Lintronics Advanced Memorymoog [Moog LAMM] Start Price GBP 0.99 Current Price GBP 3,620.00 Time Left - Bid Count 17 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, September 05, 2008 End Time Monday, September 15, 2008 Location Wembley, Middlesex See more about 'Lintronics Advanced Memorymoog [Moog LAMM]' Description Memorymoog LAMM This is a Memorymoog which has been upgraded into a Lintronics Advanced Memorymoog. The original Memorymoogs, all created before 1984, were and are notoriously unreliable. To make these synths reliable a German firm called Lintronics, run by Rudi Linhard, systematically went through all of the weaknesses in the original synths and over the course of 6 years developed an upgrade which improved the MIDI functionality of the synth, added a stereo output, but most importantly made it a viable, stable instrument in terms of tuning and reliability in general. For more information about the LAMM upgrade please visit the Lintronics website. History I purchased this instrument in 2004 direct from Stephan Hund, the exclusive distributor for LAMMs, and Rudi Linhard's business partner. At the time I had the choice of 2 LAMMs and opted for the more expensive one, serial number 1484, as they recommended this as the better instrument. Since that time I have only used the synth in the studio and moved it very occasionally. As well as the photos in this advert there are also a selection of photographs of this synthesiser on the EMC Website (go to "Vintage Moogs", then "Memorymoog Bilder/Images", then "1484".) Condition This instrument functions perfectly with the exception of 2 faults. The first fault is that for some reason, after I had owned it for around 2 years the large numeric display, used for patch numbers, started to transpose the numbers. So, for example, the number "7" comes out as a "1", and the number "1" as a "3". The main drawback of this is that you can't readily see which patch number you are using. The smaller display below the main screen (which deals with everything else apart from the patch numbers) works perfectly though, and you can always recall patches with accuracy by typing their number in and pressing enter. At the time I looked into having this defect repaired but didn't think it was worth either shipping the instrument to Germany and back, or trusting it to a British repair company for the sake of what I think is essentially a cosmetic fault. The second fault is one which I should really have sorted out myself before posting this advert, but basically there are a couple of patches (out of 99 in all on the LAMM) which went a bit funny about 18 months back, in that you can't edit them properly. This happened once before and all you have to do is load more sounds in from the computer - or do what I have done and avoid those two patches and use the other 97. I would very much like to have been able to sell this unit as functioning perfectly because cosmetically I would be very hard pushed to find any difference in this synth from the day I bought it. All I can say is that the "guts" of this machine - everything associated with its sound - is A1 perfect, and that the two faults above are, for me, like a pair of tiny cobwebs in the corner of the Cistine Chapel! There are no new memorymoogs on the market and aside from those two minor defects, I think this one has to be in as good a condition as any of them. The instrument comes complete with manuals and a custom-built tight-fitting flightcase. The flightcase has some minor surface rust on the buckles (see photo), but is as strong as when I bought it and very sturdy (it came shipped from Germany in this case.) Sound Here are some quotes I found on the internet about the sound of the Memorymoog: "Enough of the technical stuff for now -- you'll be wondering what it actually sounds like! Fantastic is, I'm afraid, the only answer." (Sound on Sound Review) "This is, without a doubt the most badass board I've ever owned. The more you look, the more you'll like. Take this thing out on a gig and you're liable to tear someone's head clean off." (Harmony Central Reviewer) "If you can afford an you're into real analog . . . I think it's worth it; imho by far the best vintage polysynth ever made." (Future Producers Forum) "This is one amazing sounding machine. With three true analogue oscillators per voice, the sound is huge. Plus there are many more modulation options than any other programable polyphonic analogue synth of this era making this a very flexible machine. There is a place for the MemoryMoog in all types of music." (Harmony Central Reviewer) "If your desire is for astonishing analog warmth, depth and balls, this is the only one. Period. I've owned and used everything, live and in the studio -- I still own a Prophet VS and a PPG Wave 2.3 from the old days, and have sold off so many other things that I actually liked -- Matrix-12, Prophet V, Jupiter 8, etc. -- but this one is the undisputed Tsar of Balls. Don't mean to be crass, but you can't believe how much presence and power this synth has. Not to mention routing flexibility and WOW-ish filters. I just can't stand it." (Harmony Central Reviewer) "The Memorymoog is the be-all and end-all of all Moogs. Sporting three oscillators per voice and a Moog ladder filter, the Memorymoog is nothing but pure fat." (memorymoog.com)I would add to the above that I have owned a Nord Lead 2, an Alesis Andromeda, an Access Virus C, a Novation K-station, and a Moog Voyager and none of them even compare to the Memorymoog. I sold them all because for me there was no point in using them if the LAMM was in the studio. I'm only getting rid of it because I need the money and it hurts me to sell it. If you would like any mp3 clips of tracks that I have played the Memorymoog on please just drop me an e-mail and I'll send them over. Price I bought this instrument for 5,200 Euros in 2004 and they now sell for around 8,000 Euros. I see the advantages of buying buying a "new" LAMM from EMC as follows: With a new LAMM you get a one-year warranty, and also excellent technical support. Both Rudi and Stefan are very helpful and Rudi knows his stuff like you wouldn't believe. On a new LAMM you wouldn't have the issue with the scrambled patch numbers, or the two temporarily malfunctioning presets. You might also prefer the sounds that come as standard rather than my own patches. Since Rudi Linhard is always improving his the LAMM upgrades, you may get a later version if you buy direct now. As opposed to these points I would suggest the following: I have owned this synth for around 4 years now, and haven't needed to have any repairs. Even if repairs were necessary the cost of these repairs could be set against the saving of having bought on Ebay rather than from EMC for 8000 Euros (around £6,400), and, unlike a warranty, this cost saving will not expire. Even if there is new version of the LAMM available, the sound will be the same. I have never seen a LAMM advertised anywhere else other than on the EMC website, so once this one has been sold, the only option for a reliable Memorymoog costs around £6,400. Shipping I will deliver this synth personally to any address in mainland UK the day after the auction finishes (or at another mutually convenient time). Buyers outside the UK, please just e-mail me with your address and I will reply with a shipping quote within 24 hours. If you have any further questions please either e-mail me or give me a call on 07974221537 and I will happy to help. Happy Bidding! Tom Place a Bid!