Moog Lives: Synthesizer Legend Reclaims Company Name
June 28, 2002
Four decades ago, the words "Moog" and "synthesizer" were
inseparable. Bob Moog, the creative genius who ushered in the era of
synthesized sound, is still hard at work, celebrating his company's rebirth
under the long esteemed name of Moog Music, Inc. with the release of the
first new Minimoog synthesizer in thirty years.
"I am very pleased to once again be able to offer my products under my name,"
said Dr. Moog. "This is timely for the company and for the imminent
unveiling of the re-engineered and greatly enhanced minimoog Voyager."
Moog Music, formerly Big Briar, Inc. also announces a new partner with proven
managerial expertise, freeing Dr. Moog to concentrate on development and the
quality control Big Briar has long been known for. Michael J. Adams,
formerly Vice President Sales and Marketing at CII Technologies, has been
named President of Moog Music, Inc.
In 1965 Dr. Moog produced the Moog Synthesizer, the first commercially
successful synthesizer, incorporating proprietary filters and analog controls
which allowed unprecedented ease of use and musicality. Wendy Carlos's
landmark album Switched-On Bach showcased the Moog sound with spectacular
success in 1968, winning three Grammys and staying on Billboard's classical
charts for nearly five years.
The 1970 Minimoog, a more portable and affordable synthesizer, is now a
prized collectors' item and has been called "the holy grail of synthesizers."
The introduction of the new Minimoog Voyager has been greeted with enthusiasm
and critical acclaim.
Dr. Moog founded the R. A. Moog Company in 1954, changed the name to Moog
Music, Inc. in 1972, and served as president until 1977. In 1978 he moved to
Western North Carolina and founded Big Briar, Inc. The original Moog Music,
Inc. ceased operations in the mid-1980's, although the name Moog Music has
since been used illicitly until a recent court decision in Dr. Moog's favor.
Among Dr. Moog's many awards are the 1970 Grammy Trustees' Award, the 2001
Polar Music Award and this year's Technical Grammy Award.
Moog Music, Inc., formerly Big Briar, designs and manufactures analog
electronic instruments, including theremins, analog effects modules, and the
new minimoog Voyager. Founded by Dr. Robert Moog, inventor of the original
Moog Synthesizer, Moog Music is located in Asheville, NC.
For more information, visit their web site at www.bigbriar.com. |
