More on the Moog

The Moog IIIc.

The Moog was developed in the early 1960’s by Bob Moog. Early devices like the Theremin were very basic and hard to perform with. From 1950 and into the 60’s studio composers relied heavily on magnetic tape as discussed earlier, using techniques like tape splicing. Pitch was changed by speeding up or slowing down the tape machine. Overdubs were recorded onto a master tape. This was very time consuming. With the invention of the transistor the building of the first synthesizers was made possible. This led to Moog’s invention which was a lot more convenient, smaller than earlier electronic systems and a lot cheaper. This was also more reliable than vacuum tube technology. The first commercially sold Moog Prototype was released in 1964 and commissioned by the Alwin Nikolais Dance theatre of NY. From the 13^th to the 15^th of August 2019 was the grand Moogseum opening, chronicling the work of Bob Moog. It included guest appearances including Herb Deutsch, one of Bob Moogs collaborators, Patrick Moraz keyboardist for the bands Refugee, Yes and the Moody Blues and Larry Fast, pioneering synth player and historian and contemporary synthesists Lisa Bella Donna. Patrick performed for the audience at the event on various Moogs.  
The Moog really came into the limelight with Wendy Carlos’ Switched on Bach. As stated earlier, Tomita had problems getting the Moog through Japanese customs as the equipment was heavy and bulky and they thought it may be military equipment. Tomita could not play the device when asked so several months later he showed them a picture of the Moog being played by Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake and Palmer to prove that is was in fact a musical instrument. Then the equipment was released by customs.