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Average Price: $8,900

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Introducing the Moog Memorymoog, a true gem in the world of synths. This marvel is the final synth to roll off the production line of the original Moog company in 1982, before they closed doors. The Memorymoog uniquely combines a 100 patch memory slot system with a six-voice polyphony, offering an unparalleled polysynth experience with the distinct triple VCO Moog flavor. Available in two models, the basic and the Plus, the latter is especially sought after for its rudimentary MIDI implementation. However, it's common to find both models retrofitted with updated MIDI setups, enhanced oscillator stability, and more, bringing a modern touch to this classic instrument.

Key Features:

  • Six-voice polyphony for rich and layered soundscapes
  • Triple VCO for that distinctive Moog sound
  • 100 patch memory slots for extensive sound customization
  • Available in two models: basic and Plus with MIDI implementation
  • Commonly retrofitted with improved MIDI setups and oscillator stability
  • Produced by the original Moog company, adding to its vintage value.

Product specs

Brand Moog
Model Memorymoog
Finish Wood
Year 1982 - 1985
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 6 Voices

FAQs

Is the Moog Memorymoog suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Moog Memorymoog is highly regarded for live performances due to its robust build, full-size keys, and rich analog sound. Its polyphony of 6 voices allows for complex and layered soundscapes, making it a favorite among live musicians.

How does the Moog Memorymoog's polyphony compare to other synthesizers?

The Moog Memorymoog offers 6-voice polyphony, which is substantial for an analog synthesizer from its era. This allows users to play chords and complex sequences, distinguishing it from monophonic synths like the Minimoog.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Moog Memorymoog?

The Moog Memorymoog is known for its rich, warm, and powerful analog sound. It excels in creating lush pads, thick basses, and soaring leads, making it versatile for various music genres.

Does the Moog Memorymoog have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Moog Memorymoog includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to integrate with modern digital setups for enhanced control and sequencing.

What are the key features of the Moog Memorymoog's sound engine?

The Moog Memorymoog features a robust analog sound engine with three oscillators per voice, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities. Its comprehensive modulation options and signature Moog filters contribute to its legendary sound.

SynthMania

SynthMania

''Via Marconi'' - '80s Italo with Memorymoog

Video thumbnail for ''Via Marconi'' - '80s Italo with Memorymoog by SynthMania

''Via Marconi'' - '80s Italo with Memorymoog

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for The Vintage Memorymoog In Action by Doctor Mix

The Vintage Memorymoog In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Moog Memorymoog - beauty by SynthMania

Moog Memorymoog - beauty

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Moog Memorymoog Vintage Analog Synthesizer Overview by Perfect Circuit

Moog Memorymoog Vintage Analog Synthesizer Overview

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for MOOG MEMORYMOOG | Presets, Sounds & Patches 【SYNTH DEMO】 by synth4ever

MOOG MEMORYMOOG | Presets, Sounds & Patches 【SYNTH DEMO】

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for MemoryMoog | Fat Fragile Fabulous Vintage Analog by Espen Kraft

MemoryMoog | Fat Fragile Fabulous Vintage Analog

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Moog Memorymoog - Rosen Sound Demo by Rosen Sound

Moog Memorymoog - Rosen Sound Demo

Rosen Sound

Rosen Sound

Video thumbnail for Moog MemoryMoog: Is It Worth It? by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Moog MemoryMoog: Is It Worth It?

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for The Venerable Moog Memorymoog -  Inspiration for the Moog Muse? by Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

The Venerable Moog Memorymoog - Inspiration for the Moog Muse?

Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Vintage Synthesizer Solutions

Video thumbnail for Clash of The Titans: Roland Jupiter-8 vs. Moog MemoryMoog by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Clash of The Titans: Roland Jupiter-8 vs. Moog MemoryMoog

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredible versatility in sound and functionality

  • Distinct, raw Moog sound that stands out

  • Capable of producing timeless vintage tones with clarity and character

  • Exceptional musicality; elevates performances and recordings

  • Can serve as a highly effective main synth for sessions

  • Durable; proven to withstand heavy touring

  • Offers unique collectible value due to rare components

CONS

  • Maintenance can be very expensive

  • Contains rare, no longer manufactured chips, posing a risk of eventual failure

  • May be considered more of a collector's item than a necessity for modern musicians

  • Without LAMM (Lintronics Advanced Memorymoog Modification), reliability is questionable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Moog Memorymoog.

Build quality

  • The Memorymoog is considered the most fragile mass-produced polysynth, compared to the OB-Xa, suggesting it feels like a prototype in terms of durability.

    Source
  • The Memorymoog has a peculiar mix of premium components but suffers from sloppy construction, evidenced by messy handwritten serial numbers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Memorymoog lacks split/dual mode, limiting its versatility compared to the Jupiter-8, which is noted for its intuitive design and modern functionality.

    Source
  • The unison mode produces a massive sound with its 18 VCOs, while the glide feature is appreciated by users.

