Artifact no.: 2005.0095
Manufacturer: Moog Music Inc., Williamsville, NY, USA
Date: c. 1971
Source: Mr. Paul Hoffert
Introduced in late 1970, the Minimoog Model D quickly became an icon of the 1970s progressive rock and jazz rock scenes.

While not as versatile as the larger Moogs used in studios, the Minimoog was compact and affordable and better suited to the life of a touring musician. Incorporating a number of modules controlled by knobs, switches and wheels, players could make adjustments to the sound output in real time.

Used by such musicians as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Chick Corea the Minimoog became the first synthesizer ever to become a "classic." Over 12,000 were made between 1970 and 1981.

Part of a collection of electronic equipment for musical composition, performance and recording, this example was owned and used by Canadian Paul Hoffert. Hoffert is a founding member of the Canadian jazz-rock band Lighthouse, and for a time worked in Hugh LeCaine's electronic music lab at NRC. He has been inducted into the Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and is a Member of the Order of Canada.