Does anyone know why Moog discontinued the MF-104z delay? And more importantly, does anyone know if they are planning on releasing another delay fooger?? And, if the answer to that is –no, they have no plans– then my final question is: does anyone want to sell me their MF-104z? 
Nobody knows. I wouldn’t think that Moog would get back into this but I’m guessing.
To your other question, there is a 104z for a good price over at Muffwiggler right now. (mid-$400 i think). If you really want one you should jump on it. Folks around here seem to think that the 104 should go for more than the original retail.
Double topic man!!! 
Do you think it’s still there? I couldn’t find it on there, but I’m new to that site (had to join just to search).
I know, I’m a jerk. 
I originally posted it on the 'fooger board, and then realized that not as many people comment there, so I put it here. Guess i should have deleted the other one. 
EMWhite, all I saw was this one for $625
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=53891&highlight=moogerfooger+delay
Ooh no, >I< am sorry I did not get your topic title!!
The supply of the original Panasonic analog bucket brigade delay chips, used by Moog in the MF-104z, has run out. The chips have been discontinued and so has that Mooger Fooger model. No adequate replacement has been produced yet. Maybe the chip maker Analog Devices could acquire the rights to a re-issue, but nothing so far.
That’s the main reason for the high prices of analog delay effects using these chips. And their limited production run.
You can still find some unsold, or used ones. But prices are sure to keep going up…
I see. I’m fairly ignorant when it comes to engineering and such (so feel free to tell me why this is ridiculous), but if those particular chips are in such high demand for analog delays, then why doesn’t someone start manufacturing them again?
I’ll check when I get home. I may have confused the prices with something else I saw there. For some reason, I keep getting locked out of Muffwiggler from work.
Short answer is: there is probably not a high enough demand for them yet. Those chips were discontinued in the '90 when everything digital was still more popular than analog(at least for effects). We’re lucky that their stock pile was big enough to allow several thousands of analog delays to still be produced ! But they eventually ran out, unfortunately. Some NOS do pop-up from time to time on the web, but usually in limited quantities.
From what I’ve heard, Electro Harmonix has managed to get their hands on some original Panasonic chips not too long ago but in very limited number.
I know that a chip maker in China has obtained the rights to produce a low-cost version, but they’re noisy and of low quality, and nowhere near as good as the original Japanese ones. Certainly not good enough to put in a Mooger Fooger.
Also, DSP technology is now powerful enough to produce a very convincing emulation of analog BBD technology. (for example the very customizable Strymon Brigadier)
That’s most probably another reason why Panasonic will not invest in retooling their factories to produce these analog chips anymore.
The only chip maker I could see that is already equiped to do so is Analog Devices.
Other than tape delays, is there such thing as discrete analog delay?
Since at least 512 discrete transistors, and as many capacitors, would be needed to produce a … 13 ms delay (at minimum clock rate and minimum fidelity) 
, I cannot imagine so.
Dedicated Integrated circuits, incorporating several hundreds of these transistors coupled with a capacitor each in a sample-and-hold fashion, was the only technically feasible solution.
Those chips, by the way, where derived from early CCD (charged coupled device) prototype technology for video imaging…
Another interesting fact is that, analog delays using BBD chips have a lot in common with their digital counterparts. They both sample the audio signal at a variable clock rate. One type stores the information as numbers in memory, the other as analog voltages in capacitors. That’s why if you slow down the clock speed low enough, in both systems you will have aliasing artifacts (if the clock signal is left unfiltered).
I think that there was once a ‘drum’ delay which essentially used magnetic media rotating on a drum as tape later did. ProGuitarShops and Andy specifically put together a really good mini-documentary on Delays. I’ll see if I can dig it up and edit this thread.
For Namashsaman, I’m afraid it was the one you spotted. For the life of me I thought I read $475 so it was either edited or I was mistaken (I am getting old!). Sorry about that but if $625 is in your price range, you ought to scoop this up. I have the aforementioned Diamond Memory Lane II and spent $625 for it (have a mod that was done at the factory); it’s basically a swap for tape tempo (Diamond ML II) for CV control of more controls (Moog). The Moog also does a lower-fi setting that essentially slows down clocking of the BBD for extended max time delay. And this one says it’s in very good condition. A few guys here swear by the 104. Good luck!
EDIT: That was easy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPWzDRorGlU
Thanks for the link EMwhite !
I didn’t know about the Binson Echorec drum system. Quite innovative, for the time!
Yeah, the binsons were pretty cool. Pink floyd used the a lot. They sound just like a tape delay, except with longer more stable repeats. Then there’s that weird oil can delay (guess that could be considered an discrete analog delay). And also there’s that UREI cooper time cube thing where it sends the signal down a garden hose-like contraption.
Wow, now THAT is weird
Namahshaman, I’m the lucky user of a MF104z and an EHX DMM w/TT. I ordered both at the same time and received the MF first. I have to say I was disapointed since it doesn’t get mad that easy. Repeats are quite dark -I know, everyone is saying so and you’ve read it a lot…
The EHX is wilder, spitfire feedback loop. Plus the digital controls allow really cool live use.
I would say the EHX has a wider sonic range and can easily be used as a pure guitarist stompbox as well as the pedal sitting next to your board. The MF is definitely underrated if used only by foot, and its sonic character tends to be discreet and subtle.
You can watch the Phantogram soundLab: the singer is using a MF104 and I must admit it dark character had me first thinking it was connected to a LP filter.
Wow, so much information
Thank you, gentlemen for humbling me once again.
Stiiiiiiive, you may be onto something . . . I’ve been looking at the EHX deluxe memory boy, apparently it uses BBD chips as well. Also, it has tap tempo, which is almost essential for my needs. You may have saved me $400 
I can even go try that one out at my local guitar shop.
Memory Boy deluxe is really really good and affordable. (has bells and whistles too!)
Another good one is Diamond Memory Lane Junior but it’s a bit of a departure (unless you don’t know any better) since it is DSP based, unlike their Memory Lane or ML II.
If you want really low(er) cost and pure tone, look at the Malekko 616 or the MXR. Both analog and both with modulation in a really compact package but no CV control or tap.
You can’t go wrong with the EHX though.
You don’t get all those BBD chips anymore in big numbers needed for a continues production. And starting a new production would need much money and a huge 5 or 6 figures order.