IMO, this is the best (and funnest) synth Moog has made in years. I love mine. Never owned a synth that sounds so alive and so organic. It’s truly Plantasia in a box. I own both this and the Prologue, and I think they’re both the 2 best synths to hit the market in some time. And you’re right. The Grandmother is pretty much flawless.
Would you say the Matriarch also sounds organic to you? Is it basically an upgraded Grandmother (aside from not having the spring reverb) or are there things the Grandmother can do that the Matriarch can't? I find myself wishing for the Matriarch more due to the paraphony and more patch points, but the Grandmother is already 2x more expensive than the most I've ever paid for a single piece of gear (original Minilogue). Grandmother is much more realistic for my financial situation, but oh god that Matriarch... I think I could deal with not having "the best" one seeing how I still love my Minilogue after hearing the XD and Prologue. Maybe I'll get the Grandmother and upgrade to the Matriarch once it becomes more feasible.
I've had mine for a years and a half now and I think it's an amazing little synth. Sounds just killer. I make little videos using it and watch a lot of other peoples videos too. It's the synth that just keeps on giving!
I own one since Dec. 21 and I feel the same way: It has that playful and inviting character. I love the Grandmother the way it looks, it feels and of course the soundspectrum which is awesome!
For years I have regretted selling of my Sequential Pro One in the early 1990's … when I saw the Moog GM I knew she only could console that pain. I know played mine for about two months and I fully agree with everything you say. It is a delight to play. I have her hooked up with a Behringer Model D in my set up, controlling the model D through midi from the GM's keyboard while feeding the model D output back into the mix on the GM. It is such a delight.
I think it is … but I haven't even begun to explore the possibilities of cross-patching (and I need to get a few longer patch cables). The GM is so expressive on her own already that I still have a long journey ahead of me with the couple. But it makes me excited to get back behind they keys every day after work.
It is perfect. I love it. I am so glad I got one. I do wish it was polyphonic with aftertouch tho. With those features and 49 Keys I’d buy with urgency.
I recently played one at the Moog factory, and I was blown away by how fun and inviting the Grandmother is when standing in front of it. It was the most fun I'd had with a synth since my first time touching an analog mono. I had recently purchased a Subs37, and I instantly wished the GM had been out at the time I bought my Subs. Not that the Subs is bad; it's great, but the GM has that intangible something that people look for in their instrument of choice.
I own one as well and wholeheartedly agree with your opinions, including its one flaw and the poly suggestion. The device simply makes you want to play and create! I’ve had both experienced and complete novices lay hands on mine. So far all have walked away with great appreciation (and deeper understanding) for not only Grandmother, but synthesis in general. There are few special pieces of gear that consistently generate this effect and the Grandmother is certainly one! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Great vid, I appreciate you brother and subscribed! I was lucky enough to get my first moog this past weekend, a grandmother in perfect shape for only $600 on offer up. I’m newer to anything analog since my korg monologue was basically it for me, and man this machine is amazing. I’ve never heard a moog in person and it’s such a unique sound and playing experience lol 🔥
The buchla comparison is exactly what I was struck with immediately. This is a really important synth for Moog . Much more than a sub thirty seven tribute even. This is ergonomic which is missing on 90 % of the very colorful but non focused Brand X alternatives.... peace Christo 👽🛸✌🏻👏🏻🐕🔦🎶🐕🤖👍🏻🙏❤️
I totally agree with all aspects of this video essay, especially the vibe and playful characteristics and agree with the octave selecting method a little ... cumbersome
I share your enthusiasm. 9:52 I appreciate the gradual learning curve of the GM. I've got a Moog One too (which is amazingly powerful) but I think I will learn quicker on the Grandmother.
“My” only problem (and not the synths problem lol) is that every time I plain to use it in a track I start turning knobs and finding new sounds and then my beat making takes a backseat to my exploration into sound and I can’t get anything done lol. So at first not being able to make presets was a bummer but now I just record every sound that I create into my sampler 😊 This is my first synth without presets but Im having fun and learning at the same time so I’m happy. Thanks for your videos 🙌🏿
@@BobbyGeneric145 I don't play it enough I'll admit cause I'm school right now - but I love it. Whenever I do get a chance to mess with it I'm always rewarded with new ideas. I've recorded with it a bit on some different songs and that's really why I bought it.
