Exclusive: Moog's Joe Richardson Reveals Future of the Iconic Synth Brand

Moog Music’s Evolution and Future Vision

Moog Music, the legendary company that introduced the world to the synthesizer as a viable commercial instrument, has always been synonymous with sonically rich, hand-crafted analogue synthesis. Founded by the visionary Bob Moog, the brand has remained a cornerstone in the music technology industry for decades. However, the landscape of this industry has seen significant shifts, particularly with the 2023 acquisition of Moog by InMusic, a multi-brand corporation that also owns Akai Professional, M-Audio, and Alesis.

For many passionate Moog fans, this acquisition raised concerns about the potential loss of the brand’s manufacturing heartland and its boutique design ethos. The relocation of the Moog team from their historic Asheville, North Carolina headquarters added to these fears. Yet, what followed has largely allayed those worries. The release of the Muse in 2024 and the Messenger in 2025 demonstrated that Moog was not only surviving but thriving under new ownership.

The Muse was hailed as a modern Moog flagship, balancing advanced modern abilities with the heritage circuitry pioneered by Bob Moog. It was described as “the purest, most characterful poly that Moog has made in recent memory.” Meanwhile, the Messenger offered a more accessible monosynth capable of producing huge, sonically rich sounds at a more affordable price than previous Moog releases. Both instruments were well-received and marked a successful post-acquisition phase for the brand.

To understand how Moog navigated this transition, we spoke with Joe Richardson, President of Moog Music. He discussed the release of the Bob Moog Tribute Edition of the Model D, a limited run of 500 units. This release underscored the symbiotic relationship between Moog Music and the Bob Moog Foundation, which focuses on educating the world about the founder’s contributions to music history.

Richardson explained that the tribute edition was a way to preserve the legacy of the Model D while supporting the foundation. Every sale of the tribute edition contributes $500 to the foundation, helping it continue its mission. This collaboration highlights the importance of maintaining the narrative around Moog’s history.

The acquisition of Moog by InMusic was met with skepticism from some quarters. However, Richardson emphasized that the company’s vision was to preserve and enhance the brand’s identity. The success of the Muse and Messenger helped alleviate fears, showing that Moog could still produce high-quality instruments that resonated with both longtime fans and new users.

Looking ahead, Moog is set to release three new synths in the next 12 months. These instruments are expected to offer innovative features while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and expressiveness. Richardson noted that these releases would be surprises, each enhancing the musician’s ability to express themselves through the instruments.

The affordability angle was a key consideration in the development of the Messenger. While not marketed as cheap, the instrument aimed to make the Moog sound more accessible. InMusic’s infrastructure allowed for greater efficiency and scale, enabling Moog to create instruments that were both innovative and affordable.

Despite the challenges posed by tariffs and geopolitical issues, Richardson acknowledged that starting a boutique synth company today is more difficult. However, he emphasized that there is still room for innovation, particularly in the Eurorack market, where smaller companies can thrive.

The future of Moog looks promising, with a focus on continued innovation and a commitment to the legacy of Bob Moog. Richardson expressed pride in being part of the journey, highlighting the resilience of the Moog team and the strong relationships they have built.

As Moog continues to evolve, the brand remains dedicated to its core values while embracing new possibilities. The upcoming releases are expected to further solidify Moog’s position as a leader in the world of analogue synthesis, ensuring that the spirit of Bob Moog lives on.