Moog to re-manufacture three of their classic modular synthesizersMoog Modular Synthesis

Moog to re-manufacture three of their classic modular synthesizers


Back in 1964, Bob Moog changed the course of music forever with the introduction of the first modular voltage-controlled music synthesizer. For the next 16 years or so, Moog and crew manufactured some of the most historic modular synthesizers to date, inspiring everyone from Giorgio Moroder to Stevie Wonder in the ’70s — not to mention deadmau5 and Hans Zimmer in more recent time.

Now, 50 years after the instrument’s inception, Moog is bringing back three of its most popular modular synthesizers: the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. While music production techniques have gone almost exclusively “in-the-box” since the era of Moog, the move to bring back the classic large format modular synths is synonymous with an analog-driven trend among more technical producers in recent years.

To celebrate the announcement, Moog has released an 18-minute mini-documentary shot in their factory detailing the history of the device and its impact on the music world. Among other speakers, Grammy award winning producer and modular synthesizer expert Malcolm Cecil is prominently featured in the video. “With the modular, you make your sounds different every day,” he says. The producer also notes how the instrument fell out of popularity in the age of MIDI. Referring to modular synthesis, he says, “It didn’t lend itself to being musical unless you spent a lot of time.”

The new System 55, System 35 and Model 15 modular synthesizers will be produced in extremely limited quantities. Due to Moog’s extensive and detailed manufacturing process, less than 100 units of each instrument will be made, ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 each.

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