Moog Guitar User Manual

Moog Guitar Service Manual
Introduction:
This document introduces the Moog Guitar from a service perspective. This instrument is the first commercially
available guitar to incorporate a true, closed-loop vibration-control system. The guitar’s behavioral module uses all
analog circuitry of a very complex, miniaturized and delicate nature.
In designing the Moog Guitar, we made every effort to meld the electronics and the instrument into a unified whole.
The electronics and the physical instrument must work together properly if the resulting instrument is to be good
enough to allow the guitarist to develop and display true virtuosity.
This service manual will help you restore a Moog Guitar to good playability.
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To service the MG, you should be familiar with basic guitar and instrument service procedures such as truss rod
adjustment, intonation, dressing frets, etc. These guitar-related service procedures all apply to the MG, but this
manual will point out a few special points to watch out for.
The electronics in the MG should not be serviced in the field. Electronic service is by PCB replacement. At this time,
we are not releasing a guide for adjusting the PCB trims. It is relatively easy to replace the PCB, there are only a
few solder connections. However, you must carefully note the color codes and ordering of the wires and re-solder
each to its proper location.
You must also be prepared to cleanly de-solder and solder a few connections and possibly make some adjustments
using a Digital Volt Meter (DVM) and fine-tip probes.

Moog Guitar Specifications

General

Type	Electric Guitar
Manufacturer	Moog
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Material	Mahogany
Scale Length	24.75 inches
Bridge	Tune-o-matic
Controls	Volume, Tone, Sustain Control
Weight	Approximately 8 lbs
Tuners	Grover

Summary

Introduction

Electronics Servicing Policy

Electronics are serviced by PCB replacement; field adjustments are not provided.

Things to Watch Out For

Electronics Handling

Components are delicate; avoid accidental damage and ensure no conductive debris is present.

Saddle Adjustment Precautions

Handle saddles with care; they are delicate piezo-electric sensors requiring specific adjustment procedures.

Saddle and Pickup Adjustments

Saddle Adjustment Procedure

Adjust saddle height/position with strings de-tensioned; ensure set screws contact the platform.

Pickup Adjustment Guidelines

Circuit Board Installation

Preparation and Static Protection

Use static protection; break circuit board from frame using pliers to twist away tabs.

Board Connections and Wiring

Circuit Board Installation (Continued)

Battery Terminal and Board Mounting

Wire Strain Relief and Bundling

Bridge and Saddle Installation

Bridge Preparation and Saddle Order

Wire Routing and Securing

Bridge and Saddle Installation (Continued)

Guitar Set Up and Procedures

Piezo Check and Bridge Adjustment

Check piezo output and adjust bridge tension to balance springs and strings for parallel alignment.

Spring Break-in and Nut Security

Setting Neck Relief

Measure string clearance at 12th fret and use truss rod to adjust neck curvature for proper relief.

Guitar Set Up and Procedures (Continued)

Action Setting and Buzz Reduction

Set overall saddle heights to mimic neck contour, aiming for 4/64" clearance and adjusting for buzz.

Pickup Height and Final Action

Intonation and Pickup Specs