The only thing i dislike is the name :) and maybe that the low end disappeares when you crank up the resonance. My MFB Dominion1 doesnt loose any low end :) One thing i love with the GM is the harmonics when turning a knob. It sounds very good
I´ve never played one yet, but I can imagine it has the same inviting playabilty like a Juno-60; simple and intuitive, and therefor quite fun. Have to check it out!
Love that sound you made using the lfo controlling the filter frequency.....so subtle you barely heard anything......i think i heard your Grandmother smirk at one point.
I always thought of this as Moog's version of a Music Easel since they share most of the same building blocks. You should try and get your hands on one sometime.
Aside from the QC issues these had, the design is otherwise close to perfect imo. When a synthesizer has as an amazing sound and parsimonious layout like this it's a real killer. Love the beautifully spaced out controls with nothing feeling cramped. Moog gave just as many controls/features as necessary to make a complete synthesizer, with nothing extra. That's why I go to the Grandmother if I need to dial in a quick patch of any kind. Very easy to do
"Definitely sounds like a classic Moog...definitely has this vintage-y character to it...when I play it, it reminds me a lot of when I play vintage monosynths". Your ears were not lying to you. Since this video is now 5 months old, you may have learned in the meantime the specifics of what you were seeking to communicate via subjective assessment -- the mixer, filter, envelope, VCA and spring reverb are all based on classic Moog 900-series modules (and may in some cases be the same circuits?) To my ears, it sounds awesome! I only hope that Moog doesn't discontinue production before I have a chance to buy one. I indulged in a 3-tier Mother-32 rack, and I'd love to pair this with that (I believe they *will* pair 😊 ). Thanks for making several videos with it!
Very nice review...I'm glad you really like this synth, since mine is expected to be delivered tomorrow. All of your videos on this have been inspiring. I also liked the one on the Rev2, as I bought one of those, as well!
Great review. Walked in to Guitar Center the other day to get some cables and saw this on display and had some similar reservations you did before I played it. What pulled me in immediately was naturally the different colors, and it reminded me of my modular system where it sort of encourages you to explore it. The added reverb was awesome and then what really sealed the deal for me was the arppegiator, something I felt the Sub Phatty was lacking. Im trying to decide if I want to sell my Sub and go for the Grandmother - though I can't imagine too many people excited about the Sub with this lady on the market now!
I'm between this beauty and the Minibrute 2S. I have read from users that when it comes to eurorack capabilities, the MB2S is more flexible (and of course, it's cheaper), but at the same time... Grandma is a beauty, better sound, etc. One of those 2 is going to be my first physical synth, I'm not a novice, I understand the basis of synthesis and I have used software before. Please, help me decide.
Me, I can't seem to get excited about Moogs. For this general category of synth, I'd rather use a Minibrute 2. But really, my idea of perfect is in a different category entirely, something like a Peak.
I must say though, your recent videos really do make the Grandmother look a lot better than it did at launch time. Your eye beheld beauty, and you shared what you saw so that others might see it too. Thank you for that. These glimpses through your eyes are inspiring, and I want to explore parts of the path you forged... even if I do it using different tools.
So if you look the Grandmother Layout you noticed the patch points are in parallel except the mixer section so you need 6-12 inche 3.5mm right angle cables to keep them from blocking your knobage.....there is also a shift button on some and hidden glide features not many also there is very few midi controls being this fully analog so not much digital. Patches I made acid bass,siren,classic moog bass,
grandmother might go down as one of my fav synths of all times. even after the release of mattriarch! i had it, sold it and bought it. now she is gonna stay for goods. i rather have the grandmother and the eurorack instead the mattriarch which costs 3 times more and no rack. not that the mattriach isn't a tremendous synth, i personally like the GM more than any other synth at the moment. the only thing what bothers me is the calibration stuff which you need to run through. i had a moodwheel and tune issues with both of my GMS and had to calibrate lots of stuff such as post, oscis and notes!
