How the Minimoog Model D Synth Was Built

At Moogfest 2016, Moog reintroduced the classic Minimoog Model D synthesizer.

They also had a ‘pop-up factory’ onsite at the event. Basically, they moved their production line to Durham for the week and were assembling the new Minimoog’s at the festival.

We talked with Moog’s TJ Mills, who gave us a tour of their assembly process.

They start from a collection of individual parts and pre-assembled components from suppliers. The circuit boards, for example, are supplied pre-populated, using a variety of new and ‘new old stock’ parts. And the metal components are supplied preshaped and drilled to Moog’s specifications.

In the video, TJ discusses what gets done at each stage of their assembly process, and how they calibrate and test the synthesizer once it is assembled.