Moog • Polymoog
(click to enlarge)
The Polymoog is a preset-based and fully polyphonic synthesizer released in 1975. The eight preset sounds consist of strings, piano, organ, harpsichord, funk, clavi, vibes, and brass. Though it may not sound as good as other analog poly-synths of the time (from ARP and Siel) the Polymoog was still a popular instrument because of a great new keyboard and the ability to edit the presets into unique and wild analog sounds. There's a genuine Moog filter in there with modulation, keyboard tracking and lots of LFO modulation sources. The full sized 71-note touch-sensitive keyboard can be split into three sections, each with independent volume sliders. There is a 3-band EQ, sample-and-hold, and a full set of envelope controls. What you won't find, however, is patch memory--well, there's one programmable preset, but there's certainly no MIDI control!
Following the Polymoog synthesizer came the Polymoog Keyboard (pictured just above) released around 1978. The Keyboard model was simplified and cheaper in hopes to stimulate sales. It had more preset sounds (fourteen of them) but Moog had eliminated most of the editing functions that made the original version so great. The Keyboard model's 6 new preset sounds included Vox Humana, Strings 2, Electric and Honky Tonk pianos, Chorus Brass and a Rock Organ. So it's got some more presets, but programming is so limited you're pretty much stuck with the presets. Editing is reduced to volume, tuning, hi-pass filtering, and basic LFO features. The Keyboard model can be recognized by the name 'Polymoog Keyboard' printed where sliders and knobs used to exist on the original model.
An optional Polypedal board (pictured above) allows for external control of the pitch, filter, sustain and external sync of the Polymoog. It should be noted that the Polymoog and Polymoog Keyboard are not true polysynths, but that they use a similar 'divide-down' circuitry arrangement like certain string synths, combo organs, etc. This causes some of the sonic shortcomings of this unit. Also, the Polymoog is rather unreliable and prone to breakdown; used specimens are often found with problems w/o servicing prior to resale. Polymoog's have been used by Chick Corea, Blondie, Keith Emerson, Devo, Gary Numan, Prince, Richard Tandy of ELO, Patrick Moraz, Rush, Larry Fast, Wendy Carlos, Tony Banks, Kraftwerk, Geoff Downes, Jimmy Edgar, Freddy Fresh, and Rick Wakeman of Yes.
As previously stated they are best when restored, set up and left in one location. If you need to move it get a friend to help so the Polycom cards don't pop out. After several hours of field service updates these really are MUCH more reliable... unfortunately the cost involved isn't small and finding a qualified person to do this is not easy either these days.
Bottom line, this is a GREAT sounding classic synth for someone who has time, money and/or skills to keep it working. Beat ones should be avoided. If you want a reliable example look for a later serial# or find one that has been restored with rebuilt supply and all updates performed.
Lift it up one side and the rest stays in its place twisting the whole chassis!!!!!
Opinions on this machine vary but mine is clear STAY AWAY FROM IT. It breaks down under your hands, hard to repair.
Some say that their machine worked perfect standing in 1 place for years but touring or gigging is a great NONO
Some are priced thru the roof and others are a "give away"....
Feel free to have your own opinion on this machine but as far as i am concerned this machine should have never been build let alone been sold...