One of the more intriguing happenings at this year’s Moogfest in Asheville, NC featured a workshop where all the attendees got to build their own Moog analog synthesizer. Nary two months later, and Moog has released the Werkstatt-01 synth kit — used in the workshop — to the public. Anyone interested in building their own analog synth need to check out the Werkstatt, which is available in extremely limited numbers from a selection of Moog’s normal vendor community.
But I still wait for my pre-ordered Sub 37 to ship. It was recently delayed to the end of the summer for its original May ship date. Ultimately, who cares about my whining!
Moog Werkstatt — No Soldering Gun Needed!
The Werkstatt-01 kit, in a similar manner as the Korg MS-20 kit, doesn’t require the use of a soldering iron, so it should be relatively easy for the electronically challenged to construct. The Werkstatt is a basic analog synth, with one VCO capable of square and sawtooth waveforms with PWM possible using the square wave. The classic 4-pole Moog filter is in there as well, along with an EG and LFO to provide modulation, if desired.
The Moog Werkstatt-01 Kit in all its glory. Photo copyright Moog Music.
A mini patch bay adds to the functionality of the unit. The CV input means the Werkstatt can find a home as part of a modular synth setup — there is no MIDI functionality. A mini push-button keyboard provides a means to play the thing beyond using some form of a CV input, although an “always-on” drone setting is possible on the VCA.
If you are interested in picking up a Werkstatt at its retail price of $329, strike quickly, as numbers are extremely limited, as mentioned earlier. Considering the popularity of Korg’s MS-20 kit, the littleBits Synth Kit, as well as the robust “maker” community, maybe these kinds of synthesizer construction kits will become commonplace? If so, how about MF-101 and MF-104 kits, Moog? Please!
[…] 2 ADS envelopes LFO syncable to sequencer's tempo Modulation matrix Arpeggiator Chorus and delay FXThe first classic, affordable Moog synthesiser is now available in software. We go back to the 70s t…mulation (click to enlarge)" […]