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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
4 star
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2 star
1 star
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 Richard Tandy uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Richard Tandy

Guitarist, Bassist

Electric Light Orchestra

...
Verified via Proboards

This forum post lists the various keyboards that Richard Tandy used on all the ELO albums. The Moog Polymoog is amongst the list

See how Stuart Price uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Stuart Price

Music Producer

The Killers

...
Verified via MusicRadar

At his home studio (dubbed “50” for the street address where he lives), Price would often access his bank of vintage synths — including a Moog Polymoog, Korg MS-20, Roland SH-09 and a rare Rhodes Chroma — to add textures to a demo track or to supplement the Clavia Nord Lead 3 that Flowers uses as his main synth.

See how Ron Mael uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Ron Mael

Keyboardist

Sparks

...
Verified via EMusician

Over the years, Ron Mael has played numerous synths, keyboards and computer-based instruments — Moog's Polymoog, Roland's JP-4 and JP-8, the Wurlitzer electric piano and the Fairlight CMI, to name a few — but his workhorse favorites have been the Yamaha CS-80 (produced in the late '70s) and the sleeker S80 (introduced in 1999).

See how Frank Dukes uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Frank Dukes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Frank Dukes can be seen sitting in front of multiple synths including this one (top left).

See how Shook uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Shook

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In a recent instagram post Shook stated: "I'm back home again.????? Bought myself a Moog that needs a bit of loving.????????????" which then displays Shook working on the Polymoog keyboard.

See how Benny Andersson uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Benny Andersson

Keyboardist, Composer

ABBA

...
Verified via Photo

The Moog Polymoog Synthesizer can be seen in this photo with Benny Andersson, with the Minimoog sitting atop it. The image provides clear evidence of Andersson using the Polymoog.

See how Brent Mydland uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Brent Mydland

Singer, Keyboardist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, if you watch the second tune, Greatest Story Ever Told, you can see Brent playing the Polymoog. I know it's a Polymoog because I had one a long time ago...this was during the mid to late 1980s when that keyboard was very popular and versatile...kind of the grandfather of the Kurzweil.

You can also see Brent setting the fine programming on the Polymoog at the beginning of the full concert video, "Truckin' Up to Buffalo" from 7/4/89.

See how Anthony Phillips uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Anthony Phillips

Guitarist

Genesis

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

This Guitar Player article states that Phillips used a Polymoog on one of his albums: "Following Wise After the Event, Phillips’ music moved into a much more personal and uncompromising space. The third reissue, 1984—originally released in 1981—saw a major directional shift, as the album comprised almost entirely electronic music performed on a Moog Polymoog and a Roland GR-500 guitar synth."

See how DJ Gregory uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

DJ Gregory

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via fabric london

"Regarding synth I use a lot of different ones like Prophet VS , Mini Moog , Casio Cz5000, yamaha Dx100 , Emu SQ80 , Polymoog

See how Larry Fast uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Larry Fast

Keyboardist, Composer

Nektar

...
Verified via Photo

At this picture You can see a Polymoog synthesizer in Larry's studio.

See how Chad VanGaalen uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Chad VanGaalen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

You can see a Polymoog behind him on this photograph.

See how Susan Ciani uses Moog Polymoog Synthesizer 203a

Susan Ciani

Music Producer

...
Verified via Sevwave

In this 1979 interview, at page 35, she said that she owns the Moog Polymoog synthesizer.

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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