Ribbon Controller

Description:

Invented in 1968, this particular ribbon controller from Bob's archive was the 151st one built at the Trumansburg factory. All analog synths are operated by what are known as controllers. In the modular Moog, the most obvious controllers were the potentiometers (or "pots") that controlled voltages going in and out of modules via patch cords. Bob added a keyboard from an organ, which enabled the chromatic scale to be played one note at a time (monophonically). But Bob's experience building Theremins meant he was accustomed to controllers that responded to sweeping gestures rather than the discrete manipulation of individual keys, so he devised what became known as the "ribbon controller." Like a potentiometer, this relied on variable resistance, but was arranged longitudinally so the voltage could be changed by pushing a finger against the resistance strip and, if need be, by sliding the finger along the ribbon to make the pitch glide smoothly up and down. The ribbon controller, which was also available on the Minimoog and the Polymoog, was popular among the more experimental and avant-garde users of the Moog. The Beach Boys used an early form of this controller when performing their hit song "Good Vibrations" (1966). Keith Emerson's ribbon controller eventually malfunctioned, producing staccato stabs rather than legato sweeps. Keith, ever the showman, loved this effect and ran into the audience with his ribbon controller making machine gun noises. On one famous occasion he overestimated the cable's length and ended up in the audience on his backside!

Attribution:

R.A. Moog Co.

Date:

ca. 1970

Physical Location:

Robert Moog papers, Archives 8629