Historical Timeline of Moog Catalogs

Welcome to an incredible historical resource!

As part of our ongoing effort to share the vast materials in the Bob Moog Foundation Archive, we are proud to bring to a timeline all of the Moog-related catalogs from R.A. Moog, Co., Moog Music (Buffalo), and Big Briar, Inc. As you will see, these catalogs represent far more than just information about various products. They are historical documents in themselves, marking the evolution and state of a company at a certain point in history. We chose these three companies featured because Bob Moog was centrally involved in all of them, although he did leave Moog Music, Inc. (Buffalo) at the end of 1977. Through these three companies, we can see a fascinating progression in technology and engineering focus. The timeline runs from 1954, when Bob founded R.A. Moog, Co. in his parentÂ’’s basement in Flushing, NY, through 2001, when he introduced Big Briar’Â’s Minimoog Voyager. For information on Moog products released after 2002, please visit Moog MusicÂ’’s website for more contemporary offerings. The materials included in the timeline are a reflection of those maintained within our archives. We do not yet have every catalog ever published. We are missing catalogs for some products, most notably those from the later years at Moog Music, Inc. (Buffalo). If you have catalogs and product sheets for items that you donÂ’t see on this timeline, and you are interested in donating them to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, please email us at info@moogfoundation.org. We would be thrilled to add them here. The nearly 70 publications here serve as an important historical resource. We hope that you  will spend some time exploring and considering them, and that you will continue to visit periodically. This timeline is a living, breathing document. We will continually be adding to it. Please send any questions or comments to info@moogfoundation.org. To get the most out of our timeline, please explore the “Read More” tabs, which will take you to the complete document.

The timeline is based on the vast historical materials in the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.

To assist our continued efforts to preserve and share these archives, please make a donation here.

1954 - R.A. Moog Company - The R. A. Moog Theremin

Bob's very first catalog, which he published at 19 years old, offering theremin Model 305 and Model 351, as well as Model 400 Amplifier. Notice his home address (where he lived with his parents) in Flushing, NY address on the back. Bob's mother, Shirley Jacobs Moog, is pictured demonstrating the Model 351. Read more

1954 - R.A. Moog Co. - Prices and Terms of Sale

The accompanying price sheet to the previous 1954 catalog featuring R.A. Moog Co.'s first two theremins and theremin amplifier. Read more

1957 - R.A. Moog Co. - The R.A. Moog Theremins

Introducing the R.A. Moog Vanguard and Professional theremins, as well as a theremin stand and carrying case, and a promotion for custom designed theremins. Read more

1961 - R.A. Moog Co. - Price List

After the release of the January 1961 article in Electronics World magazine detailing how to build a transistorized theremin, R.A. Moog Co. offers the Melodia, its first transistorized theremin, fully constructed or in kit form, as well as individual theremin components and a simple theremin amplifier. Shirleigh Moog's handwriting can be seen on this copy. Read more

1964 - R.A. Moog Co. - The Moog Theremin

Featuring the Professional theremin, as well as introducing the new Troubadour transistorized theremin. The new logo can be seen for the first time on this short catalog. Read more

1964 - R. A. Moog Company - Catalog of Moog Electronic Music Equipment

Featuring four theremin models, including the Melodia, Troubadour, Vanguard, and Professional, as well as the new PMS-15 theremin amplifier. The back cover again reveals a new symbol for the company, and sheds light on the "development of new types of electronic musical instruments." Read more

1965 - R. A. Moog Co. - Ultra Short Form Catalog of Electronic Music Composition Instruments

Introducing a variety of new "instruments" (later known as modules) including the Voltage Controlled Oscillator, Voltage Controlled Low Pass High Pass Filter, Envelope Control Voltage Generator, and many more. Read more

1967 - R. A. Moog Co. - Electronic Music Composition - Performance Equipment Short Form Catalog

Synthesizer I, II, and III were introduced, marking the first time that the word "synthesizer" is used and the first time modular systems are sold in a R.A. Moog Co. catalog. The principals of modular synthesis and descriptions of each module are included. Also featured are the Bode ring modulators and frequency shifter. Read more

1969 - R.A. Moog Inc. - Prices of Synthesizers and Single-Function Instruments

First mentions of Synthesizers Ic, IIc, and IIIc, and Ip, IIp, and IIIp as well as the Sequencer Compliment B. This appears to be the first time the company refers to its offerings of modules as the "900 series." Read more

1969 - R.A. Moog - Supplementary Price List

Internal list enumerating the cost for supplementary items sometimes purchased with modular systems. Read more

