New Moog Modulars – luxurious revival?

We have to admit, it’s a little odd: in 2015 Moog Music is building the modular systems of the late 60s and early 70s again. Hand made, noble design. Happy memories of bygone days – Wendy Carlos, Tomita, ELP, that catchy “Popcorn”, …

But let’s take a closer look at the current Moog modular production line …

Moog-Model15-Synthesizer

The following modular systems and accessories can be ordered:

  • Moog Model 15
  • Moog System 35
  • Moog System 55
  • Keith Emerson Moog System
  • Sequencer Complement B
  • 5-octave keyboard

It goes without saying that the availability of these Moog modular systems is limited. A paltry 150 units of the model 15 will be built and 55 units of the System 55. Pre-ordering is obligatory. Obviously.

Looking at the new Moog modular systems from different angles reveals the following …

Moog-System55-Synthesizer

Let’s start with the POSITIVE:

  • Studio musicians with the necessary chickenfeed can fullfill a long-cherished wish: a huge modular system housed in solid wood, with that legendary sound and the insignia MOOG to boot.
  • Those of you who have original Moog systems from the 60s and 70s can expand them with, for instance, a new double sequencer or a controller keyboard.
  • The tendency to over-price those original systems on the used market can be effectively thwarted. Why pay 50,000.00 USD for an “old” Moog system if you can have a “new” one for 35,000.00 USD?

ON THE OTHER HAND, we do have some questions:

  • Are the new Moog systems actually anachronistic? Does Moog’s setting on the technology of the 70s have any advantages? Asked another way: who needs S-trigger connections these days? And wouldn’t a built-in MIDI interface make the integration of those new Moog systems into today’s studio a lot easier?
  • And, the bottom line: are those high-prices justifiable? The Model 15 going for a mere  10,000.00 USD – that’s absurdly expensive. And why does a double sequencer block cost 8,500.00 USD, given the relative mediocrity of the Moog Sequencer from a musical point of view? Agreed, Moog Music offers perfect production quality and professional handling. But do service and brand name justify those high prices?

Moog-Sequencer-ComplementB

The fact is, you can get first-class alternatives for a lot less money these days. Be it modular systems from Synthesizers.com (already seen the new keyboard controllers?), Club Of The Knobs, Moon Modular or from other companies. From the musical standpoint, reality caught up and by-passed the myth of Moog years ago.

Despite all this, it is gratifying that the actual modular boom has caught up with Moog Music, as well. For those of you who need a reminder of the philosophy and aura of those legendary Moog modular systems, we recommend this Youtube Video:


Moog Modular Synthesizers
Prices start at 10,000.00 USD

Link: Moog Music Modulars

Filed under 2015, General

“Es genügt, einen Ton schön zu spielen” sagte der Komponist Arvo Pärt im Jahre 2005. Diese Aussage ist ebenso einfach wie ich auch exzellent: Es braucht kein Meer an Tönen, denn entscheidend ist der Klang. Dass so mancher Vintage-Synthesizer der 70er und 80er Jahre teils unerreicht hochwertige Klänge liefert, steht außer Frage. Doch tatsächlich leben wir “heute” in einer nahezu perfekten Zeit. Einerseits hat man – mehr oder weniger – noch Zugriff auf die Vintage Analogen, andererseits wird auch bei Neugeräten die wichtige Komponente des hochwertigen Klanges wieder zunehmend berücksichtigt. Doepfer, Cwejman, Synthesizers.com, MacBeth, Moog, GRP, Studio Electronics, COTK, John Bowen und andere Hersteller bauen hervorragende Synthesizer, die den “Klassikern” in nichts nachstehen. All diesen (alten wie neuen) “großartigen” Instrumenten ist Great Synthesizers gewidmet. _________________________________________________________ In 2005 composer Arvo Pärt said: “Playing one tone really well is enough”. In other words, it is sufficient to play one tone 'beautifully'. I agree with that. All musical efforts are focused on the sound itself. Although I studied classical music (piano and drums), it’s the electronic sound that inspires me. Synthesizers are the epitome of new sounds and exciting tonal spheres. Today, many companies produce high-quality - excellent! - synthesizers: Doepfer, Cwejman, MacBeth, Moog, GRP, Synthesizers.com, COTK, Studio Electronics, John Bowen and others. It's their products I'm really interested in ... apart from Vintage Synthesizers, which I have been collecting for 20 years. Subsequent to our former websites Bluesynths and Blogasys, Peter Mahr and I have now created GreatSynthesizers. We hope you like it.