Nord User Forum

[Gustavo]

I have played some and also the Little Phatty. About 5 years ago, they had both in a local music store (and haven't seen them since) In my opinion the little phatty was very close sounding to the Mini, a little different but most people in the audience will never notice. Most people will debate this, but in my opinion (specially because I am not a producer/professional) the voyager is not worth it. It may be worth it for some other persons, but not for me. I mean, seriously a mono synth for what was then 50,000 MXN?? way too much. I'd rather have the LP.

That is why I have got a DSI Mopho and preordered a MS-20mini, because their price is reasonable. Yet I dont use the Mopho, such an unintuitive interface, although its arguably the most flexible monosynth out there.

Saludos,
Gustavo

[Gustavo]

oh didn't notice you were asking for THE mini. Most people I know when they talk about getting a mini, they talk about the voyager!

Back on topic, why are you considering so seriously the Mini Moog (I assume a Model D)? Just because it is a vintage loved synth (in which case MS-20 is too)? Because of the ladder filter (the LP also has that characteristic filter)?

Just want to say that even though vintage gear is great, if you can keep/find it in good shape, it is not always worth the price/effort. I think that there are times where if you aren't a collector or studio owner, buying newer synths has always more benefits. Such as stability or in some cases patch memory (very useful live).

[RedLeo]

Ask away

[RedLeo]

Well, that's really an amp question rather than a synth question, but I'm sure it would work fine through either. It would undoubtedly have more balls and presence through the Fender, so it's really just a case of suck it and see which you prefer. A Minimoog's got such a dominating sound that it will pretty much work with anything within reason, so it's really down to how aggressive you want it to be - or not.

[RedLeo]

Sorry to hear of your ebay woes, but at least you found out in time.

As for buying a Minimoog, I would think about it long and hard. As a synth it is extremely limited in its capabilities. You're paying an awful lot basically for the kudos of owning one. The Voyager is simply in another league in terms of versatility - as are many others. True, the Minimoog will always have the edge of "that sound", but is it a sound you really need? Every synth has its own sound for you to use and shape in your own music, and there are plenty of iconic pieces of music and artistes that used synths that were not Minimoogs - the Bladerunner soundtrack, Weather Report, Genesis, Ultravox - the list is endless.

Also bear in mind that the the Minimoog is not a rare instrument, so you don't need to rush out and buy the first one that comes along. I can understand the temptation, but you could spend 4k far more wisely.

Still, if you do end up buying one, well, who could blame you?

[RedLeo]

I understand your dilemma, however one thing to bear in mind is that Minimoogs are, by and large, not difficult or expensive to service and repair. With a couple of exceptions, parts are standard or easy to come by. As long as it's not a real dog, a Minimoog with a few minor problems can be returned to full working order without too much trouble or expense by an experienced tech. Obviously, completely refurbishing a real basket case is a different matter.

Have you considered a Voyager at all? You mentioned that you had been surprised by the Voyager's sound compared to the Minimoog, but what was the difference as you perceived it?

And again, what are you looking to buy? A piece of history or a working tool?

[pitfall]

I too have wanted a Minimoog model D since I was a teenager, but the only one that I came across when I had the money was in a bit of a state, in that the keys were all over the place. That put me off, though since then I have found out that it is not such a big problem.
I also find the Voyager and Little Phatty to be a little cold and 'digital' sounding, and I feel that this is down to the large amount of digital implementation in their layout - patch memories and rapid rock solid tuning stability have their prices.
So I bought a Vermona Mono Lancet.
I have spent the last month attempting to imitate all my favourite minimoog sounds from my youth - Kerry Minnear, Rick Wakeman, Kieth Emerson etc.etc.
and while there are differences, the results are often pretty damn close, and are good enough to satisfy me. I get 90% of the sounds that I want for 7% of the outlay.
The only reasons for me to buy a minimoog D now would be nostalgia and snob appeal.

[RedLeo]

I also find the Voyager and Little Phatty to be a little cold and 'digital' sounding, and I feel that this is down to the large amount of digital implementation in their layout - patch memories and rapid rock solid tuning stability have their prices.

Patch memories and a digital control system have no effect on the sound at all, as the signal path (the sound you hear) does not go through any digital circuitry, it's entirely analogue. The sound of the Old School Voyager (no patch memories or digital control circuitry) is *identical* to the ordinary Voyagers, as attested to by people who own both. If you don't like the sound of the Voyager or Little Phatty, well...you just don't like them. But saying they sound "digital" because they contain digital control circuitry is misunderstanding how it works.

[pitfall]

It was not my intention to imply that there is anything wrong with the way that the LP or voyager sound or operate, and I didn't say that I don't like them, they are both fantastic instruments in their own right. I was clearly stating a personal view on the differences - and there are differences - between the LP, the Voyager and the Minimoog D and VML.
The LP and Voyager, to my ears, have a 'sheen' their sound, and the waveforms have a stability to them that reminds me of VA synths - that is probably a better way of putting it.
Isn't it interesting how 'digital' has become such a pejorative term.
I'd like to say that it's what these instruments inspire you to play on them that is important, not which one you are lucky enough to own.

[pitfall]

It was not my intention to imply that there is anything wrong with the way that the LP or voyager sound or operate, and I didn't say that I don't like them, they are both fantastic instruments in their own right. I was clearly stating a personal view on the differences - and there are differences - between the LP, the Voyager and the Minimoog D and VML.
The LP and Voyager, to my ears, have a 'sheen' their sound, and the waveforms have a stability to them that reminds me of VA synths - that is probably a better way of putting it.
Isn't it interesting how 'digital' has become such a pejorative term.
I'd like to say that it's what these instruments inspire you to play on them that is important, not which one you are lucky enough to own.