>does anyone have a recommendation for a specific kind of lubricant
>for rollers that don't spin as smoothly (to be purchased in USA),
>and perhaps a short procedure for the process they use?
At one of the 'tronto Symposia we used (gulp!) some kind of light oil
similar to Hammond oil (I forget what it was---it was Martin's). You work
it onto the axle as best you can, and it works OK, but it kills the sleeve
around the axle a bit more quickly than it would ordinarily---but who
cares, the pinch roller wasn't working well anyway!
I don't know if something else, like a graphite or silicon-based lubricant,
would be better (just watch any propellant if it's the squirt stuff--I
don't know what the sleeve material would find intolerable and just wind up
melting).
Then there's the Merbler Flick for those stubborn pinch rollers. From my
"Tronecdotes" page:
- Wobblies: The unintentional variation in speed as a Mellotron plays a
tape. Results in an uneven sound. Cure involves getting Mellotronist's
Hunchback. If that doesn't work, you may need to perform a procedure known
as the Merbler Flick as part of freeing up a pinch roller that has become
stiff. If the pinch roller won't turn properly (has become stiff around
the axle), douse (or submerge) the unit in alcohol for a while, especially
around the axle. When you remove the pinch roller assembly from its bath,
place a suitable finger on the pinch roller and give it a flick. Think of
it like your middle finger resting on your thumb as you snap your
fingers---that kind of press and flick, only very hard. Repeat until the
pinch roller is rolling freely. Yes, this does work.
Ken Merbler came up with that one. I've seen it work. I wonder if you can
use Windex or 409 instead of the alcohol. It would be better on the roller
material.
Fortunately I think new pinch rollers are going to be produced soon, if not
already. Check with our Fine Mellotron Part Providers.
...kl...
M400 #805 - been oiled
M400 #1037 - been flicked
∗∗ Ken Leonard - Web Table of Contents:
http://www.kleonard.com∗∗ Get Outdoors New England:
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