Mellotronists

moodybluegia wrote:

> Hi to everyone- I am a seventeen year old female called Gia, and I am
> a fairly new mellotron fanatic- Ever since I fell in love with the
> Moody Blues about 2 years ago, I also fell hopelessly in love with
> the mellotron! I haven't got a CLUE about any of the technicalities
> and I am FAR from a mellotron buff, but i love the mellotron sound
> and i feel a deep affection for the clunky old machines!

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Gia and everyone,      Another future Mellotron fan
joins our ranks !   In this group are people from several
generations ,all kindred spirits of the unique keyboard
instrument and its users,history etc.

We'll do our best to impart a wealth of information of things
Mellotronic to you,Gia. ......Much more below....

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The thing is
> the best mellotron I have EVER heard is the atmospheric, wailing
> mellotron that the moody blues used- it sounds like a creepy, thin,
> synthetic orchestra...... can anyone tell me EXACTLY what make and
> model the moodies used, so that i can go about getting one for
> myself?...... thanks!

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Moody Blues (my favorite band of all time),used the  classic
Mark-II Mellotron in their Classic-7 LP's .  The "Seventh Sojourn"
LP made use of a Chamberlin more than Tron, but still all in the fam.

So entranced was I  with the Moodies' sounds as a teenager ,
I straightaway decided someday to one a Mellotron.
Took a bit of time, but well worth it!

The Moodies made use of the MK-II's pitch variation,
to gain slightly longer playing times,and impart a unique sound.
The pitch-bends in "Legend Of A Mind" for one.
Imstrumental pieces like "Voyage" and "Beyond" clearly
demonstrated the Mellotron's powerful orchestral sounds,
combined with Mike Pinder's special touch at the keys.
Changes to the instruments themselves provided a softer,
more supple audio response than the std.Trons of the era.

The Model-300 was used on "Never Comes The Day"
and "Watching and Waiting." probably on more songs in the mix.

Good Luck Gia, if you're looking for the older Trons !
You better start saving your funds, as these are costly today.
In the meantime, welcome to the List  !  -- Jerry Korb