The Mellotron Group

Hey!
   That fake tron is bizzare!  It looks like an actual case from an old tron.  If so, I wonder what happened to the innards.  The sound source is hard to make out, due to the digital distortion of the audio, but it might be from the Vintage Keys rack.  I haven't heard Vintage Keys myself, so I could be blowing smoke here.  But, a real case would still make it a heavy stage machine.  One may as well have the real thing...
 
   -Bruce D.
 
 

________________________________

 From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com>
To: mellold <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 10:39 PM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
  
 
 
   
 
I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY


I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.


Mark

I thought the mandolin is in there somewhere.


________________________________

 From: Mike Dickson <mike.dickson@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Sunday, 16 June 2013 6:12 PM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 


  
The 'Mellotron' sounds exactly like the real thing?

I cannot even tell what the sound is supposed to be - almost a cross between the Popol Vuh 'Choir Organ' and some sort of string synth.




On 16 June 2013 05:39, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:

 
>  
>I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
>
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>
>
>
>I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
>
>
>
>
>Mark


-- 
Mike Dickson, Edinburgh

I don't think the empty case would be that heavy, I would say most of the weight would come from the motor, capstan, flywheel and power supply. The case does look authentic I wonder if just binned the innards.

Mark


________________________________

 From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@yahoo.com>
To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Sunday, 16 June 2013 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 


  
Hey!
   That fake tron is bizzare!  It looks like an actual case from an old tron.  If so, I wonder what happened to the innards.  The sound source is hard to make out, due to the digital distortion of the audio, but it might be from the Vintage Keys rack.  I haven't heard Vintage Keys myself, so I could be blowing smoke here.  But, a real case would still make it a heavy stage machine.  One may as well have the real thing...
 
   -Bruce D.
 

From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com>
To: mellold <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 10:39 PM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 
  
I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY


I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.


Mark

I am impressed with Matt's set up.  He's got all his bases covered regardless of originality.  My only thing is he could have a better acoustic piano sound.  I never liked that Kurzweil series.  Thanks Mark.
 
 

________________________________

 From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com>
To: mellold <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 11:39 PM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
  
   
 
I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY


I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.


Mark

I have yet to play anything over than an acoustic piano that is acceptable to my ears, what would you recommend?

Mark


________________________________

 From: matthew meixner <ccstickleback@yahoo.com>
To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Monday, 17 June 2013 2:50 AM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 


  
I am impressed with Matt's set up.  He's got all his bases covered regardless of originality.  My only thing is he could have a better acoustic piano sound.  I never liked that Kurzweil series.  Thanks Mark.
 

From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com>
To: mellold <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 11:39 PM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 
  
I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY


I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.


Mark

Providing you can find one in serviceable condition at a price that is anything other than ridiculous quite frankly.
I had an original minimoog  a few years ago which developed a triggering problem and would drift in and out of tune over a few hours. The Voyager was an obvious solution, so I decided to buy one whilst retaining the mini so I would have the option of keeping both if I felt it worthwhile. Whilst there are subtle differences in sound between the two, I did not consider at any point that the mm was superior in sound to the voyager in any respect. Sorry if this view is not shared by some on here, but it is my view that the Voyager is every bit as good as the original and capable of a range of sounds that the original could only dream about. Add in the 800 plus memories and after a short warm up, very stable oscillators, it is a beautifully crafted hand built instrument and deserves not to be constantly compared to its ancestor. 
You can also pick one up second hand for half of the price of a mm.
Needless to say I no longer have my mm. No contest IMHO.

Andy K

Andy Kinch

On 16 Jun 2013, at 05:39, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
> 
> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
> 
> 
> Mark
>

Subtle differences are odd. I quite like  using mellotron samples and some of the differences aren't even subtle. I prefer my cheap chinese upright to any paino sample I've heard so far. I haven't had an opportunity to directly compare the minimoog and the voyager in person only watched direct comparisons on you tube. I've tried the Little Phatty and Sub Phatty and was quite underwhelmed.

