Mellotronists

In a message dated 4/6/2005 11:43:23 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
easle12@... writes:

Then  when the windway is immersed for ten seconds in
boiling water, 
hey  presto, a small piece of detritus comes forth,
easily fished out 
with a  cocktail stick.



I recently had to boil my Mellotron. I was then able to retrieve a dead rat  
from the inside with a set of barbecue tongs. I was having trouble with G, G#  
and A, but it appears that the rat must have been jammed in or under the tape 
 frame. A good boiling freed him right up and after a moment with the tongs 
he  was out.
 
I will mention that it was hard to find a sufficiently large kettle for the  
job. Also, for those of you attempting this on your own, I suggest unplugging  
first. Also, when drying the tapes, be careful to  keep the blow dryer at a  
respectable distance.
 
Frank (tidy 400SM 1562)