Rare Moog Liberation Keytar Synthesizer Donated To The Bob Moog Foundation Archives
The Bob Moog Foundation – an Asheville-based non-profit, dedicated to the preservation of Bob Moog‘s legacy – has announced a new addition to their archives, a rare Moog Liberation keytar synthesizer, previously owned by composer and synthesist Gary Wright.
The keytar was donated by keyboardist and synth programmer Casey Young. This model, serial number 8041, features a rare white factory paint job. The Moog Liberation is the second in the Foundation’s archive.
“Getting to work with Gary Wright was one of the best gigs I ever had,” noted Casey Young in a personal note accompanying his donation. “He did so much to jump-start my musical journey.”
Young has worked with a wide variety of artists, including Gary Wright, Yes, Madonna, TOTO, Michael Jackson, and Tina Turner.
Here’s what the Foundation shared about the new addition:
“Keytar synthesizers were not very common until the mid-1980s, when the onset of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) meant that keyboard controllers only needed a keybed and basic interface to remotely control a synthesizer. As it was in 1980, the Liberation needed to be an all-in-one sound-generating synthesizer, internally quite similar to a Moog Prodigy.
Naturally, this added quite a bit of weight to what was designed as a portable instrument. This, along with Moog Music experiencing market struggles, led to the Liberation’s short production run. As a result, over four decades later, the Liberation has become increasingly rare and collectible.
Gary Wright, writer and composer of the 1976 hit song Dream Weaver, famously played keytar synthesizers during live performances. The white Moog Liberation appears in his 1981 music video for Heartbeat. Ownership of this synthesizer was transferred to musical collaborator Casey Young, who maintained possession until donating it to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.”
“We are honored by this very special donation to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives,” noted Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “Gary Wright’s Liberation is a part of synthesizer history. We are deeply grateful to Casey Young for this important donation, and we look forward to sharing this historical gem once it has been restored.”
The Foundation’s goal is to restore the Liberation’s full functionality and cosmetic appearance for eventual display and hands-on use at the Moogseum.
The Moog Archives are part of the Foundation’s mission, along with the Moogseum and Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool – a STEAM-style educational program. You can find out more about the Foundation and its mission at the Foundation’s site.