Mark


________________________________
 From: Kinchmusic <kinchmusic@aol.com>
To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Monday, 17 June 2013 7:29 AM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 


  
Providing you can find one in serviceable condition at a price that is anything other than ridiculous quite frankly.
I had an original minimoog  a few years ago which developed a triggering problem and would drift in and out of tune over a few hours. The Voyager was an obvious solution, so I decided to buy one whilst retaining the mini so I would have the option of keeping both if I felt it worthwhile. Whilst there are subtle differences in sound between the two, I did not consider at any point that the mm was superior in sound to the voyager in any respect. Sorry if this view is not shared by some on here, but it is my view that the Voyager is every bit as good as the original and capable of a range of sounds that the original could only dream about. Add in the 800 plus memories and after a short warm up, very stable oscillators, it is a beautifully crafted hand built instrument and deserves not to be constantly compared to its ancestor. 
You can also pick one up second hand for half of the price of a mm.
Needless to say I no longer have my mm. No contest IMHO.

Andy K

Andy Kinch

On 16 Jun 2013, at 05:39, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:


  
>I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
>
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>
>
>
>I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
>
>
>
>
>Mark

Yes I tried a LP for a while. Same conclusion as you. The voyager is in a different league than both.

A

Andy Kinch

On 16 Jun 2013, at 20:41, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Subtle differences are odd. I quite like  using mellotron samples and some of the differences aren't even subtle. I prefer my cheap chinese upright to any paino sample I've heard so far. I haven't had an opportunity to directly compare the minimoog and the voyager in person only watched direct comparisons on you tube. I've tried the Little Phatty and Sub Phatty and was quite underwhelmed.
> 
> Mark
> 
> From: Kinchmusic <kinchmusic@aol.com>
> To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
> Sent: Monday, 17 June 2013 7:29 AM
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
> 
>  
> Providing you can find one in serviceable condition at a price that is anything other than ridiculous quite frankly.
> I had an original minimoog  a few years ago which developed a triggering problem and would drift in and out of tune over a few hours. The Voyager was an obvious solution, so I decided to buy one whilst retaining the mini so I would have the option of keeping both if I felt it worthwhile. Whilst there are subtle differences in sound between the two, I did not consider at any point that the mm was superior in sound to the voyager in any respect. Sorry if this view is not shared by some on here, but it is my view that the Voyager is every bit as good as the original and capable of a range of sounds that the original could only dream about. Add in the 800 plus memories and after a short warm up, very stable oscillators, it is a beautifully crafted hand built instrument and deserves not to be constantly compared to its ancestor. 
> You can also pick one up second hand for half of the price of a mm.
> Needless to say I no longer have my mm. No contest IMHO.
> 
> Andy K
> 
> Andy Kinch
> 
> 
> On 16 Jun 2013, at 05:39, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
>>  
>> I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
>> 
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>> 
>> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
>> 
>> 
>> Mark
> 
> 
>

Well the next time I'm in Wellington I'll go and try out the Voyager in person. Not sure where I'm going to find a minimoog for sale in New Zealand and anyway with my electrical skills it isn't probably a good idea!

Mark


________________________________
 From: Kinchmusic <kinchmusic@aol.com>
To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
Sent: Monday, 17 June 2013 8:06 AM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
 


  
Yes I tried a LP for a while. Same conclusion as you. The voyager is in a different league than both.

