Mellotronists

Hi All,
To say its possibly the most photographed machine I don't think I've 
ever seen it close up! Anyone know if there's a pic on the web 
anywhere or does anyone have one to put up on the website?
John

> 
> I think it was put together sometime in late 72 or early 73. This was
> presumably done to keep the two 400's in tune with each other during tours.
> I have acquired a fair amount of information about the machine both in
> documents and talking to people claiming to be involved but some accounts
> contradict each other and I think there's a fair mix of accurate/inaccurrate
> info. Some of it's from Wakeman himself. I've got to finish a web page on
> it.
> 
> Here is some of it anyway. *You* decide the facts/myths:
> 
> - machine was put together from two early 400s. (probably not disputed! :)
> - fireproof case - wouldn't burn no matter how matter how much gas was
> tossed on it. (hmmmmmmm)
> - first used for the close of CTTE tour when separate 400's wouldn't stay in
> tune together. (Anderson was particularly annoyed).
> with exception of Relayer (which was Moraz)  - it was used on all subsequent
> Yes/Wakeman recordings/tours until 1978 when it was stolen from storage
> (along with lots of other keyboards - this is why Wakeman never used his old
> stuff in the 80's)
> - custom recordings/re-edited tapes also made for machine done in Complex 7.
> - toured 7 times around the world including 1 Strawbs tour.
> - band Wally might have used it for their album.
> - some people associated with the instrument in various capacities include
> Peter Levesly, Peter Robinson, Michael Tate, John Cleary, Frank Levi, Roy
> Martin
> - ideas/hints for marketing/building Mark V came from this machine as
> Wakeman's use of it would have been influential at the time and other groups
> (Moodies/Crimson/Genesis etc no longer used double units), also more revenue
> for double unit.
> - before 1990's mellotron revival it was supposedly the most
> videographed/photographed machine in the 70's/80's appearing in music
> promos/Rockschool video/Rock Hardware Book, and other instructional material
> where photo of mellotron was needed. (if true- then probably stock footage
> used over and over again)
> 
> 
> Again *you* decide.
> 
> 
> On the subject of  400D -  watched video Dave Kean sent me in 1992. I
> remembered him talking about 400Cs/Ds in this video.
> 
> He says 400C's have CMC-4 board/metal serial # plate, and brass capstan,
> 400-D's have SMS board, and nickel/metal capstan.
> 
> If this is true then the 400D designation only applies to one machine on 6
> Wives inside cover because Brass/Strings/Flute mellotron has a brass
> capstan. (For nitpickers only! :)
> 
> 
> 
> Chris
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> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "jonesalley" <jonesalley@...>
> To: <Mellotronists@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 6:50 PM
> Subject: [Mellotronists] 400-D?
> 
> 
> > Even though it's obviously not in the album centerfold shot, perhaps
> > it's the first reference to the (D)ouble Wake-o-tron!  Chris?  When
> > was that behemoth originally put together?
> >
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> > Yahoo! Groups Links
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