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Average Price: $3,463
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$500
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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
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What type of synthesis does the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a use?
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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.
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How many keys does the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a have?
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The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a features a full-size keyboard with 80 keys, providing an extensive range for complex performances and compositions.
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Is the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a is polyphonic, capable of playing up to 71 voices simultaneously, making it suitable for creating rich, layered sounds.
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What are the standout features of the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a?
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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.
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Does the Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a have any preset sounds?
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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.
Videos
shookmusic
Polymoog 203A Synthesizer: A Sonic Exploration
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound and layout unmatched by other synths
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Offers the classic Moog Ladder filter plus additional multimode filters
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Individual volume levels and outputs for extensive sound mixing
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Allows for full polyphony across the keyboard
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Features early velocity sensitivity for expressive playing
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Preset and manual modes for flexible sound shaping
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Signal blending options offer creative sound routing possibilities
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71-note, fully polyphonic capabilities
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Iconic sounds used by famous artists like Gary Numan
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Well-designed for restoration and long-term use
CONS
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Not suitable for touring due to its size and complexity
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Lacks modulation for the Resonators section, limiting filter movement
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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
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Repairing the Polymoog often exceeds initial estimates; experienced Moog technicians are essential due to complex repairs and potential for high maintenance costs.
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Value and pricing
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A non-working Polymoog 203a typically sells around $2500, while functional models range from $4000 to $5000, indicating significant repair value discrepancies.
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Comparisons
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The Polymoog is often likened to an elaborate electric piano, lacking the investment potential of more reliable synth models.
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The Polymoog outperforms the Memorymoog in sound clarity, avoiding the "pillow" effect associated with Curtis chips.
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The Yamaha CS-80 surpasses both the Polymoog and Jupiter-8 in sound power and expressiveness, with the Polymoog previously leading in orchestral strings.
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User experience
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
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
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Prince used a Moog Polymoog on For You and Prince. It is mentioned in the liner notes to For You.
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."
Kraftwerk used the Moog Polymoog synthesizer during their 1981 Computer World tour, as detailed in the Kraftwerk FAQ.
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."
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)
About 20s into this video of "Many Too Many", Tony can be seen playing the Polymoog
The back of the album cover from the album Sunshine (1978) shows a great diversity of Herbies synths collection
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.
Album Usage
The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a has been featured on the following albums:
Live Cuts: Freiburg 1980
SBB (2025)
Strange Behavior: Original Soundtrack
Tangerine Dream (2022)
The End (Live)
Black Sabbath (2017)
Crimson, White & Indigo: July 7 1989, JFK Stadium, Philadelphia (Live)
Grateful Dead (2010)
Live at Brixton Academy 1999
Atari Teenage Riot (2000)
Ogród Króla Świtu
Marek Bilinski (1982)
1984 (Deluxe Edition)
Anthony Phillips (1981)
Telekon
Gary Numan (1980)
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan (1979)
Cars
Gary Numan (1979)
Armed Forces (Super Deluxe Edition)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1979)
Prince
Prince & Prince (1979)
This Year's Model (2021 Remaster)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1978)
For You
Prince & Prince (1978)
Who Are You
The Who (1978)
Kosmos
Isao Tomita (1978)
Tormato
Yes (1978)
Sunlight
Herbie Hancock (1978)
Going for the One
Yes (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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