The Minimoog Model D is now in stock at the Tel Aviv dealer, and I got one. Here are my observations so far (in random order).
I tried using VST versions of the Minimoog with all kind of different MIDI controllers but failed to get the workflow right. There is something magical about these super solid switches and knobs.
The instrument encourages to play solo lines and play around with pitch and mod wheels. Yes of course that is what you do on a monophonic synth, but there is something more. The feel of the keyboard, don't know.
The naked Moog oscillators and filters have a lot more "grit" than the DSI ones (Obviously a full DSI patch sounds great). It is really a synth with a radically different character to my P6 (part of the reason I got it). It is very easy to make patches for outrageous bass lines, but my real interest is in creating the less obvious lead sounds.
Spoiled by digital effects, the synth can sound a bit "dry" on its own, so I often find myself cheating and adding a bit of my Eventide H9 reverb or delay or chorus to the signal in the same way that I use P6 effects to round off patches
Somehow, the Moog does not sound that great on headphones. Running the synth through a basic HiFi amp, and then in headphones gives a much better, warmer sound.
The added features are great: running MIDI patterns through it, after touch, velocity sensitivity, LFO.
This is not your synth #1, anyone reading this forum and wondering what their first entry into analogy synthesis should be should go for a polyphonic instrument with proper presets etc. etc.
But as synth #2, a great instrument, it plays well, and looks beautiful in a boxy way.