

The Minimoog uses a 4-pole (24 dB/octave) low-pass filter with cutoff, resonance, ADS envelope, and keyboard tracking controls. 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. Its internal wiring configuration and front panel layout have defined the general synthesizer configuration for decades. 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. We extend our deepest thanks to Billy Joel and David Rosenthal for their participation.” “ In addition to Joel’s signature, the unique provenance of this Minimoog makes it a one-of-a-kind synthesizer – a collector’s item. ”The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to share this unique vintage Minimoog, signed by Billy Joel, a truly legendary musical figure who integrated the Minimoog into his music and performance decades ago,” said Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. This Minimoog was fully restored by Synthpro Restorations, LLC, and is in excellent technical and physical condition, with minor physical flaws commensurate with the age of the instrument.
Billy joel timelime upgrade#
This oscillator upgrade would not have been installed in the factory until roughly 1979/80, and was a special-order option for those with earlier production units who wanted rock-solid tuning.ĭue to the desirability of this classic synth, its signature from Billy Joel, and rock ‘n’ roll provenance with David Rosenthal and Rainbow, it will only increase in value.

Billy joel timelime update#
Besides the pitch ribbon update described above, this unit also has the version 3 oscillator update. The estimated value of the instrument, even without the signature of a celebrated musician, is in excess of $10,000.

Its original left-hand controller, with the standard pitch and modulation wheels, was preserved, and will be sent to the winner. The left-hand control panel on this Minimoog was modified to use a ribbon controller and modulation wheel, identical to that of a Micromoog. Listen to David Rosenthal play a solo on the raffle Minimoog here, on “Early Warning” by Hammerhead: Rosenthal used the Minimoog as part of his early ‘80s Rainbow touring rig, and the raffle also includes the original road case from his rock ‘n’ roll Rainbow years as a twentysomething playing Madison Square Garden. The Minimoog raffled in 2022 isn’t just signed by an icon: It belonged to Joel’s musical director, a musician of note in his own right – keyboardist, synth programmer, and orchestrator David Rosenthal, formerly of Rainbow, who has toured with Cyndi Lauper, Robert Palmer, and Enrique Iglesias, programmed synths for Bruce Springsteen, and also worked with Happy the Man, Steve Vai and Red Dawn. The raffle also supports the Moogseum, our immersive, experiential museum in Asheville, NC, which brings Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy – and the science of sound and synthesis – alive for visitors of all ages. The SoundSchool has inspired nearly 25,000 elementary school students nationwide through the science of sound, stimulating critical thinking using a curriculum based in Bob’s lifework. Tickets are $25 each, or five for $100, 12 for $200, and 35 for $500, and can be purchased below.įunds raised from the annual raffle are used to grow our hallmark educational project, Dr. ET, or when all 5,000 tickets sell out – whichever comes first. The raffle for this vintage beauty signed by one of the most beloved and best-selling American musicians of all time begins on Augat 12:01 a.m. We’re excited to announce our annual summer synth raffle, this year for a fully restored vintage Minimoog Model D signed by the legendary Billy Joel.Īll ticket sales support our work inspiring future generations of innovators through the intersection of science, music, and technology. If this wasn’t your raffle, you’ve got another chance later this year! Every ticket supports the preservation of Bob’s legacy as we share it with the world, and the next generation. #30 is soon being shipped to a working musician and recent grad of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Art. We’ve awarded 29 synths so far to lucky raffle winners all over the world.
