my two cents -
As a Mellotron novitiate, I can say (speaking only for myself) that until I'm more comfortable with the innards of my own musical box, the concept of changing frames is still pretty daunting. I know I can do it, but it doesn't make me sweat any less in the fear of screwing up anything on this virtually irreplaceable instrument of my dreams.
I can also say that my first new tape set (this summer when I have time to clean and polish and demag and tighten and adjust and...) will be entirely traditional: 3violins/8voice choir/strawberry flute --- however, the NEXT set will probably be the mixed strings/Mk. II mixed brass/Russian choir.
I only wish I could get my hands on a functional Mk. I, Mk. II, or FX Console, so that I could get the tape set of my dreams. Won't go into that, though.
I think part of what you are looking for the answer to is that most of us who have managed to get our hands on one of these fabled beasts have been hearing the "traditional" sounds in the music that we have loved for so long, that the dream has been to be able to use those exact sounds in our own material and make them speak the emotions we want them to speak. It's not necessarily being rooted in the past, as it is in collecting the past stuff that's so near and dear and being able to satisfy that part of us, and THEN, time and finance permitting, exploring into the other worlds of Mellotronia. I shiver to think of the idea of powering my baby up and hearing NEW sounds that I've never heard before coming out of her, but even more powerful than that shiver, is the one that's caused by me FINALLY HAVING THAT FUCKIN' 8-VOICE CHOIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeez, thirty years and counting already. Let me catch up and then I'll look for some new ground, ya know?
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 4:51 PM
Subject: [Mellotronists] A question.........
Dear All,
We don't know how many people on this list have mellotrons BUT we would like a very serious answer to a very serious question: it takes a lot of effort from a lot of people with a generous and boyish enthusiasm to get stuff made, recorded, remanufactured and generally made easily available for all and sundry who enjoy being a member of the small and elitist group of Mellotron owners. However, sometimes the deafening silence to new sounds, products and technical advice makes you wonder just who is listening. A negative reaction is just as valid as a positive one as long as there is a reaction! Did anyone like the Russian Choir? Do you want new sounds or are we rooted solely in the past(this is NOT a criticism). What modifications would you like to see made available(if possible). We will be able to offer genuine copies of the original Tape Frame cases very soon if anyone would like them. Lets have some feedback on what would excite and enthuse the mellotron owners on this list so that those involved in preserving the instruments can priorortise their efforts. Thanks.
Martin
Streetly Electronics - all things MELLOTRONIC - click this link..........
US East Coast Agent: Jimmy Moore - JMoore6397@...
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Mellotronists-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.