Mellotronists

In a message dated 2/6/02 12:42:19 PM GMT Standard Time, 
andy.thompson@... writes:


> On a seperate note,  8 track was never the best of mediums and we are 
> currently restoring a ******* Birotron which was built around this 
> technology.  Sonically it is an absolute nightmare as the cartridges are 
> running continuously, wearing out rapidly and clattering like a Singer 
> sewing machine on acid.  When you look at the compexity of the Birotron and 
> the simplicity of the Mellotron mechanism you wonder why Mr Wakeman and Mr 
> Biro bothered.  It is a well engineered machine but flawed from the very 
> outset in our opinion.  

Dear All,
Been away for a few days, but was lucky enough to see this machine when up 
visiting Streetly recently during a day off work.

Shame that the Birotron was spoilt by the fundamental error of choosing 8 
tracks as the tape media. The idea of getting away from the 8 second limit 
was obviously a priority here.

Quality of manufacture was good (especially as such a small number were 
produced) and some of the components used such as the motor plus tacho were 
of high quality resulting in a stable motor control from near standstill up 
to at least double speed. Shame that some of more important components were 
made from mild steel (that can become magnetised!)

However the noise created by driving 19 tape cartridges while they are 
mounted vertically is frightening. As 8 tracks were designed to run 
horizontally I am sure that this had something to do with both the noise and 
the estimated limited life of the tapes. Not helped by the fact that they are 
always running, even when the instrument is "silent".

Anyway it sounded better after restoration than it probably had sounded for 
years...

All the best,
Norm