We are excited to announce the addition of Bob Moog’s earliest known keyboard instrument, the Rensitron, to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives! Bob created this two-octave electronic organ when he was only 16 years old. His music teacher at Bronx High School of Science, Hymen Rensin, commissioned the instrument in May, 1951 for only $10.00 ($120 when adjusted for inflation)!
This vacuum-tube-based instrument featured hand-carved wooden mini-keys, likely crafted by Bob’s father, George Conrad Moog, an electrical engineer and woodworker. There was a built-in 5-inch speaker in the back with a stylized “R” speaker grille, all encased in a slanted wooden cabinet.
The front panel has controls for output volume, tone, and pitch using the classic R.A. Moog chicken head knobs, a preview of things to come. The top of the instrument features labels that read “Rensitron” and “Electronic Organ Made For Mr. Rensin By Robert Moog May 1951,” both in the same black Dymo Labeler tape style as the early R.A. Moog modular systems – another tactile premonition of game-changing instruments yet to be.
“The Rensitron offers a glimpse into some early ideas that would later shape Bob’s approach to electronic instrument design. It’s remarkable to see that level of creativity and technical aptitude already present at sixteen years old. We are grateful to Hy Rensin and his family for stewarding this 75-year-old instrument with such care.” –Michelle Moog-Koussa
Bob’s hand-drawn schematic plan of the Rensitron accompanies the instrument. A duplicate schematic, also hand-drawn, decorates the right half of the front panel. This duplicate is not in Bob’s handwriting. Additionally added to the Archives is Rensin’s $10.00 commission check dated May 21, 1951, made out to Robert Moog (and endorsed by him) for the payment of the Rensitron. This check was written two days before Bob’s 17th birthday.
The Rensitron is the latest in a long line of rare, vintage Moog instruments added to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, including an R.A. Moog Co. Model 201 theremin from 1954, an R.A. Moog Troubador theremin from 1962, two Moog modular synthesizers from 1967, Herb Deutsch’s Melodia theremin from 1961 and his R.A. Moog Co. Minimoog from 1971, a Musonics Minimoog, Gary Wright’s Moog Liberation keytar, the Moog Apollo prototype, the first Minimoog Voyager ever sold, and more.
Your support of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives is crucial for preserving vintage electronic instruments like the Rensitron, carrying forward Bob Moog’s legacy while inviting a comprehensive look back.
