The Mellotron Group group photo

Yahoo Groups archive

The Mellotron Group

Index last updated: 2026-04-28 23:38 UTC

Thread

M4000D nice review with photos

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by tron400

"The machine is built by Markus Resch, who also build real Mellotrons since 1999 (Mark VI & VII)."

That's a strange statement. It's like they're saying the M4000D isn't a real Mellotron.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> http://balduin.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/mellotron-m4000d/
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by lsf5275@aol.com

Well it isn't a real Mellotron any more than a Memotron is.
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/13/2011 7:07:12 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tron400@yahoo.com writes:

 
 
 


"The machine is built by Markus Resch, who also build real  Mellotrons 
since 1999 (Mark VI & VII)."

That's a strange statement.  It's like they're saying the M4000D isn't a 
real  Mellotron.

Bernie

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
>
> _http://balduin.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/mellotron-m4000d/_ 
(http://balduin.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/mellotron-m4000d/) 
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Bruce Daily

...And your Minimoog is just going to fall right off the back!
 
   (But they will probably supply a special support bracket, at a nominal fee, for just that purpose) 
 
  -Bruce D.

--- On Wed, 7/13/11, lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:


From: lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 6:42 AM


  




Well it isn't a real Mellotron any more than a Memotron is.
 
 

In a message dated 7/13/2011 7:07:12 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tron400@yahoo.com writes:
  



"The machine is built by Markus Resch, who also build real Mellotrons since 1999 (Mark VI & VII)."

That's a strange statement. It's like they're saying the M4000D isn't a real Mellotron.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> http://balduin.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/mellotron-m4000d/
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Tony

Mini Moogs and Voyagers sure are heavy, and it would be money well spent to offset the cantilever effect.
Another reason a real Mellotron is better than the digital gadget, in my opinion.
Tony
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bruce Daily 
  To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 1:43 PM
  Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos


    
        ...And your Minimoog is just going to fall right off the back!

           (But they will probably supply a special support bracket, at a nominal fee, for just that purpose) 

          -Bruce D.

        --- On Wed, 7/13/11, lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:


          From: lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com>
          Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
          To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
          Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 6:42 AM


            
          Well it isn't a real Mellotron any more than a Memotron is.


          In a message dated 7/13/2011 7:07:12 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tron400@yahoo.com writes:
              


            "The machine is built by Markus Resch, who also build real Mellotrons since 1999 (Mark VI & VII)."

            That's a strange statement. It's like they're saying the M4000D isn't a real Mellotron.

            Bernie

            --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
            >
            > http://balduin.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/mellotron-m4000d/
            >

Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Mike Dickson

"The analogue Mellotrons are actually very sensitive and a careless handling of the machine could occur several mechanical problems. Smoke, temperature and humidity also play a huge factor."

Why do they keep hashing this out? If you throw a Moog into a swimming pool you wreck it. Same for the M4000D. If you are an idiot with your gear then you get what you deserve. (Smoke has screwed up many things that are not mechanical, incidentally)

"The M4000D has a position sensitive keyboard, which means each key is in principle a volume control. This is to emulate the effect of the Mellotron and espesially the M-series Chamberlin where you could control the volume of the notes, depending on how hard you pressed the tape on the tape head."

Is this true? Does anyone actually have a 'touch sensitive Mellotron' here? I'd have thought for that to be the case the instrument would have to be very badly adjusted in the first place.

Mike


On 12/07/2011 14:49, Charles wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Mike Dickson

How many Mark VIIs did he build?

On 13/07/2011 12:06, tron400 wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text



"The machine is built by Markus Resch, who also build real Mellotrons since 1999 (Mark VI & VII)."

That's a strange statement. It's like they're saying the M4000D isn't a real Mellotron.

Bernie




Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by john barrick

I think mine is touch sensitive, Mike. If I don't touch it, it won't play. Fucking cheap piece of shit.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 2:29 PM, Mike Dickson <mike.dickson@gmail.com> wrote:


Is this true? Does anyone actually have a 'touch sensitive Mellotron' here? I'd have thought for that to be the case the instrument would have to be very badly adjusted in the first place.

Mike


--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Mike Dickson

On 13/07/2011 19:00, Tony wrote:

\ufeffAnother reason a real Mellotron is better than the digital gadget, in my opinion.


I have said this before and will say it again. It is not the 'digital' business that makes it good or bad - after all, that is just a recording mechanism like tape - a means to an end.� However, it's the tampering that people feel compelled to do with the digital recordings that bothers me. Interpolating. Noise reduction. Tuning. EQing. Normalising.

So far I have found no one anywhere who has just recorded the instrument 'as is' and left it like that, warts and all. 'Honesty' aside, it would just sound better.

Mike

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by lsf5275@aol.com

Dan Britton did. In the videos on you tube of him playing the M4000, what  
you here is exactly what went into the mix. Same thing with Tom Brislin. 
When he  was here recording we recorded 19 M400 Mellotron tracks as I recall. 
All were  recorded dry and reverb was added to some tracks later, but other 
than that, no  tampering.
 
 
In a message dated 7/13/2011 3:58:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
mike.dickson@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 
On 13/07/2011 19:00, Tony wrote:  
 
Another reason a real Mellotron is  better than the digital gadget, in my  
opinion.


I have said this before and will say  it again. It is not the 'digital' 
business that makes it good or bad - after  all, that is just a recording 
mechanism like tape - a means to an end.   However, it's the tampering that 
people feel compelled to do with the  digital recordings that bothers me. 
Interpolating. Noise reduction. Tuning.  EQing. Normalising. 

So far I have found no one anywhere who has  just recorded the instrument 
'as is' and left it like that, warts and all.  'Honesty' aside, it would just 
sound better.

Mike

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Charles

do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
 Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
 It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Mike Dickson

On 13/07/2011 21:44, Charles wrote:

Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?


You have utterly and completely missed the point. Have a look at what I said again.


Mike

Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by fdoddy@aol.com

I believe the mellotron to be touch sensitive.  If you slam the keys, the start of the sound most definitely chirps.  If you play lightly, the sound will warble on in.  It's one way of discerning fake tron from real tron on recordings.


fritz
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Dickson <mike.dickson@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 3:29 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos


  
    
                  
        "The analogue Mellotrons are actually very        sensitive and a careless handling of the machine could occur        several mechanical problems. Smoke, temperature and humidity        also play a huge factor."
      
      Why do they keep hashing this out? If you throw a Moog into a      swimming pool you wreck it. Same for the M4000D. If you are an      idiot with your gear then you get what you deserve. (Smoke has      screwed up many things that are not mechanical, incidentally)
      
      "The M4000D has a position sensitive keyboard, which means each        key is in principle a volume control. This is to emulate the        effect of the Mellotron and espesially the M-series Chamberlin        where you could control the volume of the notes, depending on        how hard you pressed the tape on the tape head."
      
      Is this true? Does anyone actually have a 'touch sensitive      Mellotron' here? I'd have thought for that to be the case the      instrument would have to be very badly adjusted in the first      place.
      
      Mike
    
    
    On 12/07/2011 14:49, Charles wrote:    
                       
            
http://balduin.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/mellotron-m4000d/

Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by fdoddy@aol.com

laughed my ass off!!
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 3:33 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos


  
    
                  
I think mine is touch sensitive, Mike.  If I don't touch it, it won't play.  Fucking cheap piece of shit.


On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 2:29 PM, Mike Dickson <mike.dickson@gmail.com> wrote:

 


      Is this true? Does anyone actually have a 'touch sensitive      Mellotron' here? I'd have thought for that to be the case the      instrument would have to be very badly adjusted in the first      place.
      
      Mike




-- 

john barrick


*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by fdoddy@aol.com

Mike, I am that someone and I never fuck with my samples.

fritz
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Dickson <mike.dickson@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 3:58 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos


  
    
                  
        On 13/07/2011 19:00, Tony wrote:    
                       
            
Another reason a                real Mellotron is better than the digital gadget, in my                opinion.
          
                  
    
    I have said this before and will say it again. It is not the    'digital' business that makes it good or bad - after all, that is    just a recording mechanism like tape - a means to an end.  However,    it's the tampering that people feel compelled to do with    the digital recordings that bothers me. Interpolating. Noise    reduction. Tuning. EQing. Normalising. 
    
    So far I have found no one anywhere who has just recorded    the instrument 'as is' and left it like that, warts and all.    'Honesty' aside, it would just sound better.
    
    Mike

Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by lsf5275@aol.com

Fritz announces an amazing physical breakthrough...

 
 
In a message dated 7/13/2011 5:12:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
fdoddy@aol.com writes:

laughed my ass off!!  









-----Original  Message-----
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com>
To:  newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul  13, 2011 3:33 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with  photos


 
 
 
I think mine is touch sensitive, Mike.  If I don't touch it, it  won't 
play.  Fucking cheap piece of  shit.

Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by john barrick

Doctors baffled...


On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 4:18 PM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

Fritz announces an amazing physical breakthrough...
In a message dated 7/13/2011 5:12:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, fdoddy@aol.com writes:

laughed my ass off!!





-----Original Message-----
From: john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 3:33 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

I think mine is touch sensitive, Mike. If I don't touch it, it won't play. Fucking cheap piece of shit.




