Nuff said…
FWIW, if Moog ever decide to embark on the modular bandwagon, their module prices would probably be prohibitive compared to existing companies.
Just look at their 500 Series filter… $850 !!! 
Nuff said, indeed.
The 500 Series filter is not a modular synth module.
One could also say “Moog’s prices would be reasonable… look at the MF-101.” 
I never said it was… It was just an example.
One could also say “Moog’s prices would be reasonable… look at the MF-101.” >
Maybe. But then, why doesn’t Moog produce their own modular version of it ? Not commercially viable, probably. 
That’s a crazy idea, can’t believe no one has thought of it before. Or how about this: a Moog polysynth!
I have a very strong feeling of déjà vu… Hmm.. 
I have a very strong feeling that a roundhouse kick from Chuck Norris is forthcoming…
How come other manufacturers can make a living from making modular??? Why not Moog?
Perfectly ligitimate questions,
B
Maybe you could send a personal email to Mike Adams about it ?
It is a legit query, but asked and answered many times. It’s a non-starter.
I’m not asking Moog to make a modular, I’m asking what reasons they have for not making them. I understand that these posts are mostly to display interest in a modular from Moog. If this subject turns up frequently should be a FAQ on the moog site.
If I wanted a modular, I’d be thinking Analogue Systems myself, so I’m not a potential customer.
Cheers,
B
Why analogue systems rather than doepfer or serge or what not?
There isn’t mass appeal for modulars these days. Musicians usually want something simple and fast to start creating music. People who want modulars are usually seasoned synth users. The musicians I have talked to who are uninitiated usually want something with presets and polyphonic capability. Even the voyager can be intimidating to a new synthesist. And people mistakenly think monophonic synths are limited, so many will go for software instead.
My idea is that someone needs to make a modular analog synth with all digitally controlled patching and presets, yet the highest quality discrete analog audio path.
It should be noted that the 500 Series module is about a high midrange price compared to some of the other modules out there of the same series.
Back in the early days, the biggest market for modulars were colleges and upscale grade schools. That market no longer exists.
With the educational market gone, modulars have very limited market appeal these days because of lack of patch storage/recall (with the exception of Buchla 200e) and the demands it puts on the programmer. Yes they are powerful machines. But a novice user or preset surfer is going to be frustrated with them very quickly. They are very difficult to use for live performance and are thus best relegated to studios.
Look at the limited editions that Moog has made (Taurus, MF104, MF108). There was never a production run of less than 1000 units. That’s the quantity they need to justify building these things. Changing tooling (PC board stuffers, case fabrication, etc) is expensive for smaller quantities. I don’t think there were more than a couple hundred Macbeth M5s built. There just isn’t enough demand to justify the expense.
Hate to rain on the parade, but the reality of the market economy does sometimes suck.
Relative number of employees might be part of it. A lot of modular mfr’s, if not the majority, are essentially one-person operations, or very close to it. That means much lower overhead expenses, which means it’s easier to make a living on a relatively small volume of sales.
There’s more to the picture but this should not be overlooked in answering your specific question…
I think that a new Moog modular would have more buyers than the Taurus 3, CP-251 or Moog guitar.
Probably more than their new VCF too.
Also, a modular would be expandable and buyers would continually be purchasing additional modules in the future.
Modules would also be sold to go into existing systems made by other makers.
I agree with Kevin, above. Not to mention the fact that these modules would genuinely bear the name Moog would probably be an additional selling point in their favor…
I just got snookered into building a Modular as many of you have.
I want Moog Modular but not something assembled with piece parts of a Voyager (I already have that). I want Olderschool discrete components (where possible). As so, I’m buying a number of MOS-LAB modules:
Otherwise, I believe that the market is ripe (I can’t wait to raise another $250 to fund the next module). But Amos is right, 9/10th of those making Modules are small shop; invite your buddies over to solder up a few dozen a month or so, 6-8 week wait time.
The exception being Doepfer.
But the utility of Modular fits well with my ‘modern’ Moog gear.
If you’re interested in falling out of your chair and wanting one, check out MOS-LAB-8 (their entry level system). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMTouJJP51A
I’m merely picking up an OSC set and a the A low pass filter. Otherwise, the beauty of this marketplace is that most support the Synth.com power connector an 5U is comfortable.
If Amos is suggesting that it’s not worthy…he obviously knows something that we dont.
However, I don’t see why they couldn’t offer a module with the same circumstances as they did with the Taurus III. We want one, we need to pay for it.
With that being said, they could make limited edition modules, one at a time.
The question is…which one to start with first? Something traditional or something brand new?
My suggestion: Why not START by offering modifications to people who want their Moogerfoogers mounted in modular formats, and then begin market research that way. I can already announce Im ready to have at least two of mine refitted. I’ll even loan mine back to Moog for research purposes!
Bring back the Moog Modular!
For every one of us that owns a synth module from another company, and especially those of us that have desires to expand, We are making those other companies money that Moog could be making. Snooze=Lose
Edit:
Congrats, EM!