Moog synthesizer prices are through the roof – only the beginning?
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If you’ve watched the prices of certain Moog synthesizers over the past few days, you’ve probably felt like you were riding a rollercoaster. After sudden and sharp price increases for synths like the Moog Grandmother, Subsequent 25, and DFAM, some retailers have reduced the prices again. But that’s likely a short-lived phenomenon – according to a statement from Moog, the higher prices are here to stay.
Moog raises its prices
A few days ago, Moog made headlines when the price of the semi-modular Grandmother skyrocketed to over €1400 in Europe – an increase of more than 60 percent. Several US-based retailers also increased the prices of Moog synthesizers drastically. To add to the confusion, the price of Grandmother then fell again – it currently costs less than €1000 at Thomann*. What’s this rollercoaster all about, and are the times of affordable synths gone for good?
It’s no secret that manufacturers all around the globe are struggling due to the ongoing supply chain issues and skyrocketing shipping costs. In addition, the high rate of inflation means that many consumers have to think twice before investing in new synths for their hobby. Some smaller manufacturers like WMD and Future Retro already had to give up. And Moog’s recent price increases are proof that the crisis is hitting the big names just as hard.
Part shortages and inflation
In a statement recently released on its website, Moog writes:
“The ongoing global challenges of material shortages, supply chain limitations, inflation, as well as rising raw goods and shipping costs, have made it necessary to adjust some of our pricing. A price increase is not a decision we take lightly, but one that is needed to ensure we can continue delivering the high-quality products you deserve.”
Personally, I think Moog is doing the right thing by not beating around the bush and telling us how it is. Over the past couple of years since the start of the pandemic, the manufacturer managed to keep the prices the same, which explains why the recent increase is so drastic. But hardly anyone had expected sudden price increases of this magnitude; it really is an eye-opener.
In conclusion, we probably have to adjust to the fact that synthesizers will become considerably more expensive for the time being. Moog likely isn’t the only manufacturer needing to adjust its prices due to the economic situation. That prices have fallen again in some places is probably a short-term phenomenon, as retailers are clearing their shelves of synths purchased at the old prices.
What do you think – has Moog gone too far with these price increases? Or are they justified to ensure the survival of the legendary brand?
More information about Moog
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17 responses to “Moog synthesizer prices are through the roof – only the beginning?”
It might not be the end of an era of affordable synthesizers, but it is the era of affordable Moogs!
I hope that this will not be the end of Moog Music Inc. I think that sales numbers might decrease significantly…
It’s a shame but not surprising and others will follow, no doubt. I work for a company that also makes high quality, well built ‘tech stuff’ and our costs have also sky-rocketed; our margins were okay but never greedy, so we also have to pass cost increases on to our customers….unfortunately but it’s unavoidable. No one will stay in business for long, if they sell at a loss!
start the Moog-death-clock again.
nooooooo!
this too shall pass
I know it seems like everything is becoming unaffordable, but the economy, like a body, bends towards homeostasis. It wants to stabilize. This is just one example of that in action. (But easy for me to say… I’m not currently in the market for their products.)
I’m sure it has nothing to do with their employees going on strike and playing the union angle.
Prices had already gone up $50-100 across the moog line up months ago, not seeing further increase yet in us stores.
Memorial day sales had grandma under $900, and various other stuff way below normal as well. It pays to be a smart shopper and wait for sales, black friday is only 3 months away.
Looks like I made a good investment while prices were low
Many small synth shops are just closing down, supply chain and pcb manufacturing are about to rock the synth world. Moog has always been honest about pricing and will adjust to the market
I would rather have the quality and worksmanship retained at a higher cost than sacrifice that which is synonymous with a Moog product.
It took me many years to buy my equipment and it looks like it was a good investment.
Quality may go up in price but it never dies.
Damn, looks like I’ll be rebuying the Dfam 2nd hand in the future….
Better that synth companies stay in business even if the products are more expensive. Less choice is not good for consumers in the long run.
I would have gladly paid more for WMD modules if it meant they stayed in business.
No one will stay in business for long by raising prices to increase profits when the cost of goods dont reflect the cost increase of product. I think Moog is lying. I know this because the company I work for is lying as well. So many companies are lying because its an excuse to increase profits.
Nvadr, most companies does not profit from high price increases. Instead they lose sales and profits as less will buy when prices goes up…
A few companies can profit if their products lacks competition or if they are in great demand…
Given the flexibility of modern control surfaces, I suspect that it’s just going to mean that the entry level market shifts back towards for a while until supply chains aren’t in such chaos. I do hope that a minor hidden benefit might be Behringer not feeling the need to tease tens of new vapourware clones every month.
Even if the current prices are justified, they are utterly ridiculous. If a product goes 60% up in price overnight, anyone who was considering buying said product will simply not buy it unless it was absolutely necessary and, let’s face it, most people who buy synth do so because of GAS so, no, they are not really necessary. IMO current Moog prices are too greedy. They want to pass the burden onto their customers, but eventually a huge drop in sales will come back to bit them in the butt. They might even go out of business.
Agreed. It isnt as if other hardware synth companies are going out of business. It literally is happening to other companies as we speak
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