The instrument
The Moog Taurus 343A/343B, introduced in the early 1980s, is a distinctive analog bass synthesizer, primarily designed for bass and low-frequency applications. It was part of Moog’s efforts to expand into the growing market of bass synthesis and was used widely in live performances. The 343A model was the original, while the 343B offered included improved controls for more precise sound shaping. The Taurus 343 series became well-known for its rich bass tones, driven by Moog’s signature analog circuitry. While the Taurus 205A, introduced in the 1970s, was a more compact, single-channel synthesizer aimed at creating bass sounds, the 343 series was designed for professional use, with a wider range of controls and features. It was especially notable for its foot pedal interface, which allowed for hands-free operation.
Details
The Moog Taurus 343A/343B featured two oscillators, providing a wider sonic palette compared to the 205A’s single oscillator design. Its low-pass filter, a 24dB/oct Moog classic, gave it the ability to produce rich, resonant bass sounds with deep sweeps. The 343B refined the sound-shaping controls, offering more precise modulation and greater control over envelope shaping. Unlike the Taurus 205A, which was more simplified with limited control over parameters, the 343 series provided a more comprehensive and dynamic experience for bass creation, featuring a multi-parameter sound engine. The Taurus 343 series was also equipped with a foot pedal interface, allowing musicians to control the instrument’s pitch and other parameters hands-free, a feature that distinguished it from earlier models.