The Mellotron Group

Great story, Martin. and thanks.

 

Watching King Crimson Mark I play for two days of that festival certainly
changed my musical life. As a 14 year old hearing real progressive rock with
a Mellotron was certainly inspirational. Ever since sitting in the rain that
cold Friday night I have been enamored with the history of that band.. 

 

When I saw the pictures of the Crimson trons on the web I could not believe
how they could be in such disastrous shape. Such history. I am glad that the
Poseidon tron is safe with you guys. 

 

DJ

 

  _____  

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tronbros@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 11:53 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] King Crimson - Trons

 

Okay Dave, you asked nicely!

 

Both MKIIs had been stored in a removal company's lockup and were covered
head to toe in black, sticky diesel dust.  They were unbelievably rough.
Bearing in mind that these were the first restorations for John and myself
and I had no knowledge whatsoever of procedures.  I couldn't even take the
keyboards off and so I was given very menial tasks and rightly so.  John
stripped them down to the components and built them back up, cleaning
everything prior to reassembly.  Not polishing and gleaming, just removing
the years of filth.  Luckily the tapes had been cycled to safe positions
where the majority was spooled and clean.  Just the hanging loops needed the
alcohol treatment.  I think John may have had to strengthen the cabinets but
this was in 1990 and a long time ago.  Anyway, they worked and we took the
CK MKII down to Real World for the recording of Thrak along with Roberts
M400s.  They were in a semi circle in the control room and they worked a
treat but got little use sadly.  The Wake of P. MKII has been with us ever
since and now needs restoring again along with the M400s.  Sad considering
the time and effort and little money earned.  That's not Robert's fault, we
just undercharged enormously in those naive days.  It was a hobby and we
were working on the Crimso 'trons.  What a fix!

 

Best,

 

Martin

 

Streetly Electronics - All Things Mellotronic

www.mellotronics.com <http://www.mellotronics.com/> 
US Sales East: Jimmy Moore <http://JMoore6397@aol.com/>  JMoore6397@aol.com
US Sales West: Paul Cox pjc56@earthlink. <http://pjc56@earthlink.net/>