--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by tron400

It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
>  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
>  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-13 by Charles

so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
 Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's idea of how it should sound.
 I just don't get it, I guess.


--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> 
> It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> >  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
> >
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by tron400

The last frame I bought was tuned M400 Violins/Flute/Cello. It's true that the Violins were Eq'd for the M400, but they were EQ'd by Streetly. I don't know if the other sounds were EQ'd. But since they're Streetly tapes, I know they're as close as you can get to what a Mellotron should "sound like".

Don't get me wrong, I think the M4000D could be a good alternative to tapes. I'd like to try one, but I know I would still prefer tapes played via an electromechanical object.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
>  Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's idea of how it should sound.
>  I just don't get it, I guess.
> 
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.
> > 
> > Bernie
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> > >  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
> > >
> >
>

Re:M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by lsf5275@aol.com

The new album by Skysaw (Ex Pumpkin Jimmy Chamberlin and our own Mike  
Reina) has real M400 all over it. The machine used was #600, Which several years 
 ago I named "Lazarus" when it was brought back from being truly dead.
 

 
 

 
In a message dated 7/13/2011 4:10:23 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lsf5275@aol.com writes:

 
 
 
Dan Britton did. In the videos on you tube of him playing the M4000, what  
you here is exactly what went into the mix. Same thing with Tom Brislin. 
When  he was here recording we recorded 19 M400 Mellotron tracks as I recall. 
All  were recorded dry and reverb was added to some tracks later, but other 
than  that, no tampering.
 
 
In a message dated 7/13/2011 3:58:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
mike.dickson@gmail.com writes:

 
On 13/07/2011 19:00, Tony wrote:  
 
Another reason a real Mellotron is  better than the digital gadget, in my  
opinion.


I have said this before and will  say it again. It is not the 'digital' 
business that makes it good or bad -  after all, that is just a recording 
mechanism like tape - a means to an  end.  However, it's the tampering that 
people feel compelled to  do with the digital recordings that bothers me. 
Interpolating. Noise  reduction. Tuning. EQing. Normalising. 

So far I have found no one  anywhere who has just recorded the instrument 
'as is' and left it  like that, warts and all. 'Honesty' aside, it would just 
sound  better.

Mike

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by tron400

Looks like my last reply didn't make it.

The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning, was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).

I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
>  Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's idea of how it should sound.
>  I just don't get it, I guess.
> 
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.
> > 
> > Bernie
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> > >  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by fdoddy@aol.com

hah!
Show quoted textHide quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 13, 2011 5:41 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with photos


  
    
                  
Doctors baffled...



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 4:18 PM,  <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

 
  
    
                  

Fritz announces an amazing physical breakthrough...

 

In a message dated 7/13/2011 5:12:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, fdoddy@aol.com writes:

  
laughed my ass off!!   


  


  
  


  


  
-----Original   Message-----
From: john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com>
To:   newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: Wed, Jul   13, 2011 3:33 pm
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] M4000D nice review with   photos

  
    
  
  
  
I think mine is touch sensitive, Mike.  If I don't touch it, it   won't play.  Fucking cheap piece of   shit.








    
             

  




-- 

john barrick


*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by Chris Dale


That's why I prefer the real thing to samples - because someone else has decided what it's supposed to sound like, and it never quite sounds or feels right to me, not enough anyway.
No two people can hear things identically (if you believe in the laws of physics) so perhaps it's all a mute point.
Samples are great for convenience and for getting the basic sound, but I'll always choose the real thing over the digitized versions.
But that's because not only do I love the sound, I love the feel of the keyboard, the motor, the smell of the mechanics working, and the idea that we're bringing the past with us into the present and future, and not swallowing the idea of manufactured obsolescence.
I love the smell of old record players and electricity. I wish I had a cologne like that! :)
Of course, the market for the samples and digital stuff might not relate to those sentiments at all. In the end, it's the sound approximation that maybe matters to them the most.
The Chamberlin is a bit more touch sensitive than the Mellotron because the keys go a bit deeper than the Mellotron (which makes pad arms / rollers a lot tougher to adjust by the way - not to mention the allan screw on the return roller), but you get a very muffled uneven sound when you play like that and it doesn't work well on sustained sounds - especially saxes. It only works well with plucked sounds like harp or spanish guitar where you can soften the attack of the sound. You can do that on the Mellotron too but the gap is much narrower.
I wasn't aware Markus was trying to appeal to that fussy market. Without any actual experience with it though - I really doubt any of those people will be aware how to 'voice' a Chamberlin in the first place. They'd need to do a side by side comparison with a Chamberlin and test what to set the digital parameters at to be accurate. It's probably the same with a Mellotron too but not as elusive because of it's narrower keyboard gap. It's interesting to think that setting parameter numbers for an accurate attack on the digital version might be equal to the time spent lacing tapes hahaha - the irony!!
Show quoted textHide quoted text

It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.



Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" wrote:
>
>
> do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
>


Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by lsf5275@aol.com

Mute point?
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/14/2011 11:51:41 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
unobtainiumkeys@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 

That's why I prefer the real thing to samples - because someone else  has 
decided what it's supposed to sound like, and it never quite sounds or  feels 
right to me, not enough anyway.
 
 
No two people can hear things identically (if you believe in the laws of  
physics) so perhaps it's all a mute point.
 
Samples are great for convenience and for getting the basic sound, but  
I'll always choose the real thing over the digitized versions.
 
 
But that's because not only do I love the sound, I love the feel of  the 
keyboard, the motor, the smell of the mechanics working, and the idea that  
we're bringing the past with us into the present and future, and  not 
swallowing the idea of manufactured obsolescence. 
 
I love the smell of old record players and electricity. I wish I had  a 
cologne like that! :)
 
 
Of course, the market for the samples and digital stuff might not  relate 
to those sentiments at all. In the end, it's the sound  approximation that 
maybe matters to them the most. 
 
The Chamberlin is a bit more touch sensitive than the Mellotron because  
the keys go a bit deeper than the Mellotron (which makes pad arms /  rollers a 
lot tougher to adjust by the way - not to mention the allan screw on  the 
return roller), but you get a very muffled uneven sound when you play like  
that and it doesn't work well on sustained sounds - especially saxes.  It  
only works well with plucked sounds like harp or spanish guitar where you can  
soften the attack of the sound. You can do that on the Mellotron too but 
the  gap is much narrower. 
 
I wasn't aware Markus was trying to appeal to that fussy market.   Without 
any actual experience with it though - I really  doubt any of those people 
will be aware how to 'voice' a Chamberlin in  the first place. They'd need to 
do a side by side comparison  with a Chamberlin and  test what to set the 
digital parameters at to  be accurate.  It's probably the same with a 
Mellotron too but  not as elusive because of it's narrower keyboard gap.   It's  
interesting to think that setting parameter numbers for an accurate attack on  
the digital version might be equal to the time spent lacing tapes  hahaha - 
the irony!!
 




 
 
 
 
It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's  
another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should  
fundamentally sound.  


Bernie

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles"  <charel196@...> wrote:
>
> 

> do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to  make his units 
sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth  of all the years 
of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong  with the tape 
system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
>  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he  
would have used tapes?
> It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin"  in the eyes of the hardcore 
obsessives but for me it's a completely normal  development in the lineage 
and deserves the name.
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by Mike Dickson

On 14/07/2011 16:51, Chris Dale wrote:
\ufffd

That's why I prefer the real thing to samples - because someone else has decided what it's supposed to sound like, and it never quite sounds or feels right to me, not enough anyway.

I agree entirely.


\ufffdNo two people can hear things identically (if you believe in the laws of physics) so perhaps it's all a mute point.

That's actually 'moot' point. :-)
\ufffd

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-14 by Tony

I meant for the purpose of holding a heavy keyboard up.
Didn't mention sound in my posting, fellas.
Tony
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mike Dickson 
  To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 3:58 PM
  Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos


    
  On 13/07/2011 19:00, Tony wrote: 

      
    Another reason a real Mellotron is better than the digital gadget, in my opinion.


  I have said this before and will say it again. It is not the 'digital' business that makes it good or bad - after all, that is just a recording mechanism like tape - a means to an end.  However, it's the tampering that people feel compelled to do with the digital recordings that bothers me. Interpolating. Noise reduction. Tuning. EQing. Normalising. 

  So far I have found no one anywhere who has just recorded the instrument 'as is' and left it like that, warts and all. 'Honesty' aside, it would just sound better.

  Mike

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-18 by tron400

Hey, it only took 3 days for this to show up!


