Minimoog pitch wheel calibration

[FW190D6]

Does anybody know a way to calibrate the pitch wheel on the Mini rev D? Mine is way too sensitive, and bends over an octave. I'm wondering if you can add a variable resistor in the circuit, to change the amount of pitch bend.

[Stevie Ray]

I think the normal bend range on the MM is around +/-7 semitones (a fifth).

To reduce this you could try adding two trim pots either side of the 25K LIN pitch wheel pot, between and the CW end (3) and +10V, and the CCW end (1) an 0V. Try 5K or 10K trim pots to start with (I'd use for 10-turn ones for ease of calibration) - it depends on what bend range you want.

You'll need to adjust the trim pots so you get zero bend with the pitch wheel in the detent position as well as the bend range you want.

Measure the voltage on on the pitch bend wheel pot wiper (2) at the detent position (disconnected) BEFORE you add the trim pots then match the detent position voltage with the trim pots in circuit.

It's a simple enough mod to add, and remove if you decide you don't like the results.

Schematic for reference:-

[FW190D6]

A fifth sounds about right. Just the answer I was looking for. Thanks!

Yeah, a few years back, I got asked to rent it for a session for George Duke, who complained to me about the amount of pitch bend, sand said he'd had one that was adjustable. But in particular, for me, just doing semi or whole tone bends cleanly seems to be so difficult on this, that I figured there had to be a way to adjust the range.

I really appreciate it.

[thealien666]

That's the way the Minimoog D was designed (roughly +8 to -7 semitones range). You've got to learn to adapt your playing to it. Much like Rick Wakeman, Chick Corea, Keith Emerson, just to name a few, did. As did I also.

Some hate it for its hypersensitivity, some love it for its intense expressiveness.

[Stevie Ray]

Yes it was designed that way, but it was a compromise. Personally I don't have a problem with it, but some players apparently do.

On the Voyager Old School you can select a PB of either +/- 2 semitones, +/- 7 semitones, or +/- octave using a jumper on the left panel board.

Not exactly convenient but it's there if you need it.

See http://www.moogmusic.com/sites/default/ ... 0Range.pdf.

[albert6720]

Stevie Ray have shared really a best diagram of circuit. Hope it really help you to figure out the pitch wheel calibration and other things you need.As it had the complete process.

[FW190D6]

Part of the problem is that it bends over a full octave right now.

[Stevie Ray]

Part of the problem is that it bends over a full octave right now.

The full bend range should be +/- 7 semitones as designed.

Has your mini been previously modified in some way?

I can only refer you to the schematic I posted earlier on this thread. Check that it conforms and measure the resistances at the points indicated.

What resistance (relative to ground) do you get when you measure from the pitch bend pot...

1) wiper contact in the detent position?
2) CW contact?
3) CCW contact?

Measure these with the pot disconnected from the main board.

Oh, and measure the resistance of the pot itself (CW to CCW).