Any regrets (need feedback)?

HankDennemann · Post by **HankDennemann** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:14 pm

Hello Everybody,

Hank here. I have not yet purchased a moog voyager, but I cannot get the unit out of my mind. The rich analog sound, the orange (I am looking at a Solar) lights, the fine wood trim...I understand that there are keyboards out there that do more for less, but Moog represents an authenticity that is missing in the digital music I produce.

Of course, my significant other thinks otherwise. I own a Virus TI that doesn't sound bad, but I still feel like I am missing something. I have never played a true analog synth. The best digital approximation I have heard, I think, is the Korg Legacy Collection, which I own.

My big question is, of course...do you think it is worth it? The Moog Voyager's are EXPENSIVE, and they don't do a whole lot when you think about it. But, I can appreciate a fine instrument. I pid $675 for a handmace dulcimer from a craftsman because it was unique--nothing else looked or sounded quite like it. Are you Voyager owners satisfied that your units are similarly unique? Do you have any regrets about purchasing it? Would you do it again?

Appreciate all the feedback you can give. I am right on the edge of purchasing one of these things but I am worried that I will get it and be bored with it in a week.

Thanks again for the input.

OysterRock · Post by **OysterRock** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:37 pm

Hello Hank,

HankDennemann wrote: My big question is, of course...do you think it is worth it?

That's a highly subjective question, but for me its yes, yes, YES. It really depends on whats important to you. If you are willing to sacrifice sound quality, build quality, excellent product support and pure character for so-called "features" and lower cost, then this is not the instrument for you. If you start wishing it had a sequencer or built in reverb, then this is not the instrument for you. This is an musical INSTRUMENT in the truest sense of the word.

Do you have any regrets about purchasing it?

Only that I didn't buy one earlier.

Would you do it again?

Yes I would and I will. I plan on buying a few RMEs.

I am worried that I will get it and be bored with it in a week.

I don't know you, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say "not a chance". I've had mine for about 1.5 years and I still discover new possibilities nearly every time I play it. If you are bored, then synths are just not for you

earsmack · Post by **earsmack** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:01 pm

I also own a Virus TI - in fact - purchased it just weeks before the Voyager. Bottom line is this...all the other synthesizers I own are great at making sounds and are very rich in and of themselves but the Voyager (Performer Edition in my case) is a true instrument! The moment you play the first note you will know you made the right decision. It just feels right. I would compare the Voyager to your Dulcimer and not just another synthesizer in this regard.

I've been playing music on synthesizers since 1985 or so and I've come to the point where I won't buy an instrument unless it's one I know I will never want to sell. In fact, I just repurchased a "mint" Korg Poly 61 - my first keyboard - and am amazed at not only the condition of the unit I got but the sounds I used to make with it. I buy instruments for longevity now. I only wish I hadn't purchased the Voyager sooner but to be honest, I probably wasn't ready for it until now.

Visit earsmack.com for a gear list, photo and some music made using the Voyager.

HankDennemann · Post by **HankDennemann** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:23 pm

Oyster and ZBQ:

Thank you both for the reply. And ZBQ, what music! The songs on your website have sold me! I like Blip Fool the best, and it just illustrates the point: I can't do anything like that with my virus. At least, if I can, I don't know about it.

Oyster, your comment that you are looking to buy one or two RME's is something I needed to hear. I was worried that the limited polyphony would send me running to a digital emulation--knowing that you would plunk down more money for the real thing is comforting.

Any other posters? I am happy to listen to all comments (and demos) if you have them!

Thanks!

--Hank

goldphinga · Post by **goldphinga** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:35 am

EZ Hank

I love my voyager, its killer for bass and leads and you can never get bored with it.It is amazing.

However its not a replacement for your virus, only an welcome addition.

You need to play one before you can make the decision. You cant just go off peoples samples.

If its a versatile all rounder you are after its NOT the synth to get. And if you are after polyphony its NOT the synth!!

The only new poly's that could replace your virus are the Andromeda, DSI PEK, or SE Omega 8. None sound as punchy and as heavy and have the Moog sound tho.

If you want the phattest polysynth you need a memorymoog from ye olde days but these can bring reliability issues.

