Mellotronists

Hey Chris,

Thanks for the insight, and i'll probably see you
at the Wakeman show!

Robert

On 10-Aug-07, at 3:38 PM, <chris.dale@...>  
<chris.dale@...> wrote:

> Hi Robert:
>
>
>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>> I guess you'll be going to
>> the Wakeman show next week in your neighborhood?
>
> I plan to, and I might even be bringing that Double Mellotron for the
> performance. There was talk of it a while back, but I haven't heard  
> anything
> lately so maybe - maybe not.
>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>> Whatever the condition, i'll probably be able to
>> bring it back to life... I've refurbished things
>> you wouldn't imagine!
>
> Well I'm currently restoring a Birotron prototype (the Mellotron 8  
> track
> player Wakeman funded).
> If I get into real trouble, perhaps I'll need your advice or insight!
>>
>>>
>> I was told by somebody once that about 50% of a mellotron
>> is actually composed of readily available parts, from
>> bearings and transformers, to transistors and springs, so
>> I guess I can start with any old rusty carcass and build-up
>> around it?
>
> That is true, but sometimes they have a be a particular size or type.
> Physics plays a big part of how well the machine operates.
>>
>> Any model you recommend me to start looking for?
>> I guess the M400 might be the easiest to start with?
>>
>> It looks like the most recognizable model, and
>> I think the one that Anna Holmgren used at NearFest
>> for the Anglagard show. I was there and much to my
>> delight, saw three mellotrons onstage (one of which
>> was quite out-of-tune, and tuning AM stations!!!)
>
> 3 Mellotrons on stage at once! That's wonderful!!! I still have to  
> attend a
> NearFest. I was supposed to see Caravan and Nektar in Toronto a few  
> years
> back but it was cancelled. I was heartbroken!!
>
> Yes - the easiest and most recognizable model is the M400. It's  
> also the
> lightest and most reliable if it has to be shifted around. I have  
> two of
> those as well and they always play wonderfully as I maintain them.
>
> It's also easier to find parts for so what you're talking about isn't
> outside the realm of possibility. Who knows - neglected Mellotrons  
> have been
> found in barns before - you never know!
>
>
> Chris
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>
>> I've visited the www.mellotron.com website and it gave
>> me some good insight into where to start...
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheers and Welcome!
>>
>> Many thanks!
>>>
>>>
>>> Chris Dale
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: sdzbx7yr
>>> To: Mellotronists@yahoogroups.com
>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 11:59 AM
>>> Subject: [Mellotronists] 'tron newbie: Robert in Montreal
>>>
>>> Hello!
>>>
>>> Just a quick post to introduce myself.
>>> My name is Robert and I am a mellotron junkie.
>>> I'm also known as sdzbx7yr or
>>> Roddenberry in many other groups.
>>>
>>> I have a prog-related website at
>>> www.progmontreal.com and I am also one
>>> of the organizers of the Montreal prog fest
>>> (www.fmpm.net).
>>>
>>> The reason I joined is that I have always been
>>> fascinated by the mellotron, its sound and its
>>> mechanics, and it is my dream/goal/fantasy to
>>> one day acquire one of these cantankerous old
>>> keyboards.
>>>
>>> Then again, i'd like to own a Mustang '67 but
>>> it's way out of my league, as an original mellotron
>>> would i'm afraid.
>>>
>>> So i'll be looking into any insight by the members
>>> of this forum to either refurbish a dreadfully
>>> messed-up old 'tron, or find a way to acquire the
>>> parts to build one from scratch. I am very handy
>>> with electronics and mechanics.
>>>
>>> Anyway, glad to be here and I hope to share
>>> the wisdom of the members of this prestigious group.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Robert
>>> info@...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
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>> 8/2/07
> 2:22 PM
>>
>>
>