Mellotronists

Hi guys(& gals?)

I think you all misunderstand my sentiments...hey I LOVED and used 
my M400 live for 25 years and had an Anvil ATA case and was always 
on one end of it when it was moved so I know they can hold up on the 
road, if properly cared for. But in that 25 years I did have several 
tape breakages....and one motor card capacitor blow out. So 
everything is prone to have problems at some point, no matter how 
careful you are.(Recall Pinder's head in his MK2 while the audience 
watched cartoons) Mellotron was always good about sending me new 
tapes or parts by next day service back then-(70s) Actually in those 
days I had more problems on a consistent basis with my Wurlitzer 
electric piano than the tron.
 I think the Memotron people are going for the live rig retro folks 
who use stuff like the B3 replacements(Korg CX-3 for example) or the 
Minimoog Voyager.The cost for the thing is for the development and 
construction I'm sure. Sure...if you wanna drag out the real deal on 
the road be my guest. I'm not too sure how many in the audience will 
know (or appreciate) the difference. I used to have a Hammond too 
but wouldn't dream of hauling one around now.
 I emailed Manikin about compatibility with the Akai format CD rom
(Pinder CD) but no answer yet. I thought they said sounds could be 
loaded from CD rom...in which case you could use many types of 
sounds in the thing.Plus I think the little beast looks cool...but 
I'm sure Martin and Dave Kean are crying ripoff cause it's the 
M400/MK6 control panel design.
 I'm not too sure how many of these units they'll sell 
anyway...given the limited niche market. But I am glad to see 
it.Yeah....nothing will 100% duplicate the real deal but it could be 
a useful tool.                           cheers- Charles