Don Tilman wrote...
I kind of agree.
I do think the MA Mark VI has enough major improvements to qualify as
a significant development of the instrument; the power supply, motor,
motor controller, preamp, cabinet construction, and the other features
are all great things.
I know what you're saying though -- none of those features really
changes the way the player interracts with the instrument, and the
Mark VI looks an awful lot like an M400 from a distance. Sure enough.
It was probably a business decision to build the Mark VI. I mean, in
the sense that it provides immediate product recognition, many of the
Mark VI components can perform double duty as upgrades to the M400,
many of the M400 components can serve as backup if the Mark VI
components can't be built, and it provides some manufacturing
experience before going on to other things. That sounds like a
completely reasonable business strategy to me.
But I agree that a radically new Mellotron, something along the lines
of the the JustinTron, would be an awesomely great musical instrument
to have in production.
Of course I'm just mumbling as an observer here, and I'm certainly not
speaking for Mellotron Archives or with any inside information.
-- Don"
I think that to improve the technology significantly is as it would be to build a technologically advanced "68 GTO"
Why bother?
Let's see, what could be improved?
Digital motor control board allowing advanced pitch control.
Improved motors (done)
Stereo Panning (?)
Improved optically or electronically controlled cycling
Improved keyboard control (pressure pads and rollers)
Power supply (obvious)
Standard tape width (1/2 inch?)
etc.
So what do we end up with? A really super expensive Mellotron. Is it worth it? Is there a market enough to justify it?
Frank (Bellotron 001 & 400SM #1562 & whatever else is in my shop)