A

Andy Kinch

On 16 Jun 2013, at 20:41, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:


  
>Subtle differences are odd. I quite like  using mellotron samples and some of the differences aren't even subtle. I prefer my cheap chinese upright to any paino sample I've heard so far. I haven't had an opportunity to directly compare the minimoog and the voyager in person only watched direct comparisons on you tube. I've tried the Little Phatty and Sub Phatty and was quite underwhelmed.
>
>
>Mark
>
>
>
>________________________________
> From: Kinchmusic <kinchmusic@aol.com>
>To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> 
>Sent: Monday, 17 June 2013 7:29 AM
>Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Matt's gear
> 
>
>
>  
>Providing you can find one in serviceable condition at a price that is anything other than ridiculous quite frankly.
>I had an original minimoog  a few years ago which developed a triggering problem and would drift in and out of tune over a few hours. The Voyager was an obvious solution, so I decided to buy one whilst retaining the mini so I would have the option of keeping both if I felt it worthwhile. Whilst there are subtle differences in sound between the two, I did not consider at any point that the mm was superior in sound to the voyager in any respect. Sorry if this view is not shared by some on here, but it is my view that the Voyager is every bit as good as the original and capable of a range of sounds that the original could only dream about. Add in the 800 plus memories and after a short warm up, very stable oscillators, it is a beautifully crafted hand built instrument and deserves not to be constantly compared to its ancestor. 
>You can also pick one up second hand for half of the price of a mm.
>Needless to say I no longer have my mm. No contest IMHO.
>
>
>Andy K
>
>Andy Kinch
>
>
>
>On 16 Jun 2013, at 05:39, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>  
>>I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
>>
>>
>>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>>
>>
>>
>>I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Mark
>
>

Thanks. 

Mark

Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I have yet to play anything over than an acoustic piano that is acceptable to my ears, what would you recommend?
> 
>  From: matthew meixner <ccstickleback@...>
> 
> I am impressed with Matt's set up.  He's got all his bases covered regardless of originality.  My only thing is he could have a better acoustic piano sound.  I never liked that Kurzweil series.  Thanks Mark.


The keyboard player for our trio Odradek also tried a Kurzweil for a time and also didn't like it. He then got the Korg SV-1 and raves about it - though he's somewhat biased, being the long-time owner of an MS10 - MS20 pair. Not being one to make an accurate appraisal, FWIW, I prefer the Korg sound also.

Jim Bailey

I use two different pianos.  Nord Stage for many gigs and Kurzweil PC1se for other shows.  I do like Korg pianos and the Roland V that one other member was talking about.
Matt
 

________________________________

 From: trawnajim <jimabgm@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 11:16 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Matt's gear
  
   
 


--- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I have yet to play anything over than an acoustic piano that is acceptable to my ears, what would you recommend?
> 
>  From: matthew meixner <ccstickleback@...>
> 
> I am impressed with Matt's set up.  He's got all his bases covered regardless of originality.  My only thing is he could have a better acoustic piano sound.  I never liked that Kurzweil series.  Thanks Mark.

The keyboard player for our trio Odradek also tried a Kurzweil for a time and also didn't like it. He then got the Korg SV-1 and raves about it - though he's somewhat biased, being the long-time owner of an MS10 - MS20 pair. Not being one to make an accurate appraisal, FWIW, I prefer the Korg sound also.

Jim Bailey

Thanks everyone, I think if I was going to change my setup for the cost of the Roland I would just buy a better piano, otherwise I think I'll stick with what I have until I finally go for an all in one sampler workstation such as the high end Kurzweill or forget the work station bit and get a Nord electro 4.

Mark




________________________________

 From: trawnajim <jimabgm@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, 18 June 2013 4:16 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Matt's gear
 


  


--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I have yet to play anything over than an acoustic piano that is acceptable to my ears, what would you recommend?
> 
>  From: matthew meixner <ccstickleback@...>
> 
> I am impressed with Matt's set up.  He's got all his bases covered regardless of originality.  My only thing is he could have a better acoustic piano sound.  I never liked that Kurzweil series.  Thanks Mark.

The keyboard player for our trio Odradek also tried a Kurzweil for a time and also didn't like it. He then got the Korg SV-1 and raves about it - though he's somewhat biased, being the long-time owner of an MS10 - MS20 pair. Not being one to make an accurate appraisal, FWIW, I prefer the Korg sound also.

Jim Bailey

I asked him about the tron and he told me he had it custom made by Frank Stickle.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:

>
> I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
> 
> 
> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
> 
> 
> Mark
>

Interesting, certainly looked the part. Did he say what was inside?