--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> 
> The last frame I bought was tuned M400 Violins/Flute/Cello. It's true that the Violins were Eq'd for the M400, but they were EQ'd by Streetly. I don't know if the other sounds were EQ'd. But since they're Streetly tapes, I know they're as close as you can get to what a Mellotron should "sound like".
> 
> Don't get me wrong, I think the M4000D could be a good alternative to tapes. I'd like to try one, but I know I would still prefer tapes played via an electromechanical object.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> >  Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's idea of how it should sound.
> >  I just don't get it, I guess.
> > 
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.
> > > 
> > > Bernie
> > > 
> > > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> > > >  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-18 by Charles

some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> 
> The last frame I bought was tuned M400 Violins/Flute/Cello. It's true that the Violins were Eq'd for the M400, but they were EQ'd by Streetly. I don't know if the other sounds were EQ'd. But since they're Streetly tapes, I know they're as close as you can get to what a Mellotron should "sound like".
> 
> Don't get me wrong, I think the M4000D could be a good alternative to tapes. I'd like to try one, but I know I would still prefer tapes played via an electromechanical object.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> >  Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's idea of how it should sound.
> >  I just don't get it, I guess.
> > 
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.
> > > 
> > > Bernie
> > > 
> > > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> > > >  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-18 by john barrick

I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@yahoo.com> wrote:

some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)

--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-18 by john barrick

...and for the record, I started out with really horrible Mellotron samples - the Mtron.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 12:36 PM, john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com> wrote:
I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.


On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@yahoo.com> wrote:

some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)

--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*




--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-18 by Tony

Couldn't agree more!
Tony
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 1:36 PM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.

On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@yahoo.com> wrote:

some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)

--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-18 by tronbros

Just back from holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE ENTERING. We meet our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience.  Nothing is too sacrosanct whatever the group thinks.

Best,

M

mellotronics.co.uk
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick <barrickjohn262@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron.  If you want to use samples that's fine by me.  I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
> 
> 
> On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@yahoo.com> wrote:
>  
> some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)
> 
> -- 
> john barrick
> 
> *Leo got it right the first time*
> *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
> 
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-19 by feline1973

Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp :)

 In any case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been done on the M4000D, but I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6 minutes for the Pindertron CD to load in my Akai!


--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Just back from holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE ENTERING. We meet our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience.  Nothing is too sacrosanct whatever the group thinks.
> 
> Best,
> 
> M
> 
> mellotronics.co.uk
> 
> 
> 
> On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:
> 
> > I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron.  If you want to use samples that's fine by me.  I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
> > 
> > 
> > On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@...> wrote:
> >  
> > some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)
> > 
> > -- 
> > john barrick
> > 
> > *Leo got it right the first time*
> > *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
> > 
> >
>

Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by Tom Doncourt

I bought a tape frame from Markus awhile ago. The tapes never return properly. I don't know if it is extra length of the frame , the springs (they are more lax) or the roller return assemblies. Any one have any experience with these things?
On Jul 19, 2011, at 1:40 PM, feline1973 wrote:

Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp :)

In any case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been done on the M4000D, but I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6 minutes for the Pindertron CD to load in my Akai!

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros wrote:
>
> Just back from holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE ENTERING. We meet our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience. Nothing is too sacrosanct whatever the group thinks.
>
> Best,
>
> M
>
> mellotronics.co.uk
>
>
>
> On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick wrote:
>
> > I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles wrote:
> >
> > some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)
>; >
> > --
> > john barrick
> >
>; > *Leo got it right the first time*
> > *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
> >
> >
>


Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by lsf5275@aol.com

Markus intentionally sends the frames with too much tape. Insert the frame  
and take the slack out of the tapes at the front of the frame after 
carefully  making sure the attack on each is set properly at the heads. Tension a  
single tape until you get 9 seconds at proper pitch and then set all of the  
others to match it. You should have no further problems.
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:51:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

 
 
 
I bought a tape frame from  Markus awhile ago. The tapes never return  
properly. I don't know if it is extra length of the frame , the springs (they  
are more lax) or the roller return assemblies. Any one have any experience  
with these things?

On Jul 19, 2011, at 1:40 PM, feline1973 wrote:



 
Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have been  
known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp :)

In any  case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been done on the 
M4000D, but  I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6 minutes for the 
Pindertron CD  to load in my Akai!

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
>
> Just back from holiday  and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE 
ENTERING. We meet our  customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been 
known to 'mess' if  it improves the overall experience. Nothing is too 
sacrosanct whatever the  group thinks.
> 
> Best,
> 
> M
> 
> _mellotronics.co.uk_ (http://mellotronics.co.uk/) 
> 
>  
> 
> On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick  <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:
> 
> > I'm not protesting -  I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If 
you want to use samples  that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist 
peacefully and  productively.
> > 
> > 
> > On Mon, Jul 18, 2011  at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@...> wrote:
> > 
> >  some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the  
automobile.:)
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> > 
> > -- 
> > john  barrick
> > 
> > *Leo got it right the first time*
>  > *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
> >  
>  >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by tronbros

Except RMG,QUANTEGY,BASF drive like shit in an M400 and you get sticktion on the stainless guide before the headblock!  Be prepared to have a eavy action!

M

mellotronics.co.uk
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 19 Jul 2011, at 19:08, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> Markus intentionally sends the frames with too much tape. Insert the frame and take the slack out of the tapes at the front of the frame after carefully making sure the attack on each is set properly at the heads. Tension a single tape until you get 9 seconds at proper pitch and then set all of the others to match it. You should have no further problems.
>  
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:51:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
>  
> I bought a tape frame from  Markus awhile ago. The tapes never return properly. I don't know if it is extra length of the frame , the springs (they are more lax) or the roller return assemblies. Any one have any experience with these things?
> On Jul 19, 2011, at 1:40 PM, feline1973 wrote:
> 
>>  
>> Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp :)
>> 
>> In any case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been done on the M4000D, but I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6 minutes for the Pindertron CD to load in my Akai!
>> 
>> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
>> >
>> > Just back from holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE ENTERING. We meet our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience. Nothing is too sacrosanct whatever the group thinks.
>> > 
>> > Best,
>> > 
>> > M
>> > 
>> > mellotronics.co.uk
>> > 
>> > 
>> > 
>> > On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:
>> > 
>> > > I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
>> > > 
>> > > 
>> > > On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@...> wrote:
>> > > 
>> > > some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)
>> > > 
>> > > -- 
>> > > john barrick
>> > > 
>> > > *Leo got it right the first time*
>> > > *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
>> > > 
>> > >
>> >
>> 
>> 
> 
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by tronbros

or even a HEAVY action!

mellotronics.co.uk
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 19 Jul 2011, at 19:08, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> Markus intentionally sends the frames with too much tape. Insert the frame and take the slack out of the tapes at the front of the frame after carefully making sure the attack on each is set properly at the heads. Tension a single tape until you get 9 seconds at proper pitch and then set all of the others to match it. You should have no further problems.
>  
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:51:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
>  
> I bought a tape frame from  Markus awhile ago. The tapes never return properly. I don't know if it is extra length of the frame , the springs (they are more lax) or the roller return assemblies. Any one have any experience with these things?
> On Jul 19, 2011, at 1:40 PM, feline1973 wrote:
> 
>>  
>> Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp :)
>> 
>> In any case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been done on the M4000D, but I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6 minutes for the Pindertron CD to load in my Akai!
>> 
>> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
>> >
>> > Just back from holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE ENTERING. We meet our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience. Nothing is too sacrosanct whatever the group thinks.
>> > 
>> > Best,
>> > 
>> > M
>> > 
>> > mellotronics.co.uk
>> > 
>> > 
>> > 
>> > On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:
>> > 
>> > > I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
>> > > 
>> > > 
>> > > On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@...> wrote:
>> > > 
>> > > some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)
>> > > 
>> > > -- 
>> > > john barrick
>> > > 
>> > > *Leo got it right the first time*
>> > > *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
>> > > 
>> > >
>> >
>> 
>> 
> 
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by Tom Doncourt

Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the same stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has something to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
On Jul 19, 2011, at 2:32 PM, tronbros wrote:


or even a HEAVY action!

mellotronics.co.uk



On 19 Jul 2011, at 19:08, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:


Markus intentionally sends the frames with too much tape. Insert the frame and take the slack out of the tapes at the front of the frame after carefully making sure the attack on each is set properly at the heads. Tension a single tape until you get 9 seconds at proper pitch and then set all of the others to match it. You should have no further problems.
In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:51:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

I bought a tape frame from Markus awhile ago. The tapes never return properly. I don't know if it is extra length of the frame , the springs (they are more lax) or the roller return assemblies. Any one have any experience with these things?

On Jul 19, 2011, at 1:40 PM, feline1973 wrote:

Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp :)

In any case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been done on the M4000D, but I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6 minutes for the Pindertron CD to load in my Akai!

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros wrote:
>;
> Just back from holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE ENTERING. We meet our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience. Nothing is too sacrosanct whatever the group thinks.
>
> Best,
>
> M
>
> mellotronics.co.uk
>
>
>
>; On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick wrote:
>
> > I'm not protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If you want to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist peacefully and productively.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles wrote:
> >
> > some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting the automobile.:)
> >;
> > --
> > john barrick
> >
> > *Leo got it right the first time*
> > *then he added a second pickup and got it righter*
> >
> >
>






Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by lsf5275@aol.com

To be fair, once you get your Tron set up right and the tapes in  Markus' 
frames properly tensioned, they play just fine. The Streetly frames have  a 
bit less friction with the rolling turnbuckles and they're a bit stouter but  
Markus's frames are also very good. I do prefer the Streetly tape  stock. 
I've never had Streetly tapes in a MA frame but I have had MA tapes  in a 
Streetly frame. If your pinch rollers are old, even if reconditioned, the  
Streetly tape seems to pull a bit better than the BASF stock. If you've  got 
decent pinch rollers then both frames are fine. It then becomes a  matter of 
having a properly set up keyboard. If you have a shit Mellotron and  haven't a 
clue how to get it properly set up, go with a new Streetly frame and  
tapes. That will give you the best chance at getting all 8 seconds at a  
reasonable pitch.
 
