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Description

The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a is a symphony of sonic innovation, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern functionality. This iconic synthesizer, first introduced in the late 1970s, continues to captivate musicians with its polyphonic capabilities, allowing for the simultaneous playing of multiple notes, a distinctive feature in Moog's history. Designed for the adventurous musician, the Polymoog 203a is equipped with 71 full-sized keys, offering a vast canvas for creativity and expression.

This synthesizer is renowned for its unique sound architecture, featuring a plethora of preset sounds that range from lush strings to ethereal pads. The 203a is not just about presets; it provides a robust array of controls for real-time sound manipulation, including a resonant filter and modulation options. The inclusion of a built-in equalizer gives users the ability to fine-tune their sound to perfection, making it a versatile tool for both studio and live performances.

Whether you're a vintage synth enthusiast or a modern music producer, the Polymoog Synthesizer 203a offers a timeless quality that transcends musical genres. Its distinctive resonant filter and modulation capabilities provide endless possibilities for sound design, making it a staple in the arsenal of any serious musician.

Key Features:

  • 71 full-sized keys for expansive playability
  • Polyphonic synthesis for complex sound creation
  • Built-in resonant filter for unique audio shaping
  • Extensive modulation controls for dynamic sound manipulation
  • Preset sounds ranging from strings to pads
  • Integrated equalizer for precise sound customization
  • Ideal for both studio sessions and live performances

Product specs

Brand Moog
Model Polymoog
Finish Black
Year 1975 - 1978
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 80 Keys
Polyphony 71 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a use?

The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a utilizes analog synthesis, which is known for its warm and rich sound quality that is highly sought after by musicians and producers.

How many keys does the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a have?

The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a features a full-size keyboard with 80 keys, providing an extensive range for complex performances and compositions.

Is the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a polyphonic or monophonic?

The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a is polyphonic, capable of playing up to 71 voices simultaneously, making it suitable for creating rich, layered sounds.

What are the standout features of the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a?

The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a is notable for its full-size 80-key keyboard, 71-voice polyphony, and classic analog sound, which are ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.

Does the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a have any preset sounds?

Yes, the Polymoog Synthesizer 203a includes a variety of preset sounds, allowing users to quickly access classic Moog tones and customize them further for unique soundscapes.

shookmusic

shookmusic

Polymoog 203A Synthesizer: A Sonic Exploration

Video thumbnail for Polymoog 203A Synthesizer:  A Sonic Exploration by shookmusic

Polymoog 203A Synthesizer: A Sonic Exploration

shookmusic

shookmusic

Video thumbnail for MOOG POLYMOOG KEYBOARD SYNTHESIZER @ RAINBOWMUSICOMAHA RAINBOW RECORDING STUDIOS NE. by rainbow music omaha

MOOG POLYMOOG KEYBOARD SYNTHESIZER @ RAINBOWMUSICOMAHA RAINBOW RECORDING STUDIOS NE.

rainbow music omaha

rainbow music omaha

Video thumbnail for Moog Polymoog vs Roland SH-201 by Krzysztof Przebinda

Moog Polymoog vs Roland SH-201

Krzysztof Przebinda

Krzysztof Przebinda

Video thumbnail for Moog Polymoog 203a 1975-1978 Synthesizer w/ Controller & Manual by eclecticsoundspdx

Moog Polymoog 203a 1975-1978 Synthesizer w/ Controller & Manual

eclecticsoundspdx

eclecticsoundspdx

Video thumbnail for Moog Polymoog synth chat with Matt at Effort Studios by Take the Fear out the Gear

Moog Polymoog synth chat with Matt at Effort Studios

Take the Fear out the Gear

Take the Fear out the Gear

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound and layout unmatched by other synths

  • Offers the classic Moog Ladder filter plus additional multimode filters

  • Individual volume levels and outputs for extensive sound mixing

  • Allows for full polyphony across the keyboard

  • Features early velocity sensitivity for expressive playing

  • Preset and manual modes for flexible sound shaping

  • Signal blending options offer creative sound routing possibilities

  • 71-note, fully polyphonic capabilities

  • Iconic sounds used by famous artists like Gary Numan

  • Well-designed for restoration and long-term use

CONS

  • Not suitable for touring due to its size and complexity

  • Lacks modulation for the Resonators section, limiting filter movement

  • Some models have reduced editing capabilities compared to others

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a.