No menus, but this synth has layers. Kinda like ogres. Ogres have layers. Not that the grandmother is an ogre, more like an onion ... made of glass ... I'm in love with it, too. Great synth. A polysynth from Moog? They just made one! The One. The Moog one with the not-so-nice price point. Maybe they'll spin off a smaller, more affordable One and call it The Halve. The Halve you just have to have? Start saving now!
Three things: 1. I think reviews that stray away from objectivity are the best. Making subjective claims and backing them up from experience is usually the most valuable thing in my mind as a potential buyer of something, because instruments don't impress me merely on facts. If we were to only review synths objectively, there could almost be a "right answer" to the best synth. I, and I believe most people, make opinions on synths based primarily on impressions. What can this do? How fun is this? What does it feel like to play? What's the workflow like? And, most importantly, how inspiring is this? PRS guitars are probably the "best guitars" in terms of playability, versatility, etc, but most people, even those that can afford them, still prefer "inferior" ones like fender and gibson. There's a reason for that. Fenders and gibsons feel nice, and are comfortable to play. Their tone is somewhat limited, but that limitation allows players to focus on other things to alter their sound. Most people don't toggle past the bridge pickup anyways. Same goes for synths. The limitations of the grandmother complement creativity, and inspire people to play. I think there's a really, really good reason Moog is doing better with the grandmother than they have been doing with other synths in the past; because they're considering the grandmother as like an experience, rather than just "the best synth possible". So yeah, please give your impressions, they're really important. Second and third smaller points as a reply below.
2. There's really nothing wrong with saying there's nothing wrong! If you can't find anything negative to say about something, or vice versa (positive) then that's your impression as a user. Going back to my first point, I want to know how you feel using a piece of gear. If you can't find anything wrong personally, then that's your true impression! Trying to always find "the other side of the story" is often irrelevent, and convolutes and confuses strong views.
3. Personally I hate it when "reviews" are more of a walkthrough and explain what something is objectively. If I wanted to know that, I can just look up specs online. There's nothing wrong about bringing up a spec, and explaining if it works or doesn't work in favor, but reviews that simply function as walkthroughs are a waste of potentially good content IMO. Walkthroughs are valuable in their own right, I just think they shouldn't be conflated for reviews. Likewise I don't think your review did that at all, so thanks for that. Ok I'm done now. Whew. I want a grandmother!
How would you compare this to the Korg Minilogue in terms of a first synth and definitely in the mindset of everything you said in this video. And if it’s just a matter of Poly/Mono, which is the best for a first timer? Great video!
I wouldn’t. I have and like both. XD is poly. Grandmother is mono. Patch creation is way different and XD has presets. But if you’ve never patched- don’t worry with Grandmother. It’s really friendly out of the box meaning it immediately sounds good. And it’s the perfect synth to learn patching on as it’s logically arranged & easy to understand the signal path. Had these synths been the same I would’ve only bought the Moog. But there’s a need for both. They enhance my music differently. XD does many things well and I needed an analogue poly. But Nothing does Moog...like a Moog and this one is special.
Mic stand. Point mic at your chest from above, all you need. I’m using an inexpensive AT mini condenser for this and it works great. Just a suggestion brother.
I bought this as my first Synth and I am interested in making Synthwave bass and leads with it. Although I am struggling to get those tight rolling bass sounds from this. Any chance on adding a Synthwave tutorial for the Grandmother :) :) Great channel. Especially covering the Grandmother!
The VCOs sound amazing as does the oscillator sync; the build quality, however, is disappointing. The slider for sustain wastes space on the front panel and is just janky. The filter cutoff knob is lacking when compared to the Subsequents. And the plastic cheeks were not a great choice. I bought the dark and wish I had bought the clownfish edition. The colors really help the looks of the synth. The spring reverb is also wonderful as a stand-alone module. And the LFO is really another oscillator. I wish they had used switch like an oscillator with a “Low” setting when using it as a LFO. All that said, it is a beautiful sounding synth and has a voicing different from other Moog synths.
