The Bob Moog Foundation shared this mini-documentary about the Oberheim Matrix-12 synthesizer, considered by many to be one of the greatest synths ever created.
The Bob Moog Foundation is featuring a fully restored Oberheim Matrix-12 synthesizer – signed by Tom Oberheim, Marcus Ryle, and Michel Doidic – in their latest raffle.
Ryle and Doidic were the principal designers of the Matrix-12. This particular Matrix-12, was previously owned by Doug Curtis, inventor of the legendary Curtis chips, which were used in this synth and many others. The synth was donated to the Bob Moog Foundation by Curtis’s widow, Mary Curtis.
In the video, Tom Oberheim, Mary Curtis, and Marcus Ryle share the history behind this Oberheim Matrix-12, which has been fully restored by Ryle.
“Doug appreciated the Matrix-12 so much that he had two, so our family had to think hard about donating this legendary instrument,” noted Mary Curtis. “We decided that Doug would have said yes to the idea, out of a love for the Matrix-12 itself, a belief that it will raise money for the important work of the Bob Moog Foundation, and the wish for another musician who loves it to make glorious music.”
To find out more about The Bob Moog Foundation, and the Oberheim Matrix-12 raffle, see The Bob Moog Foundation website.
Proceeds from the raffle benefit the three hallmark projects of the Bob Moog Foundation: Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which has inspired over 35,000 elementary school students about the science of sound; the vast and growing Bob Moog Foundation Archives, which includes over 15,000 historical items; and the Moogseum, located in downtown Asheville, NC. The Moogseum continues to navigate the financial aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in a $65,000 loss of income since late September.
I’ve owned my share of good synths, but I’m glad I was tolerated as a kid, pecking away at astounding whoppers like this one in music stores. Remember those? The mega-synths were out of reach, but I learned a lot about the language involved. I’m happy to have them in software. It’s the only way for us mortals. Whoever wins this has a fairy godmother on the staff.
winner has to get the same stand the guy from Gravity Kills had for his Matrix-12
Ah Man,
I remember looking pictures of Doug playing that keyboard on stage in the 90’s. thats what got me into synthesizers in the first place. apparently he would break keys all the time and had them replaced with alloy keys. I could be remembering this wrong. but yea that stand was awesome.
I’ll keep saying it: Tom and Marcus – PLEASE do for the M12/Xpander what you did for the OB series with the OB-X8. I know it’ll be expensive… so let us know so we can start saving.
Agreed. A modern reissue of these classics please.