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Synthesizer Pioneer Bob Moog Dies

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the electronica-fans-unite dept.

Sigalarm writes "CNN is reporting that synthesizer pioneer and all-around vanguard of electronic music Bob Moog has passed away at age 71. Dr. Moog built his first electronic instrument -- the theremin -- at age 14 and made the MiniMoog, 'the first compact, easy-to-use synthesizer,' in 1964. He was the first to bring the electronic synthesizer within reach of most musicians, and his MiniMoog is still highly praised and often emulated, to this day."

5 of 258 comments (clear)

  1. Pronunciation by lawpoop · · Score: 5, Informative

    FYI, proper pronunciaction of Moog is 'Moag', like 'moat' with a 'g', and not like 'Moo'-g, like a cow would say it.

    --
    Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
    -- Pablo Picasso
    1. Re:Pronunciation by juangonzo · · Score: 5, Informative

      That's how his name is pronounced. He has stated that his products can be pronounced either way but he likes the way that sounds like a cow better.

      --
      c# - Wait, it's not pronounced coctothorpe?
  2. Re:Haunted House by Eggman27 · · Score: 5, Informative

    FYI, Bob didn't invent the theremin, but rather it was his work building and marketing them that led to his innovation of the modern synthesizer.

  3. Listening Suggestion by Ann+Elk · · Score: 5, Informative

    Switched on Bach by Wendy Carlos, especially the last track (Initial Experiments). You can hear Wendy working with a prototype Moog pressure-sensitive keyboard, trying various settings and arrangements. Wendy's narration provides great background to the experiments. As a geek, it is (by far) my favorite track on the CD.

    RIP, Bob.

  4. FreshAir interview by kondrag · · Score: 5, Informative

    Terry Gross interviewed Robert Moog back in 2000. The interview is available online here:

    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?story Id=1113447