Minimoog 1974 restoration...

tasters · Post by **tasters** » Sat May 30, 2009 11:54 am

Hi guys
if some moog nerd want to see, here there's a small set of the restoration of an old minimoog

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cicciostok ... 921558203/

thanks!

Subtronik · Post by **Subtronik** » Sat May 30, 2009 1:54 pm

Nice!

JohnLRice · Post by **JohnLRice** » Sat May 30, 2009 11:09 pm

Absolutely beautiful! Great job!

What wood stain brand and color did you use? I really like that!

I need to restore my Mini but I'm afraid that my wood sin't going to look particularly great even if I refinish it. (I have a later model)

metatronix · Post by **metatronix** » Sun May 31, 2009 12:52 pm

Hi -

I was just about to post some questions about Minimoog restoration so... I already did a search and didn't find the answers.

Where can i find replacement screws for the Minimoog?

I'm getting some scratchy noise when i turn my volume, and osc 2 knob.. can these pots be taken apart and cleaned or do I need to repalce them, where can i get them?

that's all for now maybe i'll have some more later. Thanks!

Kevin Lightner · Post by **Kevin Lightner** » Sun May 31, 2009 5:22 pm

Meta,

I can provide sets of new screws for Minimoogs.

In regards to the pots, it's up to your own skills and resources.
For example, many of the sealed pots can be opened for cleaning, however there's risk of damage and putting them back together again tightly can be difficult.
You can replace them also.
I use Clarostat pots (available all over) for many pot replacements, however I have to shorten the shafts on the ones I use prior to installation.
That may or may not be easy depending on your tools or skills.
I can provide pots that have been prepped for installation into Minis, but I can't say how they'll be installed.
I've seen pots over-torqued to the point the panel cracks and pots left so loose they spin and short out the wires.

Having myself serviced or restored over 400 Minis, the best advice I can provide is to know your own capabilities.
If you don't feel confident with some aspect(s) of restoration, leave it to a pro.
There's a finite number of model Ds produced and the choice is up to each owner whether their instrument improves or degrades via their actions.
Some owner-restorations are beautiful and we see them online.
Others aren't and they're not exhibited.
Techs like me see these units instead.

So not all "restorations" are the same and many are only cosmetic.
Some are performed by well meaning people that simply don't have the knowledge or skills to do all of what's really necessary.
Their Minimoogs come out as partial restorations or botched.
One section or feature might turn out looking or working excellently, the rest remaining problematic because the tech didn't have complete command of everything.

It's a lot to ask for someone to have past knowledge of a synth, current knowledge of parts available, wood, mechanical and electronic knowledge all rolled into one.
Many owners and techs can handle some of these aspects, but not all.
If you know you're mechanically and/or electrically inclined and have good dexterity and tools, you may well be able to perform some of what's necessary.
But be realistic that some issues or problems may elude you and consulting or employing a tech may be necessary to restore a Mini back to it's former glory.

Analog! · Post by **Analog!** » Sun May 31, 2009 11:00 pm

great job on the restoration! it looks great!

Subtronik · Post by **Subtronik** » Sun May 31, 2009 11:01 pm

What do you charge for a typical mini restoration Kevin?

metatronix · Post by **metatronix** » Sun May 31, 2009 11:34 pm

Kevin,

Thanks for the advice! I'll email you about the parts.

I totally understand what you're saying. I wouldn't even attempt doing it if I didn't have some kind of training. I actually took some Vocational tech classes in both Electronics and Cabinet Making, but that was 15 years ago so I'm just going to do the wood work and the basic electronic stuff, like cleaning and/or replacing bad pots. I have a local tech that will do the rest.

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Sun May 31, 2009 11:39 pm

Subtronik wrote:What do you charge for a typical mini restoration Kevin?

Define "typical". http://www.moogmusic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6620 This thread was posted shortly after the MouseMini thread, here http://www.moogmusic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6399 .

Subtronik · Post by **Subtronik** » Sun May 31, 2009 11:47 pm

Ok I get it

But what's the average cost you've charged for a mini restorations Kevin?

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 2:13 am

tasters wrote:Hi guys
if some moog nerd want to see, here there's a small set of the restoration of an old minimoog

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cicciostok ... 921558203/

thanks!

Beautiful job, BTW. I like how you took pictures as you completed it. Kinda showing the progress. Very nice.

Kevin Lightner · Post by **Kevin Lightner** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:52 pm

What do you charge for a typical mini restoration Kevin?

It depends on the condition of the incoming instrument and the desired result, but most are between $700 and $1100 each.
The general rule is: the older the Mini, the more it will cost, though even that can vary.
It's also possible to send in just the chassis, keyboard and mod section for service, opting to perform any woodwork yourself.
This can save money both in regards to my services and shipping.

Subtronik · Post by **Subtronik** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:21 pm

Ok thanks for the info.

If I ever do comes across an old mini for sale I know who to have restore it

Anna's Digit · Post by **Anna's Digit** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:49 pm

I love guts

Subtronik · Post by **Subtronik** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:57 pm

Do you calibrate the sound when the restoration is finished Kevin?

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