________________________________
 From: kingkhatru <samuelgskinner@gmail.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Wednesday, 3 July 2013 4:16 PM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Matt's gear
 


  
I asked him about the tron and he told me he had it custom made by Frank Stickle.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:

>
> I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
> 
> 
> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
> 
> 
> Mark
>

Planet Mellotron lists what models were used on what songs, but not what tapes.

http://planetmellotron.com/

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, william Beith <wbeith@...> wrote:

>
> Has anyone ever developed a list of the instrument model numbers and the tapes used on songs over the years?
>  
> As a not yet Mellotron owner trying to decide on which combination of sounds would best suit me, identifying sounds by record might serve as a starting point for me.
>  
> For example on Court of the Crimson King, Watcher, Moraz- Story of i, Story in Your Eyes.....
>  
> Anyway you get the idea.
>  
> Any help would be appreciated.
>  
> Thanks
>  
> Bill
>

He's a lying bastard. I know him, but I did no such thing.
 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 12:16:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
samuelgskinner@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 
I asked him about the tron and he told me he had it custom made by Frank  
Stickle.

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I found this quite  interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what 
he is using. As he says  the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>  
> 
> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I  could be 
tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.

>  
> 
> Mark
>

He does have a real one, but I don't think he takes it on the road.
 

 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 8:20:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lsf5275@aol.com writes:

 
 
 
He's a lying bastard. I know him, but I did no such thing.
 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 12:16:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
samuelgskinner@gmail.com writes:

 
I asked him about the tron and he told me he had it custom made by Frank  
Stickle.

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I found this quite  interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what 
he is using. As he  says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
> 
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>  
> 
> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard  I could be 
tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.

>  
> 
> Mark
>

OMG two Franks!

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 3, 2013, at 20:20, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> 
> 
> He's a lying bastard. I know him, but I did no such thing.
>  
> In a message dated 7/3/2013 12:16:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, samuelgskinner@gmail.com writes:
> I asked him about the tron and he told me he had it custom made by Frank Stickle.
> 
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
> >
> > I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
> > 
> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
> > 
> > 
> > I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
> > 
> > 
> > Mark
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
>

Interesting... Wonder who's samples he's using...

David Jacques

On Jul 3, 2013, at 19:16, John Wright <jwright911703@gmail.com> wrote:

> OMG two Franks!
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Jul 3, 2013, at 20:20, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:
> 
>> He's a lying bastard. I know him, but I did no such thing.
>>  
>> In a message dated 7/3/2013 12:16:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, samuelgskinner@gmail.com writes:
>>  
>> I asked him about the tron and he told me he had it custom made by Frank Stickle.
>> 
>> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>> >
>> > I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a minimoog!
>> > 
>> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>> > 
>> > 
>> > I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.
>> > 
>> > 
>> > Mark
>> >
> 
>

So I was wrong. Easy to get fooled when not looking closely. Here is what  
Matt told me...
 
The Mellotron you see me pictured with is actually a midi controller. It  
was built by a friend of mine who did it entirely on Internet research. The  
cabinet is exact in every detail inside and out including the proper types & 
 thicknesses of plywood. Removable front & back panels, even cheekblocks.  
It's a real compliment for you to describe it as "a real Mellotron". It's  
designed to function like a real one too. The volume, tone & pitch controls  
work as they should. I can use any sound source I want and it never breaks 
down!  For a touring musician it's actually better than the real thing : ) 
there is one  slight difference though, I had it made 2" larger so I wouldn't 
have to lean  over so much to play it. It's proportionally correct so you 
can't tell. I use  a combination of vk & vk pro modules plus the Mike Pinder 
samples and  the illusion is complete. For all intents & purposes there is no 
difference  and I have the pleasure of playing the perfect tron (one I can 
count on night  after night.)
 
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 8:28:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lsf5275@aol.com writes:

 
 
 
He does have a real one, but I don't think he takes it on the road.
 

