Here is a brief history of all the famous Moog models. Moog had a varied history and a lot of ups and downs. They started off strongly in the late 60s and early 1970s however as the 70s progressed the Japanese manufactures were becoming more aggressive and competitive.  Companies like Yamaha and Korg were producing excellent keyboards for less money and perhaps they were far more reliable.  Moog became a very confused company in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  They were desperately trying to choose a direction and image for the company.  During the early 1980s people were not interested in the fact that the company was a pioneer in synthesizers.  It wasn't until the late 1990s that marketers realize they could resurrect the company and cash in on its former glory. Similar to many American companies today that play upon their reach and vibrant history.  Companies like Harley-Davidson notice all too well.  You could even go as far as comparing it to companies like Cadillac. Anyway I'm getting a little sidetracked here, on to our discussion about the history of Moog and its many varied models.  


The moog taurus petals were manufactured between 1976 and 1981. the moog taurus 2 petals were produced from 1981 to 1983. It was during this time that moog as a company started to decline and lose ground to the Japanese. Their products were losing traction in the marketplace and many musicians would argue that the sound quality also deteriorated.

The most popular monophonic synthesizer of the 1970s was without a doubt the MiniMoog.  It was produced between 1971 and 1982 and the total number produced was 1300 units.  Of all the Moog synthesizers this one is the most collectible today.  Here is a list of other popular Moog synthesizers and devices.

The moog sonic 6 was an educational synthesizer produced between 1974 and 1979.  It was a rugged design encased in a hard shell much like a suitcase.  These are very rare to see today and in fact I have never seen one in person.

The Moog prodigy was a very popular synthesizer built between 1979 and 1984.  It is lighter and smaller than the MiniMoog but still had a very rich sound and is popular today for this reason.

The memorymoog was Moog's attempt to compete with the more technologically advanced Japanese keyboards.  It was a fairly sophisticated instrument but it couldn't compete with other Japanese companies because of the price point.  They just couldn't build them as cheaply as other manufactures like Yamaha and Korg.

The MiniMoog Voyager is the second coming of the many Moog.  It was first produced in 2002 when the company began to gain traction again.  Moog became a cult icon due to its rich and varied history. To monopolize on this image they decided to market this keyboard.  Although very expensive, this keyboard is popular amongst serious musicians.

That Moogerfooger was the first product produced by the new Moog.  Created in 1998 when the company was resurrected to its former glory.  This is not a synthesizer rather it is an effects pedel. Moog was feeling out the market to see if there was a place for them in the new millennium.  And apparently there was.

Moog's newest entry into the synthesizer market is the little Phatty.  Due to the Voyager's high price moog decided they wanted to produce a keyboard and a slightly lower price point.  Athletically this is a very stunning keyboard using a very modern design lighting features and an overall interesting blend between the new and the old.

Jumping back in history a little bit, the Moog Rogue was a successor to the Moog prodigy.  This keyboard was only produced for one year in 1981.  Due to the quickly changing marketplace this keyboard's lifespan wasn't very long.

The Polymoog was Moog's attempt at breaking into the polyphonic synthesizer category.  This keyboard was manufactured from 1975 until 1980.  Yamaha was also producing many polyphonic synthesizers during this era.  This was a time of fierce competition and quickly changing technological advancements.

The Moog Opus 3 was a smaller polyphonic keyboard.  It was only produced for one year in 1980.

Perhaps Moog's most important instrument was its modular series.  Rather than being a single keyboard, this instrument consists of a number of cabinets.  This is a keyboard that started it all back in 1967.  This keyboard was produced and improved year-by-year up until 1981.  Back in the day countless famous musical groups use this keyboard.  Acts like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.  But when one thinks of this keyboard the most iconic image is that of Keith Emerson from ELP playing this one on stage.

The Moog source was a monophonic micro processor controlled keyboard they tried to move Moog into the future.  The look and aesthetic appeal of the keyboard was very advanced.  Rather than a wood finish, a metallic finish was chosen.

The Moog Concertmate MG-1 was a curious keyboard.  It was a true Moog, however it was manufactured and distributed for and by RadioShack in the United States.  It was targeted towards the home user.  Perhaps this is why the image of  moog was slightly tarnished. RadioShack does not exactly have a high-quality image.