The Minimoog

Moog and Buchla’s voltage-controlled synthesizers were modular. One chassis, or several, housed the power supply and the actual modules. The inputs and outputs of the modules had to be interconnected via a confusing tangle of patch cords before the synthesizer would make a sound. Establishing these connections properly was an art unto itself, and obtaining useful settings on the modules required significant expertise.

Moog realized that these modular synthesizers were too complex and expensive for the average musician and were likely to fail if sold through traditional music retailers. In 1969, Moog collaborated with engineers Jim Scott, Bill Hemsath, and Chad Hunt to design a compact, portable, affordable, and easy-to-use synthesizer. After three prototypes were built, the Minimoog Model D was released in the summer of 1970.

In contrast to previous modular synthesizers, it was neither necessary nor possible for players to connect the modules of the Minimoog as they saw fit. All of the modules’ connecting circuitry was hard-wired at the workshop. The type and number of modules was also fixed. This simplified manufacturing considerably, and cut costs dramatically. A major marketing campaign saw the Minimoog become a huge success. Without alteration to its basic design, 13,000 Minimoogs were sold worldwide, right up to 1981.