Moog Music’s Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D: A Red-Hot Tribute to Prog Legacy

Moog Music introduces the Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D as a tribute to the enduring legacy of progressive rock, with a visual twist that’s hard to miss. The instrument sports a custom satin red finish, evoking both the flamboyant stage aesthetics of the era and a specific chapter in Rush’s history. This isn’t just a cosmetic update; it’s a deliberate nod to the band’s so-called “red period,” as Lee recalls, when the colour became a symbol of creative energy and stage presence.

The video sets the tone with Geddy Lee reminiscing about the earliest days of using the Minimoog Model D. He conjures images of dry ice, Taurus pedals, and the thrill of breaking into the heart of “Xanadu.” For Lee, the Minimoog was more than a keyboard—it was a portal into new musical worlds, and this signature edition aims to capture that spirit for a new generation of synth enthusiasts.

Among the key enhancements, Moog highlights a hot-rodded VCA circuit, promising a punchier, more responsive dynamic range. While the video doesn’t dive into the technical specifics, the implication is clear: this Model D isn’t just a museum piece, but a tool for contemporary sound design. The addition of modern MIDI integration further expands its versatility, making it easier to slot into today’s studio and live setups without sacrificing the classic Minimoog feel.

These upgrades are presented as a bridge between eras. The Model D’s approachable layout and signature fat tone remain intact, but with these new features, musicians can push the instrument into fresh territory. It’s a respectful update—one that acknowledges the needs of modern players while staying true to the Minimoog’s analogue soul.

Geddy Lee’s relationship with the Minimoog is woven through Rush’s discography. He recalls how the instrument became indispensable for tracks like “Tom Sawyer,” “Subdivisions,” and “Xanadu”—songs that simply wouldn’t exist in their current form without its unmistakable timbre. Lee describes the Minimoog as a solo machine, approachable yet powerful, with a tone that cut through rock arrangements and defined the band’s evolving sound.

The video offers a glimpse into Lee’s creative process: experimenting with sawtooth and square waves, blending oscillators for that signature fatness, and using the modulation wheel to sculpt textures. He credits the Minimoog’s accessible interface for making synthesis less daunting, allowing even self-described “non-keyboardists” to dream big and experiment freely. This hands-on approach, he suggests, is at the heart of both his own musical evolution and the broader prog rock movement.

Lee’s anecdotes are peppered with references to his influences—Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, Genesis—and the broader shift as synthesizers moved from the fringes into the mainstream of rock. For him, the Minimoog wasn’t just a tool; it was a catalyst for ambition, experimentation, and the expansion of Rush’s sonic palette.

Geddy Lee closes the video by reflecting on the significance of having his name associated with the Minimoog—a device that has shaped both his career and the sound of generations. He expresses pride in the instrument’s role as a bridge between eras, inspiring younger musicians and serving as a tangible link to Rush’s most fertile creative period. For Lee, this signature edition isn’t just a tribute; it’s a celebration of the Minimoog’s enduring impact on music history.