Honoring the legacy of Bob Moog and his enduring influence on electronic music

Synthesizers have completely transformed the way we create music. We owe much of that innovation to Bob Moog, an American engineer and electronic music pioneer. He was the founder of the synthesizer manufacturer Moog Music and the inventor of the first commercial synthesizer, the Moog synthesizer, which debuted in 1964.

We had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and Museum and daughter of the synth pioneer himself. She shared with us insights into her father’s innovations and the foundation’s mission to inspire future generations through his work.

Watch the video below to learn more about Bob Moog, his vast collection of modular synths and educational resources at the museum, and the enduring legacy of his work in Modular Icons, the Native Instruments Play Series instrument made in collaboration with the Bob Moog foundation.

And to support the development of tomorrow’s icons, you can get Modular Icons on sale now. We are donating over 60% of all Modular Icons sales to the Bob Moog Foundation – a non-profit organization dedicated to innovating, inspiring, and igniting creativity through education, historic preservation, and the Moogseum.

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The legacy of Bob Moog

Bob Moog’s legacy is defined not only by his groundbreaking inventions but also by his deep connection to the community of musicians and engineers who were inspired by his work.

According to his daughter Michelle, many people have shared stories of how he had changed and even transformed their lives. She described her father as a great teacher and a clear thinker who was always enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge. His goal was to provide the “largest sonic landscape” possible, giving musicians the tools to explore and find their own creative voice.

This spirit of creativity and exploration is at the heart of the Bob Moog Foundation, which aims to inspire people of all ages to think creatively and understand that they can change the world through persistence and inquisitiveness.

Modular Icons: the digital embodiment of Moog’s legacy

Modular Icons is a Play Series instrument made in collaboration with the Bob Moog Foundation designed to give users access to a variety of incredible modular systems they might not otherwise be able to experience.

It samples iconic systems, including custom Moog modulars used by artists like Keith Emerson and Jean-Michel Jarre, as well as the Moog modular from the Bob Moog Foundation’s museum that was used in the film Apocalypse Now.

The sounds from Modular Icons are not simply generated by a computer; they were manually patched, recorded, and sampled from these vintage systems by a global community of musicians and sound designers.

Michelle highlighted that the Modular Icons instrument is a way to honor not just her father’s legacy, but also the work of other synthesizer pioneers.

For many musicians, the appeal of vintage and analog synthesizers lies in their organic and rich sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Michelle emphasized that Bob was driven by his love for working with musicians, whom he saw as the “translators” of music that creates a sense of community.

Bringing modular synthesis into the future with Kontrol S-Series

Using Modular Icons with a Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboard brings this tactile, human experience into the digital realm. The S-Series keyboard’s hands-on controls and high-quality build echo the direct, physical interaction of an analog instrument, allowing you to sculpt sound in real-time.

This combination creates an experience that encourages you to explore the vast sonic landscape Bob Moog envisioned, ultimately helping you to find your unique creative voice.

Just as Bob Moog would reach for a napkin to sketch out a schematic for a curious musician, the Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboard, when paired with Modular Icons, provides a direct, hands-on path to sonic exploration and creation.

Support the future of electronic music

Bob Moog’s contributions to electronic music were profound, and his legacy continues to inspire us at Native Instruments. His work created a massive sonic landscape, and his passion for community and education is something we deeply admire.

We’ve partnered with the Bob Moog Foundation to bring you Modular Icons on sale now through August 31, with 60% of the proceeds going directly to the foundation to support their mission of inspiring future generations. It’s a chance to explore a universe of sound while contributing to the preservation of a true pioneer’s legacy.

Get Modular Icons now