Robert Moog

The Moog synthesizer was one of the first widely used electronic mucical instruments.

Robert Moog created the first playable modern configurable music synthesizer in 1964. It took hours to set up the machine for a new sound. Among the first pieces of recorded music performed on this synthesizer are the record "The well-tempered synthesizer" and "Switched-on Bach" by Walter Carlos.

Robert Moog set up a company to manufacture and market his synthesizers. Unlike several other contemporary synthesizer manufacturers, Moog shipped a keyboard as the standard user interface to his synthesizers.

Moog also established standards for analog synthesizer control interfacing, with a logarithmic 1-volt-per-octave pitch control and a separate pulse triggering signal.

The first instruments were modular synthesizers, and Moog broke into the mass market with the Minimoog an all-in-one instrument. Eventually, the advent of digital synthesizers made analog synthesizers less popular. The company making the Moog synthesizers went through various changes of ownership, eventually being bought out by musical instrument manufacturer Norlin.

Analog synthesizers have made a comeback in recent years, and they are prized for their "retro" sound.

After many years, Bob Moog is making electronic musical instruments again, with a new company, Big Briar.

External links

• Synth Museum article about Bob Moog (http://www.synthmuseum.com/moog/)
• Amazing Sounds interview with Bob Moog (http://www.amazings.com/articles/article0036)
• Salon article about Robert Moog's career (http://www.salon.com/people/bc/2000/04/25/moog/index)
• Big Briar, Bob Moog's new company (http://www.bigbriar.com/)
• Pictures of Bob Moog (http://www.analogue.org/mr/moog/)
• Article with pictures of Bob Moog and various Moog synthesizers (http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/machines/moog/)
• Picture archive of a large number of analog synthesizsers, including Moog (http://www.sonicstate.com/synthfool/pics)
• Bob Moog's links (http://www.thereminvox.com/directory/56/)