Moog Music has announced a cease in production of the Werkstatt-Ø1 analog synthesizer kit.
The Werkstatt-Ø1 monophonic synthesizer kit made its debut at Moogfest in 2014. The instrument’s sound is built around classic Moog circuitry, along with its signature Moog Ladder filter and a two-stage envelope generator.
The initial assembly of the Werkstatt-Ø1 instrument is known to be extremely simple, using minimal tools and expertise. Patching inputs and outputs together from the 12 jacks of the ⅛-inch patch bay reconfigures the Werkstatt-Ø1’s circuits to create unique sounds.
An additional CV Expander on the Werkstatt-Ø1 connects the instrument as an enhancement to other Moog Semi-Modular Synthesizers or Eurorack systems. Moog also offers a webpage showing possible modifications to the Werkstatt-Ø1, using breadbox and Arduino integration.
Moog said farewell to the Werkstatt-Ø1 on a Twitter thread while praising its pioneering features:
“Werkstatt-01 was created to provide a hands-on understanding of how analog synthesizers work and encourage experimentation with sound through patching and interconnectivity,” they wrote. “[Did You Know] that the research and design that went into Werkstatt-01’s circuitry ultimately led to the development of our entire semi-modular family? If it weren’t for Werkstatt-01, instruments like Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Grandmother, and Matriarch might not exist today!”
At the time of writing, limited stock of the Werkstatt-Ø1 is still available at select Moog dealers. Alternatively, online resale prices for the Werkstatt-Ø1 are selling at or around $150 to $160.
Find more information on the Werkstatt-Ø1 on Moog’s website.
