Moog Music

Overview

Moog Music is an American synthesizer company based in Asheville, North Carolina, known for producing analog synthesizers and electronic musical instruments. It originated with the first commercial synthesizer and the Minimoog, which influenced electronic music development. The company focuses on instruments emphasizing the Moog analog sound design.¹²

History

Founded in 1953 as R.A. Moog Co. by Robert Moog and his father in the United States. Renamed Moog Music in 1972; produced the influential Moog synthesizer and Minimoog in 1970. Filed for bankruptcy in 1987; Robert Moog started Big Briar in 1978, which resumed as Moog Music in 2002 after reclaiming the trademark. Acquired by inMusic in June 2023.¹²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. Operations involve in-house production of analog synthesizers and electronic instruments.¹²³

Notable Products

• Minimoog - Portable analog synthesizer from 1970, highly influential in electronic music.
• Minimoog Model D - Classic monophonic analog synthesizer, reissued version of the original.
• Mother-32 - Entry-level semi-modular analog synthesizer with 32-patch points.
• Sub 37 - Paraphonic analog synthesizer with 37 keys and extensive modulation.
• Matriarch - Desktop/performance analog synthesizer with 4-note paraphony.
• Theremins - Electronic instruments played without physical contact.

Reputation

Moog Music is regarded by enthusiasts and professionals for its authentic analog sound and historical significance in synthesizer development. Strengths include sound quality and build reliability rooted in classic designs. Criticisms may involve high prices relative to digital alternatives.¹⁵