Fancy winning an Oberheim Matrix-12 synthesizer signed by Tom Oberheim himself? Well, here’s your chance.
The Bob Moog Foundation – the nonprofit organisation set up in 2006 following the death of synth pioneer Robert Moog – has announced a fundraising raffle, with the winner taking home a signed Oberheim Matrix-12 valued at $20,000.
Along with Tom Oberheim’s signature, the synth also features the signatures of Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic, the principal designers of the Matrix-12.
It’s also unique in that it was previously owned by Doug Curtis, the late inventor of the legendary Curtis chips used in many classic synthesizers. It was donated to the Bob Moog Foundation by Doug Curtis’s widow, Mary.
Also, it is said to be in “pristine condition”, having been personally restored by Marcus Ryle. Its serial number is P53207 (the seventh unit built in the 32nd week, August 5th – 9th, 1985).
Launched in 1985, 2025 marks four decades of the Matrix-12, so the raffle lines up nicely with its 40-year anniversary.
The Matrix-12 followed the Oberheim Xpander – which launched in 1984 – and features two Xpanders (for 12-voice polyphony), as well as five-octave velocity and an aftertouch keyboard.
Elsewhere, the Matrix-12 features 15 different analogue filter modes, linear analogue FM, and a matrix modulation system to route the 27 modulation sources to the 47 modulation destinations.
“Forty years ago we developed the Xpander, and its big brother, the Matrix-12, with an uncompromising spirit to create the most versatile and amazing sounding instruments we could imagine,” recalls Marcus Ryle. “To this day, the Matrix-12 is still my favorite synthesizer to play.”
“Doug appreciated the Matrix-12 so much that he had two, so our family had to think hard about donating this legendary instrument,” notes Mary Curtis. “At last 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.”
The raffle runs from 17 February to 10 March at 11:59 ET, and tickets are available at $25 each, five for $100, 12 for $200 and 35 for $500. Participants who purchase five or more tickets will be invited to an exclusive group Zoom call with Marcus Ryle, to be held in early April.
For more information, head to the Bob Moog Foundation.
