How often does the opportunity arise to own a piece of synthesizer history with the personal touch of a music legend? A rare chance has emerged for synthesizer enthusiasts and music collectors alike to acquire a Minimoog bearing the signature of innovative musician Todd Rundgren, with proceeds supporting music education initiatives nationwide.
The Minimoog, widely recognized as the de facto standard monophonic synthesizer, revolutionized electronic music when it debuted in 1970 as the first synthesizer marketed directly to musicians. Conceived by Robert Moog and developed from the “Min A” prototype created in 1969, this iconic instrument combined the sonic capabilities of modular synthesizers with unprecedented portability, making sophisticated sound design accessible outside recording studios for the first time.
What makes this particular Minimoog extraordinary isn’t just its historical significance but the connection to Rundgren, whose experimental approach to synthesis helped push the boundaries of popular music throughout the 1970s. The instrument features the distinctive wooden cabinet design that deliberately evoked traditional musical instruments rather than clinical electronic equipment, housing three versatile oscillators and what many consider some of the finest analog filters ever created.
The Minimoog’s warm, strong analog tone became essential for countless landmark recordings from artists including Sun Ra, Pink Floyd, Herbie Hancock, and Kraftwerk. Its distinctive sound—partly resulting from an “accidentally beneficial” unstable power supply—helped shape the development of funk, progressive rock, disco, and electronic music genres during its original production run from 1970 to 1981. This specific model represents the definitive Model D version that emerged after multiple prototypes and established itself as the standard for synthesizers of its era.
While thousands of musicians have utilized the Minimoog’s pre-patched design to create iconic bass lines and lead sounds, few instruments bear the mark of a musical pioneer like Rundgren. Aspiring sound designers can learn from Rundgren’s creative experimentation with sweeping filters to achieve unique tonal textures. The winning bidder will receive not merely a musical instrument but a physical connection to the synthesizer that influenced nearly every electronic instrument that followed. Throughout its 13-year production period, over 12,000 Minimoogs were manufactured before production ceased in July 1981. With this instrument, collectors could establish the centerpiece of their own home studio setup without the need for professional studio space.
Interested participants can enter the drawing through December 15th, with the winner announced during a special livestreamed event showcasing the instrument’s sonic capabilities and historical importance.
