The Radio Shack Realistic Moog MG-1 Synthesizer is one of those synths that people love to hate and hate to love.

It’s a bizarre little synth, that combines elements of an electric organ and a stripped-down Moog synthesizer. And it’s got some horrific build issues. But it also features a Moog filter, great analog sound and was a great first synth for a lot of synthesists. 

This video, via sizzlemeister, looks at a variety of Realistic Moog MG-1 synthesizer, including:

• LFO – added Medium, Fast, (S)Low speed selection switch
• Osc 1 – added Pulse Width knob, plus Pulse Width routing switch (manual, LFO)
• Osc 2 – added Pulse Width knob. Added Detune Routing switch (LFO, Envelope, off or manual). If memory serves, Osc 2 was also lowered an octave.
• Filter – added Feedback knob, plus a switch to turn Feedback on or off.
• A Power LED was added.
• Keybed – each key removed and hand-cleaned. The keybed was adjusted to be quicker and more responsive.
• CV inputs – modded to accept standard 1v / octave analog control.
• New audio output IC
• Standard 1/4 inch output jack replaces stock RCA output jacks.
• Lower PCB inside reinforced to be more structurally stable.
• Complete power supply overhaul.
• Electrolytic capacitors replaced.
• Various switches and sliders replaced with new ones as necessary.
• Fully tuned and calibrated.
• All foam removed and foam damaged components cleaned and, if necessary, replaced.
• All plastic and metal hand-cleaned of gunk, nasties, and yuckies (I’m a germaphobe).

Unfortunately, sizzlemeister doesn’t have any additional info on his mods.

“I modified this MG-1 a few years ago,” he explains. “Don’t ask for schematics or anything, as I don’t think I kept my notes. These are basic modifications, anyway, for anyone who knows what they’re doing.”

If you’ve done similar mods or have links or other related resources to share, leave them in the comments below!