Tag Archives: home studio

Vintage

Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree- 1969 Moog Synth For Christmas?

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This rare and refurbished 1969 Vintage Moog Model IIIP Modular Synthesizer System lights up like a Christmas Tree and Is Now For Sale. 


This unit has been disassembled, cleaned inside and out, fully refurbished by vintage synth specialists with decades of experience (our friends at tonetweakers.com), systematically tested by perfectionists over a long period and working like new again after 56 years! Few sellers invest the time, love and money tonetweakers do in the preparation of gear, and this is justifiably reflected in their prices.  

The Moog modular was one of the first commercially available synthesizers.

Sold in different configurations, the IIIP consisted of 3 portable cabinets of modules. Containing ten (!) 901 series oscillators, the best lowpass and highpass filters in the biz, and a magical spring reverb that makes things sound more organic, I can’t think of any other synth that matches the warmth and fatness of this genuine 1969 vintage Moog modular. Wendy Carlos’s classic album Switched on Bach and I Feel Love by Donna Summer were recorded on similar Moog modular systems.

Tonetweakers just finished refurbishing this gorgeous example (assuming they don’t find any problems as they continue to test every single part of it). Restoration was done in stages and took many months to complete. Total tech time spent was around 85 hours. They hit a snag when some parts ordered turned out to be fakes – a sadly common occurrence these days – but they eventually managed to track down some legit replacements.

They also have a smaller (single cabinet) real vintage Moog Model 15 that’s ready for sale. (Search their website for Moog Model 15).

The first photo and video of this unit in their studio shows 2 switch modules in the right most cabinet which were removed from this system since it does not belong with it. They were replaced with a blank .com metal panel. All other pics here show the .com panel in place.

This system came to tonetweakers without a keyboard. A Kenton Pro-2000 MIDI to CV converter and a MIDI keyboard is a much better option than the original Moog keyboard anyway as it offers so much more control. One of the cases does not have a front cover, which means less closet space wasted once you set it up in your studio.

Tonetweakers are all about negotiation and only ask that interested parties make a serious offer.

Trades of similar vintage modulars considered (ARP 2500, Roland System-700, Buchla Electric Music Box, EMS Synthi 100, Buchla 200/300, Polyfusion, Emu modular, etc). If we don’t get any offers we like, this classic instrument will likely end up in a vintage synth studio museum we may eventually open up here in New York City. Please message us if you’d like to be involved, if and when that happens. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Here are a couple videos of this incredibly tight Moog IIIP in action:

Culture

Rock Star Haven Egg House In Topanga Canyon Is For Sale

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Topanga Canyon’s One of a Kind “Egg House”
Topanga Canyon is one of LA’s most unique neighborhoods. Nestled in the Santa Monica mountains, the tight-knit community is known for its spectacular nature and Bohemian vibes. During the 1960s and 70s, the neighborhood was a haven for rock stars, including Canada’s own Neil Young and Joni Mitchell along with Jim Morrison, several members of The Eagles, and even country legend Linda Ronstadt among its talented residents. R&B superstar Marvin Gaye described Topanga as “a place where I can create my masterpiece,” and numerous artists agreed. Local venue The Topanga Corral hosted some of the all-time greats and inspired The Doors’ hit “Roadhouse Blues.” Simultaneously accessible and remote, the region remains a sanctuary for artists of all kinds. 

The opportunity to own a piece of this special neighborhood presents itself with the listing of Topanga Canyon’s “Egg House” for $4.995 million usd/ $6.790 million cad. This sculptural masterpiece of brutalism and organic design proudly sits at 225 Powderhorn Ranch Road.

Designed and built by artist couple Chad Hagerman and Allison Ochmanek of Rascal Makers, the home is inspired by the concept of the embryo – the origin of life, potential, and transformation. Combining brutalist architecture with organic materials, the bespoke home offers a serene aesthetic with touches of Japanese minimalism. The home is a true statement piece, with handcrafted plaster walls,  stone floors, artisan fixtures, and thoughtful details throughout. With four beds and five baths, the stunning home offers 3,350 square feet of living space. 

For The Silo, Jarrod Barker.