POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Minimoog synthesizer made by Moog Music Inc

Object No. 87/1415

The Minimoog model D remains one of the most influential keyboard instruments in modern history. Moog had been in the business of producing very large synthesisers for studios, universities, conservatoriums of music and wealthy individuals since the mid 1960s. These instruments were cumbersome but gave a user the ability to rout an audio signal through a patch cable system through a myriad of audio modification modules across the front panel. By the late 1960s the market for smaller portable electronic keyboards was growing and an opportunity to build a smaller Moog synthesiser to tap into this more commercial market was entered. One of the engineers at Moog mocked up a prototype out of discarded and canibilised components - this was to become the Model A, which went through three more iterations to become the model D by 1970. The model D was the first synthesiser to integrate a keyboard into its design, not as a separate control element. It was an immediate hit with bands searching for a new sound. The model D included notoriously unstable oscillators that would drift but this, and the overdriven filter section (a miscalculation by another engineer) became the most endearing features of the instrument. Together they gave the model D what has been described as a warm, fat, silky, raw, human feel. The Minimoog remained in production throughout the 1970s, with around 10,000 units produced. As the instrument was abandoned by one group it found favour with the next, moving through experimental and prog rock, to rock, pop, Kraut rock, disco, new wave, hip hop, techno, trance and other genres. Very few electronic instruments have managed to slide comfortably into a musicians repertoire of sounds as this synthesiser. Campbell Bickerstaff, curator 2021

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Summary

Object Statement

Electronic musical instrument, 'Minimoog model D', metal / wood / plastic / rubber / paper / electronic components, by Moog Music Inc, New York, United States of America, 1970-1972

Physical Description

Minimoog, synthesizer, model D, Moog Music Inc, New York, USA, 1970-1972 Serial No. T2430E /

HISTORY

Notes

The Moog (rhymes with vogue) Minimoog model D was produced throughout the 1970s.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Michael Crighton, 1987

Acquisition Date

2 November 1987

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