Mellotronists

Hi gang,
Martin used the EMI tapes because it gives 'that' sound. He told me 
for my Performing Musician mag review of the M4000 that when the 
EMItapes have all been used the 4000/5000 can be set up for more 
modern formulations. Maybe in the next ten years, someone can be 
persuaded to release a new/old tape formulation the same as EMItape. 
After all, the Beatles masters and multitrack recordings  were on 
EMItape, and they haven't required baking or archiving to keep the 
recordings. (mind you, they are stored in a tempertaure controlled 
environment at Abbey Road)
As for how long an original set lasts -my first (Mk 2) Melly still 
had the originals in it when I bought it in the mid 80s, and they 
sounded fine, so allow at least 20 years life, and probbaly a lot 
more years that that!

Dave.





>In a message dated 11/19/2007 1:26:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
>markpringnz@... writes:
>
>I seem to have lost the post I want to reply to. I am
>sure some one mentioned that Martin had enough tape to
>last 10 years. Have EMI stopped making it? It's going
>to be another 3 years before I can afford mine. How
>long does a tape set usually last?
>
>Mark
>
>Martin's statement was in SOS's review of the M4000.  In a related 
>question, what other tape options are there (for the future)?  Of 
>course, we all want the best (e.g., EMI).  My impression is that 
>Martin was comparing EMI to Quantegy 456.  What about Quantegy 499 
>or GP9.  RMGI is also manufacturing BASF/Emtec 900/901.  Are any of 
>these at least comparable to EMI tape for Mellotron tapes?
>
>Frank 1
>
>