Fancy successful an Oberheim Matrix-12 synthesizer signed by Tom Oberheim himself? Properly, right here’s your likelihood.
The Bob Moog Basis – the nonprofit organisation arrange in 2006 following the demise of synth pioneer Robert Moog – has introduced a fundraising raffle, with the winner taking residence a signed Oberheim Matrix-12 valued at $20,000.
Together with Tom Oberheim’s signature, the synth additionally options the signatures of Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic, the principal designers of the Matrix-12.
It’s additionally distinctive in that it was beforehand owned by Doug Curtis, the late inventor of the legendary Curtis chips utilized in many basic synthesizers. It was donated to the Bob Moog Basis by Doug Curtis’s widow, Mary.
Additionally, it’s mentioned to be in “pristine situation”, having been personally restored by Marcus Ryle. Its serial quantity is P53207 (the seventh unit constructed within the thirty second week, August fifth – ninth, 1985).
Launched in 1985, 2025 marks 4 a long time of the Matrix-12, so the raffle strains up properly with its 40-year anniversary.
The Matrix-12 adopted the Oberheim Xpander – which launched in 1984 – and options two Xpanders (for 12-voice polyphony), in addition to five-octave velocity and an aftertouch keyboard.
Elsewhere, the Matrix-12 options 15 totally different analogue filter modes, linear analogue FM, and a matrix modulation system to route the 27 modulation sources to the 47 modulation locations.
“Forty years in the past we developed the Xpander, and its huge brother, the Matrix-12, with an uncompromising spirit to create essentially the most versatile and superb sounding devices we may think about,” remembers Marcus Ryle. “To this present day, the Matrix-12 continues to be my favourite synthesizer to play.”
“Doug appreciated the Matrix-12 a lot that he had two, so our household needed to suppose laborious about donating this legendary instrument,” notes Mary Curtis. “Ultimately we determined that Doug would have mentioned sure to the concept out of a love for the Matrix-12 itself, a perception that it’ll increase cash for the vital work of the Bob Moog Basis, and the want for an additional musician who loves it to make wonderful music.”
The raffle runs from 17 February to 10 March at 11:59 ET, and tickets can be found at $25 every, 5 for $100, 12 for $200 and 35 for $500. Members who buy 5 or extra tickets can be invited to an unique group Zoom name with Marcus Ryle, to be held in early April.
For extra data, head to the Bob Moog Basis.
