This one in via rustyanalog aka Richard Lainhart.

Playing With… TONTO, the World’s Largest Synthesizer | Red Bull Music Academy

Published on Jun 18, 2019 Red Bull Music Academy

"Canadian artists Softcoresoft, Debby Friday and Korea Town Acid try their hands at using The Original New Timbral Orchestra, TONTO, the first and largest multitimbral polyphonic analog synthesizer in the world.

Created by Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff in the late 1960s, TONTO was used on recordings for Stevie Wonder and Gil Scott-Heron and in 2013 was acquired by and moved to the National Music Center in Calgary, Alberta where this session was filmed during the RBMA Bass Camp Calgary 2019.

Red Bull Music Academy is the educational pillar of the Red Bull Music program. It is a global institution that for 20 years has been committed to fostering creativity in music by collaborating with those who are shaping our musical landscape and creating spaces for music makers to learn and immerse themselves."

KiNo kickstarter Campaign Featuring TONTO & Pink Floyd's Jeff Blenkinsopp

KiNo kickstarter campaign for Development New Suitcase Analogue Processing Block

on Kickstarter

"KiNo wants to maximise his musical output as a solo artist.

He wants to perform and record a series of singles on what would be the suitcase version of the original KiNo Live Rig*: a custom, one of a kind analogue sound processing device built by Pink Floyd insider, sonic wizard Jeff Blenkinsopp.

KiNo’s sound and craft has been produced independently for the past 6 years by Blenkinsopp.

The funds generated here will be used for the evolution and construction of this unique sound system. Also, it will send KiNo to studio and set up a tour itinerary.

The current state of the project: Jeff Blenkinsopp has developed the road map for the suitcase rack unit. To create this equipment, we need your help!

KiNo will embark on the recording process when the machines are completed. He will collaborate with Andy Rourke. The music will be produced by Jeff Blenkinsopp.

KiNo Website
KiNo on Facebook
Jeff Blenkinsopp's Analog Lab
Andy Rourke"

Live! - Trailer from KiNo on Vimeo.

World's Biggest Synth Tonto - Malcolm Cecil & KiNo from KiNo on Vimeo.

Blenkinsopp explains KiNo from KiNo on Vimeo.

Synapse Magazine

I haven't put up a post on Synapse Magazine in a while, so I figured why not put one up. Synapse Magazine was a synth focused magazine from the 1970s. Cynthia (yes, this Cynthia) has scanned several of the issues and made them available for free here. Do check them out. Lots of old analog goodness. You will feel just like Malcolm Cecil of Tonto.

TONTO This Saturday in NYC

Just a reminder: "This Saturday, June 11th The Analog Lab Presents: Malcolm Cecil on Analog Synthesis and Electronic Music at 5pm"

Full details here. See the TONTO label below for previous posts including video.

Sneak Peek Into Modular: the documentary

Some pics via Modular: the documentary where you'll find even more.
Above: "The Paramus hybrid digital/analog synthesizer...this is the analog interface."



"The Sonde...a super oscillator capable of generating 200 sine waves...allowing the user to perform complex additive synthesis!"



"Fantastic panel graphics adorn Le Caine's Serial Sound Structure Generator"



"Hugh Le Caine's Electronic Sackbut, built in the mid 1940's, was the first electronic music synthesizer to employ voltage control...it also featured an extremely expressive keyboard that gave the player 3 dimensional control over pitch, volume and timbre."



"Electronic music legend Morton Subotnick with an original set of Buchla modules created for the San Francisco Tape Music Center."



"Andrew Kilpatrick with some of his modular creations"



"Bruce Duncan amid a Modcan system"



"Master technician and sonic wizard Jeff Blenkinsopp and portions of Malcolm Cecil's legendary TONTO."



"Mark Verbos and his monster Buchla...packed with modules of varying vintage and some of his own design."

TONTO Rides Again - Updates

Title link takes you to updates in the original post. Putting this up just in case you missed it and would be interested. Good news is TONTO's Expanding Head Band will be playing live August 5th for those of you in Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. Bad news is TONTO won't be there as it is too big to travel. The post has also been updated with Malcolm Cecil's comments on the unauthorized recording.