Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Mellotronists

While we're dreaming up alternative mechanisms Martin once
mentioned the possibility of a cycling M400. I don't think this went
anywhere 'cause of the cost but it set me thinking about a simpler
way. You could have a standard M400/T550 with a fixed tapeframe
but with MkII style drums front and rear chained together as usual.
But instead of a cycling motor and all the complicated
electronics/wiperstiches and sensor heads etc - just have a hand-
crank geared onto the chain that sticks out the cabinet side. It
could be a fold-away type that's mounted flush with the side. All
you need then is to bring the index tape at the end up to a perspex
window in say the end cheek and have coloured markers on the
tape to tell you which station you're on. Voila! Can you tell I'm
bored today?
John