The Minimoog Book

The synthesizer that changed music forever: sounds, stories, and technology

JoE Silva; foreword by Geddy Lee

In the 60-plus years since it was created, no electronic musical instrument has garnered as much attention, love, respect – and controversy – as the Minimoog. This book, for the very first time, tells the definitive story of this amazing synthesizer and the world it helped to shape, through the words of the engineers who created it and the artists who used it to make musical history.

A world of Minimoog artists and their stories

At the core of The Minimoog Book are nearly 100 interviews and artist spotlights, collected and researched for over 10 years, by music journalist JoE Silva. These interviews, nearly all exclusive to this book, contain insights and opinions from players and producers around the world – many of whom are no longer with us – as well as finished accounts of the Minimoog’s creation by the engineers who handled the schematics and soldering irons.
With care, grace, and humor, JoE brings us into the world of Minimoog superstars, up-and-coming artists of the 21st century, soundtrack composers, producers, engineers, and sound designers – from every locale and in every genre imaginable.

100+ interviews

Starting with Rush’s Geddy Lee, read how the Minimoog has touched the lives and music of artists, producers, and players like Anne Dudley, Ben Burtt (Star Wars), Bernie Worrell, Bishi, Brian Eno, Chick Corea, Com Truise, Dori Chrysler, Francesca Lombardo, Geoff Downes, George Duke, Gary Numan, Gary Wright, Greg Kurstin, Jan Hammer, John Vanderslice, Jordan Rudess, JUVENILE, Keith Emerson, Klaus Schulze, Legowelt, Linda McCartney, Lisa Bella Donna, Mac DeMarco, Manfred Mann, Maria Grapsa, Matt Berry, Patrick Moraz, Rick Wakeman, Thomas Dolby, Tara Busch, Tycho, Yumiko Ohno, and others.
You’ll learn how the Mini has made its mark in sessions by ABBA, Air, Bee Gees, Chromeo, Daft Punk, David Bowie, Devo, Dr. Dre, Frank Zappa, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Portishead, Squeeze, The Cure, Toto, Trouble Funk, Ultravox, 10cc, 800 State, and more.

Sound and technology:

  • Beautiful photo galleries of historical and rare Minimoogs – including the Model A, B and C prototypes
  • An inside look at the Mini’s technical secrets, with detailed photos, descriptions and schematics.
  • Visual overviews, timelines, and details of the many changes to the Mini over the years, from vital internals to cosmetic upgrades and a universe of modifications large and small.
  • Photographs, schematics, ads, and more, from world-renowned archives.
  • 35+ Minimoog sounds, created by the artists themselves and famed player Anthony Marinella.
  • An in-depth look at the Minimoog Voyagers – Bob Moog’s last synthesizer – and its many versions.
  • Resources, panel walkthrough, playing techniques, and more!

This is the story of inspiration, desperation, music, artistic and technical genius, money troubles, careful plans, happy accidents, pounding dance floors, blown speakers, and a world transformed. This is The Minimoog Book.

Note:

Features sub-chapter The Mini Takes It All on Benny Andersson’s use of the Minimoog in ABBA’s recordings

Published:

24 September 2024

See also:

Publisher’s website