Your videos made me want a Grandmother. But before I had time to buy it; Now your wish came true with the Matriarch (paraphonic, though. Not polyphonic). Can you share your thoughts on the Matriarch based on the specs and demos?
I am new to analog/modular synths so forgive me lol. Can you connect a Keyboard with a Midi Out 5 DIN to control the Grandmother? Reason being I want to be able to play chords. Would there be polyphony voices problems?
I’d also be very interested in how you feel about the Grandmother now, after four years. But it seems that you’re still very happy with it considering that it’s a part in many of your videos and the fact that you don’t seem to have purchased a Matriarch.
I got a question you might have an answer to : Is it possible to have the GM retrigger itself? Somtimes it fades out (due to filter and modulation) when hitting new notes ;)
Perfect synth! Well my Minibrute may not reach that in other’s opinions but it does in my mind. And thats what counts. My Sub phatty was pretty good though.
the ms20 sounds brassy compared to the grandmother. both wonderful synths. my only reservation about the ms20 would be its design. it's just shaped funny lol. other then that either synth is used for different things
I know what you mean about the near-perfectness. On my own wishlist for the four-voice poly version is live sequencing and an onboard basic three-knob delay alongside the reverb (no need to be as versatile as any of the moog delays). Also a tempo indicator would be good so you can sync without syncing. Moog might be reluctant to make a poly one in order not to kill the market, but this is a must in the no-presets category to go beyond, say, Analog Keys or Minilogue. Moog could do it so easily charging 400 dollars more than for the grandmother I guess (?). The Great Grandmother, it could have no other name lol.
This lighting hurts my brain. Move the christmas lights to the background ONLY if you can make them out of focus. Light your face as bright as the synth. Thank you I had to get it out of my brain.
It's like a cable talk show and your guest is the Grandmother. That should be a thing, "Interview with the Synthesizer"
lol yes! "my guest tonight has appeared in many hit singles, please welcome, Grandmother! "
"Join me next week when I will be joined by the bad boy of synths who has just been released from a 4 year stint in beta, the OP- Zed"
"Late Night with The Grandmother."
Ha Ha Ha! Nice!
I really like this format choice too by the way Once Upon A Synth Guy!
Lol Robert
IMO, this is the best (and funnest) synth Moog has made in years. I love mine. Never owned a synth that sounds so alive and so organic. It’s truly Plantasia in a box.
I own both this and the Prologue, and I think they’re both the 2 best synths to hit the market in some time. And you’re right. The Grandmother is pretty much flawless.
Would you say the Matriarch also sounds organic to you? Is it basically an upgraded Grandmother (aside from not having the spring reverb) or are there things the Grandmother can do that the Matriarch can't? I find myself wishing for the Matriarch more due to the paraphony and more patch points, but the Grandmother is already 2x more expensive than the most I've ever paid for a single piece of gear (original Minilogue).
Grandmother is much more realistic for my financial situation, but oh god that Matriarch... I think I could deal with not having "the best" one seeing how I still love my Minilogue after hearing the XD and Prologue. Maybe I'll get the Grandmother and upgrade to the Matriarch once it becomes more feasible.
I've had mine for a years and a half now and I think it's an amazing little synth. Sounds just killer. I make little videos using it and watch a lot of other peoples videos too. It's the synth that just keeps on giving!
I own one since Dec. 21 and I feel the same way: It has that playful and inviting character. I love the Grandmother the way it looks, it feels and of course the soundspectrum which is awesome!
Guess you and Moog were on the same page! Matriarch sounds like your “dream synth” ;)
Boy I'll say-he hit it "spot on" with his request: maybe Moog WAS listening? Incredible
I was thinking the same thing! Moog was on the same wavelength. I still kinda like the Grandmother better for simplicity
For years I have regretted selling of my Sequential Pro One in the early 1990's … when I saw the Moog GM I knew she only could console that pain. I know played mine for about two months and I fully agree with everything you say. It is a delight to play. I have her hooked up with a Behringer Model D in my set up, controlling the model D through midi from the GM's keyboard while feeding the model D output back into the mix on the GM. It is such a delight.
