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Moog (Realistic) Concertmate MG-1

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$600.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (19)

3 Critic Reviews

7 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Moog Concertmate MG-1

4 community setups

25 wishlisted

62 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (13)

$600.00 18 available Used

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Average Price: $600

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Moog (Realistic) Concertmate MG-1 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Moog (Realistic) Concertmate MG-1, a compact yet potent synthesizer that's become a cult favorite among musicians. Crafted by Moog for Radio Shack's Realistic line, this cost-effective, dual VCO synth is equipped with a genuine Moog 24dB/oct filter. Once considered a budget instrument, the MG-1 is now highly sought-after for its ability to produce that distinct, iconic Moog bassline. Experience the raw power and unique sound that has propelled this humble synth into the modern musical spotlight and captivated acts like SURVIVE.

Key Features:

Genuine Moog 24dB/oct filter for manifesting the signature Moog bassline
Equipped with two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO)
Originally part of Radio Shack's Realistic brand
Compact design for easy portability
Affordable without compromising the quality Moog is known for
Highly collectible, with a growing popularity among modern musicians

Product specs

Brand	Moog
Model	Realistic Concertmate MG-1
Finish	Black
Year	1981
Made In	United States
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Number of Keys	32 Keys
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Moog Concertmate MG-1 a monophonic or polyphonic synthesizer?: The Moog Concertmate MG-1 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.
What type of keys does the Moog Concertmate MG-1 have?: The Moog Concertmate MG-1 features 32 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience.
Does the Moog Concertmate MG-1 use analog or digital technology?: The Moog Concertmate MG-1 is an analog synthesizer, offering warm, rich sounds characteristic of analog circuitry.
What are the standout sound features of the Moog Concertmate MG-1?: The Moog Concertmate MG-1 offers unique features like polyphonic organ sounds and a distinctive bell tone, alongside classic Moog bass and lead sounds.
Can the Moog Concertmate MG-1 be used for live performances?: Yes, the Moog Concertmate MG-1 is suitable for live performances, offering a range of classic analog sounds and a straightforward interface for on-the-fly adjustments.

Videos

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Thalassa77

Moog Realistic Concertmate MG-1 [HQ]

Thalassa77

Moog Realistic Concertmate MG-1 Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

The Realistic (Moog) MG-1: Sounds of the MG-1

AutomaticGainsay

Moog Realistic Concertmate MG-1 With Effect Pedals

Perfect Circuit

Synth Stuff Ep. 48 - Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1

tritonrecordings

Realistic Concertmate MG-1 by MOOG Demo

Tony Mullins

Reviews

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PROS

Real Moog sound at lower prices
Lightweight and compact, easy to integrate
Quick to dial in good sounds, easy to learn
Offers unique growl and grit not found in similar synths
Tweakable with external effects for expansive soundscapes
Features like polyphony and dual oscillators enhance versatility
Modifiable for added flexibility and sound options
Distinctive, undervalued Moog sound

CONS

No pitch wheel, could limit expression for some users
Susceptible to getting dirty due to fader design
Slightly noisy output
Build quality leaves room for improvement
Tuning can drift, challenging to stay in tune
Limited waveform options restrict sound variety
Infamous foam deterioration can cause key sticking

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Moog (Realistic) Concertmate MG-1.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners frequently mod the MG-1 with MIDI and lower octave oscillators; accounts like "synthpro" and "severed_machines" offer guidance on various modifications.
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VCO2 can be modded to transpose an octave up or down, increasing the synth's versatility.
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Adding a Minimoog filter mod and variable pulse width modulation enhances the MG-1's tonal capabilities significantly.
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LED sliders are a visually appealing modification to replace damaged original sliders, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
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Some owners replace the stock RCA output with a 1/4 inch jack for improved connectivity and consider MIDI mods for expanded functionality.
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User experience

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Owners find the black foam residue a significant challenge, requiring persistence and creativity in restoration.
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Some users have found MG-1s at exceptionally low prices, such as $15 at a Goodwill, though restoration can cost a few hundred dollars.
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Despite its quirks, the MG-1 is appreciated as a "My First Synth," appealing to beginners and restoration enthusiasts alike.
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Comparisons

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The MG-1 shares design elements with the Moog Grandmother, with cases almost identical, and modding can add Grandmother-like patch points.
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The MG-1 is often considered overpriced on the secondary market, especially if it hasn't been serviced, contrasting with alternatives like the Moog Grandmother or free VSTs.
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Compared to the Moog Rogue, the MG-1 is preferred for its organ section but lacks the Rogue’s mod wheel; it's considered inferior in sound to models like the Prodigy or Multimoog.
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Features and functionality

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The MG-1's rear panel is a consideration for buyers, featuring RCA jacks and audio in, which some users modify for better connectivity.
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The MG-1 includes an "organ mode" for faux polyphony, ring mod ("bell tone"), and portamento, offering unique sound capabilities for its class.
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Use cases and applications

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The MG-1's sound is greatly enhanced with effects, making it a keeper for many despite not being the most immediately useful synth.
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The MG-1's unique mix of monophonic and polyphonic capabilities is particularly appealing for those exploring diverse sound textures.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's crucial to clean out the deteriorated foam from the sliders, which often turns into a black glop; professional cleaning costs around $200.
Source

