Mellotronists

Hey, wait a sec.

I haul my Mellotron around in its road case in the back of my Expedition. 
When I get where I'm going, I uncrate it and plug it in. It always works and 
sounds great. The reason for that is that I perform regular maintenance on it and 
I handle it right. Mellotrons can be transported and be expected to work 
reliably. Even the ones that are wrapped in blankets or in one of those special 
black bondage outfits (protect-a-muff). The reputation for unreliability was 
based on two things. One, the general orneriness of the CMC 10 and two, lack of 
regular and proper maintenance. Once the SMS series of motor speed control 
boards were introduced, then it really just came down to proper care. I've had 
really old motorcycles that were the same way. Even when they were new, they 
required a maintenance schedule that was far more involved then today's machines. 
New Harley's, for example, are really nice. I however, like the nasty old ones 
as well. They need constant care, and they often throw out a little oil, but 
nothing, not even the new ones, sound quite like them or can really deliver 
quite the same thrill.

The only real drawback to putting Mellotrons on stage is that they are 
somewhat unweildy.and are somewhat of a nuisance to drag up and down stairs ... 
especially if it's just you doing it.

Just my 2 cents

Frank Stickle - 400 SM #1562 and occasionally known to drag around a couple 
of others. (that all work just fine)