Moog muSonics - 71' model D (help)

[Skeeter0311]

My dad has this unique mini Moog. He is the second owner - he's had it since mid-72. Funny a few years back he wanted to throw it away!!!! I told him I'd take it and have had it since.

In research I know R.A. Moog became Moog MuSonics in 72.

The interesting thing is the keybed was made on New Year's Day 12/31/71. And final inspection was 1/5/72. However there is NO serial number anywhere - but obviously everything is original.

- is it possible Moog made a mini without a serial number?
- based in timing, is this possibly the first MuSonics model D

Curious if any vintage aficionados could shed light on this. Is this special - or simply just a 72' model d?
I'm putting a little TLC into the unit but otherwise is in great shape.

Thanks for the help.
Kevin

[sunny pedaal]

no serial or anything broken off at the back , near the plugs ?
nothing on the boards themself ?

[elcatllar]

Hello,
As a old owner also of a Musonics I can confirm you that this not uncommon, because as in the case of my minimoog the serial number was write in a rear small paper that was very easy to lose. Thats why some of the Musonics and other Moog period minimoogs do not have their serial number.
The most important for me is that all this machines (I mean R.A .Moog and Musonics), still have their original R.A boards, because I have seen people buying insane prices for some Musonics & R.A Moogs,with the later (and more stable) boards. The reason was that many people retrofitted them with the more stable 2º version of the oscillators board.
If yours has still the old one, please remember that the way to calibrate the synth is different and also that the Minimoog manuals only give the info to do it for the second and 3º oscillator versions.
Finally, these machines are the less stable of the 3 osci. versions (but better sound) , but mine was reasonably stable after a proper restoration.
Its clear that as in many other cases, with all the new upgrade versions the synth was more and more stable but the sound........
I hope this will help.
Let me know if I can help you with something else.

[Skeeter0311]

awesome response - thank you for taking the time.

Definitely the original RA boards (opened and checked). My dad always mentions osc 3 was a POS. I remember last time playing and thought the same (this was a while ago)

- right now I am re-bushing the keys (Desperately needed). Otherwise addressing osc.3 is all that's should be needed.

I'll start researching but Curious - since the original RA boards would be preferred. Is there an "A" typical solution to address oscillator 3 on original RA boards?

Thx again for the help.

[elcatllar]

It was a pleasure to help you.
See below the way to tune your Mini with the R.A boards with the link I had in my database.
http://colinfraser.com/mini/ramini.htm
Jan

[eframp]

That's an exceptionally rare instrument you've got there. Congrats! Glad you saved it from the dumpster!