Gert Jalass, the head of Moon Modular, a German manufacture of modern synth modules in Moog format, died unexpectedly ahead of this year’s Superbooth 2024.
Superbooth announced the sad news:
“Today, Thursday may 16th we just found out, we lost our dear friend an colleague Gerd Jallas of moon modular.
Many of you have known Gerd through all these trade shows here in berlin and in the usa. We were supposed to help Gerd with demos this year in den moon booth as we all have in the past but sadly this year we will not.
We are at a great loss, we will miss you, our dear friend.”
Jalass died of a heart attack May 7th while vacationing in Denmark.
With Moon Modular, Jalass created a comprehensive line of Moog format synth modules.
15 years ago, Moon introduced its first modules, with an emphasis on creating new ways to trigger signals and control voltages in MU format. While many MU synth makers at the time were sticking close to classic Moog designs, Jalass created original, modern designs with the look and large format feel of vintage designs.
Moon is probably best known for its sequencing modules, which brought features like memory, randomization, and polymetric sequencing to MU.
Modules like the M 569 v2 Quad Sequential Voltage Source and the M 568 Quad Sequential Trigger Source, above, were quickly embraced by fans of the MU format, because they fit in beautifully with more traditional MU systems, but tremendously expanded the possibilities of these systems.
Composers Hans Zimmer and Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL) were early adopters of Moon’s sequencing modules. When you see Zimmer’s giant modular wall, Jalass’s designs have a prominent place.
Over the last decade and a half, Jalass expanded the Moon Modular line to offer a rich and deep array of modules, complete systems, Moog expansion cabinets, standalone sequencers and more.
Ahead of this year’s Superbooth, Jalass let us know that Moon Modular would be introducing two new Moog format filter modules, inspired by modules from the West and East. Sadly, he will not there to present his latest designs.
Here’s Jalass presenting his System-X modular system at Noisebug, about five years ago:
Jalass also was a synthesist, and performed music influenced by Berlin School musicians of the ’70s and ’80s.
Here’s a live performance from Superbooth 18, featuring Jalass, Udo Hanten & Albin Meskes:
Jalass regularly presented his latest creations at the NAMM Show, Superbooth and other synth events.
We always looked forward to meeting with him at these events, because he always had interesting new modules that he was excited to share, and because he was a friendly and funny guy. He will be missed, as a colleague and as a friend.
Photos: Theo Bloderer, Sequencer.de
Noisebug video via synth4ever
This is really sad. I have a few of his modules for my 5U system that sound wonderful. I encountered Gert a few times at trade shows and he was a kind man.
I’m feeling the same way. I met with him at NAMM close to a dozen times over the years, and he was always gregarious and passionate about his work.
I’ve built up a decent-sized MU system that includes about ten of his modules, and they are all beautifully built and fantastic tools.
I hope that Moon Modular will be able to survive, and that Gert’s work can continue to live on.
I’m somewhat in a state of shock right now, Gert was a friend, colleague, and inspiration. I was a very early adopter of his 569 sequencer, did beta testing and video demos for many of his modules, contributed to the design of a few modules, worked the Moon Modular booth at several trade shows, and enjoyed many conversations over delicious meals with him. He will be missed and leaves a large hole in the 5U modular world.
Yeah John, shocking one. You always turned me on to the Moon Modular modules here in the USA. I had never met him in person but his creativity and passion will live on in his design work. Rest in peace GJ. Sorry for your personal loss John.
Thanks my friend!
I have met Gert many times at NAMM, All I can say is he was a cool person to me.
And yes I love his synths super well-made and engineered.
I’ve heard of him and Moon Modular many times over the years. This is sad news. I hope that his well made designs will somehow continue to be made going forward. Many of these companies are run by small teams, if not a single individual. His instruments deserve to live on.
Utterly devastating, one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pelasure to meet.
A huge loss to the community, you’ll be missed.