1971 - R.A. Moog Inc. - Catalog

This momentous catalog introduced both the new "Mini Moog" portable synthesizer and first pictured the Synthesizer 10, the company's most compact modular. All of the larger systems are featured as well as other products including sequencers, mixers, the 959 X-Y controller, and several audio devices made by other companies. Read more

1972 - Moog Music, Inc. - Catalog

This catalog is identical to the 1971 catalog, with the exception of the front cover, where we see the Moog Music logo for the first time, and the back cover, where R.A. Moog, Inc. has been replaced by Moog Music, Inc., and the Trumansburg, NY address has been replaced with the new Williamsville address. This was the first catalog printed when Bob was no longer in charge of the company. Read more

1972 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Makes the Scene

Introducing the Sonic Six and promoting the "MiniMoog", this catalog/brochure marks the first use of images of iconic musicians, and of Bob, who had already become an icon himself. Read more

1972 - Moog Music, Inc. - Minimoog INstrument

The first catalog dedicated entirely to the "minimoog", this also features what would become the final iteration in the spelling of the name (from "Mini Moog" to "MiniMoog" to "Minimoog" or "minimoog" (on the instruments themselves). Maestro Moog, the Bach-like figure, was first used in this catalog. Read more

1972 - Moog Music, Inc. - Drum Strummers

Introducing the new Drum Controller and Guitar Interface, Moog Music attempts to expand their user base.
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1972 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Sonic V

The Sonic V was originally designed for Bill Waytena's Musonics by former R. A. Moog, Co. engineer Gene Zumchak. It was the predecessor to the Sonic Six.
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1972 - Moog Music, Inc. - System and Component Price List

Prices for all modular-related products.
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1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog's New Percussion Controller

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1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Sonic Six Portable Synthesizer

The Sonic V gets redesigned into the Sonic Six using a discarded case design from the Minimoog.
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1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Satellite Synthesizer

Introduction of a synthesizer designed to be an organ accessory.
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1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - Guitar Interface

The company attempts to expand its user base by creating an interface for guitarists. While expectations among customer were that the device would allow a guitarist to control the Minimoog through their instrument, that was not the case. Instead, the interface allowed the musician to use the Minimoog's functionality to shape the guitar's sound. Only a very limited number of Guitar Interfaces were ever sold. Read more

1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - Sound Ensemble

Bundling the drum, ribbon, and foot pedal controllers with a sample/hold unit to provide expanded expressivity to customers looking to reach beyond the functionality of their Minimoogs.
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1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - Synthesizer 12

Introduction of the Synthesizer 12, a simplified modular synthesizer, once again appealing to the educational market, among others.
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1973 - Moog Music, Inc. - The Constellation Synthesizer Ensemble

Featuring the monophonic Lyra, the polyphonic Apollo, and the bass pedal Taurus, the Constellation was to be the ultimate in synthesizer functionality for the performer. The Constellation was marketed, but never came to fruition. Only one prototype is known to exist.
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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Product Price List

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier Module

Part of the company's effort to redesign the modules and modular systems. This publication also marks the first time that we see mention of Norlin, the conglomerate that purchased Moog Music, Inc. from the then owner and CEO, Bill Waytena. Read more

1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - 903A Random Signal Generator Module

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - 921 Voltage Controlled Oscillator Module

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - 921A Oscillator Driver Module

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - The Moog For the Road, Minimoog Electronic Synthesizer

Updated catalog for the ubiquitous Minimoog Read more

1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - New Dimension in Sound - Satellite Synthesizer

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Synthesizer 15 Modular System

With Norlin's new ownership of the company, the modular systems are reconfigured and three new models are introduced, with the Synthesizer 15 being the most compact. Read more

1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Synthesizer 35 Modular System

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Synthesizer 55 Modular System

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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Introducing the Taurus Bass Pedal Synthesizer

The first re-designed element of the Constellation to be sold as a product.
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1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Retail Price List

With Keith Emerson gracing the cover for the second time, current 1974 prices for the portable synthesizers, as well as various controllers and new carrying cases for the Minimoog and Satellite. Read more

1974 - Bode Frequency Shifter

The original R.A. Moog, Co. device designed by Harold Bode as a module for the new modular designs. Read more

1974 - Moog Music, Inc. - Sonic Six Portable Synthesizer

Updated catalog for the Sonic Six, with Norlin's design ethic. Read more

1975 - Moog Music, Inc. - Accessories

Previously marketed as the Sound Ensemble, Moog accessories are rebranded; a new stylistic direction in graphic design emerges as Norlin oversees the marketing efforts at the company. Read more

