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Memorymoog DOA

Started by christine1117, October 07, 2021, 09:36:38 PM

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christine1117

Hi Has anyone restored one of these. I have one I bought new and it was fine when I last put it in it's road case...25 years ago. I suspect a lot of bad connections, but could there be more? As I remember these things while being a really cool synth were pretty finicky. I remember having the bonnet open often. I have scopes meters tools etc.
Keyboards are my middle name...
Wurlitzer 145 Piano
Hammond RT-3 Organ
Hammond A-100 Organ
Hammond M-3 Organ
EML Electrocomp 101 synth
Minimoog S/N 1338 synth
Memorymoog synth
Memorymoog+ synth
VOX Continental (Italian) Organ
VOX Continental (American) Organ
1995 Fender Stratocaster (American)
Glock G44 Firearm.

The Real MC

I restored two MM+.  There's a LOT to go wrong in these things, especially after sitting in a case for 25 years.  Some things can't be fixed over the internet.  This thing should be in the hands of a competent tech.

Alan Lenhoff

>>Glock G44 Firearm.>>

I was thinking of signing up for some expensive insurance for my instruments, but perhaps the solution at the bottom of your gear list is more cost-effective. (Of course, that doesn't really protect against flooding, does it?)  ;-)

On any vintage keyboard that is DOA after many years of storage, my first suspects would be the electrolytic caps in the power supply, which are long past their life expectancy.  If that's not the issue, I agree with The Real MC that solving this with a few online tips would be unlikely.

Alan
Co-author, "Classic Keys: Keyboard Sounds That Launched Rock Music"

Learn about the book: http://www.classickeysbook.com/
Find it on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1574417762/

1965 UK Vox Continental;1967 Gibson G101 organ; 1954 Hammond B2; Leslie 21H; Leslie 31H; 1974 Rhodes Mark I Stage 73; 1972 Rhodes Sparkletop Piano Bass; 1978 Hohner Clavinet D6; 1968 Hohner Pianet N II; 1966 Wurlitzer 140B; 1980 Moog Minimoog Model D; 1983 Roland JX-3P; 1977 Fender Twin Reverb; 1983 Roland JX-3P synth; Vox AC30CC2X amp.
(See the collection: https://vintagerockkeyboards.com/ )

retro-mike

#3
We're restored several memory moogs here @retrolinear,  all MM versions as well that being standard MM, MM plus and LIN mod.
Of all the polys we've serviced short of maybe a CS80 or Rhodes/ARP Chroma - MM's are a royal PITA to get right.  Karl Frick one of our EE's here designed a new power supply for the MM - which fixes some of the self destructive properties these synths are cursed with from the factory at least providing good foundation to sleuth out glitches.
A proper restore is easily a 100-120 hour job for a competent tech.
Be prepared to spend, and BEWARE anyone quoting sub $5-7k on restoration costs..

There are maybe 4 or 5 qualified techs in the US to handle these.   I'm not naming names but do your homework before taking it anywhere, lots of fake-repairs out in the world..   You essentially get one chance to restore it right.   Poorly executed repairs virtually eliminates the likelihood of your MM being saved..

Alan Lenhoff

>>A proper restore is easily a 100-120 hour job for a competent tech.
Be prepared to spend, and BEWARE anyone quoting sub $5-7k on restoration costs..>>

Ouch!    :o

Alan
Co-author, "Classic Keys: Keyboard Sounds That Launched Rock Music"

Learn about the book: http://www.classickeysbook.com/
Find it on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1574417762/

1965 UK Vox Continental;1967 Gibson G101 organ; 1954 Hammond B2; Leslie 21H; Leslie 31H; 1974 Rhodes Mark I Stage 73; 1972 Rhodes Sparkletop Piano Bass; 1978 Hohner Clavinet D6; 1968 Hohner Pianet N II; 1966 Wurlitzer 140B; 1980 Moog Minimoog Model D; 1983 Roland JX-3P; 1977 Fender Twin Reverb; 1983 Roland JX-3P synth; Vox AC30CC2X amp.
(See the collection: https://vintagerockkeyboards.com/ )