Moog Relaunches Three Classic Modular Synthesizers

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jan 19, 2015

We've got good news for gear junkies who spend their days scouring Craigslist in the hopes of finding a vintage synthesizer: Moog has announced plans to relaunch three modular synths that were initially produced in 1973.

The modals in question are the System 55, the System 35 and the Model 15. A press release calls these "three of [the company's] most sought after 5U large-format modular synthesizers." These instruments have appeared on albums by the likes of Brian Eno, Giorgio Moroder, Stevie Wonder, Yes and Tangerine Dream.

The synths are being made in a very limited run using the '70s schematics. They're being handcrafted with all of the classic wiring methods, making them very close recreations of the originals.

We'll copy this next part directly from the press release, since it contains lots of heady gear lingo: "Alongside these Moog Modular Systems will be the Sequencer Complement B Expansion Cabinet, a dual 960 Sequential Controller, an accompaniment to the System 35 and System 55, that has been out of production for over 30 years — as well as an optional 5-Octave duo phonic keyboard."

As you might expect, though, the synths aren't cheap. There will be only 55 units of the System 55, which will cost $35,000 a pop. The System 35 will be even rarer, with 35 units at $22,000. The Model 15 will be comparatively cheap, with 150 units at $10,000. Perhaps Billy Corgan can buy one to fiddle around with in his tea shop?

Below, watch a video about these synths featuring Suzanne Ciani, Malcolm Cecil, Holy Ghost! (DFA), Gavin Russom (ECSTATIC/Entropy Trax), Max Ravitz AKA Patricia (L.I.E.S./Spectral Sound/Opal Tapes), Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (Western Vinyl), Jacques Greene (Vase/LuckyMe) and M. Geddes Gengras (Stones Throw).

You can get more info on the synths here.

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