If you want the newest,best and most versatile bass lead and fx machine then the voyager cant be beat.

sir_dss · Post by **sir_dss** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:41 am

I honestly would have no interest in synthesizers if it wasn't for the Voyager.

I'm a guitarist first but was always interested making sound/sonic texture. I would use the guitar feedback and pedals to filter, distort, modulate the guitar sound. One day someone said to me after a show "you use your pedals like a modular synthesizer". This opened my mind to synthesizers.

...from there i found out about the Voyager, downloaded the manual and read it on the train/bus everyday on my home from work(I didn't even have a car at that point but was planinng to get the Voyager). The manual taught me so much about sound generation, how frequencys interact with each other, and what all those knobs do on synths ...things that would baffle me in the past. I saved up some money, got a great deal on a MMV Performer and it was fantastic. From there I started building a Blacet/MOTM modular synth system to interact with all the CV functions on the Voyager.

I now have 2 Voyagers, 1 Lill Phatty, 1 Arp Odyssey, 1 Arp Avatar, 1 Arp Sequencer, a Korg X-911, and a Blacer/MOTM Modular synth system with 20+ modulals.

I'm still a guitarist but getting the Voyager taught me so much from sound design to mixing music, to dialing in better guitar sounds.

Love the Voyager. It's my favorite synth I own. I have since played several Model D's and would not think of trading it for my Voayger for a second. I might trade 1 of my Voyager's for a nice Buchla system but that's never gonna happen...

GregAE · Post by **GregAE** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:26 am

Hank -

Bob Moog often spoke about musicians having a 'relationship' with his instruments - an etheral connection that goes beyond merely playing. He was right, of course, as many musicians will confirm (including those here). You will no doubt also discover it for yourself with the Voyager. It's a deep and capable instrument that will give you years of satisfaction, long after the 'sheen' of other instruments has worn off.

- Greg

earsmack · Post by **earsmack** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:01 am

Thanks for the kudos, Hank. Obviously there is more in that music than just the Voyager - including the Virus TI and others - but you get the idea. The Voyager has definitely added a dimension and emotion to my music that did not exist before.

I definitely agree with Greg...the connection that you feel with the Voyager is absolute and real. I had heard Bob (Moog) say this multiple times in interviews and on video and never doubted it. The first note I played...literally...on the Voyager made it come to pass. I was taken aback and just remember starting to smile and say "Oh yeah!"

Obviously, if you can't afford it, then wait...or buy a Little Phatty and I think you will be likewise pleased. Bottom line is that the components come together to make a sound that you currently do not have the ability to create (even with VA synths)...makes me think...

Moog Synthesizer: $3000
That Feeling When You Play It: Priceless

I'm starting to sound like a pitchman!

slowdive · Post by **slowdive** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:43 am

I have been a guitarist for the past 12 years, only got into synths maybe 4 years ago. I purchased a MicroKorg, but was frustrated with the interface...it made things seem very confusing, and I just wasn't satisfied with it. Well, somehow or another I ended up buying a Voyager Electric Blue. Yes, it was very expensive, but worth every penny. Let me expain:

- The sound. The first time I played a Voyager, I knew I could never be satisfied with any "virtual analog" ever again.

- The interface & manual. Finally, a company has written an owner's manual that makes sense! The interface is great for learning synthesis, and yet the Voyager is deep enough to keep you coming back for more.

- The build quality. Coming from a guitar background, I have to say, this thing feels like a fine instrument, in a way most synths just don't to me. It just oozes quality in a way that many of my guitars can't touch.

- The support. It's so great to just be able to call up a technician (usually Amos) and ask directly about your problem. And you can get a 4 year warranty!!!

- The inspiration. Perhaps most importantly, when I sit down in front of my Voyager, I just feel inspired to make music. It really is a beautiful thing.

sir_dss · Post by **sir_dss** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:31 pm

Ebay...

I've seen Performers go from $1600 on up.