Sounds like a lovely pairing.
I think it is … but I haven't even begun to explore the possibilities of cross-patching (and I need to get a few longer patch cables). The GM is so expressive on her own already that I still have a long journey ahead of me with the couple. But it makes me excited to get back behind they keys every day after work.
Surrounding one fern.
😂
I get it!
When the talking is relevant and straight to the point, it is very helpful. Thanks for your good help! This GM seems like a true instrument. Cheers!
It is perfect. I love it. I am so glad I got one. I do wish it was polyphonic with aftertouch tho. With those features and 49 Keys I’d buy with urgency.
For 900$ LOL
I recently played one at the Moog factory, and I was blown away by how fun and inviting the Grandmother is when standing in front of it. It was the most fun I'd had with a synth since my first time touching an analog mono. I had recently purchased a Subs37, and I instantly wished the GM had been out at the time I bought my Subs. Not that the Subs is bad; it's great, but the GM has that intangible something that people look for in their instrument of choice.
I own one as well and wholeheartedly agree with your opinions, including its one flaw and the poly suggestion. The device simply makes you want to play and create! I’ve had both experienced and complete novices lay hands on mine. So far all have walked away with great appreciation (and deeper understanding) for not only Grandmother, but synthesis in general. There are few special pieces of gear that consistently generate this effect and the Grandmother is certainly one!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
appreciate ur channel. one of the few that doesnt concede too much to the algorithm.
This video literally forced me to purchase it. Thanks man!!
Great vid, I appreciate you brother and subscribed! I was lucky enough to get my first moog this past weekend, a grandmother in perfect shape for only $600 on offer up. I’m newer to anything analog since my korg monologue was basically it for me, and man this machine is amazing. I’ve never heard a moog in person and it’s such a unique sound and playing experience lol 🔥
The buchla comparison is exactly what I was struck with immediately. This is a really important synth for Moog . Much more than a sub thirty seven tribute even. This is ergonomic which is missing on 90 % of the very colorful but non focused Brand X alternatives.... peace Christo 👽🛸✌🏻👏🏻🐕🔦🎶🐕🤖👍🏻🙏❤️
im new to synths and was looking at the grandmother, knowing moogs involvement with music i love and your video pushed me over the edge, thank you!
This was really helpful - I was 90% decided on this synth, and you pushed me over!
Thanks!
I totally agree with all aspects of this video essay, especially the vibe and playful characteristics and agree with the octave selecting method a little ... cumbersome
I received mine on Saturday and I love it. Great layout and love the tones.
I love the grandmother name
I share your enthusiasm.
9:52 I appreciate the gradual learning curve of the GM.
I've got a Moog One too (which is amazingly powerful) but I think I will learn quicker on the Grandmother.
I would really like this to be my first MOOG.
Tiny Diodes Instruments - Fun to Look at, Fun to Play
I miss having presets. Not being able to save a patch makes for a steep learning curve. Thanks for your videos
“My” only problem (and not the synths problem lol) is that every time I plain to use it in a track I start turning knobs and finding new sounds and then my beat making takes a backseat to my exploration into sound and I can’t get anything done lol. So at first not being able to make presets was a bummer but now I just record every sound that I create into my sampler 😊 This is my first synth without presets but Im having fun and learning at the same time so I’m happy.
Thanks for your videos 🙌🏿
record each sound in abelton simpler and now you have a preset ...this what i do and i get a custom sound
Sco B yeah I record everything in my sampler and chop and save
IDONTPLAY What kind of sampler are you using? I’m considering getting a used MPC to do the same thing.
Moog should pay you because I bought this synth because of you! Love all your videos and music man!
Gus, are you happy with the purchase? I've been debating for a year now! Currently have a Microbrute that Im tired of.
@@BobbyGeneric145 I don't play it enough I'll admit cause I'm school right now - but I love it. Whenever I do get a chance to mess with it I'm always rewarded with new ideas. I've recorded with it a bit on some different songs and that's really why I bought it.
i think it’s a fantastic synth. i have a subsequent 37 which is also superb. the grandmother though, wow.
