Robert Moog began experimenting with complex electrical musical systems in the early 1950s and founded R.A. Moog Co. in 1953 to start producing and selling his thermionic valves. The first Moog synthesizer was introduced in 1964 at a time when musicians were very dependent on magnetic tape for recording. With the introduction of transistors, Moog was able to abandon using thermionic valves and make synthesizers a reality. Moog's synthesizer really became popular in the early 1970s when Stevie Wonder began using it. In 1972, the company became Moog Music and in the mid-1970s, Moog sold the company to Norlin, who also owned Gibson at the time, and Moog worked with Gibson to create the RD Artist Series. Robert Moog left the company in 1977 and by 1986, Moog Music entered bankruptcy, and finally went out of business in 1993.
Robert Moog established a new company called Big Briar after leaving Moog Music where he continued to produce thermionic valves under the trademark Etherwave. He also produced the Moogerfooger effect pedal, which became extremely popular. In 2002, Moog reaquired the Moog Music trademark and began producing reissues of their synthesizers and other new products. Moog died in 2005 from brain cancer, and Mike Adams took over as president.
At the Summer NAMM show in 2008, Moog introduced their first guitar called the Paul Vo Collector Edition. The guitar was built by Zion Guitars in Raleigh, NC with Moog's signature electronics that feature effects including unlimited sustain and muting. Later on, standard models were introduced called the E1 available with or without a tremolo bridge. For more information, visit Moog's website or contact them directly.
Instruments currently produced by Zion Guitars in Raleigh, NC since 2008. Distributed by Moog Music in Ashville, NC.
