Moog Brings Back Minimoog Model D Synthesizer

At Moogfest 2016, Moog Music today reintroduced the Minimoog Model D.

The company has taken what it learned about 70s synth parts and manufacturing in reissuing the classic Moog Modulars, and is applying it to recreating the iconic Minimoog.

Moog is doing a soft launch of the reissued Model D at Moogfest, and is piloting production at a ‘pop-up’ factory, set up at the event.

Here’s the official intro video:

Here’s what Moog has to say about the reissue:

After more than 30 years, the Minimoog Model D returns with a pilot-production run at Moogfest 2016 in Durham, NC.

Handcrafted in the Moog Pop-Up Factory, the pilot-production units built during the festival will only be available for purchase on-site in the Moog Store by Guitar Center.

The Moog Pop-Up factory is open Thursday through Sunday from 10am-6pm at 312 Blackwell St. Power Plant Gallery – Durham, NC 27701.

The Minimoog Model D is priced at US $3499.

Update: Here’s an in-depth hands-on demo of the new Minimoog Model D, by Moog’s Nick Montoya:

29 thoughts on “Moog Brings Back Minimoog Model D Synthesizer

  1. I’m of two minds. On one hand, this is an exciting recreation of a classic. On the other, it is somewhat frustrating that Moog is choosing to use labor intensive through-hole parts and design processes because it pushes the price through the roof.

    That said, I’m probably not their target market. Would much rather have an affordable Mother-32.

    1. I think its great that Moog have used thru hole parts, these parts are generally easier to replace in the future and repair/ service if needed (they are also proven to be reliable). the sound of the model D is partly because of the carbon thru hole resistors and other components.

    2. I don’t know, if $679 is too much for a synthesizer, a quality one at that, maybe you should get a cheaper hobby. This is obviously a niche item, who cares what they charge.

  2. I suspect even if it was SMT Moog would still charge $3500 for it. Thats what they do, they charge as much as they can. This could just as easily have been $5000-8000 if you consider the prices of the Modulars. So from that perspective, I’d be happy to pay that price as the vintage model has gone out of my reach.

  3. I am just happy that they are making them like they used to… – It’s a classic, with all the care and attention to detail that goes into crafting such a fine instrument.

  4. “I suspect even if it was SMT Moog would still charge $3500 for it. Thats what they do, they charge as much as they can.”
    The Sub37 and Mothers disagree with you entirely.

    1. @Chvad – the Moog modular system 55, 35 and 15 agree with me entirely.

      $10,0000 – $35,000

      Component value in each synth?

      1. the whole point of all these runs is they’re putting a value on the actual vintage parts that were designed and owned at that time. I think it’s great they’ve zeroed in on the differences in oscillators filters amplifiers etc in this process of looking deep into each instrument for re-issue. It will guide the next years of moog, analog and VA both, by finding out what we know, what we thought we knew, and what we still don’t know which contributes to the REAL uniqueness of these old beasts. It’s not a legend for no reason!

  5. moog has the worst customer service ever.
    at 3500 dollar you better hope it wont break because the company itself refuses exchamge or repair and points to the reseller (who in my case could not fix it).
    very bad business.

    1. Weird. I’ve had nothing but exceptional service from Moog Music, including an upgrade to my rack unit, etc. I can’t speak for buying busted/demo or resale units on ebay or from stores taking stuff in trade, but my units all bought new from retail run perfectly every time.

      1. Yep, I’m gonna second this. I’ve sent both my Little Phatty and my Voyager back to them for repairs (several years apart from each other), and both times it went without a hitch… They were responsive and handled my issues quickly…

        1. How much for those service though?
          Pretty sure you can buy a new boutique synth with what you paid to Moog for “repairs” of THEIR products.

          1. Last year a chip on my Voyager XL’s analog board went bad. Moog replaced the board free of charge six years after I purchaced it! Classy move…

  6. I wish they’d have done a minimoog kit like korg made a ms-20 kit.

    There is nothing magical inside of this, only bad hype. It is 2016 and there are tons of better synths available.

    The pricing is just ridiculous.

  7. Would be really nice to have a Minimoog, even if it is a reissue…hopefully it’s an exact replica, indistinguishable from an original…it’ll be worth the $3500 price tag, compared to $8000 – $10,000 for a restored original…

  8. The sound certainly seems to be there. This is a personal taste thing, but I hope the pitch wheel is spring loaded, or at least there is an option for it to be. That’s one thing about vintage Moogs that I was never crazy about. If that were not the case, however, it would not be a deal breaker for me. I think I will have to get this… somehow…

  9. makes sense to me. the minimoog is a iconic studio showpiece. You can get a more capable synth (or 2) for less money. This is for collectors with deep pockets and is built to last a lifetime. You could pay $8-10k for vintage restored Model D or pay $3500 for this new one that has the same love and care put in. I don’t need it and can’t afford it, but I sure as hell want one.

  10. Imagine the engineering time used to relaunch something that was technically obsolete a quarter of a century ago would have gone into creating something truly innovative.

    1. So technology is all that matters and a given company with time and resourses should always (and only) look forward for the advancement of human kind.
      I do not agree. I think history has a value and a company based on that history is entitled to pay homage to it. If they make a few bucks out of it I say go ahead, especially if they are faithful in their recreation.

  11. this is such MASSIVE news…not that it was completely unexpected with the way Moog have been going with their modular re-releases. i REALLY want one…lets hope this whole line “we are not sure if we are going to keep building them” is just a teaser and they go into full production..i want one BAD

  12. Although I’m sure they have tried hard to be faithful to the original design it must be pointed out that this is substantially different to the original in terms of packaging to the point the front panel wiring and pots been been entirely replaced with a new pcb assembly, all the card edge connectors are now on ribbon cables and nothing will be compatible with the original in terms of major assemblies.

  13. Well i’ve a 77′ model D, had it for years, and i dont have another mono synth quite like it!
    The bass, leads just take you places, and although I have 2 excellent Voyagers, they just dont have the raw edge the mini has, quite a unique instrument, and, if they’ve got it right sound wise, as well as visually – then Bravo!
    Priced the same as the “old” Voyager, Moog could be on a huge winner – now where’s the new Memorymoog?

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