Win A Vintage Minimoog

US Bob Moog Foundation launches fundraising raffle for a Model D signed by Geddy Lee of Rush 07/02/23

The Bob Moog Foundation has announced its fundraising raffle for a fully restored vintage Minimoog synthesizer signed by Geddy Lee, the synthesist, bassist, and vocalist for the band Rush. The raffle begins on February 6 and ends on February 27, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET, or when all 10,000 tickets sell out, whichever comes first. The raffle is open internationally. Here's more details direct from the BMF press release...

"Bob Moog's legacy stands out as a pioneer, an inventor, and a stylist. He helped initiate styles of music that wouldn't have otherwise been possible without his contribution," said Geddy Lee.

Geddy Lee's accolades include: 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, with Rush; 2010 "Living Legend" award from Classic Rock Magazine, with Rush; 2010 inductee into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, with Rush; 2010 Governor General's Award for performing arts, with Rush; 1994 Juno Hall of Fame inductee, with Rush; and six-time "Best Rock Bass Player" in Bass Player magazine. Lee was also made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996.

He prominently used the Minimoog in some of Rush's most iconic songs, including "The Trees," "Countdown," "Xanadu," and "Tom Sawyer."

Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Foundation's hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, which has inspired over 25,000 elementary school students through the science of sound. The raffle also helps support the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential museum located in Asheville, NC, which brings the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages, through Bob Moog's pioneering legacy. The Moogseum opened in May 2019, and has since welcomed over 25,000 visitors from all over the world.

The Minimoog featured is serial number 4070, built at Moog Music's Williamsville, NY, USA factory on Feb 14, 1974. It has a desirable modification: the Opto-Key upgrade, originally created by Kevin Lightner, which replaces the original mechanical contacts with infrared light sensors, eliminating contact cleaning or wear.

The Opto-Key upgrade also includes MIDI In and as well as MIDI Out. The MIDI jacks were modified in a very discreet manner, to prevent holes in the chassis. The Minimoog is in excellent technical condition, and has minor cosmetic flaws, as is commensurate with a synthesizer of this vintage.

The Minimoog has an estimated value of $10,000 USD. Due to the highly coveted nature of this archetypal synthesizer, and the signature from Geddy Lee, it is likely to increase in value. It has been meticulously restored by synthesizer technician Jareth Lackey of Synthpro Restorations, who specializes in restoration of vintage Moog synthesizers.

The Minimoog Model D is widely regarded as the most iconic analog synthesizer of all time, and has been recognized as such by the likes of MusicRadar and SonicState.com. Its internal wiring configuration and front panel layout have been archetypes for generations of synthesizers. It is renowned for its robust bass and lead sounds, which are rooted in its three voltage-controlled oscillators (one of which can be used as a low-frequency oscillator) and its legendary filters. The Minimoog uses a 4-pole (24 dB/octave) low-pass filter with cutoff, resonance, ADS envelope, and keyboard tracking controls. To this day, Moog's filter design is widely regarded as the standard to which all others are compared.

"The Minimoog sets itself apart because it has a fat, identifiable tone. I really like that," noted Geddy Lee.

"The Bob Moog Foundation is honored to offer this rare Minimoog synthesizer signed by Geddy Lee," said Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa. "Geddy's distinctive and innovative use of the Minimoog and Moog Taurus Bass pedals was intrinsic to Rush's early archetypal sound, and served as a hallmark of how those instruments could be artfully fused in a live setting. We are deeply grateful to Geddy for supporting our important work at the intersection of science, music, and innovation."

Pricing and Availability:

Tickets are $25 each, five for $100, 12 for $200, or 35 for $500. The winner will be announced on Friday, March 3, 2023.

More information:

Minimoog Raffle

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