Origins
Moog Music introduced the Memorymoog in 1982 as their flagship polyphonic synthesizer. Following the success of the Minimoog and the need to compete with established polyphonic instruments from Oberheim and Sequential Circuits, Moog attempted to create a six-voice polyphonic instrument with the character of their legendary monosynth. The Memorymoog represented Moog's most ambitious—and ultimately problematic—instrument.
Design & Technology
The Memorymoog features six voices of polyphony, each essentially a complete Minimoog voice with three oscillators, a 24dB/octave low-pass filter, and three envelope generators. This massive architecture—18 oscillators total—produced a thick, powerful sound unmatched by competitors. A 61-key velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard supported expressive performance.
The instrument includes an arpeggiator and primitive polyphonic sequencer. Memory capacity allowed storage of 100 patches. The "Memory" in the name referenced both patch storage and the hope that this would be the Minimoog's memorable polyphonic successor.
Production History
Moog Music produced the Memorymoog from 1982 until the company's bankruptcy in 1987, with Norlin ownership through much of this period. Early units suffered from severe reliability problems due to the complexity of calibrating 18 oscillators and the thermal challenges of such a dense instrument. Later "Plus" versions added MIDI and improved stability.
Approximately 4,000 units were manufactured—far fewer than competitors' polyphonic instruments. The Memorymoog's struggles contributed to Moog's eventual collapse, though the instrument has gained legendary status among those who appreciate its unique sound.
Notable Users
Despite its problems, the Memorymoog appeared on recordings by Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre, and other artists willing to wrestle with its temperamental nature. The instrument's massive sound made it worth the effort for those seeking truly thick analog polyphony.
Cultural Impact
The Memorymoog demonstrated both the potential and pitfalls of ambitious analog polyphonic design. Its reputation as an unreliable but beautiful-sounding instrument has only grown over time. Modern servicing by specialists like Rudi Linhard can transform Memorymoogs into stable, usable instruments, revealing the design's potential.
Market & Collectibility
Memorymoogs command premium prices, typically $6,000-$12,000 depending on condition and servicing history. Linhard-serviced instruments with warranty command the highest prices. The "Plus" MIDI versions are more desirable than early non-MIDI units. The instrument's rarity and reputation make it a centerpiece for serious synthesizer collections.