Mellotronists

Hi Everyone,

     Thought I'd add my 2 cents worth to this discussion.

     First of all, I love the new Russian choir sounds, and want to add it to 
my tape library, along with Rick's Tuba, and Ray Jung's wonderful fretless 
bass sound which I heard in Toronto last year.  I already own the "classic" 
sounds, so these new additions are very welcome.  I think that it is 
important to develop new sounds for the Mellotron, and I'm glad that it's 
being done.

     I think the problem, if there is one, is cost.  For an M400 owner to get 
three new sounds, he must buy the tapes and a new frame (unless he wants to 
change 35 tapes every time he want to change sounds).  This combination runs 
around $500 or so, if my math is correct, so this could get costly.  Many 
people are used to getting samples for much less, so paying approx.$165 (with 
frame) per new sound isn't cheap.  

     I hope to get around this problem, somewhat, with my MKII.  I'm making a 
list of all the new sounds I want and hopefully will be able to get 18 new 
sounds for much less cost / sound than I would if I went the M400 / tape 
frame route.  Of course, I paid for this privlege up front, but since I have 
the MKII I'm going to use it to my advantage, if possible.  I've been told 
that swapping out that tape drum isn't a major task, so we'll see.

     Whatever happened to the idea floating around for a "cycling" M400?  If 
those were available, you could have more sounds at hand and the cost / sound 
ratio would be much lower than the tape frame scenario.  Could you imagine 
having 18 sounds (or twelve or nine) at your fingertips on an M400?  Better 
yet, a "cycling" retrofit kit for existing M400s.  Then current M400 owners 
would have access to all the sounds they wanted.  Of course, I am only 
dreaming here.  But you asked.  I'm sure that, even if one could do this, 
there's no guarantee of financial success for the creators.  JB, I think you 
should work on a prototype in your spare time ;-). 

     I know that the cost issue isn't the only one, but it's one to consider. 
 When you have people loading up their samplers with dozens of new sounds 
from a $100 CD (if they pay for it at all) vs. using a Mellotron and paying 
$165 (incl. frame) for ONE new sound, it's not hard to imagine why people 
aren't buying the new sounds.  I know that 'Tronists don't necessarily play 
samples or appreciate them, but I think that it's a valid comparison.  Also, 
there is probably a stronger market for "replacement" vs. "new" sounds.  With 
many M400s being restored and repaired, there is probably a greater 
willingness to part with $$ to replace that old tape set (usually with 
classic sounds for authenticiy) than to buy the new sounds.  So, people would 
be more price sensitive when purchasing the new sounds.

     I better stop now, before I use the word "niche".

     My only other suggestion is that someone, *please*, get the "mothertron" 
back from that museum in London ;-).  It doen't belong in a museum, it still 
has important work to do. My MKII needs tapes that actually mix sounds!


Ken M.
   


In a message dated 03/20/2002 5:55:33 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
tronbros@... writes:


> Subj:[Mellotronists] A question......... 
> Date:03/20/2002 5:55:33 PM Eastern Standard Time
> From:<A HREF="mailto:tronbros@...">tronbros@...</A>
> To:<A HREF="mailto:mellotronists@yahoogroups.com">mellotronists@yahoogroups.com</A>
> Sent from the Internet 
> 
> 
> 
> Dear All,
> 
> We don't know how many people on this list have mellotrons BUT we would 
> like a very serious answer to a very serious question:  it takes a lot of 
> effort from a lot of people with a generous and boyish enthusiasm to get 
> stuff made, recorded, remanufactured and generally made easily available 
> for all and sundry who enjoy being a member of the small and elitist group 
> of Mellotron owners.  However, sometimes the deafening silence to new 
> sounds, products and technical advice makes you wonder just who is 
> listening.  A negative reaction is just as valid as a positive one as long 
> as there is a reaction!  Did anyone like the Russian Choir?  Do you want 
> new sounds or are we rooted solely in the past(this is NOT a criticism).  
> What modifications would you like to see made available(if possible).  We 
> will be able to offer genuine copies of the original Tape Frame cases very 
> soon if anyone would like them.  Lets have some feedback on what would 
> excite and enthuse the mellotron owners on this list so that those involved 
> in preserving the instruments can priorortise their efforts.  Thanks.
> 
> Martin
> <A HREF="http://www.members.aol.com/tronbros/index.htm">Streetly Electronics - all things MELLOTRONIC</A> - click this link..........
> 
> US East Coast Agent: Jimmy Moore - JMoore6397@... 
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