The Legendary Moog Modular IIIp
During the 1960s, Dr. Robert A. Moog developed his modern synthesizer concept with input from over 100 electroacoustic music composers. Electronic music up to that point was being produced through a haphazard collection of techniques called the "classical studio," which utilized sound generators such as surplus telecommunications gear, radio components, tape recorders, and the like. Moog and his musician collaborators worked to streamline the classical studio technique into an organized system of standardized sound modules.
Related Videos: Synthesizer IIIP Limited-edition Reissue Modular Synthesizer
The synthesizer concept takes shape
Bob Moog began taking orders for individual modules and customized modular systems in 1965, and by '67, he and a small team of skilled technicians were handcrafting production models in a modest brick storefront in Trumansburg, New York. The "synthesizer" had evolved from a makeshift collection of spare parts into a real musical instrument — one that would be adopted by a generation of progressive rock and jazz keyboardists launching into a new world of musical expression.
It all comes together: the Moog Modular IIIc
At the new factory, weeks of precision handcrafting went into each synth system, but it was worth it: the Moog team had created an entirely new musical instrument — one that would change the music landscape forever. The first modular synthesizer systems were appropriately named Synthesizer I, II, and III. Then came the Moog Synthesizer IIIc; the "c" designating the walnut "console" cabinet — the first time musicians could purchase a complete instrument pre-configured for access to a range of functionality one would expect to find in a large classical studio. The modern synthesizer had arrived. In 1970, the Synthesizer IIIp was offered in Tolex-covered road cases. It was functionally identical to the IIIc, except built to weather the heavy touring schedules of the burgeoning legions of synth-wielding prog and fusion musicians.
The IIIp: a meticulous, all-discrete, handwired re-creation
Music lovers became aware of the synthesizer through the pioneering works of visionary musicians such as Wendy Carlos and Isao Tomita. Early Moog modulars were the magic behind Switched On Bach, Snowflakes Are Dancing, and other top-selling albums. Director Stanley Kubrick's 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, scored by Carlos, heavily featured the Moog modular, which perfectly reinforced the near-future dystopia depicted on-screen. The inimitable sonic character of these original Moog modular systems remains highly sought-after for their boundless configurability and vibrant, organic musicality. Now, over a half a century on, Moog is building a meticulous, all-discrete, handwired re-creation of the legendary IIIp Modular in a limited edition of only 25 systems worldwide.
Handcrafted from original documentation
The Synthesizer IIIp reissue is handcrafted from original schematics (including a circuit diagram from 1964), using legacy parts and the same assembly methods in use at the Moog factory at the time. Each system features 36 hand-stuffed, hand-soldered modules, including ten 901-series audio oscillators, the 984 Matrix Mixer, the 905 Spring Reverb, and of course the legendary 904-series voltage-controlled lowpass and highpass Ladder filters. All modules are securely mounted in three Tolex-clad wood road cases at Moog's Asheville, North Carolina, factory. It's worth noting that the Moog System 55, System 35, and Model 15 reissues do not use the 901 oscillator; the IIIp is your only way to access this historic sound.
The sonic magic of the 901 oscillator
Many synth lovers here at Sweetwater feel the Moog 901 is the best-sounding oscillator ever built. Back in the late '60s, electric components weren't as accurate as they are today. Early oscillators demonstrated thermal instability and would infamously drift after heating up onstage or in the studio. As synthesizers became ubiquitous in professional settings, tuning stability became more important, so in 1972 Moog replaced the 901 oscillator with the 921. The new model featured improved temperature stability, tracking accuracy, and additional functionality such as the ability to synchronize with voltage-controlled pulse width. But the waveform imperfections and slow drift that "plagued" the earlier designs also added a raw, organic, "human" character to the sound. Bob Moog perhaps said it best:
"When you connect with an instrument, no matter of what sort, there is an interaction that's outside of what's actually going through your fingers. I hesitate to use the word 'spiritual,' but I'm absolutely sure that there is a consciousness that we connect with." - Bob Moog
Moog Synthesizer IIIp Features:
- Meticulous re-creation of a legendary modular synth
- Limited edition of only 25 systems worldwide
- Handwired in the US using legacy parts and original assembly methods
- Features the coveted 901-series voltage-controlled oscillator
- A meticulous re-creation from original documentation, circuit board schematics, and art files
- Handcrafted using traditional manufacturing techniques
- 36 hand-stuffed, hand-soldered modules custom mounted and handwired in 3 Tolex-clad road cases
- 10 discrete 901-series oscillators (sought-after for their organic sound; not found in the System 55, System 35, or Model 15)
- 905 Spring Reverb module (enhances any sound with captivating, piano-like trails; not found in the System 55, System 35, or Model 15)
- 4 x CP3 mixers (not found in the System 55, System 35, or Model 15)
- 984 4-channel Matrix Mixer (for parallel processing, includes dedicated bass and treble controls; not found in the System 55, System 35, or Model 15)
- 100% discrete design (no op-amps; not true of System 55, System 35, and Model 15)
- Built and behaves exactly like the original; exhibits the tuning instability and interference susceptibility inherent in the design
- Includes patch cables; 953 Duophonic Keyboard Controller available separately
