I’ve been fascinated by Moog Music since I was a child. Perhaps because it was the instrument du jour of some of the most forward-thinking musicians of the past few decades. Or maybe it was how those cool-ass sounds emanated from their otherworldly analog synthesizers.
One of the most beloved musical instrument brands in the world, the company founded by Dr. Bob Moog in 1953 continues to push the envelope when it comes to manufacturing hand-crafted synths.
Before the employee-owned company announced this month the upcoming release of its first polyphonic analog synthesizer in over 35 years — the “tri-timbral, polyphonic, analog dream-synth” Moog One — I paid a second visit to the company’s factory and store on Broadway St. in downtown Asheville, NC (see pictures of my first factory tour here). For me this is like making a pilgrimage to synth Mecca.
I should add that [rior to my visit Moog Music made global news when it declared that a 25 percent tariff on Chinese circuit boards and associated components will bring havoc to its business. While their urgent appeal for support shook the music community and Moog fans alike, everything seemed business as usual during my visit.
In the video below, I walked around Moog’s showroom and checked out the array of droolworthy gear, merchandise and assorted wares. I can’t wait to go again.
Image by Darren Ressler