Mellotronists

In a message dated 3/22/02 7:28:44 AM Pacific Standard Time, kenmerb@... 
writes:


> I think the idea was for a "new" M400 with this cycling ability built in, 
> but I like the idea of a retrofit kit for existing M400s (or maybe do 
> both).  I guess it would consist of a set of tape drums and a small motor.  
> You could even make one without a motor to keep it simple.  Some kind of 
> hand crank - low tech system which would let you cycle manually between 
> stations and "lock down" when you got to the next station.  This would get 
> around the MKII reliability problems.  

It's been done already.  For those who have had the pleasure/privilege of 
playing Justin Mayer's J-Tron, one of his modifications was to abandon the 
mechanical cycling principle and go to a manual shuttling system via a small 
hand crank. When I tried it out, it seemed simple and efficient, faster than 
changing a tape frame.  If adapting this idea is one involving JM's 
intellectual property, perhaps a deal of some sort could be worked out 
between JM and Streetly.  Imagine a 400 with 6, 9, or even 12 sounds 
available.  I have piloerection thinking about it (goosebumps, for those of 
you who may be scratching your heads and/or thinking, 'Hey, none of that kind 
of talk on this list!'

Frank Samagaio
M400 #908