A new digital experience from Moog Music celebrates the historic synthesizer manufacturer’s 70th anniversary, re-release of its most legendary analog synthesizer, and electronic music pioneer Bob Moog’s birthday (May 23rd).
The new Model D website was created in collaboration with multi-disciplinary, independently owned design studio Pentagram and developer team Counterpoint.
Drawing inspiration from ’90s video games and websites, this interactive experience gives visitors access to the rich history of electronic music through the lens of the Minimoog Model D.
Discover the amazing musicians, songs, stories, and sounds that have shaped generations of music through apps and activities inspired by this beloved synthesizer and the artists that embraced it.
In collaboration with the Bob Moog Foundation, Moog Music is celebrating the return of the Minimoog Model D and Dr. Bob Moog’s birthday with a raffle for serial #1 of this latest edition of the instrument.
All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Bob Moog Foundation and its mission to “inspire people of all ages through the intersection of science, music, technology, and innovation.”
Each facet of minimoogmodeld.com was designed to bring visitors a joyful experience behind every digital door that leads to each new section of the site. Here’s what you can expect to experience:
Jukebox: The sound of the synthesizer is now as ubiquitous in music as the human voice. From prog rock and disco to reggae and hip-hop, explore a collection of more than 45 of the most influential songs that feature the Minimoog Model D.
Practice Room: Play your favorite Minimoog lead, bass, and percussion sounds using the site’s free emulation inspired by the Minimoog Model D. This interactive synthesizer allows any user to create, share, and save original recordings.
Archives: Explore the rich history of this archetypal synthesizer, the people who designed it, and the impact it’s had on the world.
Theatre: Sit back and enjoy an assortment of musical performances and other videos that capture more than 50 years of Minimoog Model D on stage, in studios, and on your favorite records.
Build-a-Synth: Print and “build” your own mini Minimoog—the perfect studio decoration or desktop companion.
Face Synth: Become one with the sounds and functionality of the Model D. This fun and easy-to-use Instagram filter integrates with your mobile device to use your facial expressions and body’s movement to trigger the Minimoog’s controls
Model D App: Discover the sound and workflow of the classic Model D from your iOS or macOS device with the official Minimoog Model D app. Optimized for both iOS and macOS, anyone with an Apple device can jump in and play with over 160 included presets or begin exploring electronic sound design to craft their own unique style.
Gift Shop: Enter Moog’s online merch shop for high-quality accessories, clothing, and collectibles perfect for any Model D owner or aficionado. Browse tee shirt designs, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, and more.
Moog & Pentagram: Behind the Creative Collaboration.
The creative minds at Moog partnered with multi-disciplinary, independently owned design studio Pentagram and developer team Counterpoint to bring this vision to life. Leading the project was Pentagram’s sound and experiential design visionary Yuri Suzuki, who Moog previously collaborated with on the Global Synthesizer Project back in 2016 for that year’s Moogfest.
With a passion for Moog synthesizers and the brand’s legacy, Yuri was the perfect partner to celebrate the Model D’s cultural impact. He and the hardworking teams at Pentagram and Counterpoint worked with illustrator Rob Pybus to create an experience that allows visitors all over the world to discover the deep history and sound of the Moog world.
Working on this web project for the past two years has been an incredible journey, as Moog has always been my top fascination. Their synthesizers’ special sound and beautiful design hold a special place in my heart. I still vividly remember our first discussion years ago where we envisioned a web experience that celebrates the Minimoog Model D. Our goal was to craft a tightly interactive and fun experience that would capture the essence of Dr. Bob Moog and his team’s groundbreaking innovation.
Throughout the project, the collaboration has been tight-knit and extremely enjoyable. We have exchanged numerous ideas on how to make the introduction of this beautiful innovation both fun and captivating. I am grateful to everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication over the past two years.
I invite you to visit the website and immerse yourself in the discovery of the Minimoog Model D—a true testament to the innovation and creativity of its creators.
Yuri Suzuki
More information: Moog Music
More about the Minimoog Model D
Originally released in 1970, the Minimoog Model D changed the face of modern music and has served as the archetype for all synthesizers that followed.
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.