When ever I read about "wobblies" and "warbling tapes" and such, I  
immediately know that whoever is experiencing that has got a Mellotron that  isn't 
right.
 
Frank
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:24:05 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tronbros@aol.com writes:

 
 
 
Except RMG,QUANTEGY,BASF drive like shit in an M400 and you get sticktion  
on the stainless guide before the headblock!  Be prepared to have a eavy  
action!


M

_mellotronics.co.uk_ (http://mellotronics.co.uk/)   






On 19 Jul 2011, at 19:08, _lsf5275@aol.com_ (mailto:lsf5275@aol.com)  wrote:





 
Markus intentionally sends the frames with too much tape. Insert the  frame 
and take the slack out of the tapes at the front of the frame after  
carefully making sure the attack on each is set properly at the heads.  Tension a 
single tape until you get 9 seconds at proper pitch and then  set all of the 
others to match it. You should have no further  problems.
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 1:51:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
_tomdcour@amnh.org_ (mailto:tomdcour@amnh.org)  writes:

 
I bought a tape frame from  Markus awhile ago. The tapes never  return 
properly. I don't know if it is extra length of the frame , the  springs (they 
are more lax) or the roller return assemblies. Any one have  any experience 
with these things?

On Jul 19, 2011, at 1:40 PM, feline1973 wrote:



 
Sounds like you just entered it, pretty decisively, for the "have  been 
known to 'mess' if it improves the overall experience" camp  :)

In any case, I don't know what "messing" (if any) has been  done on the 
M4000D, but I bet it's a better experience that waiting 6  minutes for the 
Pindertron CD to load in my Akai!

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
>
> Just back from  holiday and have read the discussion WHICH WE WON'T BE 
ENTERING. We meet  our customers' requirements 99.9% of the time and have been 
known to  'mess' if it improves the overall experience. Nothing is too 
sacrosanct  whatever the group thinks.
> 
> Best,
> 
>  M
> 
> _mellotronics.co.uk_ (http://mellotronics.co.uk/) 
>  
> 
> 
> On 18 Jul 2011, at 18:36, john barrick  <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:
> 
> > I'm not  protesting - I just have a preference for a real Mellotron. If 
you want  to use samples that's fine by me. I think we can co-exist 
peacefully and  productively.
> > 
> > 
> > On Mon, Jul 18,  2011 at 6:49 AM, Charles <charel196@...> wrote:
> >  
> > some guys remind me of horse & buggy owners protesting  the 
automobile.:)
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> > 
> > -- 
> > john  barrick
> > 
> > *Leo got it right the first  time*
> > *then he added a second pickup and got it  righter*
> > 
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by lsf5275@aol.com

I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in  
many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group (as 
I  recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames 
personally,  because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the better the 
machine  plays. Period.
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out  
slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the same  
stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has something  
to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the  springs?

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-19 by lsf5275@aol.com

I "like" the turnbuckles. Sorry.
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 5:17:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lsf5275@aol.com writes:

 
 
 
I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them  in 
many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group (as 
 I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames 
personally,  because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the better the 
machine  plays. Period.
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out  
slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the  same 
stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has  something 
to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the  springs?

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by lsf5275@aol.com

You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain  
ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The  
character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from  
frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.  
Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,  
but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape  
replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different  
except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the  
concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character 
to  them.
 
 
In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tron400@yahoo.com writes:

 
 
 
Looks like my last reply didn't make it.

The last frame I bought has  tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the 
Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for  the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning, 
was done by Streetly, so there's  a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).

I'd love to play around  with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a 
practical machine for those  who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a 
good supplement to an M400.  But I don't think electronics can ever 
accurately imitate the  electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.

Bernie

--- In  _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "Charles" <charel196@...> wrote:
>
> so if you bought a new  tape rack and played an E Major chord and the 
fifth was recorded out of tune,  you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit 
with all the notes properly tuned  and de-noised?
> Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with  someone else's 
idea of how it should sound.
> I just don't get it, I  guess.
> 
> 
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> >
> > 
> >  
> > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples,  but 
it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should  
fundamentally sound.
> > 
> > Bernie
> > 
>  > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > >
> > >  
> > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make  his units 
sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all  the 
years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the  tape 
system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal 
he would  have used tapes?
> > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin"  in the eyes of the 
hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal  development in the 
lineage and deserves the name.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> > >
>  >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Thomas C. Doncourt

Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
to be using more.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> (as
> I  recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> personally,  because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> better the
> machine  plays. Period.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
>
> Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> same
> stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> something
> to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the  springs?
>
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Bruce Daily

Thomas-
  Here's a thought.  Maybe the frame isn't centered with the tape guides at the front of the headblock.  On the Streetly frames one can loosen two assembly bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly left & right a bit to make the tapes line up with the guides.  I trust Markus' frames are similar.  A non-square frame will cause friction difficulties, too.
 
  -Bruce Daily


--- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:


From: Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM


  



Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
to be using more.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> (as
> I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> better the
> machine plays. Period.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
>
> Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> same
> stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> something
> to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
>
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by tron400

Well, this message was only 5 days late (!).


--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> 
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning, was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> 
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> >  Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's idea of how it should sound.
> >  I just don't get it, I guess.
> > 
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should fundamentally sound.
> > > 
> > > Bernie
> > > 
> > > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal he would have used tapes?
> > > >  It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by John Wright

I have a Markus frame in #911 and haven't had any trouble.

 

John
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 5:17 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

 

  

I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them
in many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this
group (as I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly
frames personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the
friction the better the machine plays. Period.

 

In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

	Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did
take out slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes
from the same stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty
sure it has something to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the
springs?

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Tom Doncourt

Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have to scrap the frame! TD
On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:

Thomas-
Here's a thought. Maybe the frame isn't centered with the tape guides at the front of the headblock. On the Streetly frames one can loosen two assembly bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly left & right a bit to make the tapes line up with the guides. I trust Markus' frames are similar. A non-square frame will cause friction difficulties, too.
-Bruce Daily


--- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:

From: Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM

Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
to be using more.

> I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> (as
> I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> better the
> machine plays. Period.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
>
> Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> same
> stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> something
> to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
>
>


Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Charles

with all these frame & tape stock problems...you guys still don't think an M4000D might be better?

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Tom Doncourt <tomdcour@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have to scrap the frame! TD
> On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:
> 
> > 
> > Thomas-
> >   Here's a thought.  Maybe the frame isn't centered with the tape guides at the front of the headblock.  On the Streetly frames one can loosen two assembly bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly left & right a bit to make the tapes line up with the guides.  I trust Markus' frames are similar.  A non-square frame will cause friction difficulties, too.
> >  
> >   -Bruce Daily
> > 
> > 
> > --- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@...> wrote:
> > 
> > From: Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@...>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM
> > 
> >  
> > Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
> > get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
> > to be using more.
> > 
> > > I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> > > many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> > > (as
> > > I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> > > personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> > > better the
> > > machine plays. Period.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tomdcour@... writes:
> > >
> > > Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> > > slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> > > same
> > > stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> > > something
> > > to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
> > >
> > >
> > 
> > 
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Tony

I don't for a lot of reasons.
Most of them already posted.
Personally I'm ordering an iPad2 and the Tron app, just for portable fun.
Tony #510
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:19 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

with all these frame & tape stock problems...you guys still don't think an M4000D might be better?

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Tom Doncourt wrote:
>
> Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have to scrap the frame! TD
> On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:
>;
> >
> > Thomas-
> > Here's a thought. Maybe the frame isn't centered with the tape guides at the front of the headblock. On the Streetly frames one can loosen two assembly bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly left & right a bit to make the tapes line up with the guides. I trust Markus' frames are similar. A non-square frame will cause friction difficulties, too.
> >
> > -Bruce Daily
> >
> >
> > --- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. Doncourt wrote:
> >;
> > From: Thomas C. Doncourt
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM
> >
> >
> > Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
> > get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
> >; to be using more.
> >
> > > I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> > > many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> > > (as
> > > I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> > > personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> > > better the
> > > machine plays. Period.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tomdcour@... writes:
> > >
> > > Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> > > slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> > > same
> > > stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> > > something
> > > to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Tom Doncourt

Not at all--This is really the only problem I've had and it involves using a part from one maker that is not completely compatible with another.
I have plenty of digital "recreations" of mellotrons and the fact that I would go to any trouble at all to use the real thing should tell you something.
Digital live-maybe, in the studio, never.
On Jul 20, 2011, at 10:19 AM, Charles wrote:

with all these frame & tape stock problems...you guys still don't think an M4000D might be better?

