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Average Price: $1,650
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$1501+
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Description
Introducing the Moog Taurus I, a foot pedal-controlled analog synth that is a game-changer in the music world. With its 13 foot keys and a five-octave range, it's primarily used for bass work. Originally designed to complement the Apollo and Lyra keyboard synths in an ensemble set-up, the Taurus I has left its mark on the industry. This synth is the first version in the Taurus series, which later saw an unpopular Taurus II and a limited edition Taurus III. The Moog Taurus I, however, remains a classic favorite, offering a unique sound and playing experience that sets it apart from its successors.
Key Features:
- Foot pedal-controlled analog synth
- 13 foot keys
- Five octave range
- Primarily used for bass work
- Part of the Taurus series
- Produced from around 1974 - 1981
- Originally designed to complement the Apollo and Lyra keyboard synths in an ensemble set-up
Product specs
| Brand | Moog |
| Model | Taurus I |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1974 - 1981 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Analog Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Number of Keys | 13 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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What type of sound is the Moog Taurus I best known for?
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The Moog Taurus I is best known for its powerful and deep bass sounds, making it a favored choice for bass lines in various music genres, particularly progressive rock and electronic music.
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How many keys does the Moog Taurus I have and what is its polyphony?
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The Moog Taurus I features 13 foot-operated keys and is monophonic, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for creating strong, singular bass lines.
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Is the Moog Taurus I suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Moog Taurus I is designed for live performances with its robust construction and intuitive foot pedal controls, allowing musicians to play bass lines hands-free while performing on other instruments.
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What is the primary use of the Moog Taurus I in music production?
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The primary use of the Moog Taurus I in music production is to deliver rich, analog bass sounds that can add depth and power to a musical arrangement, especially in genres like rock and electronic music.
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Does the Moog Taurus I require any special maintenance due to its analog nature?
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Like many vintage analog synthesizers, the Moog Taurus I may require periodic calibration and maintenance to ensure optimal performance, especially as components age. Regular care can help maintain its iconic sound quality.
Videos
RetroSound
Moog Taurus 3 vs. Taurus 1 bass pedal synthesizer sound battle
Moog Taurus 3 vs. Taurus 1 bass pedal synthesizer sound battle
RetroSound
Moog Taurus 1 Bass pedals & Rickenbacker 4001V63 on a Genesis excerpt track Eleventh earl of mar
Bernard Nicoll
Moog Taurus pedal synthesizer function demonstration
Granville Guitars
Moog Taurus 1 Bass pedals & Rickenbacker 4003 Bass Genesis After Glow
Bernard Nicoll
Moog Taurus 1 Bass pedals & Rickenbacker 4001CS on a YES excerpt from track And You and I
Bernard Nicoll
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched bass synth sounds, superior to Minitaur and Sirin
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Every setting delivers impressive sound quality
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Renowned for its ability to produce powerful, deep bass
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Iconic use by famous bands enhances its legacy
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Versatile for live performances across multiple bands
CONS
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Limited to mono-synth capabilities, may not suit all musical styles
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Moog Taurus I Bass Pedals (1974-1981).
Features and functionality
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Owners appreciate the pedal form factor, noting it allows for playing with hands and a foot, similar to a drummer using a kick pedal.
Source -
Users suggest that the Moog Taurus I can output at line level, which may require reamping for compatibility with most effects pedals designed for instrument level.
Source
User experience
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Some users find the Moog Taurus I reminiscent of iconic bass sounds, describing it as the ultimate for Moog basses.
Source
Use cases and applications
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It's been noted that using MIDI organ pedals with synths like the Minitaur enhances usability, though can be clunky for band practices without dedicated space.
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Flanger and tape delay effects are frequently paired with the Moog Taurus I for users seeking to add depth and dimension to their soundscapes.
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Other
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Enthusiasts recall the need for special shoes to play organ pedals effectively, emphasizing the physical technique required for optimal performance.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Arion SCH-1 stereo chorus is recommended for enhancing the raw analog sound of the Moog Taurus I without overwhelming its natural bass tones.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
1256
Appropriately named because there are some times you just don't want to get in its way!
The first of the serious synth bass pedals. Naturally, if anyone was going to make a mono-synth that could kick some serious arse, it was going to be Moog. Used to brilliantly thunderous effect (especially live) by the likes of Genesis, Yes, Rush, Steve Hackett and the like, this otherwise "simple" 2-osc, filter, envelope synth was capable of rattling anything from ancient building foundations, to the teeth and bones of rockers long departed.
1963
Moog Taurus I
I have two sets of these and I use them live with pretty much all of my bands. Classic great sound.
Artist usage
Add artist
Instagram post showing photo of Nikki in front of a set of Taurus pedals.
"I've never used the Minimoog in my life - I'm probably the only keyboard player of my generation who hasn't! The Polymoog I used a lot and the Moog Taurus bass pedals, which are still the best for that big, fat bottom end sound, even though they're 15 years old. They always add another dimension to a song and they're marvellous live, because they have such wonderful resonance."
Rrussel Bell : “I was the guitarist and I had five synths!! I had a Polymoog, two Minimoogs, Moog Taurus pedals, Synares and a Roland guitar synth !”
Source : Electricity Club
Steve Hackett includes the Moog Taurus I Bass Pedals among his preferred equipment, as listed on his official website.
In a live performance video titled "Turn it on again medley - Live Knebworth - 1990 - Genesis," provided by Elio on YouTube, Leland Sklar, the renowned bassist, is visibly using a Moog Taurus I synthesizer. This can be clearly observed at approximately 00:57 into the video, where Sklar is seen behind the instrument during the Genesis & Phil Collins Band's performance at a benefit concert in Knebworth, 1990.
In this footage of Oldfield's studio, at 25 secs in when Mike begins introduce some of his pieces, the distinctive top panel of the Moog Taurus I pedals can be seen at the bottom centre of the picture
Mike upgraded his Dewtron Mr Bassman with Taurus pedals at some point. You can see them in this photo on the right.
Greg Lake is seen using a set of Moog Taurus I pedals, as evidenced by a post on Instagram.
What is your favourite monophonic synthesizer for synth bass? Do you have any vintage polyphonic synthesizers!? Tommy
“I think the first ones I used were Moog's Taurus pedals, but they’re big and unwieldy. I don't have any vintage, no.”
On his twitter account, he posted this photo of the Tarus Pedal.
GIORGIO MORODER RARE SYNTHESIZER COLLECTION
US sample CD manufacturers Hollywood Edge produce a sample CD featuring Moroder's favourite synths. Giorgio Moroder Rare Synthesizer Collection contains 970 patches from vintage synths including the OSC OSCar, Korg Mono/Poly, Sequential Prophet 5, ARP 2600, Moog modular, Multimoog, TB303, Oberheim 4-voice, Roland Jupiter 8 and Juno 60, Moog Taurus, PPG 2.3, and the Buchla. It's available on CD-ROM in Akai, SampleCell, and Ensoniq formats. If you're interested, Time & Space, the UK distributors for Hollywood Edge, should be able to get hold of it for you, though it's not an item they carry in stock. Derek Johnson
Album Usage
The Moog Taurus I Bass Pedals (1974-1981) has been featured on the following albums:
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 Taurus I Bass Pedals (1974-1981), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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