Mellotronists

--- In Mellotronists@yahoogroups.com, "thinkingalouduk" <owen@...> wrote:
>...when new tape sets are made these days, they're produced from a
digital recording of the original tape masters, rather than an
analog-analog copy.  If so, does this have any discernible effect...

There are various opinions.  In my experience, there are NO negative
effects.  The people making the new tape sets take great care to
preserve and improve the quality of the sounds.


>To what degree does the Mellotron itself colour the sound coming from
the tapes?

The replay mechanism effects the sound significantly:

Analog replay:
The sound quality of a tape replay keyboard is a bit different every
time with every note.  (That's a good thing)

There is something* special about the sound quality of multiple notes
replayed simultaneously by tapes and tape heads.  Why?  I don't know.
 (Norm knows.  Tell us Norm.) 

Digital replay:
The sound quality of a digital sample replay keyboard is exactly the
same every time with every note.  (Yes, even with digital samples of
Mellotron sounds!)

The sound quality of multiple notes replayed simultaneously by a
digital sample replay keyboard lacks that special something*.

We could go on and on all day on this topic.  (better this than that
other topic tho :-)  )

Jump in anytime Martin, Norm

Clay