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Tom Doncourt wrote:
>
> Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have to scrap the frame! TD
> On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:
>
> >
> > Thomas-
> > Here's a thought. Maybe the frame isn't centered with the tape guides at the front of the headblock. On the Streetly frames one can loosen two assembly bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly left & right a bit to make the tapes line up with the guides. I trust Markus' frames are similar. A non-square frame will cause friction difficulties, too.
> >
> > -Bruce Daily
> >
> >
> > --- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. Doncourt wrote:
> >
> > From: Thomas C. Doncourt
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM
> >
> >
> > Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
>; > get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
> > to be using more.
> >
> > > I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> > > many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> > > (as
> > > I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> > > personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> > > better the
> > > machine plays. Period.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tomdcour@... writes:
>; > >
> > > Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> > > slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> > > same
> > > stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> > > something
> > > to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>


Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by lsf5275@aol.com

Tom,
 
Sometimes Markus will send the frame out with 5mm thumb screws instead off  
BA screws. You will need to retap the thumb screw holes with a 5mm tap. Not 
to  worry, though, they will still work just fine with the BA thumb screws 
on your  other frames. Just be sure to check the tap against the thumb screw 
to make sure  the thread call out is the same. 5mm taps/dies usually offer 
two or more  thread count options. just press the threads of the tap against 
those on the  thumb screw to make sure they line up to be sure.
 
Frank
 
 
In a message dated 7/20/2011 9:02:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

 
 
 
Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have  
difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at  
that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have  
to scrap the frame! TD

On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:



 
     
     
Thomas-
  Here's a thought.  Maybe the frame isn't  centered with the tape guides 
at the front of the  headblock.  On the Streetly  frames one can loosen two 
assembly  bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly  left & right 
a bit to make the tapes line up  with the guides.  I trust Markus' frames 
are  similar.  A non-square frame will cause friction  difficulties, too.
 
  -Bruce Daily


--- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C.  Doncourt <_tomdcour@amnh.org_ 
(mailto:tomdcour@amnh.org) >  wrote:



From:  Thomas C. Doncourt <_tomdcour@amnh.org_ (mailto:tomdcour@amnh.org) >
Subject:  Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
To: _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) 
Date:  Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM


 
Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a  little more futzing I'll
get the frame to run right.  There are some sounds on it that I would like
to be  using more.

> I've had two of Markus's frames  over the last few years. I've used them 
in
> many  different Trons and have passed them along to others in  this group
> (as
> I recall) I never had  problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
>  personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower  the friction the
> better the
> machine  plays. Period.
>
>
> In a message  dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight  Time,
> _tomdcour@amnh.org_ 
(http://us.mc1259.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tomdcour@amnh.org)   writes:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put  the tapes in myself and did take out
> slack-still  sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from  the
> same
> stock in a Streetly frame  ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
>  something
> to do with the MVI frame....Maybe  replace the  springs?
>
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by feline1973

Yeah, 
and I bet you never buy records or CDs, 
cos they sound the same every time you play them  -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain  
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The  
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from  
> frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.  
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,  
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape  
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different  
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the  
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character 
> to  them.
>  
>  
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
> tron400@... writes:
> 
>  
>  
>  
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> 
> The last frame I bought has  tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the 
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for  the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning, 
> was done by Streetly, so there's  a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> 
> I'd love to play around  with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a 
> practical machine for those  who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a 
> good supplement to an M400.  But I don't think electronics can ever 
> accurately imitate the  electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In  _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new  tape rack and played an E Major chord and the 
> fifth was recorded out of tune,  you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit 
> with all the notes properly tuned  and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with  someone else's 
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I  guess.
> > 
> > 
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > >  
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples,  but 
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should  
> fundamentally sound.
> > > 
> > > Bernie
> > > 
> >  > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >  
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make  his units 
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all  the 
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the  tape 
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > >  Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal 
> he would  have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin"  in the eyes of the 
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal  development in the 
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> >  >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-20 by Tom Doncourt

Frank- that makes sense- I've never been able to screw the thumbscrews all the way in !! Again thanks! TD
On Jul 20, 2011, at 12:22 PM, <lsf5275@aol.com> <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:


Tom,
Sometimes Markus will send the frame out with 5mm thumb screws instead off BA screws. You will need to retap the thumb screw holes with a 5mm tap. Not to worry, though, they will still work just fine with the BA thumb screws on your other frames. Just be sure to check the tap against the thumb screw to make sure the thread call out is the same. 5mm taps/dies usually offer two or more thread count options. just press the threads of the tap against those on the thumb screw to make sure they line up to be sure.
Frank
In a message dated 7/20/2011 9:02:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tomdcour@amnh.org writes:

Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have to scrap the frame! TD

On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:

Thomas-
Here's a thought. Maybe the frame isn't centered with the tape guides at the front of the headblock. On the Streetly frames one can loosen two assembly bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly left & right a bit to make the tapes line up with the guides. I trust Markus' frames are similar. A non-square frame will cause friction difficulties, too.
-Bruce Daily


--- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:

From: Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM

Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a little more futzing I'll
get the frame to run right. There are some sounds on it that I would like
to be using more.

> I've had two of Markus's frames over the last few years. I've used them in
> many different Trons and have passed them along to others in this group
> (as
> I recall) I never had problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower the friction the
> better the
> machine plays. Period.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
>
> Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put the tapes in myself and did take out
> slack-still sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from the
> same
> stock in a Streetly frame ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> something
> to do with the MVI frame....Maybe replace the springs?
>
>





Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by john barrick

This is getting silly. Look, there's a big difference between the playback on a tron or chamby and the final, locked in sound of a finished recording that's been put together by the artist and/or producer.
If you were a guitarist, would you want a guitar that played the same note the same way, every time, no matter how differently you plucked and fretted the string? Well, maybe if you were in Kraftwerk...
A guitar is actually a bad example, but the a whole part of the sound is the variance that occurs on playback of a note due to the electro-mechanical process.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 11:24 AM, feline1973 <feline1@feline1.co.uk> wrote:

Yeah,
and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
cos they sound the same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.



--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> to them.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
>
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
>
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> good supplement to an M400. But I don9;t think electronics can ever
> accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> fundamentally sound.
> > >
>; > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > >; > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> he would have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>




--
john barrick

*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by lsf5275@aol.com

That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no  
place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The 
 real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have 
perhaps  a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but 
once  recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD 
has nothing  to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it 
is a M4000d or a  M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter. 
 
 
In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
feline1@feline1.co.uk writes:

 
 
 
Yeah, 
and I bet you never buy records or CDs, 
cos they sound the  same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to  going to a gig.

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it  to be idiosyncratic in certain 
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be  the same to every sound. The 
> character of a Mellotron is derived from  how it plays its tapes, 
variances from 
> frame to frame, tape age,  keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one 
unique. 
> Every M4000D will  be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing 
really, 
> but a little  soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape 
> replay  machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no 
different  
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different  but 
the 
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts  no 
character 
> to them.
> 
> 
> In a message dated  7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
> tron400@...  writes:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Looks like my last reply  didn't make it.
> 
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400  Violins/Flute. Sure, the 
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400,  but the EQ, as well as the 
tuning, 
> was done by Streetly, so there's a  degree of authenticity there (like 
100%).
> 
> I'd love to play  around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a 
> practical  machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine 
and a 
>  good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever 
>  accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a  Mellotron.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In __newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _  
> (mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) )  , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you  bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the 
> fifth was  recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital 
unit 
>  with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your  Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's 
> idea of  how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >  
> > 
> > --- In __newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _  
> (mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) )  , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > >  
> > > 
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of  your Mellotron or samples, but 
> it's another thing to have someone  else decide for you how it should 
> fundamentally sound.
> >  > 
> > > Bernie
> > > 
> > > --- In __newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _  
> (mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) )  , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > >  > 
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any  "tampering" to make his 
units 
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the  M4000D is the outgrowth of all the 
> years of addressing the complaints  about exactly what was wrong with the 
tape 
> system by all the major  artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry  Chamberlin had this technology at his 
disposal 
> he would have used  tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in  the eyes of the 
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely  normal development in 
the 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> lineage and deserves the name.
> >  > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by lsf5275@aol.com

Agreed
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:56:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
barrickjohn262@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 
This is getting silly.  Look, there's a big difference between the  
playback on a tron or chamby and the final, locked in sound of a finished  
recording that's been put together by the artist and/or producer.  
If you were a guitarist, would you want a guitar that played the same  note 
the same way, every time, no matter how differently you plucked and  
fretted the string?  Well, maybe if you were in Kraftwerk...
A guitar is actually a bad example, but the a whole part of the sound is  
the variance that occurs on playback of a note due to the electro-mechanical  
process.

On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 11:24 AM, feline1973 <_feline1@feline1.co.uk_ 
(mailto:feline1@feline1.co.uk) >  wrote:


 
 
 
Yeah, 
and I bet you never buy records or CDs, 
cos they sound the  same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to  going to a gig. 