What is the difference?
Eugene fernandez nigga the sub 37 is better
The only thing i dislike is the name :)
and maybe that the low end disappeares when you crank up the resonance. My MFB Dominion1 doesnt loose any low end :)
One thing i love with the GM is the harmonics when turning a knob. It sounds very good
I´ve never played one yet, but I can imagine it has the same inviting playabilty like a Juno-60; simple and intuitive, and therefor quite fun. Have to check it out!
I have one and I couldn’t agree more. It’s fantastic.
I'm gonna try (and maybe buy) one tomorrow at my music store... Can't wait :D
it would be awesome if the great grandmother had polyphonic aftertouch!
Love that sound you made using the lfo controlling the filter frequency.....so subtle you barely heard anything......i think i heard your Grandmother smirk at one point.
I always thought of this as Moog's version of a Music Easel since they share most of the same building blocks. You should try and get your hands on one sometime.
Aside from the QC issues these had, the design is otherwise close to perfect imo. When a synthesizer has as an amazing sound and parsimonious layout like this it's a real killer. Love the beautifully spaced out controls with nothing feeling cramped. Moog gave just as many controls/features as necessary to make a complete synthesizer, with nothing extra. That's why I go to the Grandmother if I need to dial in a quick patch of any kind. Very easy to do
The filter and Lfo are audio rate. And very well scaled. Peace Christo 👽
"Definitely sounds like a classic Moog...definitely has this vintage-y character to it...when I play it, it reminds me a lot of when I play vintage monosynths". Your ears were not lying to you. Since this video is now 5 months old, you may have learned in the meantime the specifics of what you were seeking to communicate via subjective assessment -- the mixer, filter, envelope, VCA and spring reverb are all based on classic Moog 900-series modules (and may in some cases be the same circuits?) To my ears, it sounds awesome! I only hope that Moog doesn't discontinue production before I have a chance to buy one. I indulged in a 3-tier Mother-32 rack, and I'd love to pair this with that (I believe they *will* pair 😊 ). Thanks for making several videos with it!
Very nice review...I'm glad you really like this synth, since mine is expected to be delivered tomorrow. All of your videos on this have been inspiring. I also liked the one on the Rev2, as I bought one of those, as well!
Great review. Walked in to Guitar Center the other day to get some cables and saw this on display and had some similar reservations you did before I played it. What pulled me in immediately was naturally the different colors, and it reminded me of my modular system where it sort of encourages you to explore it. The added reverb was awesome and then what really sealed the deal for me was the arppegiator, something I felt the Sub Phatty was lacking. Im trying to decide if I want to sell my Sub and go for the Grandmother - though I can't imagine too many people excited about the Sub with this lady on the market now!
I'm between this beauty and the Minibrute 2S. I have read from users that when it comes to eurorack capabilities, the MB2S is more flexible (and of course, it's cheaper), but at the same time... Grandma is a beauty, better sound, etc. One of those 2 is going to be my first physical synth, I'm not a novice, I understand the basis of synthesis and I have used software before. Please, help me decide.
Perfect synth? Depends who you ask. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Me, I can't seem to get excited about Moogs. For this general category of synth, I'd rather use a Minibrute 2. But really, my idea of perfect is in a different category entirely, something like a Peak.
I must say though, your recent videos really do make the Grandmother look a lot better than it did at launch time. Your eye beheld beauty, and you shared what you saw so that others might see it too. Thank you for that. These glimpses through your eyes are inspiring, and I want to explore parts of the path you forged... even if I do it using different tools.
