MiniMoog Wood Restoration (again)

eric coleridge · Post by **eric coleridge** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:33 pm

I recently got a really good deal($1200) on a very early model MiniMoog (seriel# 1XXX). Everything works well, sounds amazing, and is in nearly mint cosmetic condition, aside from a few minor issues. The wood cabinet is very nice with just a few very shallow nicks/dings.

So, I don't think I'll even need to sand it down or anything that drastic.

I just need to do a few things to get it back to %100 functionality (or close). I need to calibrate the oscillators, and get the bubbling off of the control panels, and I have instructions for these procedures.

BUT, I was also thinking about applying some sort of new finish on the cabinet, just to freshen it up.

Is it possible to apply a finish to the wood without stripping the original finish???

If so, can anyone recommend a particular product? I don't really want a glossy finish, just a little bit of gleam; maybe a satin finish. Again, just to freshen it up.

I know that some people have posted here in the past about restoration of their Mini's cabinet, and I was hoping that someone might be able to offer me some suggestions.

OysterRock · Post by **OysterRock** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:24 pm

I used Tung Oil on my Clavinet a few years ago to help fill in the superficial scratches. It worked quite well. I don't know if it would match a minimoog, but it might be something to look into.

eric coleridge · Post by **eric coleridge** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:50 pm

Thanks, I'll check it out.

I'm not so concerned with the minor abrasions, because of how light they are; I'm more interested in getting a little bit of a finish on the cabinet. The lower wooden panel (under the keys) on the front of my Mini has a little bit of gleam to it, and I thought it might be nice if the whole cabinet had a subtle shine to it. I feel like it may have had this look when it was new possibly... and dulled a little over the years.