Moog Modular System 35 (1973–1974)
The Moog System 35 sits in an odd spot in the Moog modular family. It was a smaller sibling to the enormous System 55 - a 5-generator version of the Moog modular concept, originally built to 1973-1974 factory specifications. The original run dates to that era, but no exact production years or original price are documented. It was a serious, professional-grade instrument: a modular analog synthesizer in two cabinets, with a 960 Sequential Controller in the upper one, powered by a CP35 Console Panel with a switch-selectable 120/230 VAC supply.
Moog later reissued the System 35 as a limited-edition recreation, hand-built to the original 1973 factory specs. The reissue was announced alongside the System 15 and System 55 as part of Moog's return to their heritage modular designs, a project that reportedly took three years of research and development. Each unit was assembled from hand-made modules with photo-etched aluminum panels, finished in a custom hand-finished walnut cabinet, and shipped with 37 ¼-inch patch cords. One reissue unit, serial #19 of 35 released worldwide, also came with the walnut-finish Moog 953 Duophonic Keyboard. Quantities were explicitly very limited.
There is one documented quirk. A forum user reported that their System 35 "thinks it's a Theremin" - the 921B oscillator frequency shifts with the proximity of hands to the module and cabling, and some oscillators are more sensitive than others. That appears to be a characteristic of the original circuit design, not a fault. The instrument has been used professionally in live settings; a Mike Dean recording is described as using "mostly all live analog sounds" on the System 35. One unit sold through KMR Audio was described as "the last ever Moog Music Inc. System 35," but that refers to that particular end-of-production instrument, not the model line as a whole.
On collectibility, a vintage System 35A with a 951 Keyboard Controller surfaced on the market with serial number 7414, described as a "rare opportunity." A reference value of $22,000 USD has been attached to the System 35 in online listings. A miniature collectible replica (14 cm) also exists. A System 35 is held in the collection of the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments in Japan.
Documentation has gaps. There is no detailed specification sheet covering frequency response, power output per module, or dimensions. The module count conflicts, too - sources cite both "22 Hand-Made Modules" and "25 Modules Based on Vintage Moog Design" - so the exact number is unclear. FutureMusic (Spain) covered the reissue announcement of the System 55, 35, and 15 family, noting that the System 55 would sell for $35,000 with only 55 units available.
Known specifications:
- Modular analog synthesizer, 5-generator configuration
- Two-cabinet design; upper cabinet houses 960 Sequential Controller
- CP35 Console Panel with 180-watt, 120/230 VAC switch-selectable power supply
- Reissue: hand-built to 1973 factory specs, walnut cabinet, 37x ¼" patch cords
- Limited reissue of 35 units worldwide
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