Bob Moog Foundation Gets A Rare Moog

Keyboardist and synth programmer Casey Young recently donated a rare, vintage Moog Liberation keytar synthesizer to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives. Notable musician and performer Gary Wright previously owned the synthesizer. Manufactured in 1980, its serial number is 8041, and it is treated with a rare white factory paint exterior. It is accompanied by two external power supply and interface boxes. Here's the full story direct from the BMF...

The Liberation is one of the earliest examples of wearable "keytar" synthesizers. An adjustable, leather strap is attached at opposite ends of the instrument so that it can be held like a guitar. This wearable feature allows an otherwise stationary keyboard performer the freedom to move about and interact with other musicians. Connecting the Liberation to an interface and power supply unit allows it to send audio output while receiving power through a single cable.
 
Of particular note, the Liberation is one of the few keytars of its era to include a built-in sound-generating synthesizer, as MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) would not be introduced until 1983. As the keytar form factor gained popularity in the coming decade, lightweight MIDI-enabled instruments emerged, requiring far fewer electronics, since the synthesizer itself could be controlled remotely. The Liberation, with its inherent heft, had a very short production run that ended in 1981, resulting in the product's rarity and collectibility.
 
Gary Wright, writer and composer of classic songs including "Dream Weaver" (1976), was notable for using keytar synthesizers during live performances. The white Moog Liberation appears in his 1981 music video for "Heartbeat." Ownership of this synthesizer was transferred to musical collaborator Casey Young, who maintained possession until donating it to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives.
 
"Getting to work with Gary Wright was one of the best gigs I ever had," noted Casey Young, whose musical collaborators also included Yes, Madonna, TOTO, Michael Jackson, and Tina Turner. "He did so much to jump-start my musical journey." Young explains that Moog Music, while sponsoring the band, donated the use of three black and one white Liberation for the "Heartbeat" video. Young was later gifted the white Liberation by Wright while the remaining three were returned.
 
The Foundation's goal is to restore the Liberation's full functionality and cosmetic appearance for eventual display and hands-on use at the Moogseum in Asheville, North Carolina. This is the second Moog Liberation synthesizer in the Archives collection.
 
"We are honored by this very special donation to the Bob Moog Foundation Archives," noted Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. "Gary Wright's Liberation is a part of synthesizer history. We are deeply grateful to Casey Young for this important donation, and we look forward to sharing this historical gem once it has been restored."

More information:

• Bob Moog Foundation

• The Bob Moog Foundation Is Fundraising 14-Oct-26
• Bob Moog Foundation Livestream Events 09-Sep-26
• Win Vintage And New Moog Synthesizers 01-Sep-26
• Frank Serafine And Bob Moog Talk 11-Aug-26
• Bob Moog Foundation 20th Anniversary 04-Aug-26