Initially released in 1970, the Minimoog Model D changed the face of modern music and served as the archetype for all subsequent synthesizers.
The all-analog instrument gained acclaim for combining the colossal sound of the 1960s Moog modular synthesizers with the accessibility of pre-wired modules, meaning that it could be played instantly and intuitively with no patch cables required. A groundbreaking innovation, the Minimoog was quickly embraced by a diverse roster of performers, such as Herbie Hancock, Kraftwerk, Jan Hammer, Sun Ra, Giorgio Moroder, Parliament Funkadelic, Pink Floyd, and Gary Numan—all shaping unique sounds and forging new genres with the instrument.
More than a half-century since its invention, Minimoog Model D is back in production at the Moog factory in Asheville, North Carolina. An exceptional sonic tool and one of the most beloved and iconic synthesizers ever designed, it returns to inspire the next generation of electronic musicians.
A Sound for the Ages: Model D’s Five Decades of Influence
A stage and studio staple for 52 years and counting, the Minimoog Model D is a key piece of music history that continues to inspire artists of all genres, cultures, and ages worldwide.
Electrifying funk and disco during the 1970s, enabling new wave in the 1980s, anchoring the sonics of techno and hip-hop in the 1990s, and transcending genres since the turn of the new millennium, the sounds of the synthesizer are now as ubiquitous in music as the human voice.
Throughout history, the Minimoog Model D has been used by some of the most innovative musicians of our time. Bernie Worrell used the instrument as a foundation of Parliament Funkadelic’s futuristic sound. Kraftwerk employed Model D on the pioneering concept album Autobahn, defining an entirely new genre of electronic music. Gary Numan replaced his live band’s guitars with Minimoogs, creating the prototype for industrial music. The classic sound of the Minimoog Model D can be heard on Bob Marley’s Catch a Fire, David Bowie’s Low, and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, to name a few.
Model D’s distinct tone can also be heard in recordings and live performances from influential artists like Devo, Chaka Kahn, Frank Zappa, Giorgio Moroder, Nine Inch Nails, Kate Bush, Ozzy Ozbourne, Pink Floyd, Portishead, Rush, Jan Hammer, Phil Collins, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Herbie Hancock, Sun Ra, and Paul McCartney.
New Minimoog Model D Accessories & Merch
Along with today’s instrument announcement, Moog has released several new high-quality accessories, clothing, and collectibles perfect for any Model D owner or enthusiast.
Moog SR Series Cases, ATA Cases, and Dust Covers
Developed with artists for artists, all of Moog’s cases and coverings have been meticulously designed based on conversations with musicians to protect each instrument better than any other offering on the market. These durable, weather-resistant protective cases ensure that your Minimoog Model D synthesizer is safeguarded at home, in the studio, and away.
The Minimoog Model D SR Series Case, ATA case, and dust cover are all suitable for any edition of Moog Music’s hardware Model D synthesizer—modern or vintage.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
