Moog Music Acquired by inMusic, Continues Operations in North Carolina

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Moog Music, the legendary electronic instrument manufacturer known for their innovative synthesizers and iconic theremins, has made a big announcement. The company has been acquired by inMusic, a Rhode Island-based company that owns a number of other audio equipment brands including Akai and Denon.

The news comes on the heels of a turbulent period for Moog, which saw the company facing multiple lawsuits in 2021. One of the lawsuits was brought by a former employee who alleged harassment and discrimination based on gender, while others were related to the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the company’s music festival Moogfest.

Despite these challenges, Moog remains a beloved and influential brand in the world of electronic music, and their products continue to be used by artists and musicians around the globe. The announcement of the acquisition by inMusic provides some reassurance that Moog will continue to thrive and innovate in the years to come.

According to a statement by Moog Music President Joe Richardson, the company will continue to design, engineer, and build instruments at their headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina. Long-time Moog engineer Steve Dunnington, a former student of founder Bob Moog, will continue to lead product development.

The acquisition by inMusic puts Moog in good company, as the Rhode Island-based company is known for its impressive roster of audio equipment brands. In addition to Akai and Denon, inMusic owns Alesis, M-Audio, Marantz, and Numark.

Moog’s history stretches back to the early days of electronic music, when company founder Bob Moog was revolutionizing the industry with his modular synthesizers. Over the years, Moog has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with electronic music, with products like the Voyager, the Little Phatty, and the incredibly popular Sub 37 synth.

Today, Moog’s instruments can be heard in a wide variety of genres and contexts, from experimental noise music to mainstream pop hits. Artists like Thom Yorke, Stevie Wonder, Aphex Twin, and Flying Lotus have all used Moog instruments in their work, demonstrating the versatility and enduring appeal of these iconic instruments.

The acquisition by inMusic raises some interesting questions about the future direction of Moog and its products. Will the company continue to focus on developing new and innovative analog synths, or will they branch out into other areas of electronic music gear? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Moog’s legacy is secure, and their influence on the world of electronic music will continue to be felt for many years to come.