--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , lsf5275@...  wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be  idiosyncratic in certain 
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the  same to every sound. The 
> character of a Mellotron is derived from  how it plays its tapes, 
variances from 
> frame to frame, tape age,  keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one 
unique. 
> Every M4000D  will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing 
really, 
> but a  little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape 
>  replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no  
different 
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may  be different but 
the 
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the  sounds but imparts no 
character 
> to them.
> 
> 
>  In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 

> tron400@... writes:
> 
> 
> 
>  
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> 
> The last  frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the 
>  Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the  
tuning, 
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity  there (like 
100%).
> 
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D  for a few days. It seems to be a 
> practical machine for those who  don't want to own a tape replay machine 
and a 
> good supplement to an  M400. But I don't think electronics can ever 
> accurately imitate the  electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> 
>  Bernie
> 

> --- In __newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _ 
> (mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ) , "Charles"  <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new  tape rack and played an E Major chord and the 
> fifth was recorded  out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital 
unit 
> with all  the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron  library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's 
> idea of how it  should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >  
> > 

> > --- In __newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _ 
> (mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ) , "tron400"  <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> >  > 
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron  or samples, but 
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for  you how it should 
> fundamentally sound.
> > > 
>  > > Bernie
> > > 

> > > --- In __newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _ 
> (mailto:_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ) , "Charles"  <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >  
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering"  to make his 
units 
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is  the outgrowth of all the 
> years of addressing the complaints about  exactly what was wrong with the 
tape 
> system by all the major  artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry  Chamberlin had this technology at his 
disposal 
> he would have used  tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in  the eyes of the 
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely  normal development in 
the 
> lineage and deserves the name.
>  > > >
> > >
> >
>












-- 
john barrick


*Leo got it right the first time*
*then he added a second pickup and got it righter*

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by lsf5275@aol.com

I meant that I prefer the latter two.
 
 
In a message dated 7/20/2011 1:44:52 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lsf5275@aol.com writes:

Playing  an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. 
I prefer the  latter.

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by Gary Brumm

I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but

is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.

I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive

everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What

makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners

would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably

be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is

high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone

tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!

J

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.

In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@feline1.co.uk writes:

Yeah,
and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
cos they sound the same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> to them.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
>
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
>
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> fundamentally sound.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> he would have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by tron400

Wait a minute...

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I haven't received it yet.
>  
>  
> In a message dated 7/20/2011 6:53:45 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
> tron400@... writes:
> 
> Well,  this message was only 5 days late  (!).
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by John Wright

Hi Gary,

Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.

http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119

But, it doesn’t sound like the original!

8-)

John

#911

Show quoted textHide quoted text

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but

is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.

I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive

everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What

makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners

would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably

be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is

high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone

tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!

J

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.

In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@feline1.co.uk writes:

Yeah,
and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
cos they sound the same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> to them.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
>
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
>
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> fundamentally sound.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> he would have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by Tom Doncourt

what listeners?
On Jul 20, 2011, at 2:06 PM, Gary Brumm wrote:


I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but

is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.

I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive

everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What

makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners

would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably

be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is

high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone

tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!

J

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.

In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@feline1.co.uk writes:

Yeah,
and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
cos they sound the same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
>; frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> to them.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
>
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
>
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> fundamentally sound.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> he would have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>



Mellotron Reviews - Gordon Reid - Sound On Sound Magazine

2011-07-20 by Robert

I'm sure most of you have already read these reviews.

The 1st is a "VG" review of the MKVI.  It does point out compatibility issues that I believe have already been addressed recently by the experts on this list.  Perhaps what is mentioned in this review can help Tom a little further?

The 2nd is a fabulous review of the M4000.

I enjoy reading reviews by Gordon Reid even though much of what he says is "over my head".

Robert

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Aug02/articles/mellotron.asp

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct07/articles/mellotronm4000.htm

--- On Wed, 7/20/11, Tom Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Tom Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 12:34 PM







 



  


    
      
      
      Frank- that makes sense- I've never been able to screw the thumbscrews all the way in !! Again thanks! TD
On Jul 20, 2011, at 12:22 PM, <lsf5275@aol.com> <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:





 



    



Tom,
 
Sometimes Markus will send the frame out with 5mm thumb screws instead off 
BA screws. You will need to retap the thumb screw holes with a 5mm tap. Not to 
worry, though, they will still work just fine with the BA thumb screws on your 
other frames. Just be sure to check the tap against the thumb screw to make sure 
the thread call out is the same. 5mm taps/dies usually offer two or more 
thread count options. just press the threads of the tap against those on the 
thumb screw to make sure they line up to be sure.
 
Frank
 

In a message dated 7/20/2011 9:02:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
tomdcour@amnh.org writes:
  
  Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have 
  difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at 
  that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have 
  to scrap the frame! TD

  
  On Jul 20, 2011, at 1:12 AM, Bruce Daily wrote:

  
      
    
    
      
      
        
          
          
            
            
              
                
                
                  
                  
                    
                      Thomas-
                        Here's a thought.  Maybe the frame isn't 
                      centered with the tape guides at the front of the 
                      headblock.  On the Streetly 
                      frames one can loosen two assembly 
                      bolts near each end of the top, and jog the assembly 
                      left & right a bit to make the tapes line up 
                      with the guides.  I trust Markus' frames are 
                      similar.  A non-square frame will cause friction 
                      difficulties, too.
                       
                        -Bruce Daily
                      

--- On Tue, 7/19/11, Thomas C. 
                      Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org> 
                      wrote:

                      
From: 
                        Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
Subject: 
                        Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: 
                        Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:24 PM


                          
                        
                        Thanks Frank, that makes me hopefull-maybe with a 
                        little more futzing I'll
get the frame to run right. 
                        There are some sounds on it that I would like
to be 
                        using more.

> I've had two of Markus's frames 
                        over the last few years. I've used them in
> many 
                        different Trons and have passed them along to others in 
                        this group
> (as
> I recall) I never had 
                        problems. I do prefer the Streetly frames
> 
                        personally, because I live the turnbuckles. The lower 
                        the friction the
> better the
> machine 
                        plays. Period.
>
>
> In a message 
                        dated 7/19/2011 2:36:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight 
                        Time,
> tomdcour@amnh.org 
                        writes:
>
> Thanks Gentlemen- actually I put 
                        the tapes in myself and did take out
> slack-still 
                        sticking. I also installed another set of his tapes from 
                        the
> same
> stock in a Streetly frame 
                        ---they do not stick. Pretty sure it has
> 
                        something
> to do with the MVI frame....Maybe 
                        replace the 
                        springs?
>
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by fdoddy@aol.com

I thought B's are being made again...?  Goff sells em..fuckin' expensive too.

fritz

 

 


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Brumm <gabru@comsec.net>
To: newmellotrongroup <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 20, 2011 2:46 pm
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos


  
    
                  

I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car.  You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but 
is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.  
I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive 
everyday it would not be my choice.  I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy.  What 
makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners 
would be unable to tell the difference.  Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably 
be guessing to some extent.  There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is 
high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low.  In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone 
tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering.  …..my 2 cents….fire away!
 
J
 
Gary
 
 

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

 
  


That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter. 

 


In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@feline1.co.uk writes:

  

Yeah, 
and I bet you never buy records or CDs, 
cos they sound the same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain 
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The 
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from 
> frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique. 
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really, 
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape 
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different 
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the 
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character 
> to them.
> 
> 
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
> tron400@... writes:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> 
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the 
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning, 
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> 
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a 
> practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a 
> good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever 
> accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the 
> fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit 
> with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's 
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > 
> > 
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but 
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should 
> fundamentally sound.
> > > 
> > > Bernie
> > > 
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units 
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the 
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape 
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal 
> he would have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the 
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the 
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-20 by Gary Brumm

No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….

I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the “new B3”…….

…Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!

g

Show quoted textHide quoted text

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Wright
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

Hi Gary,

Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.

http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119

But, it doesn’t sound like the original!

8-)

John

#911

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but

is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.

I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive

everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What

makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners

would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably

be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is

high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone

tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!

J

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.

In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@feline1.co.uk writes:

Yeah,
and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
cos they sound the same every time you play them -
it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> to them.
>
>
> In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
>
> The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
>
> I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> >
> > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> idea of how it should sound.
> > I just don't get it, I guess.
> >
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> fundamentally sound.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> he would have used tapes?
> > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> lineage and deserves the name.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-21 by jeffrey coulter

in a word: no.

...jeff [yes - still lurking...]

Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Charles
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:19 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

with all these frame & tape stock problems...you guys still don't think an M4000D might be better?



Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?

2011-07-21 by jeffrey coulter

at the risk of sounding condescending:
have you tried contacting markus?

i seriously doubt this is the first time the issue has arisen, and he may be able to sort it with a simple email exchange.

...jeff


Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: Tom Doncourt
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 9:02 AM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: MVI tape frames?



Bruce- that could very possibly be at least part of the problem--I have difficulty lining up the frame and screwing it in completely, I'll look at that-Thanks! Glad to hear that others have had no problems-would hate to have to scrap the frame! TD

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by tron400

Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the “new B3”…….
> …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
> 
> g
> 
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
> 
> Hi Gary,
> 
> Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
> 
> http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
> 
> But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
> 
> 8-)
> 
> John
> #911
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
> 
> I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car.  You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> everyday it would not be my choice.  I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy.  What
> makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> would be unable to tell the difference.  Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> be guessing to some extent.  There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low.  In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering.  …..my 2 cents….fire away!
> 
> ☺
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
> 
> That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
> 
> In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@...<mailto:feline1@...> writes:
> 
> 
> Yeah,
> and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> >
> > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > to them.
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > tron400@ writes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> >
> > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> >
> > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > >
> > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > idea of how it should sound.
> > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > fundamentally sound.
> > > >
> > > > Bernie
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by Gary Brumm

Hi Bernie,

The older Hammond cloned used long samples…I think the XK series uses “VASE” tonewheel generator modeling….I could be wrong.

