Moogfest 2016 Coverage

We’re back from Moogfest after a whirlwind weekend taking in the incredible performances and seminars! Click on either of the knobs to learn more about what we saw at this one-of-a-kind festival!

It was just the first day of Moogfest in Durham, NC, and we already were treated to a big announcement: the Moog Minimoog Model D is coming back! Soon, for the first time since 1981, synth lovers will be able to purchase a new Minimoog Model D analog synthesizer. We were lucky enough to be in attendance at Moog’s pop-up factory at Moogfest to get our hands on this newly reissued legendary instrument.

A Minimoog Model D Reissue being assembled at Moogfest 2016

So, how close is the new Minimoog Model D to the original?

Well, we couldn’t tell a difference. Moog made sure to stick to the original sound engine, so expect those massive bass lines to still sound positively Moogy. The looks speak for themselves. Something else we noticed was the care taken in creating an exact copy of the original Minimoog Model D’s construction. Everything appears where it should be, with modern materials giving it a sturdier feel.

What’s different in the new Minimoog Model D?

Here are some features Moog is introducing in the new Minimoog Model D:

• Analog Filter Contour and LFO as modulation sources
• A Fatar TP-9 keybed with Velocity and Aftertouch
• Pitch, Aftertouch, Velocity and Gate CV Outputs
• External Modulation CV Input
• MIDI In, Out and Thru
• Circuit board connectors have been improved, making it far more reliable than the original (a must for anyone who is going to tour with it!)

Beginning in June, expect to see the Minimoog Model D in stock. Bear in mind that these synthesizers, much like Moog’s other offerings, will still be handcrafted in their Asheville, North Carolina headquarters, so supplies may be limited. And Moog has set a price of $3,499 for the new Model D. Bottom line: we can’t stress enough how cool it is to see this old friend back again.

Order the Minimoog Model D Reissue at zZounds!

More from Moogfest 2016

There was plenty more to see and hear at Moogfest — from modern experimental pop and rock artists like Grimes and Explosions in the Sky, to a set from synthesis pioneer Suzanne Ciani. Take a tour through Moogfest with our gallery below, and check out some other Moog-centric posts!

Moogfest Gallery
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