So if you look the Grandmother Layout you noticed the patch points are in parallel except the mixer section so you need 6-12 inche 3.5mm right angle cables to keep them from blocking your knobage.....there is also a shift button on some and hidden glide features not many also there is very few midi controls being this fully analog so not much digital. Patches I made acid bass,siren,classic moog bass,
grandmother might go down as one of my fav synths of all times. even after the release of mattriarch! i had it, sold it and bought it. now she is gonna stay for goods. i rather have the grandmother and the eurorack instead the mattriarch which costs 3 times more and no rack. not that the mattriach isn't a tremendous synth, i personally like the GM more than any other synth at the moment. the only thing what bothers me is the calibration stuff which you need to run through. i had a moodwheel and tune issues with both of my GMS and had to calibrate lots of stuff such as post, oscis and notes!
its not plastic. its a all metal case
This is cool setup mate ...love it👍👍🔥🔥❄️❄️🔥🔥👍👍
No menus, but this synth has layers. Kinda like ogres. Ogres have layers. Not that the grandmother is an ogre, more like an onion ... made of glass ... I'm in love with it, too. Great synth. A polysynth from Moog? They just made one! The One. The Moog one with the not-so-nice price point. Maybe they'll spin off a smaller, more affordable One and call it The Halve. The Halve you just have to have? Start saving now!
Really enjoyed your Grandmother series. Would love to see what you would do with the Dreadbox Nyx.
Three things:
1. I think reviews that stray away from objectivity are the best. Making subjective claims and backing them up from experience is usually the most valuable thing in my mind as a potential buyer of something, because instruments don't impress me merely on facts. If we were to only review synths objectively, there could almost be a "right answer" to the best synth.
I, and I believe most people, make opinions on synths based primarily on impressions. What can this do? How fun is this? What does it feel like to play? What's the workflow like? And, most importantly, how inspiring is this? PRS guitars are probably the "best guitars" in terms of playability, versatility, etc, but most people, even those that can afford them, still prefer "inferior" ones like fender and gibson. There's a reason for that. Fenders and gibsons feel nice, and are comfortable to play. Their tone is somewhat limited, but that limitation allows players to focus on other things to alter their sound. Most people don't toggle past the bridge pickup anyways.
Same goes for synths. The limitations of the grandmother complement creativity, and inspire people to play. I think there's a really, really good reason Moog is doing better with the grandmother than they have been doing with other synths in the past; because they're considering the grandmother as like an experience, rather than just "the best synth possible". So yeah, please give your impressions, they're really important. Second and third smaller points as a reply below.
2. There's really nothing wrong with saying there's nothing wrong! If you can't find anything negative to say about something, or vice versa (positive) then that's your impression as a user. Going back to my first point, I want to know how you feel using a piece of gear. If you can't find anything wrong personally, then that's your true impression! Trying to always find "the other side of the story" is often irrelevent, and convolutes and confuses strong views.
3. Personally I hate it when "reviews" are more of a walkthrough and explain what something is objectively. If I wanted to know that, I can just look up specs online. There's nothing wrong about bringing up a spec, and explaining if it works or doesn't work in favor, but reviews that simply function as walkthroughs are a waste of potentially good content IMO. Walkthroughs are valuable in their own right, I just think they shouldn't be conflated for reviews. Likewise I don't think your review did that at all, so thanks for that. Ok I'm done now. Whew. I want a grandmother!
Thanks for this feedback, really appreciate it. You've inspired me to have more confidence doing more subjective/opinionated reviews.
@@onceuponasynth I'm glad, looking forward from hearing it
@13:10 ....and they listened to you and released the Matriarch! 👍. (great review, thanks!!! How do you feel about this GM.. 4 years later??)
thx, great video !
How would you compare this to the Korg Minilogue in terms of a first synth and definitely in the mindset of everything you said in this video. And if it’s just a matter of Poly/Mono, which is the best for a first timer? Great video!
I wouldn’t. I have and like both. XD is poly. Grandmother is mono. Patch creation is way different and XD has presets. But if you’ve never patched- don’t worry with Grandmother. It’s really friendly out of the box meaning it immediately sounds good. And it’s the perfect synth to learn patching on as it’s logically arranged & easy to understand the signal path. Had these synths been the same I would’ve only bought the Moog. But there’s a need for both. They enhance my music differently. XD does many things well and I needed an analogue poly. But Nothing does Moog...like a Moog and this one is special.
Mic stand. Point mic at your chest from above, all you need. I’m using an inexpensive AT mini condenser for this and it works great. Just a suggestion brother.