1975 - Moog Music, Inc. - Minimoog Synthesizer - German Edition

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1975 - Moog Music, Inc. - Sonic Six Synthesizer - German Edition

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1975 - Moog Music, Inc. - Micromoog Synthesizer

Introduction of the Micromoog, Moog Music's smallest synthesizer to date. It was intended to be the budget version of the Minimoog. Read more

1975 - Moog Music, Inc. - Taurus Pedal Synthesizer

Updated catalog with new design direction.
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1976 - Moog Music, Inc. - Professional Synthesizers Japanese Edition Catalog

Printed in Japanese, this catalog is an indication of Moog Music's growing consumer base, and its international expansion. Read more

1976 - 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier

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1976 - Moog Music, Inc. - Professional Systems Price List

Includes prices for all modular systems, components, individual modules, and accessories. Read more

1976 - Moog Music, Inc. - Minitmoog Synthesizer

Introduction of the Minitmoog, the dual oscillator redesign of the Satellite, featuring a touch sensitive keyboard. Read more

1976 - Moog Music, Inc. - Minimoog Synthesizer

The Minimoog gets a new catalog consistent with the circled "groovy" look of the mid-70s. Bubble gum pink must have been an "in" color then, otherwise this color choice defies explanation. Read more

1976 - Moog Music, Inc. - Polymoog Catalog

A slick and in-depth advertisement of the first polyphonic synthesizer made by Moog Music. With its full polyphony, synthesizer-per-note Polycom chip, and a Moog filter, it ruled the polyphonic synthesizer market for a time. Read more

1976 - Moog Music, Inc. - Polymoog Price List

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1977 - Moog Music, Inc. - Retail Price List

This price list, first published in 1974, with the addition of the Micromoog and Minitmoog synthesizers. Read more

1977 - Moog Music, Inc. - Parametric Equalizer

Moog Music expands into the rack mount effects market with its Keyboard Modifier series, including this parametric equalizer. Read more

1977 - Moog Music, Inc. - Graphic Equalizer

In 1977, Moog Music under Norlin released a series of rackmount units they called "keyboard modifiers" in the schematics. These were non-keyboard related audio production units for live situations and studio. This is a ten-band graphic equalizer. Read more

1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - Keyboard Gods

For the first time, Moog Music, Inc. uses famous keyboard players on the cover of a full catalog, a testimony to the success of these musicians, and the desire of other players to sound like them. From left to right, Jan Hammer, Tony Banks, Patrick Moraz, John Lord, Klaus Schulz, Keith Emerson, with Rick Wakeman at the center. The Moog philosophy is explained on the inside, and the Polymoog and Polymoog Keyboard are added to the product list. Norlin's logo is used for the first time on the cover of a full catalog. This is the first catalog published after Bob left the company. Read more

1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Accessories

Marking the beginning of a new design ethic, Moog products get a modern look beginning with this series of product one-sheets. Read more

1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - Polymoog Synthesizer

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1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - Polymoog Price List

This price list shows one of the last implementations of the Norlin logo on Moog Music promotional materials. Read more

1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - Taurus Pedal Synthesizer

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1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - SynAmp Flyer

While guitar and bass amps had been around for quite awhile, there wasn't a truly suitable amplification system for the wide frequency range and unique sound quality requirements of the synthesizer. Moog sought to fill this market gap with an amplification system especially designed for the synthesizer? the SynAmp. Read more

1978 - Moog Music, Inc. - Vocoder Flyer

Although Bob created the ultimate vocoder in 1968 for SUNY Buffalo, this vocoder was based off of the vocoder design of synthesizer inventor Harald Bode. Built as a rackmount in the style of the Keyboard Modifier range, this vocoder was capable redirecting spectra information from one band to another. Read more

1979 - Moog Music, Inc. - 12 Stage Phaser

The Moog Music 12 Stage Phaser was another in the Signal Processors line, and provided a version of the popular "phase shifter" effect. Read more

1980 - Moog Music, Inc. - Prodigy Sales Poster

European promotional materials for the new Prodigy synthesizer. Note the translation in French and German. Read more

1980 - Moog Music, Inc. - Polymoog Synthesizer

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1980 - Moog Music, Inc. - Liberation

