The Minimoog Model D is in no way the only instrument that carries the heavy burden of being a seventies and eighties musical icon. Although I have to agree that the Model D's unmistakable sound is both its strength and its weakness, again, it isn't alone. So, while thinking today that it would be laughable for some of us to even try to adopt the sound of Wakeman or Emerson in producing our own music, it struck me that the list of associated instruments is rather long. Personally, I couldn't possibly and wouldn't use the following instruments, for the same reasons I wouldn't use a Minimoog Model D:
- Drawbar and combo organs (Hammond, Farfisa, Vox, etc.)
- Electric pianos (Yamaha CP, RMI, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hohner)
- Clavinet
- String synthesizers (ARP, Elka, Roland, Logan, etc.)
- Mellotron
- Effects (Small Stone Phaser, Roland Space Echo, Leslie rotating speaker, etc.)
I'm sure we could all add a few more items to this outstanding vintage instruments list. Perhaps the Prophet 5, Oberheim OB 8, Yamaha DX 7, and Roland Junos belong on it, too. But my point is, the Minimoog is not unique in having its own inescapable sound. All of the above do as well, and they all also have far less sonic versatility than the Minimoog, which makes them all-the-more identifiable. So, in the name of consistency, it seems to me the whole list could be added to our present debate.
Although at first the news of the Model D re-issue admittedly excited me, after thinking things through, I'm no longer interested for some of the reason Paul Dither previously cited. Personally, as a guy who played in bands in the eighties and listened to all the big synthesizer/keyboard progressive groups, but who has moved on to a very different musical direction, I couldn't possibly get far enough away from all of the above instruments and devices - due both to their sonic character and their musical associations as well.
I appreciate the fresh new start that modern instruments offer. Although I've done tons of research into many instruments by various companies, DSI strikes me as the right place to be. Although their instruments are certainly of the traditional analog design, still, their versatility allows you to craft a unique personal sound. I suppose the Prophet '08's tone has become somewhat recognizable by now, but I don't think it's overly identifiable. The Poly Evolver Keyboard is more recognizable, but it's also more flexible, so, sounding typical or sounding unique is all up to the synthesist.
I could imagine adding, say, a Modal Electronics or Artisan Electronic Instruments synthesizer at some point, so I'm open to other possibilities. But I'm fit to leave all thought of vintage gear and re-issues behind. It was good back then, but it wasn't nearly as good as what I have now.