Thought I'd add my 2 cents worth to this discussion.
First of all, I love the new Russian choir sounds, and want to add it to my tape library, along with Rick's Tuba, and Ray Jung's wonderful fretless bass sound which I heard in Toronto last year. I already own the "classic" sounds, so these new additions are very welcome. I think that it is important to develop new sounds for the Mellotron, and I'm glad that it's being done.
I think the problem, if there is one, is cost. For an M400 owner to get three new sounds, he must buy the tapes and a new frame (unless he wants to change 35 tapes every time he want to change sounds). This combination runs around $500 or so, if my math is correct, so this could get costly. Many people are used to getting samples for much less, so paying approx.$165 (with frame) per new sound isn't cheap.
I hope to get around this problem, somewhat, with my MKII. I'm making a list of all the new sounds I want and hopefully will be able to get 18 new sounds for much less cost / sound than I would if I went the M400 / tape frame route. Of course, I paid for this privlege up front, but since I have the MKII I'm going to use it to my advantage, if possible. I've been told that swapping out that tape drum isn't a major task, so we'll see.
Whatever happened to the idea floating around for a "cycling" M400? If those were available, you could have more sounds at hand and the cost / sound ratio would be much lower than the tape frame scenario. Could you imagine having 18 sounds (or twelve or nine) at your fingertips on an M400? Better yet, a "cycling" retrofit kit for existing M400s. Then current M400 owners would have access to all the sounds they wanted. Of course, I am only dreaming here. But you asked. I'm sure that, even if one could do this, there's no guarantee of financial success for the creators. JB, I think you should work on a prototype in your spare time ;-).
I know that the cost issue isn't the only one, but it's one to consider. When you have people loading up their samplers with dozens of new sounds from a $100 CD (if they pay for it at all) vs. using a Mellotron and paying $165 (incl. frame) for ONE new sound, it's not hard to imagine why people aren't buying the new sounds. I know that 'Tronists don't necessarily play samples or appreciate them, but I think that it's a valid comparison. Also, there is probably a stronger market for "replacement" vs. "new" sounds. With many M400s being restored and repaired, there is probably a greater willingness to part with $$ to replace that old tape set (usually with classic sounds for authenticiy) than to buy the new sounds. So, people would be more price sensitive when purchasing the new sounds.
I better stop now, before I use the word "niche".
My only other suggestion is that someone, ∗please∗, get the "mothertron" back from that museum in London ;-). It doen't belong in a museum, it still has important work to do. My MKII needs tapes that actually mix sounds!
Ken M.
In a message dated 03/20/2002 5:55:33 PM Eastern Standard Time, tronbros@... writes:
Dear All,Subj:[Mellotronists] A question.........
Date:03/20/2002 5:55:33 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:tronbros@...
To:mellotronists@yahoogroups.com
Sent from the Internet
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@...
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