Several reports have confirmed steep layoffs this week at Moog Music's Asheville, NC headquarters, shortly following an acquisition by InMusic (parent of Akai, Numark, Alesis, and others). Even in a tough year, these cuts are uniquely significant, as they strike at the brand story of the single best-known name in synths.
I generally feel quite negative about this news. I’ve had two dream synths for the last decade; Access Virus ti2, and Moog Voyager. Fortunate enough to own the former, never been well off enough to afford the latter (£2500 - £4500 second hand, depending on version).
In tough economic times, the Moog business model was bound to struggle. Only wealthy or very-successful musicians could afford the upper-tier models, and the ‘entry level’ models were quite limited compared to cheaper offerings. But what always made a Moog special was… the sound!
Every synth has its own distinct character / sound. There’s just something very ‘fat’ and ‘rich’ (ironically) about the sound of a Moog synth, especially in the low end, which is where cheaper synths don’t compare so well. Switching production to cheap components is almost certainly going to mean that ‘special Moog sound’ will no longer be created, and only available via second hand market.
I’m still waiting for the opportunity to strike where I can get a Grandmother. Especially in light of the buyout. Get the good stuff while it’s possible to. Cherish it and build a good relationship with a repair shop.
For sure, the OG models are only going to appreciate in value from now on. Even before this news there were some pieces I just couldn’t seem to find at a reasonable price (really wanted a pair of MF Drive but like everything Moog they’re insanely expensive, and no opportunity to try before buy so a pricey experiment)
I generally feel quite negative about this news. I’ve had two dream synths for the last decade; Access Virus ti2, and Moog Voyager. Fortunate enough to own the former, never been well off enough to afford the latter (£2500 - £4500 second hand, depending on version).
In tough economic times, the Moog business model was bound to struggle. Only wealthy or very-successful musicians could afford the upper-tier models, and the ‘entry level’ models were quite limited compared to cheaper offerings. But what always made a Moog special was… the sound!
Every synth has its own distinct character / sound. There’s just something very ‘fat’ and ‘rich’ (ironically) about the sound of a Moog synth, especially in the low end, which is where cheaper synths don’t compare so well. Switching production to cheap components is almost certainly going to mean that ‘special Moog sound’ will no longer be created, and only available via second hand market.
I’m still waiting for the opportunity to strike where I can get a Grandmother. Especially in light of the buyout. Get the good stuff while it’s possible to. Cherish it and build a good relationship with a repair shop.
For sure, the OG models are only going to appreciate in value from now on. Even before this news there were some pieces I just couldn’t seem to find at a reasonable price (really wanted a pair of MF Drive but like everything Moog they’re insanely expensive, and no opportunity to try before buy so a pricey experiment)