Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Mellotronists

Heh-heh ...

I remember reading in an interview that Andrew Giddings (modern-era Jethro Tull keyboardist) uses a specially-built wooden shell of a keyboard stand that is designed to look like a Hammond organ. It actually houses two Roland R-70s, which Giddings uses as master MIDI controllers. Apparently, Ian Anderson thought modern MIDI keyboards looked kinda cheesy and undignified for a classic band like Tull, and suggested the idea. I tend to agree. Ha! According to the article, it even fooled Keith Emerson, who approached the Tull keyboardist after a concert and asked: "What model Hammond is that you're using, Giddings?" :-D

It may be heretical, it may be silly, but I rather like the idea of this Tron-style controller. However, it's way overpriced, IMO. I'd like to see one made out of simple foamboard (lightweight, ridged cardboard). I think I may have even seen someone who did this in Keyboard magazine at some time... It sets up and tears down with like Velcro or something. A heck of a lot easier than hauling around a real Tron. And it's got the "Giddings coolness factor."

My friends used to put their Kuzweil in a grand piano-shaped fake cardboard shell just to look cool on stage.

All in good fun! This person just may have taken things a little too far.

Cheers,
Babz