Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Mellotronists

Having now delved a  bit deeper into the workings of a MKII, I stand
behind my contention of some time ago regarding the ingenious design and
robustness of these MKII machines.  They're really quite impressive and
37 years old !!!

Yes, I totally agree here.  I have a whole new appreciation for the quality built into these machines, and attention given to detail when making them.  A lot of little things, but they all add up.  Things that I didn't notice before getting under the hood.  Such as the turnbuckles, which are larger and feature actual rollers inside.  Then there's the huge brass capstan.  Also, the little pieces of felt near the tape combs, which make for a smoother ride.  The separate pressure pad assembly, which may have something to do with the light touch of the MKII keys.  There were no shortcuts taken when they built these beasts.  Most of the parts are massive, and the cabinet is sturdy, not cheaply made.  The wiring (or should I say cabling), the mechanical track selectors, the station selector buttons and the other controls, all first rate.  This must be why these things weigh so much, and have lasted so long - 37 years!.  I guess if there is an "Achilles Heel" to the MKII it is the cycling, but I'm still amazed at how it works.  And now I know how to cycle it manually in case it ever comes to that.  The built in reverb is pretty much non existent, but that can be overlooked, it sounds great without it.  The separate audio outs are there to feed your own reverb unit, allowing you to bypass the Wharfedales when needed.  I recently bought a new Demeter "studio quality" spring reverb unit for just this purpose.

Plus, the MKII just looks cool ;-).
 

Ken M.