The real difference is the XK series doesn’t have the 9 bar contacts in the keyboard…the “New B3” does. The XK series is a much better deal $ wise.

I had the XK-3 and now have an XK-3c. I have had several of the Motion Sound products and they never sounded right. Try one through

a Ventilator and you will get rid of the MS stuff. I built an interface cable for the 11 pin Leslie output so I have control through the keyboard.

The Ventilator will make your XK-3 sound great and give you an overdrive sound much better than the internal tube preamp. For $500 US it

is a 122 Leslie in a stomp box package. It will give a B3/122 a run for the money. My only real complaint about the XK is the Vibrato/Chorus

is not quite right…it is improved in the “c” model but still not quite there. I’ve owned and traveled with several C3/B3 122 combos but those

days are over. I still have an M3 in my living room though…. J.

Cheers,

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:49 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the “new B3”…….
> …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
>
> g
>
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
> Hi Gary,
>
> Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
>
> http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
>
> But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
>
> 8-)
>
> John
> #911
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
> I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What
> makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!
>
> ☺
>
> Gary
>
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
> That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
>
> In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@...<mailto:feline1@...> writes:
>
>
> Yeah,
> and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> >
> > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > to them.
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > tron400@ writes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> >
> > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> >
> > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > >
> > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > idea of how it should sound.
> > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > fundamentally sound.
> > > >
> > > > Bernie
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by Tom Doncourt

Hail the M3!! My 55 sounds as good to me as anything
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Jul 21, 2011, at 12:47 PM, Gary Brumm wrote:

> 
> Hi Bernie,
> 
>  
> 
> The older Hammond cloned used long samples…I think the XK series uses “VASE”  tonewheel generator modeling….I could be wrong. 
> 
> The real difference is the XK series doesn’t have the 9 bar contacts in the keyboard…the “New B3” does.  The XK series is a much better deal $ wise. 
> 
> I had the XK-3 and now have an XK-3c.  I have had several of the Motion Sound products and they never sounded right.  Try one through
> 
> a Ventilator and you will get rid of the MS stuff.  I built an interface cable for the 11 pin Leslie output so I have control through the keyboard. 
> 
> The Ventilator will make your XK-3 sound great and give you an overdrive sound much better than the internal tube preamp.  For $500 US it
> 
> is a 122 Leslie in a stomp box package.  It will give a B3/122 a run for the money.  My only real complaint about the XK is the Vibrato/Chorus
> 
> is not quite right…it is improved in the “c” model but still not quite there.  I’ve owned and traveled with several C3/B3 122 combos but those
> 
> days are over.  I still have an M3 in my living room though…. J. 
> 
>  
> 
> Cheers,
> 
>  
> 
> Gary
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:49 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
> >
> > No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> > I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the “new B3”…….
> > …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
> > 
> > g
> > 
> > 
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Wright
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> > 
> > 
> > Hi Gary,
> > 
> > Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
> > 
> > http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
> > 
> > But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
> > 
> > 8-)
> > 
> > John
> > #911
> > 
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> > 
> > 
> > I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> > is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> > I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> > everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What
> > makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> > would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> > be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> > high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> > tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!
> > 
> > ☺
> > 
> > Gary
> > 
> > 
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> > 
> > 
> > That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
> > 
> > In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@...<mailto:feline1@...> writes:
> > 
> > 
> > Yeah,
> > and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> > cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> > it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> > >
> > > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > > to them.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tron400@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> > >
> > > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> > >
> > > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > > idea of how it should sound.
> > > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > > fundamentally sound.
> > > > >
> > > > > Bernie
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> 
> 
> 
>

Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by tron400

Hi Gary,

Looks like you are correct. hammond-organ.com says the XK3 has 2x Vase III Digital Tonewheel.

I've considered trading in my XK3 and Pro-145 for an XK3C to get back some space in my music room (I would use the onboard Leslie), but I would still need a decent keyboard amp, so I don't think I would gain anything. In an 11 x 11 room, the Pro-145 sounds just fine, so I'm going to stick with this setup.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Bernie,
> 
> The older Hammond cloned used long samples…I think the XK series uses “VASE”  tonewheel generator modeling….I could be wrong.
> The real difference is the XK series doesn’t have the 9 bar contacts in the keyboard…the “New B3” does.  The XK series is a much better deal $ wise.
> I had the XK-3 and now have an XK-3c.  I have had several of the Motion Sound products and they never sounded right.  Try one through
> a Ventilator and you will get rid of the MS stuff.  I built an interface cable for the 11 pin Leslie output so I have control through the keyboard.
> The Ventilator will make your XK-3 sound great and give you an overdrive sound much better than the internal tube preamp.  For $500 US it
> is a 122 Leslie in a stomp box package.  It will give a B3/122 a run for the money.  My only real complaint about the XK is the Vibrato/Chorus
> is not quite right…it is improved in the “c” model but still not quite there.  I’ve owned and traveled with several C3/B3 122 combos but those
> days are over.  I still have an M3 in my living room though…. ☺.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:49 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
> 
> 
> Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, Gary Brumm <gabru@<mailto:gabru@>> wrote:
> >
> > No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> > I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the â€Å"new B3”…….
> > …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
> >
> > g
> >
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of John Wright
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> >
> >
> > Hi Gary,
> >
> > Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
> >
> > http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
> >
> > But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
> >
> > 8-)
> >
> > John
> > #911
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>>
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> >
> >
> > I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> > is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> > I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> > everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What
> > makes one â€Å"better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> > would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> > be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> > high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> > tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!
> >
> > ☺
> >
> > Gary
> >
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@<mailto:lsf5275@<mailto:lsf5275@%3cmailto:lsf5275@>...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> >
> >
> > That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
> >
> > In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@<mailto:feline1@<mailto:feline1@%3cmailto:feline1@>...> writes:
> >
> >
> > Yeah,
> > and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> > cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> > it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
> >
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> > >
> > > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > > to them.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tron400@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> > >
> > > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> > >
> > > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > > idea of how it should sound.
> > > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > > fundamentally sound.
> > > > >
> > > > > Bernie
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by Gary Brumm

The XK-3c does sound better. The internal Leslie sim. is ~much~ better as well. I run direct with a stereo monitor system when playing live

If you have a system set up for other keyboards with a mixer you can run through it. I really suggest you at least give a Ventilator a try.

You could probably get $500 trade in on the 145 and the difference really is staggering. I played a “c” through a MS 145 at a jam a while

back and it sounded terrible. You might even want to try your existing XK through one …you may decide not to upgrade. I like not

having to mic a Leslie due to the isolation issues. I really like my XK-3c and even though there are some newer clones out there that sound

great, I haven’t seen anything compelling enough to make me want to switch. I like the XK’s layout and it sounds great.

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 10:02 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos



Hi Gary,

Looks like you are correct. hammond-organ.com says the XK3 has 2x Vase III Digital Tonewheel.

I've considered trading in my XK3 and Pro-145 for an XK3C to get back some space in my music room (I would use the onboard Leslie), but I would still need a decent keyboard amp, so I don't think I would gain anything. In an 11 x 11 room, the Pro-145 sounds just fine, so I'm going to stick with this setup.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bernie,
>
> The older Hammond cloned used long samples…I think the XK series uses “VASE” tonewheel generator modeling….I could be wrong.
> The real difference is the XK series doesn’t have the 9 bar contacts in the keyboard…the “New B3” does. The XK series is a much better deal $ wise.
> I had the XK-3 and now have an XK-3c. I have had several of the Motion Sound products and they never sounded right. Try one through
> a Ventilator and you will get rid of the MS stuff. I built an interface cable for the 11 pin Leslie output so I have control through the keyboard.
> The Ventilator will make your XK-3 sound great and give you an overdrive sound much better than the internal tube preamp. For $500 US it
> is a 122 Leslie in a stomp box package. It will give a B3/122 a run for the money. My only real complaint about the XK is the Vibrato/Chorus
> is not quite right…it is improved in the “c” model but still not quite there. I’ve owned and traveled with several C3/B3 122 combos but those
> days are over. I still have an M3 in my living room though…. ☺.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Gary
>
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:49 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
>
> Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, Gary Brumm <gabru@<mailto:gabru@>> wrote:
> >
> > No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> > I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the â€Å"new B3”…….
> > …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
> >
> > g
> >
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of John Wright
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> >
> >
> > Hi Gary,
> >
> > Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
> >
> > http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
> >
> > But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
> >
> > 8-)
> >
> > John
> > #911
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>>
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> >
> >
> > I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> > is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> > I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> > everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What
> > makes one â€Å"better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> > would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> > be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> > high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> > tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!
> >
> > ☺
> >
> > Gary
> >
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@<mailto:lsf5275@<mailto:lsf5275@%3cmailto:lsf5275@>...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> >
> >
> > That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
> >
> > In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@<mailto:feline1@<mailto:feline1@%3cmailto:feline1@>...> writes:
> >
> >
> > Yeah,
> > and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> > cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> > it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
> >
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> > >
> > > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > > to them.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tron400@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> > >
> > > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> > >
> > > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > > idea of how it should sound.
> > > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > > fundamentally sound.
> > > > >
> > > > > Bernie
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com><mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by Gary Brumm

Hi Tom,

Yeah but those short keyboards bother me…..although as a Mellotron owner you probably don’t notice J

Cheers!

