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Hi Lords !
This is an « ancient » question. I´ve got both versions and I´ll give
you my opinion (that means that it´s not The Truth ! only my opinion).
But, before talking about that, don´t forget that there were not only
2 versions of the Minimoog D but 6 !
1/ The very first R.A Moog model D (1970), there were a kind of "pre
production run". This model looks like the Model "C". Most probably
have no name plate, no modulation wheels but switches and sliders
(like model C), metal front panel. Serial number 1001-10??.
2/ The next ones "D" always are R.A Moog Model, have discrete VCO
(1970) but are cosmetically a little bit different than the first
ones. R.A Model D are considered by collectors as the best and
fattest sounding of all versions of the Mini. They are very hard to
keep in tune. Logo plate R.A MOOG (white or black), metal front
panel, modulation wheels are transparent. Serial number 10??-12??.
3/ Minimoog D Musonic.(1971) R.A Moog Cie became Musonic Cie when R.A
had to merge with Musonic cie. Electronic circuits are the same than
R.A. models, very rare like the R.A Mini. Name plate Musonic, metal
panel, modulation wheels are transparent. Serial number 12??-13??.
4/ Minimoog D Moog Music (1972). These ones are the "famous" old osc.
board we are talking about but these osc board are not at all the
same as the RA & Musonic. This is the common version of the Mini D.
Their tunning was better than the first models (RA & Musonic). All
serial numbers until SN 10175 were issued with this "original"
oscillator board. If you remove the back metal cover (few screws)
you´ll find the completion date of your Mini. First Moog Music models
have metal panel (not only the RA and the Musonic). The later one
(but before SN 10175) have full plastic panel. Modulation wheels are
smooth white and perhaps the last models (but before 10175) the white
ribbed plastic. Inscriptions around knobs are different than on the
RA & Musonic models.
5/ Moog perfected the Minimoog by issuing a revised osc. circuit
board wich gave far improved stability and add a new "buffer board",
wich gave better stability. All Mini with serial number greater than
10175 have the newer osc. board. These new osc board could be
installed in older version but not the buffer board. Full plastic
panel, white ribbed modulation wheels. Serial number 10175-13233.
How could you know if your version is an old one upgraded? The way to
check is by looking at the metal back cover to control panel. On the
right side you´ll can see 2 vertical rows of 3 access holes (6) or 3
vertical rows of 3 (9). If your Mini has got 9 holes, it´s a new osc
version. But don´t look only at the modulation wheels because they
sometimes had been changed. Even the front panel could have been
changed (metal/plastic).
6/ The last 25 Minimoog were "de luxe version", illuminated wheels,
and numbered brass plaques. The last one (SN 13259) was given to Bob
Moog. Serial number 13234-13259.
So, what about the sound?
Bob said that the sound is the same between old and new osc board and
seems to prefer the last version?. because it was improved. I think
it´s an Ingineer point of vue. His last product is always better than
the earlier version.
Collectors say that the better sounding version is the RA or Musonic
model.
Most of people say that the old osc board versions are warm, fat,
silky, raw? and newer osc board versions have a lack of warmth and
human feeling and sound thinner, closed to an ARP.
I´ve got both version, SN 2041, and SN 12779 (original separate
keyboard version ). Between those two models, even my wife (sorry
honey?) can hear the difference. The old one is warmer.
But you should never forget that in fact all Minimoog sound unique.
And sometimes the difference is due to the way of tunning the
oscillators. They all sound a little bit different from each other
even in the same osc board version.
But I realy love the both. The both sound Moog and are real Minimoog.
The old one is no more difficult to tune than a guitar. And I think
that only 3 things count:
1/ that your mini sounds great
2/ that you love it
3/ that it inspires you to make your music
You´ll find pictures showing the differences between the 6 versions
of the D model in the "Old/New" Album of PHOTO section. (RA 1, RA 2,
Musonic, last 25?)
Oh?.hum?.just a question: When people say that the Voyager sounds 80%
closed to the old Mini?..what does it mean please?
MVH
Demokid
PS.
Pontus H Kul info... Bilden du använder är min kompis LAMM moddade Memory.
DS.