I bought this as my first Synth and I am interested in making Synthwave bass and leads with it. Although I am struggling to get those tight rolling bass sounds from this. Any chance on adding a Synthwave tutorial for the Grandmother :) :)
Great channel. Especially covering the Grandmother!
I have dragged very strong prodigy and micro Moog stuff out of this beautiful-thing.... Peace Christo
I love the interface and sound of the Grandmother... I wonder how it pairs with the Deep Mind?
The VCOs sound amazing as does the oscillator sync; the build quality, however, is disappointing. The slider for sustain wastes space on the front panel and is just janky. The filter cutoff knob is lacking when compared to the Subsequents. And the plastic cheeks were not a great choice.
I bought the dark and wish I had bought the clownfish edition. The colors really help the looks of the synth. The spring reverb is also wonderful as a stand-alone module.
And the LFO is really another oscillator. I wish they had used switch like an oscillator with a “Low” setting when using it as a LFO.
All that said, it is a beautiful sounding synth and has a voicing different from other Moog synths.
It's made of metal apart from ends.
Your videos made me want a Grandmother. But before I had time to buy it; Now your wish came true with the Matriarch (paraphonic, though. Not polyphonic). Can you share your thoughts on the Matriarch based on the specs and demos?
I am new to analog/modular synths so forgive me lol. Can you connect a Keyboard with a Midi Out 5 DIN to control the Grandmother? Reason being I want to be able to play chords. Would there be polyphony voices problems?
I couldn't t get the most important thing, is it poly or not?
I’d also be very interested in how you feel about the Grandmother now, after four years.
But it seems that you’re still very happy with it considering that it’s a part in many of your videos and the fact that you don’t seem to have purchased a Matriarch.
I got a question you might have an answer to :
Is it possible to have the GM retrigger itself? Somtimes it fades out (due to filter and modulation) when hitting new notes ;)
How to save preset with ? And can i use GM on my daw fl studio ?
It was a good workout lifting it that’s for sure… I am going to wrap it in plastic and work it into my TABATAS…lol.
Is it a safe assumption to compare it to a more intuitive ms20?
Do a review on the matriarch
Perfect synth! Well my Minibrute may not reach that in other’s opinions but it does in my mind. And thats what counts. My Sub phatty was pretty good though.
How does it compare to the MS-20 mini?
the ms20 sounds brassy compared to the grandmother. both wonderful synths. my only reservation about the ms20 would be its design. it's just shaped funny lol. other then that either synth is used for different things
can someone explain me how to use record mode.. and how i can record something and loop it_
I know what you mean about the near-perfectness. On my own wishlist for the four-voice poly version is live sequencing and an onboard basic three-knob delay alongside the reverb (no need to be as versatile as any of the moog delays). Also a tempo indicator would be good so you can sync without syncing. Moog might be reluctant to make a poly one in order not to kill the market, but this is a must in the no-presets category to go beyond, say, Analog Keys or Minilogue. Moog could do it so easily charging 400 dollars more than for the grandmother I guess (?). The Great Grandmother, it could have no other name lol.
13:08 Well save for the name its just about the matriarch to a T!
Why are you interrogating your grandma
Would you sell your Moog grandmother for a Matriarch?
What happened to you man? No videos for 5 months.. hope you're ok.
You better start making less videos, you’re making people like me look bad 😅😅😅😅😅
lol. I've been on a grandmother high, gonna probably shift gears soon.
Noir Et Blanc Vie I see your comments on so many other synth RUclipsrs channel. Always love how respectful and friendly you all are with each other.
Mah boi
Nooooo! Love your Grandmother videos. As a newbie they really give me a lot of ideas.
This is how reviews should be done instead of reading out manuals. Just curious, now that the honeymoon phase is over, has your opinion changed?
Thx i came
This or the sub 37?
No envelope retrigger, only 1 VCA ? Far from perfect…Minimoog is far better IMO.
This lighting hurts my brain.
Move the christmas lights to the background ONLY if you can make them out of focus. Light your face as bright as the synth.
Thank you I had to get it out of my brain.
Moog needs a poly synth under $1000