CARLSBAD, Calif. (MuseWire) – The Museum of Making Music and The Bob Moog Foundation announce the joint auction of a Moog Little Phatty Stage II analog synthesizer, signed by jazz fusion legends Herbie Hancock and George Duke. The auction, which benefits both organizations, will be hosted on the Bob Moog Foundation eBay portal from Sept. 8 – 18, 2011.

“The Moog story is an important element of our museum,” said Carolyn Grant, executive director of the Museum of Making Music. “In fact, a quote by Bob Moog is prominently displayed in our interactive gallery: ‘Music instruments have always, from the very beginning of human history, used the most advanced technology of their time.'”

“In our work at the Bob Moog Foundation, we ignite the innovative and creative spirit,” said Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “This auction, through the incredible instrument, groundbreaking artists, and wonderful collaborative partnership with the Museum of Making Music, encapsulates various facets of Bob Moog’s legacy. We are proud of this collaboration and grateful to all who have participated.”

George Duke signed the back of the synthesizer after his November performance at the exhibit with the inscription “Keep Playing” and his signature. Herbie Hancock signed the iconic curved side panel of the instrument. Duke and Hancock are both considered synthesizer pioneers, making heavy use of the innovative Moog instruments in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Little Phatty synthesizer was donated to the two organizations by Moog Music, Inc. pursuant to their joint exhibit, “Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog,” which was on display at the Museum of Making Music until April 2010. The Bob Moog Foundation and the Museum of Making Music both convey inspiration from music, history, and innovation, and will share proceeds from the auction.

The Little Phatty Stage II is a monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music since 2006. It puts the performer in control of 100% analog signal path, two Voltage Controlled Oscillators and the Voltage Controlled Filter. Other versatile features include external audio input, CV and KB gate input, full MIDI controller, MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an arpeggiator and Tap Tempo. The Little Phatty Stage II brings true analog synthesis to contemporary performance and production, making it modern music powerhouse.

George Duke is a highly acclaimed keyboardist, synthesist, and vocalist who has enjoyed a prolific career as an R&B, funk, jazz, and rock musician and as an accomplished composer and producer. He has worked with an array of including: Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham, Dianne Reeves, George Clinton, Anita Baker, Miles Davis, Denise Williams, Jeffery Osborne, Regina Belle and others.

Herbie Hancock is an award winning pianist, bandleader, and composer who is considered to be a true icon of modern music. Throughout his decades-long career, he has transcended limitations and genres while still maintaining his unique, unmistakable voice. Herbie’s success at expanding the possibilities of musical thought has placed him in the annals of this century’s visionaries. He is the winner of 14 Grammy(R) Awards.

About The Bob Moog Foundation:
The Bob Moog Foundation honors the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog through its mission of igniting the innovative and creativity spirit through the intersection of music, history, science, and innovation. Its projects include the Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which brings electronic musical instruments into the schools to teach children science through music; the Archive Preservation Initiative, an effort to preserve and protect the inventor’s extensive and historical archive; and the future Moogseum, an innovative educational, historical, and cultural facility that will bring Bob Moog’s spirit alive through interactive, experiential exhibits (www.moogfoundation.org).

About The Museum of Making Music:
The Museum of Making Music, a division of the NAMM Foundation, has become a cultural destination with interactive and educational programs and exhibits since opening to the public in 2000. The Museum showcases the evolution of musical instruments from the late 19th century to present day in five galleries, and regularly hosts intimate concerts and hands-on workshops to introduce the public to the history of American music products. Its recent half-million dollar renovation encourages hands-on music making through state-of-the-art interactive displays and highlights music making around the world. The Museum of Making Music is located at NAMM’s international headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. (www.MuseumofMakingMusic.org).

Visit ebay auction page for The Bob Moog Foundation: http://stores.ebay.com/bobmoogfoundation .