The Moog Liberation was designed to be a performance synthesizer for keyboard players who wanted to get out from behind a stack of keyboards. Based off of the "SSK" design that eventually became the Realistic MG-1, the Liberation provided a lot of functionality in a mobile format.
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1980 - Moog Music, Inc. - Opus 3 Synthesizer

In the late 70s, polyphonic synthesizers that provided a number of emulative sounds became quite popular. Moog Music addressed this market with the Opus 3, a fully-polyphonic synthesizer that provided string section, organ, and brass section sounds.
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1980 - Moog Music, Inc. - Taurus Pedal Synthesizer

A flyer for the soon-to-be-revamped Taurus pedal.
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1981 - Moog Music, Inc. - Software Cataolg

Quite a bit different from the rest, this catalog features Moog oddities, such as the Moog Phone Controller, t-shirts, sound charts, spec sheets and owner manuals. At this point, the company seems to be reaching to generate extra income. Read more

1981 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Software Catalog

Sporting the term "software" in a usage that would eventually become obsolete, this catalog showcased Moog-related products that weren't synthesizers or other audio equipment, like books, t-shirts, manuals, etc. Read more

1981 - Moog Music, Inc. - Moog Source Flyer

In 1981, Moog Music ceased production of the Minimoog, and introduced a new "modern" synthesizer intended to be their flagship monosynth. Featuring futuristic features like a mylar touch control panel, and single-knob functionality as well as the trademark Moog sound, the Source was a unique combination of tradition and progression.
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1982 - Big Briar, Inc. - Controllers for Electronic and Computer Music Catalog

Bob left Moog Music, Inc. (Buffalo) and lost the right to use his own name on musical products at the end of 1977, and moved to Big Briar Cove, located at the end of a dead end country road in Western North Carolina in the summer of 1978. Later that year, he created Big Briar, Inc., a business aimed toward building custom electronic musical instruments. In this 1982 catalog, Bob is focused on alternative control interfaces, including a theremin controller, a small multi touch-sensitive keyboard controller, and an X-Y touch sensitive touch plate controller. Read more

1982 - Moog Music, Inc. - Memorymoog Catalog

In 1982, Moog Music finally released an answer to the powerhouse polyphonic synthesizers released by Yamaha, Roland, and Sequential. The Memorymoog was a titanic polyphonic synthesizer with many features. Read more

1982 - Moog Music, Inc. - Fall Product Catalog

The 1982 Moog Music product catalog features the new line of Moog products like the Memorymoog and Source, some older products like the Prodigy and System 15, and a newly-revamped version of the Taurus pedals. Read more

1983 - Moog Music, Inc. - Product Catalog

One of the last to be published, this Moog Music catalog features the full spectrum of Moog instruments, including the Memorymoog, Opus-3, the Source, the Taurus II, the Liberation, the Rogue, the Systems 15 and 55, and several accessories. Read more

1983 - Moog Music, Inc. - Software Catalog

The 1983 Moog Music Software Catalog is an updated version of the 1981 Software Catalog. Read more

1984 - Moog Music, Inc. - Product Catalog

Featuring the Memorymoog Plus, the Taurus II, the Rogue, the Source, and various accessories. The Liberation is pictured but not featured or described. Note the very basic graphics, many of which were used in the catalog from the previous year. Read more

1992 - Big Briar 1991 Series Catalog

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1997 - Van Koevering Interactive Music Technology - Interactive Piano Catalog

David VanKoevering, former marketing director at Moog Music, Inc. in the early '70s, partnered with Bob Moog to create an innovative Interactive Piano. Although not from one of the original companies that we are featuring, Bob's involvement in the instrument was significant enough that we thought it worth including. Read more

1998 - Big Briar, Inc. - Ethervox MIDI Theremin

Big Briar expands its offering of theremins to include a professional model with new interface possibilities. Read more

2000 - Big Briar, Inc. - Analog Electronic Music Gear

Big Briar introduces the moogerfooger line of effect pedals, as well as featuring its complete line of theremins. This copy has notes for changes to the catalog from a Big Briar marketing personnel. We've chosen to leave the notes for added information and authenticity. Read more

2000 - Big Briar, Inc. - Etherwave and Ethervox Theremins

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2000 - Big Briar, Inc. - Moogerfooger

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2001 - Big Briar Voyager

Big Briar introduces the Minimoog Voyager synthesizer at NAMM in 2001, commissioning synthesizer historian Mark Vail to write an article about it to be featured in their marketing materials. This is the first catalog/brochure about the instrument, and likely the last produced before the company changed its name to Moog Music, Inc., and was under the direction of new management. Read more