"I'm an engineer. I see myself as a toolmaker and the musicians are my customers... They use my tools"
About this Quote
Robert Moog's perspective reveals the humility and clarity with which he viewed his role in the world of music technology. By calling himself a toolmaker, he distances himself from the limelight of artistic creation, positioning his work not as the act of making music, but as the act of enabling it. Moog recognizes that innovation alone does not create art; instead, the inventions of an engineer become meaningful only when placed in the hands of people who can breathe life into them.
The analogy to craftsmen and tools highlights an essential collaboration: musicians are not passive consumers but active partners who push the boundaries of what Moog’s inventions can do. Musicians are the “customers”, not just buyers of equipment, but individuals with unique demands and artistic visions. Moog understood that his responsibility was to serve these visionaries, understanding their needs and creating tools that were not mere mechanisms, but sources of inspiration and extended musical expression.
This approach elevates the act of engineering from isolated technical problem-solving to a dialogue with artists. It suggests a continual process of refinement and adaptation, where feedback from users shapes the evolution of technology. Moog’s respect for musicians is implicit; he credits them with the creativity and artistry that give his technology its soul. While he might have been the architect, it is the performer who transforms circuits and dials into emotional and cultural experiences.
By describing his tools as being “used” by musicians, Moog underscores a philosophy of utility and adaptability. The final purpose of his synths is not predetermined by schematics or circuitry, but by the creative ambitions of those who adopt them. This mindset not only democratizes the act of innovation but also ensures that technology serves to enhance human expression, not stifle or replace it. Through his humility and insight, Moog frames engineering as a service, making space for musical evolution and discovery.
