uuuhhhmmm . . .WOW! $60,000 for a Moog modular!

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 4:47 am

http://cgi.ebay.com/MOOG-SYSTEM-55-rare ... 0455840575

sorry if this was discussed before

latigid on · Post by **latigid on** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 6:06 am

Beautiful isn't it?

Thanks for sharing

Kevin Lightner · Post by **Kevin Lightner** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 6:24 am

The wood isn't stock.
The mounting screws aren't stock.
The module complement isn't that of a stock 55.
One module is missing a screw.
One knob missing its reflector.
Another knob (Moog 921 waveform) has the wrong reflector.
The rubber feet used on the top portion isn't stock.
The pilot lamp isn't stock.
There's evidence of some spray having been used on some controls and jacks.
The manual supplied is a copy.

Yet it's a mint, perfect 55?
Previously the seller said it was a custom-made 55 built by Bob Moog, but now doesn't include that text.
From all I can see, this was a "project Moog 55"- one built up from misc pieces.
I can only imagine the "perfection" of the electronics inside.

Here's a pic of one I restored: http://www.synthfool.com/moog55kl.jpg
It cost less than $60K (including international shipping and restoration costs), yet I'd never even suggest it's perfect.

There's a sucker born every minute.
If someone pays $60K for it, I'd suggest they're a "perfect fool."
Luckily not every sucker has $60K.

Burgs · Post by **Burgs** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:56 pm

Kevin Lightner wrote:The wood isn't stock.
The mounting screws aren't stock.
The module complement isn't that of a stock 55.
One module is missing a screw.
One knob missing its reflector.
Another knob (Moog 921 waveform) has the wrong reflector.
The rubber feet used on the top portion isn't stock.
The pilot lamp isn't stock.
There's evidence of some spray having been used on some controls and jacks.
The manual supplied is a copy.

Yet it's a mint, perfect 55?
Previously the seller said it was a custom-made 55 built by Bob Moog, but now doesn't include that text.
From all I can see, this was a "project Moog 55"- one built up from misc pieces.
I can only imagine the "perfection" of the electronics inside.

Here's a pic of one I restored: http://www.synthfool.com/moog55kl.jpg
It cost less than $60K (including international shipping and restoration costs), yet I'd never even suggest it's perfect.

There's a sucker born every minute.
If someone pays $60K for it, I'd suggest they're a "perfect fool."
Luckily not every sucker has $60K.

PWNED!

Wow, the one you restored is gorgeous...

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:05 pm

Kevin, I see the missing reflector, and the wrong reflector, and the unoriginal cabinet, as well as the spray residue and unoriginal feet, as well as the "custom" lamp, but where's the missing screw? Can't place it.

Not that it matters, because I'm neither dumb enough to spend that kind of money on a POS 55, nor do I have 60k...period.

Kevin Lightner · Post by **Kevin Lightner** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:15 pm

where's the missing screw?

Right-most 911 envelope generator.
2nd module from the right on the top cab.
A C-frame mounting screw.
I have about 4000 of those screws in stock and that particular Ebay'r can buy one from me for the very special price of only $50.

They're 10 cents each for any one else.

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:23 pm

Kevin Lightner wrote:
where's the missing screw?
I have about 4000 of those screws in stock and that particular Ebay'r can buy one from me for the very special price of only $50.
They're 10 cents each for any one else.

Epic! Yeah I found it. Thanks Kevin! I've got a feeling that guy's got more than one screw loose, though.

CZ Rider · Post by **CZ Rider** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:46 pm

Wow! Price jump, last time this went to auction it was only 50 grand?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0383187204
That listing was also shown here:
http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2009/04 ... em-55.html
While the listing is quite misleading as to originality, it still has Moog modules in there. I would not feel guitly rearranging these into say, a portable cabinet or other custom enclosure, since it is not an original configuration. I'm sure the price is high to avoid Ebay fees, probably looking for a reasonable offer.
This seller also claimed to be dismantling the famous Moog CEMS because it had eight sequencers, and only needed four?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0400746531
I would think the CEMS would be worth more undisturbed, since it was reported to be built by Bob himself. A historic system that was slated to go in a musem, but ran out of funding. Was auctioned off at Viema last year. Info on that auction here:
http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2007/10 ... -late.html
Too bad the seller seems to have no respect for historic value of these Moogs. Kind of like the old tomb raider's melting down ancient art/relics for the gold.

EricK · Post by **EricK** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 2:48 pm

50 bucks for a screw?
Jeez!

EricK

MC · Post by MC » Wed Aug 05, 2009 8:21 pm

EricK wrote:50 bucks for a screw?

That's cheaper than a hooker

MarkM · Post by **MarkM** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:34 pm

Kevin, that is one spectacular picture. Thanks for sharing.

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 3:07 am

MC wrote:
EricK wrote:50 bucks for a screw?
That's cheaper than a hooker

This IS Kevin Lightner we're talking about, MC.

Now I have pictures in my head that REALLY shouldn't be there.

timmy · Post by **timmy** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:59 am

everyone up in arms over this $60K modular (I agree it's insanity). funny. i feel the same way when I see Taurus 1's listed for more than $2000.

But as was mentioned earlier... "there's a sucker..."

Kevin Lightner · Post by **Kevin Lightner** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 5:03 pm

Thanks for the kind words on my photography, Mark.
The camera did all the work though.
I wish *my* work took 1/250th of a second to do.

As for T1's, I agree prices can be quite tall.
But we're talking about a 30+ year old synth designed to sit on the floor and be stepped on.
To obtain a really nice one today that still plays reliably will take some money.
I personally could find much better uses for money like that myself, but it's all relative to how much you've got and how bad you want something.
We'll see what the new T3 does to those vintage T1 sales soon too.

mayidunk · Post by **mayidunk** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 6:19 pm

Kevin Lightner wrote:Here's a pic of one I restored: http://www.synthfool.com/moog55kl.jpg
It cost less than $60K (including international shipping and restoration costs), yet I'd never even suggest it's perfect.

What a beautiful looking synth! Tell me though, unless "perfect" in your view means exactly as it would've been delivered by RA Moog 40 years ago, what was less than perfect about this 55?