    Source
  • The arpeggiator is considered subpar by some users, though the auto-tune function is found to work decently.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners find the Jupiter-8 to be a better all-around synth, describing the Memorymoog as more of a "character piece" suitable for someone with multiple synths.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite high used prices for the Memorymoog, some buyers prefer the new Moog One for its additional features and less nostalgic appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • Real owners describe the Memorymoog as unreliable and challenging for daily use, while the Jupiter-8 is praised for its ease of use and reliability.

    Source
  • Owners describe it as vibrating like an idling lawn mower, indicating an unusual mechanical characteristic.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Its sound design capabilities are highly valued for film trailers, making it more suited for specialized applications rather than general use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Moog Memorymoog

soundonsound.com

The Moog Memorymoog garners admiration for its robust, powerful analog sound, reminiscent of Moog's early modular synths. Yet, it’s marred by notorious reliability issues, especially in tuning, making it a gamble for musicians. While it offers a rich variety of sounds and a unique VCF, its modulation capabilities fall short compared to modern synths. The Memorymoog Plus version adds only basic MIDI and a sequencer, which doesn’t justify its high second-hand market price, driven by collector demand and its rarity. Consider alternatives unless you're committed to its iconic sound and ready for potential maintenance woes.

Moog Memorymoog - TOP vintage poly-synth with 18 VCOs - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The Moog Memorymoog is hailed as a top vintage synth, celebrated for its unique, expressive sound and 18 lively VCOs. Its allure lies in its rich tonal character, flexible modulation, and performance features that appeal to sound designers and performers alike. However, it comes with quirks: it’s notoriously unreliable, with tuning inconsistencies, sluggish switches, and a noisy fan. The System Controller adds cumbersome complexity, and its aged hardware may require costly maintenance. Yet, its vibrant, warm sound is unparalleled, making it a prized, albeit risky, investment for those captivated by its vintage charm.

positive

Moog Memorymoog (EMM Feb 83)

muzines.co.uk

The Moog Memorymoog impresses with its advanced polyphonic capabilities, featuring six voices each with three oscillators, and a robust modulation section that delights with its versatility. Its standout feature, the System Controller, offers expansive programmability through a Z80 microprocessor, making it a forward-thinking choice for its time. However, its lack of touch sensitivity, mono output, and some inaccuracies in timing marks and filter modulation are notable drawbacks. The keyboard's 'spongy' feel and the weighty build could be off-putting for some. Though not without flaws, the Memorymoog remains a potent synthesizer for those seeking rich, modulated soundscapes.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Hartman uses Moog Memorymoog

Dan Hartman

Music Producer

The Edgar Winter Group

...
Verified via Photo

He is seen hear circa 1984 playing a Moog Memorymoog.

See how Drew Neumann uses Moog Memorymoog

Drew Neumann

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Drew Neumann has confirmed using the Moog Memorymoog in the studio section of an archived page.

See how Jimmy Waldo uses Moog Memorymoog

Jimmy Waldo

Keyboardist

Quiet Riot

...
Verified via YouTube

In Alcatrazz's "God Blessed Video" music video, Jimmy Waldo's Moog Memorymoog can be seen beneath his two Yamaha DX7 keyboards at the 3 minute and 39 seconds mark. This can be verified in the Full HD Remastered Video Clip uploaded by Vince Distefano's Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Vault on YouTube.

T

Thomas Troelsen

Music Producer

Superheroes

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I've sold a lot of the keys that were very prestigious but I just didn't like that much,” he says. "The Minimoogs and the [Yamaha] CS80s, the Memorymoog, the [Roland] Jupiter 8… I think they are so overrated because they're really not that great."

See how Paul Butler uses Moog Memorymoog

Paul Butler

Guitarist, Drummer

The Bees

...
Verified via YouTube

Has been seen in Pauls studio in numerous photos on The Bees social media’s. Can also be seen in their studio tour videos, the earliest known is on a John Peep episode from the late 90s. Can also be heard in many of Pauls productions.

See how Alan Fitzgerald uses Moog Memorymoog

Alan Fitzgerald

Bassist, Keyboardist

Van Halen

...
Verified via Photo

According to an article written by Greg Armbruster in the October 1985 issue of Keyboard Magazine, Alan Fitzgerald used the Moog Memorymoog on the "Midnight Madness" album.

See how David Arnold uses Moog Memorymoog

David Arnold

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified

In a YouTube clip, David Arnold showcases the Moog Memorymoog as part of his collection of analog synthesizers.

See how Larry Dvoskin uses Moog Memorymoog

Larry Dvoskin

Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3 minutes and 14 seconds into Zeno's music video for "Love Will Live," Larry Dvoskin is visibly using a Moog Memorymoog, as documented on YouTube by user loaded5981.

See how Tommy Hansen uses Moog Memorymoog

Tommy Hansen

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Tommy Hansen has a Moog Memorymoog at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, as evidenced by a photo available on Equipboard.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Moog Memorymoog, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

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