MOOG MUSIC MINIMOOG MODEL D (1972)

Here at Soundgas we love the Minimoog Model D. For us it is perhaps the ultimate monosynth – beautifully-designed and manufactured with care by craftsmen in the USA.

They are simple enough that a novice can swiftly achieve gratifying results, yet so deep and versatile that one can happily spend a lifetime coaxing gently-nuanced sounds from Bob Moog’s most famous creation. From bass with enormous bottom end, searing and soaring leads, delicate brass/woodwind/bell tones, to fat house stabs, tech bleeps and percussion, the Minimoog excels. It strides effortlessly across musical genres and transcends time and place, sounding as immediate and relevant today as it did when it was first unleashed onto the world in 1970. In its modern incarnation as the Moog Voyager, the Mini is still very much front and center on stage for today’s professional musicians, offering patch memory, Midi control and greater stability, but increasingly at the expense of the uniqueness and warmth of its forebears. 

As studio-bound noisemongers, we’re particularly-enamoured of the earlier Model Ds which, though harder to track down and sometimes less stable than later incarnations (well-maintained examples such as the one listed here perform very well), ooze with charm, character and individuality. Ensconced in a studio and removed from the pressures of live performance, the sheer joy to be had from the sound and feel of an early Mini is well-worth the additional tuning adjustments necessary as the operating temperature change. Using a guitar tuner reaffirms the sense that an early Mini is more ‘acoustic’ than other synths – more like a guitar than an electronic keyboard – more ‘alive’.

It is analogue from an era when electronic instruments were truly manufactured (in the original sense of the word – ‘made by hand’) for quality rather than machine-built to a price-point.

It is all about passion and pleasure – heart ruling the head, the tactile joy and aural bliss – the absolute antithesis of a computer running software. A real instrument that rewards the player with inspiration and speaks with a unique voice. We love Minimoogs.

The last two Minis we sold went to Adrian Utley (for use with the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble) and Mike Crossey.

Adrian had these kind words to say: “thanks guys for this beautiful minimoog, sounds really good and was a great pleasure dealing with you..and hanging out talking about old gear..obviously a passion of yours..cheers, Adrian.”

1972 MINIMOOG MODEL D

This is a stunning early Minimoog Model D in superb cosmetic condition and perfect working order.

Serviced by a top engineer and in superb operating condition. Including recapping the power supply and rebushing the keyboard. 

It sounds absolutely superb and plays beautifully – it’s an utter joy to use.

The filter is very sweet indeed – it’s sonically pretty much indistinguishable from the muSonics Mini we sold recently. Original early Moog boards throughout, clear perspex pitch/mod wheels, lovely walnut case which has been lovingly-refinished and looks/feels superb. The face plate is a later replacement. It’s one of the nicest-looking Minis we’ve seen. Sonically it’s fantastic – the early oscillator and filter combine to produce unmistakable lush thick rich textures that are the hallmarks of a good early Mini.

It’s a 110v USA model. We can supply a high quality UK-made step-down transformer if required.

This Mini sounds and plays every bit as good as it looks: a practical classic and solid investment. The filter is slightly smoother and creamier than later Minis – this Model D has that classic rich larger than life sound.

There are no known operational faults with this unit.

(Please note: it is always possible with vintage equipment that some crackly pots/sliders may develop over time when equipment has not been used – even during a short delivery period – this can usually be easily rectified either by use or with Caig Deoxit spray).

We always have a selection of early Minis available.

Detailed internal photos included – Youtube demo to follow.

Shipping discount available for bank transfer.