Setup and maintenance

  • Repairing the Polymoog often exceeds initial estimates; experienced Moog technicians are essential due to complex repairs and potential for high maintenance costs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A non-working Polymoog 203a typically sells around $2500, while functional models range from $4000 to $5000, indicating significant repair value discrepancies.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Polymoog is often likened to an elaborate electric piano, lacking the investment potential of more reliable synth models.

    Source
  • The Polymoog outperforms the Memorymoog in sound clarity, avoiding the "pillow" effect associated with Curtis chips.

    Source
  • The Yamaha CS-80 surpasses both the Polymoog and Jupiter-8 in sound power and expressiveness, with the Polymoog previously leading in orchestral strings.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the Polymoog has a reputation for being unreliable, with some describing it as a "lemon" in terms of dependability.

    Source
  • The Polymoog's analog strings are praised for their uniqueness, with notable use by artists like Benny Andersson and Tony Banks for orchestral strings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Only Preset 9 on the 203A allows full control access, highlighting its use limitations without additional effects processing.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
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mach4
mach4

1256

Moog's first significant foray into polyphony, as oft-maligned as it is admired, still sought after.

Largely designed by Dave Luce, a Moog Music employee, the Polymoog is a 71-note, fully polyphonic (divide-down) synthesiser, and was produced in two distinctly different models - the 203a and the 208a. The 203a allowed each of the 8 presets to be fully edited and is identifiable by its front panel which is well-stocked with controls. The Polymoog Keyboard (the 208a pictured here) increases the number of presets to 14 but reduces the amount of editing available. Although potentially limited, it was no less popular (as Gary Numan's most famous track will attest to!)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Trent Reznor uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Trent Reznor

Keyboardist, Singer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Trent Reznor shared a picture of this Moog Polymoog to his Instagram profile.

See how Prince uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

Prince

...
Verified via Guitarcloud

Prince used a Moog Polymoog on For You and Prince. It is mentioned in the liner notes to For You.

See how Pete Townshend uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used during the composition of Who Are You, as mentioned by producer Jon Astley in this Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about the song "Who Are You".

"Pete would come in with a new song, which would serve as the backing track for The Who to perform on, and John [Entwistle] would do the same," says Astley. "Pete had a Polymoog that was programmed to play his backing tracks, and then the other guys would overdub their parts."

See how Kraftwerk uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

Kraftwerk used the Moog Polymoog synthesizer during their 1981 Computer World tour, as detailed in the Kraftwerk FAQ.

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Photo

The Real Mike Dean is confirmed to use a Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account (@therealmikedean), where he showcased the rare synthesizer with the caption "More rarities from @bitcrush.vintagegear."

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

As part of YMO's setup during their 1980 world tour.

See how Rick Wakeman uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via YouTube

The Polymoog 203a can clearly be seen played by Wakeman at 6:52 during these sessions for the Tormato album by Yes. He also used the Polymoog on their previous album Going For The One (most notably for the solo in Wonderous Stories)

See how Tony Banks uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

About 20s into this video of "Many Too Many", Tony can be seen playing the Polymoog

See how Herbie Hancock uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

The Headhunters

...
Verified via Photo

The back of the album cover from the album Sunshine (1978) shows a great diversity of Herbies synths collection

See how Gary Numan uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Gary Numan

Singer, Guitarist

Tubeway Army

...
Verified via Moogmusic

When recording “Cars,” arguably his most well-known track outside of “ME”, Numan deployed a Polymoog. First introduced in 1975, the Polymoog offered users presets for strings, organ, harpsichord, and other instruments in Moog’s distinct electronic sound. Numan eventually owned two 203a's and six 280a's, making great use of the Vox Humana preset a number of times.

On “Cars,” the Polymoog’s iconic string sounds can be heard throughout the song. It can also be seen in Numan’s evocative music video for the single. Numan used the synthesizer throughout the recording of The Pleasure Principle, particularly on “Films,” as well as on his 1980 album Telekon. It can also be seen on Numan’s 1979 Top of the Pops performance of “Cars,” just to the right of him, as well as on Old Grey Whistle Test.

See how Keith Emerson uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Keith Emerson

Keyboardist

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

This Sound On Sound article states that Emerson owned a Polymoog.

See how Peter Gabriel uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Peter Gabriel

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Flickr

A Polymoog synthesizer can be seen atop the grand piano played by Peter Gabriel in this live photo from 1977.

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 Polymoog Synthesizer 203a, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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