 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 8:20:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
lsf5275@aol.com writes:

 
He's a lying bastard. I know him, but I did no such thing.
 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 12:16:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
samuelgskinner@gmail.com writes:

 
I asked him about the Tron and he told me he had it custom made by  Frank 
Stickle.

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I found this  quite interesting. The Tron is fake but he doesn't say what 
he is using.  As he says the Mellotron makes a great stand for a Minimoog!
>  
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>  
> 
> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage  keyboard I could be 
tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite  me.

> 
> 
> Mark
>

Thanks Frank, that's answered my original question.

Mark


________________________________
 From: "lsf5275@aol.com" <lsf5275@aol.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, 9 July 2013 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Matt's gear
 


  
So I was wrong. Easy to get fooled when not looking closely. Here is what 
Matt told me... 
The Mellotron you see me pictured with is actually a midi controller. It 
was built by a friend of mine who did it entirely on Internet research. The 
cabinet is exact in every detail inside and out including the proper types & 
thicknesses of plywood. Removable front & back panels, even cheekblocks. 
It's a real compliment for you to describe it as "a real Mellotron". It's 
designed to function like a real one too. The volume, tone & pitch controls 
work as they should. I can use any sound source I want and it never breaks down! 
For a touring musician it's actually better than the real thing : ) there is one 
slight difference though, I had it made 2" larger so I wouldn't have to lean 
over so much to play it. It's proportionally correct so you can't tell. I use 
a combination of vk & vk pro modules plus the Mike Pinder samples and 
the illusion is complete. For all intents & purposes there is no difference 
and I have the pleasure of playing the perfect tron (one I can count on night 
after night.)
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/3/2013 8:28:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
lsf5275@aol.com writes:
  
>He does have a real one, but I don't think he takes it on the road. 
> 
>In a message dated 7/3/2013 8:20:49 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  lsf5275@aol.com writes:
>  
>>He's a lying bastard. I know him, but I did no such thing. 
>>In a message dated 7/3/2013 12:16:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  samuelgskinner@gmail.com writes:
>>  
>>>I asked him about the Tron and he told me he had it custom made by  Frank Stickle.
>>>
>>>--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com,  Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I found this 
      quite interesting. The Tron is fake but he doesn't say what he is using. 
      As he says the Mellotron makes a great stand for a Minimoog!
>>>> 
>>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage 
      keyboard I could be tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite 
      me.

>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>
>>>

I've seen them live and they do a very good job.
 
 
In a message dated 7/9/2013 12:56:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
unobtainiumkeys@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
The 'Mellotron' sounds exactly like the real  thing?


I cannot even tell what the sound is supposed to be  - almost a cross 
between the Popol Vuh 'Choir Organ' and some sort of string  synth.










Well, I'm sure to him, it sounds exactly like the real thing.  
 
But he's unknowingly way off trying to copy Yes' Mellotron sounds.  
It seems his reference point is how they sound on Yes CDs.  If  he saw and 
played the actual Mellotrons they used, he'd have a  completely different 
reference point.  
With the exception of Fragile, those sounds were re-equalized for  use in 
the double Tron. They're modified stock sounds. 
Of course he couldn't know this, so it's understandable he'd think he had  
the perfect Mellotron emulation.
 
He deserves points for the visual part of it, but ultimately it's the  
sound that matters most. In this case, the eyes are used to fool the  ears, so 
visually - he's done a great job. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

On 16 June 2013 05:39, Mark Pring <_markpringnz@yahoo.com_ 
(mailto:markpringnz@yahoo.com) > wrote:


 
 
 
 
I found this quite interesting. The tron is fake but he doesn't say  what 
he is using. As he says the mellotron makes a great stand for a  minimoog!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjFXJM6fUyY



I  think the Minimoog is probably the only vintage keyboard I could be  
tempted to buy. The modern moogs just don't excite me.




Mark












-- 
Mike Dickson, Edinburgh