Value and pricing

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The MG-1 is seen as a budget-friendly option, especially for those interested in restoration projects, though not a top choice for long-term keeping.
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Build quality

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The plastic casing is deceptively tough, surviving falls with minor damage, though it may not be ideal for live performances due to tuning instability.
Source

Critic Reviews

Realistic Concertmate MG-1 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Moog Concertmate MG-1 offers an affordable entry into Moog's world, boasting a genuine 24dB/oct Moog filter and simple interface, making it attractive for beginners. While it provides classic Moog bass sounds, its overall sound can feel thin, and it lacks MIDI and patch memory, limiting its modern usability. The slider-controlled divide-down polyphonic organ adds some versatility. A mixed bag, the MG-1 is ideal for those seeking vintage vibes on a budget, but may leave sound purists wanting more.

neutral

Full Review

RadioShack’s Neglected Moog: Exploring the Realistic | Reverb News

reverb.com

The Realistic Concertmate MG-1, a collaboration between Moog and RadioShack, offers a unique twist on classic Moog synthesis with its quirky polyphonic features and robust Moog ladder filter. While it delivers strong bass and a versatile architecture, the use of cheaper components means it lacks some high-end polish. Despite the infamous sticky foam issue, which requires careful cleaning, the MG-1 remains a beloved favorite for its distinctive sound and modding potential. A budget-friendly entry into the Moog universe, it holds its ground against modern analog competitors.

positive

Full Review

Deep Dive Into ‘The Radio Shack Moog Synthesizer,’ The Realistic Concertmate MG-1 – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

The Realistic Concertmate MG-1 is a curious piece of synth history, blending iconic Moog circuitry with a divisive polyphonic organ feature. While it delivers unique, sharp, and nasal sounds that some cherish, others find its minimalistic design and deteriorating foam off-putting. It's not the most serious instrument, but its quirky charm and distinctive sound keep it in demand among collectors. Though it may not replace more refined Moog models, its bizarre allure and ability to produce interesting tones make it a notable oddity. Ideal for those seeking nostalgic or unusual soundscapes, but not for everyone.

neutral

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 19 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

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1 star

ridley_kemp

172

about 5 years ago

Deceptively powerful, Moog-powered, and very tempermental

For the basics, check out the Automatic Gainsay video series on the MG-1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE7aQpA4XVA). It's very similar to, but superior to, the Rogue. Mostly monophonic, with two oscillators, a strange envelope, and a divide-down organ section for polyphonic play. It's harsh, the tuning drifts, and it can make disturbingly rude sounds. Really good stuff and still, imo, undervalued.

Mine is heavily modded by SwitchedOn in Austin. See the photo of the mods on my gear page. The mods allow me to drop it an octave, route either the LFO or ENV to VCO2, set the modulation amount of VCO2, route VCO2 to the VCF, set the pulse with of both oscillators, add PWM to VCO2, and set the modulation source to either the LFO or the ENV.

I don't have a MIDI mod, but the CV/Gate works great. In short, it's flexible, it's distinctive, and it didn't cost too much. It's a heck of an option for Moog sounds.

Roles:

Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Synthpop

From Gear Setup

enorthby

530

over 7 years ago

Awww I miss Radio Shack!

Thank you Bob Moog for selling out in your early stages. This little monster has some sweet spots that just scream "I AM A MOOG!!!!" I need to modify it with a midi upgrade, but for now it's chugging along using CV and is ding just fine. Still sounds great next to it's great great great grandson the Sub37.

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Dance music

graspee

268

over 11 years ago

Great synth with polyphony!

This really is a fantastic synth. It has 2 osc and 1 filter. It's pretty limited as far as waveforms go though, but it has polyphony! It came out in the 80s. I received it as a present from a beautiful girl at university called Helen. That was back in the early 90s. Today it has spent a bit of time in storage under the stairs where it turned out to be a bit damp, and it famously has this weird foam in the synth that dies and turns into goo after a while so 2 of the keys stick down. I should really open it up and see if I can clean it.

tehu

163

almost 8 years ago

Radio Shack's Moog

Great little monosynth (After cleaning the infamous foam/tar under the control pannel), 2 Oscillators (1 detunable), 1 Enveloppe, Low Pass Filter, LFO (2 shapes), Noise, ''Bell Tone'' (Digital Ring mod) and.. POLYPHONIC section!! This feature makes it a 5 stars synth in my opinion, can be routed to the filter (And to the pitch with a mod).

mookid_

128

about 6 years ago

good cheap moog sounds, very 70s sounding

this thing sounds incredibly cheap, in the best way possible. If youre looking for that 70s/early 80s budget film score sound, this is it. incredibly fun to play

austrianapparel

over 9 years ago

Secret Waepon

This little one was relatively unknown to me but proofed to be true genius in the song writing process, so i included it in my live-setup.. ,)

deepsignalstudios

493

over 9 years ago

Quirky

A little tough to tune with itself. Very different than the Rogue which is the same size.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Techno Ambient

From Gear Setup

jimmarchi1

41029

9 years ago over 9 years ago

oh man, I had one of these before anyone knew what they were, sadly she had so many problems creep up and the PCBs are so difficult to work on I wound up selling her for parts to a enthusiast/restorer:-( these things sound really neat, you're lucky to have a working one.