Gary

Show quoted textHide quoted text

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom Doncourt
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 10:00 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

Hail the M3!! My 55 sounds as good to me as anything

On Jul 21, 2011, at 12:47 PM, Gary Brumm wrote:



Hi Bernie,

The older Hammond cloned used long samples…I think the XK series uses “VASE” tonewheel generator modeling….I could be wrong.

The real difference is the XK series doesn’t have the 9 bar contacts in the keyboard…the “New B3” does. The XK series is a much better deal $ wise.

I had the XK-3 and now have an XK-3c. I have had several of the Motion Sound products and they never sounded right. Try one through

a Ventilator and you will get rid of the MS stuff. I built an interface cable for the 11 pin Leslie output so I have control through the keyboard.

The Ventilator will make your XK-3 sound great and give you an overdrive sound much better than the internal tube preamp. For $500 US it

is a 122 Leslie in a stomp box package. It will give a B3/122 a run for the money. My only real complaint about the XK is the Vibrato/Chorus

is not quite right…it is improved in the “c” model but still not quite there. I’ve owned and traveled with several C3/B3 122 combos but those

days are over. I still have an M3 in my living room though…. J.

Cheers,

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:49 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the “new B3”…….
> …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
>
> g
>
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
> Hi Gary,
>
> Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
>
> http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
>
> But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
>
> 8-)
>
> John
> #911
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
> I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What
> makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!
>
> ☺
>
> Gary
>
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
>
>
> That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
>
> In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@...<mailto:feline1@...> writes:
>
>
> Yeah,
> and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> >
> > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > to them.
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > tron400@ writes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> >
> > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> >
> > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > >
> > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > idea of how it should sound.
> > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > fundamentally sound.
> > > >
> > > > Bernie
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos

2011-07-21 by Tom Doncourt

Its true! I learned on a Hammond split  and am most comfortable with 49 note keyboard controllers or those nice little 35 note ones!!
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Jul 21, 2011, at 1:33 PM, Gary Brumm wrote:

> 
> Hi Tom,
> 
>  
> 
> Yeah but those short keyboards bother me…..although as a Mellotron owner you probably don’t notice J
> 
>  
> 
> Cheers!
> 
>  
> 
> Gary
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom Doncourt
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 10:00 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Hail the M3!! My 55 sounds as good to me as anything
> 
> On Jul 21, 2011, at 12:47 PM, Gary Brumm wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Hi Bernie,
> 
>  
> 
> The older Hammond cloned used long samples…I think the XK series uses “VASE”  tonewheel generator modeling….I could be wrong. 
> 
> The real difference is the XK series doesn’t have the 9 bar contacts in the keyboard…the “New B3” does.  The XK series is a much better deal $ wise. 
> 
> I had the XK-3 and now have an XK-3c.  I have had several of the Motion Sound products and they never sounded right.  Try one through
> 
> a Ventilator and you will get rid of the MS stuff.  I built an interface cable for the 11 pin Leslie output so I have control through the keyboard. 
> 
> The Ventilator will make your XK-3 sound great and give you an overdrive sound much better than the internal tube preamp.  For $500 US it
> 
> is a 122 Leslie in a stomp box package.  It will give a B3/122 a run for the money.  My only real complaint about the XK is the Vibrato/Chorus
> 
> is not quite right…it is improved in the “c” model but still not quite there.  I’ve owned and traveled with several C3/B3 122 combos but those
> 
> days are over.  I still have an M3 in my living room though…. J. 
> 
>  
> 
> Cheers,
> 
>  
> 
> Gary
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3:49 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Hammond uses modeling? I thought they just used long samples. I do like the sound of my XK3 (not C) through my Motion Sound Pro-145. Still, not quite the same as my old B3/122.
> 
> Bernie
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
> >
> > No tonewheels this time….sample/modeling just like the XK models…….
> > I think it would cost a lot more to tool up for tonewheels….heck its already like 20k for the “new B3”…….
> > …Although through a 122 Leslie it sounds pretty damn good!
> > 
> > g
> > 
> > 
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of John Wright
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 11:51 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> > 
> > 
> > Hi Gary,
> > 
> > Hammond Suzuki is making the B3 again.
> > 
> > http://www.hammondorganco.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=119
> > 
> > But, it doesn’t sound like the original!
> > 
> > 8-)
> > 
> > John
> > #911
> > 
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 2:07 PM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> > 
> > 
> > I think it can possibly be compared to the old exotic sports car. You can buy a new car today that performs not only better but
> > is reliable as well…..however the driving experience is not duplicated…the smell of burning oil, the sound of the engine, etc.
> > I really enjoyed driving the old Ferraris but if I was looking for the ultimate performance as well as something I could drive
> > everyday it would not be my choice. I think Tony would understand this as he is both a Mellotron and Exotic car guy. What
> > makes one “better” than the other is subjective but in a mix after processing in the recording process I thing 99.9% of listeners
> > would be unable to tell the difference. Some of those that might be able to tell are on this list but even they would probably
> > be guessing to some extent. There is still enough of a market to support two Mellotron manufacturers although the price is
> > high and I would venture to guess the number sold is low. In low numbers the price is necessarily high….Imagine if someone
> > tried to manufacture B3s today….I am sure some could be sold but the price would be staggering. …..my 2 cents….fire away!
> > 
> > ☺
> > 
> > Gary
> > 
> > 
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]<mailto:[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com]> On Behalf Of lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:37 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: M4000D nice review with photos
> > 
> > 
> > That's hardly the point. I'm not saying that samplers (ROMplers) have no place, I'm saying that they lack the character that a real Mellotron has. The real thing is far more organic. I like my records, tapes and CDs. I have perhaps a thousand or more recorded live performances. I enjoy them too. but once recorded, they sound the same every time I play them. Playing a CD has nothing to do with making music. Playing an instrument does, whether it is a M4000d or a M4000 or an M400. I prefer the latter.
> > 
> > In a message dated 7/20/2011 12:30:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, feline1@...<mailto:feline1@...> writes:
> > 
> > 
> > Yeah,
> > and I bet you never buy records or CDs,
> > cos they sound the same every time you play them -
> > it's kinda lacking in soul compared to going to a gig.
> > 
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, lsf5275@ wrote:
> > >
> > > You can take the M4000D and manipulate it to be idiosyncratic in certain
> > > ways. But those idiosyncrasies will be the same to every sound. The
> > > character of a Mellotron is derived from how it plays its tapes, variances from
> > > frame to frame, tape age, keyboard adjustment, etc. It makes each one unique.
> > > Every M4000D will be exactly like every other one. Not a bad thing really,
> > > but a little soulless. When I think of a Mellotron, I think of a tape
> > > replay machine. The Mellotron sounds that come out of an iPad are no different
> > > except the way they are accessed. The sampling rate may be different but the
> > > concept is the same.The iPad delivers the sounds but imparts no character
> > > to them.
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 7/19/2011 8:37:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > tron400@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looks like my last reply didn't make it.
> > >
> > > The last frame I bought has tuned Cello/M400 Violins/Flute. Sure, the
> > > Violins are MkII Violins EQ'd for the M400, but the EQ, as well as the tuning,
> > > was done by Streetly, so there's a degree of authenticity there (like 100%).
> > >
> > > I'd love to play around with an M4000D for a few days. It seems to be a
> > > practical machine for those who don't want to own a tape replay machine and a
> > > good supplement to an M400. But I don't think electronics can ever
> > > accurately imitate the electromechanical idiosyncracies of a Mellotron.
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > so if you bought a new tape rack and played an E Major chord and the
> > > fifth was recorded out of tune, you'd prefer that over buying a digital unit
> > > with all the notes properly tuned and de-noised?
> > > > Even your Mellotron library was recorded and EQ'd with someone else's
> > > idea of how it should sound.
> > > > I just don't get it, I guess.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > It's one thing to alter the sound of your Mellotron or samples, but
> > > it's another thing to have someone else decide for you how it should
> > > fundamentally sound.
> > > > >
> > > > > Bernie
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:_newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>_
> > > (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>) , "Charles" <charel196@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > do you think Mike Pinder never did any "tampering" to make his units
> > > sound "better"? Geeezus....to me the M4000D is the outgrowth of all the
> > > years of addressing the complaints about exactly what was wrong with the tape
> > > system by all the major artists (tuning, noise, etc.)
> > > > > > Do you think if Harry Chamberlin had this technology at his disposal
> > > he would have used tapes?
> > > > > > It may not be a "real Mellotron/Chamberlin" in the eyes of the
> > > hardcore obsessives but for me it's a completely normal development in the
> > > lineage and deserves the name.
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
>

Move to quarantaine

This moves the raw source file on disk only. The archive index is not changed automatically, so you still need to run a manual refresh afterward.