The Evolution of Bass Control: From Moog Taurus to Keith McMillen Instruments

The demands of recreating complex studio work onstage require musicians to master multitasking. For Rush’s bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, a key component of his performance setup was the Moog Taurus, a monophonic synthesizer controlled by foot pedals. This archaic, yet powerful, instrument has seen a resurgence in popularity, evolving alongside modern technology.

The Legacy of the Moog Taurus

The Moog Taurus, with its organ-like foot pedals, allowed Lee to create deep, resonant bass lines live. Still, its size and weight presented logistical challenges. Bands like Russian Circles continued to utilize vintage Taurus units until a trailer theft in 2021 left bassist Brian Cook without his instrument.

Bridging the Gap with Keith McMillen Instruments

While awaiting the return of his Taurus, Brian Cook turned to Keith McMillen Instruments’ 12 Step, paired with a Moog Minotaur Model, to replicate his signature low-end sound. The 12 Step offers a modern solution for foot-controlled synthesis, addressing many of the limitations of older models.

The Keith McMillen 12 Step: A Detailed Look

The 12 Step 2 builds upon the original design, incorporating five-pin DIN input and output for expanded connectivity. Each of the 12 pedals, laid out like an octave on a keyboard, offers expanded expression options. Both pedal pressure and tilt can be mapped to control parameters like filter, attack, and resonance, providing nuanced control over sound.

The 12 Step 2’s computer-based editor simplifies customization, allowing each pedal to send chords with up to five notes. This capability enables richer sounds with minimal physical effort. The device outputs MIDI signals via USB, compatible with phones, tablets, and laptops, allowing control of synth plugins.

Portability and Durability

A significant advantage of the 12 Step 2 is its portability. Weighing only 1.25 pounds and measuring just one inch high, it’s easily transportable and can be placed on top of other pedals in a road case. This contrasts sharply with the Moog Taurus and the Roland PK-6, which are considerably larger and heavier.

The Future of Foot Control

The evolution from the Moog Taurus to instruments like the Keith McMillen 12 Step 2 demonstrates a continuing demand for expressive foot control in live performance. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative solutions that blend the tactile feel of traditional instruments with the versatility of modern digital synthesis.