Keyboard Komuso · Post by **Keyboard Komuso** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:58 pm

gonna have to agree with most here. I have been playing and writing music with synthesizers for about 25 years (where the hell did that time go?!). I grew up worshiping the likes of Wakeman and Emerson and always wanted a mini, but could'nt afford one. Had a Rogue way back when though which I regretfully sold before the whole analog re-birth. Just hit the big "40" recently & purchased a SOLAR several months ago - mid life crisis? You can keep the Corvette and velour jump suit, make mine a MOOG! It's hard to explain, but the tactile connection is an experience I have yet to feel with any other electronic instument. Organic...liquid...this thing is ALIVE! The expressive capabilities are endless. My only advice would be spend some real time in front of this baby before you draw any conclusions. It's magic is sometimes hidden. The deeper you dig, the better it gets. I think it's worth every penny. It won't be your studio "bread and butter" keyboard, but it has it's place. I actually have yet to use it in any recorded compositions, but I play it EVERY night. My original music is more "ethno-ambient", but I am looking forward to incorporating the Voyager in with my ethnic flutes. That outta be a trip! In any case, no, I have no regrets, and am looking forward to getting a Little Phatty as well...hopefully before the the big "50"

www.kieranshannon.com

HankDennemann · Post by **HankDennemann** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 6:29 pm

Thank you, everyone, for your replies. Especially the guitarists. Hearing that people who don't even play keyboard as their primary instrument are happy with paying $3k for the Voyager puts my mind at ease. It must be really impressive.

I would love to demo one but I am in Cincinnati and none of the music stores around here carry them. Online demos and others' testimony are the only things I have to go on.

But the pictures of the Solar look sooooooooo good. And Nova music said the new versions already have the aftertouch fix installed.

Not that I want to harp on the negative, but is there anyone out there who is disappointed in the Voyager? Just curious. Aside from polyphony, I have heard a lot of complaints, even from people who had mechanical problems with their mod wheels.

Also, does the touch pad work well? Sound on Sound had issues with it. Have they been resolved?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

--Hank

latigid on · Post by **latigid on** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 6:48 pm

The good, no, great, thing about Moog Music is that they will make sure you are happy with your instrument. Because the market for these top-end products is limited, they have to make each and every customer satisfied. So if there is something wrong with your Voyager, they WILL fix it as soon as they can. Try THAT on Korg, or Roland or etc.. I think most problems came with the early Voyagers, or at least ones which were released in Europe by Turnkey etc. Just ask "martin" what he initially thought of his Voyager, and how that changed when it was all working. (Haven't heard from martin for a while).

Go on.
You know you want to...

OysterRock · Post by **OysterRock** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:14 pm

HankDennemann wrote: Aside from polyphony, I have heard a lot of complaints, even from people who had mechanical problems with their mod wheels.

I've never had a problem with my mod wheels, nor have I heard many complaints.
Moog puts a lot of care into making sure that thier products leave in 100% working condition, but as with any electronic item (especially an item as internally complicated as the Voyager) there is always a possibility of something going wrong. Again, if there is a problem, Moog is more than helpful at sorting it out.

On the issue of polyphony, it is what it is. A monosynth is just a different instrument than a polysynth, you have to change your playing style. Polyphony is limited only by your wallet (up to 16 voices anyway). I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play chords on the Voyager, but I know that it would not be possible to build such a monstrous synth with polyphony. Thats what RMEs are for anyway...

Also, does the touch pad work well? Sound on Sound had issues with it. Have they been resolved?

I love the touch pad. It allows for sounds that could not be created in any other way. I didn't read the SoS article, but maybe it was an early unit? I can't recall any complants of the touchpad not working.

Oh, and you can get a Voyager for a LOT less than $3000 if you shop around a bit and do a little wheelin' and dealin'. Unless, of course, you have your heart set on the Nova Musik Solar.

earsmack · Post by **earsmack** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:53 pm

You say you are in Cinncinati...Sweetwater is 4 hours north in Fort Wayne...ROAD TRIP!

I have not had any trouble with my touch pad and find it quite a nice addition as a controller.

Regarding Moog being responsive to customers...I have found them to be next to unbelievable with regard to customer response. Having received plenty of super-fast email responses and even a phone call directly I've been more than impressed. they run that shop more like a small local business rather than a synthesizer company known the world over. The attention to detail is next to none in my experience.

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Any regrets (need feedback)?

Any regrets (need feedback)?

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