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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
In a photo taken from ProgArchives.com, it is evident that keyboardist Don Airey used a Moog Taurus I bass pedals synth as part of his gear setup in 1981. The image shows the Moog Taurus I positioned below a chopped Hammond B-3, alongside other instruments such as the Hohner Clavinet D6, Vako Orchestron, Minimoogs, ARP Odyssey, and Yamaha CS-80.
Geoff Downes is confirmed to use the Moog Taurus I, as evidenced by a photograph available on ProgArchives.com.
In this footage of Lynch in the studio during the recording of Crazy Clown Time, we see Lynch operating the Taurus with his hands at the 0:43 mark.
Pete Trewavas, the bassist, confirmed his use of the Moog Taurus I pedals in a 1985 interview featured in "Marillion airs" (One Two Testing, Sep 1985), where he recounted an incident during a performance of 'Fugazi'. He described a moment of confusion when he realized the pedals were not working, only to find they had been left unplugged, stating: "My bass pedals weren't working — I use the Moog Taurus One set. It wasn't actually a failure, but somebody, not our crew, had left them unplugged." This anecdote directly verifies Trewavas's use of the Moog Taurus I.
David Rosenthal is confirmed to use the Moog Taurus I pedals, as detailed in his 1984 Rainbow rig setup. This information is verified through his personal website, where the gear list includes the Moog Taurus Pedals positioned in the center of his setup, alongside other notable instruments like the MiniMoog D and Hammond B3.
Kurt Ader, known for his work with KApro, is shown using the Moog Taurus I synthesizer on his Facebook page, highlighting its role in his sound design projects.
Erik Norlander is confirmed to use Moog Taurus I pedals, as evidenced by a photo available at https://eriknorlander.com/equipment.
James Eller used the Moog Taurus I during The The's 2018 Comeback Special lineup, as shown in a photo on Facebook.
Interview with Tommy Mars TM: And pitch-wise it could run a large gamut. So I had the SynDrums connected to the bottom keyboard, and the minimoog connected to the top keyboard, which was you know OK but you couldn’t do any expressive stuff, you couldn’t add vibrato obviously, there was no touch sensitivity in those days, or polyphonic after-touch, or anything.
So, I, the thing I loved about it though was Frank did buy another (set of Taurus bass pedals), I came to the table with my set of Taurus bass pedals which I keep under the piano, but I said “Hey can we put the Taurus bass pedals under the organ, and then have the last octave of the organ also have the bass pedals on the manual. They hooked it up that way so I had the bass pedals under the organ, and it also would be the last octave of the upper manual.
Mentioned in an interview on page 34 of the July 1979 issue of Beat Instrumental.
Sticking with Yamaha a bit longer, he also plays one of their electric grands, the CP70B, with a Roland digital chorus plugged in for a honky tonk sound. Under all this he has a set of Moog Taurus bass pedals.
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.
Community setups
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