Mellotronists

What is the rotational velocity of an unladen pinch roller?

Kean or Streetly?

I don't know that!

aaaaarrrrrrrrggghhhhhh!!!!

So anyway, yeah, diameter won't matter.  My experience:

- Scruffy is better.  Sand 'em so they're not shiny.

- Get rid of the edges.  I just round off the edges a little so more 
central meat gets to the tape.  Martin makes them look like motorcycle 
tires (or tyres) that makes for narrower but stronger central contact.

- Clean.  Out on the 'net they discuss how to clean pinch rollers, and I've 
read it's best to use a water-based cleaner, like Formula 409 or Windex, 
not an alcohol.  Alcohol dries out the material.  Do a Google search for 
more info.

- However when the pinch roller doesn't turn all that well, try the 
"Merbler Flick" (see "Wobblies" on 
http://www.kleonard.com/gear/tronecdo.htm).  It actually works.  I don't 
know if you have to use alcohol---maybe one of the other cleaners will work?

- Make sure the pinch roller is exactly parallel to the tape path.  I use 
pipe pliers to twist the pinch roller holder a bit to make sure the pinch 
roller is dragging the tape through straight.  You may have this problem if 
you see chafing on the edges of your tape or a stripe along your tape.

- Always adjust the machine properly - 
http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mellotronia/techtalk.htm

I've seen machines where the pinch rollers are cranked 
down.  Wrong!  'trons don't have to play like lead or mush.


Replacement is needed when:

- The axle or nylon bearing is trashed.  Sometimes a drop of lubricant in 
there can help, but most lubricants will cause the bearing to completely 
die sooner--but at least you'll get a bit more time out of it.

- The pinch roller is cracked/cracking or too hard to compress a little.

- The pinch roller has a flat spot.

- When you can't get the damn note right, and you've tried everything else 
you can think of!  :-)

...kl...
M400 #805 - meaty, beaty, big, and wobbly
M400 #1037 - went for 2 replacements

** Ken Leonard - Web Table of Contents:  http://www.kleonard.com
** Get Outdoors New England:  http://www.GONewEngland.org
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