For all of you shortsighted folks out there, let me remind you... there are many ways to solve the problems that we face in life, including problems with pinch rollers. I think we'll end up being OK in the tape department as well.
What is the point in ragging on Streetly, MA or anyone else about this? Who is being served? Some of these posts have been appalling!
In dealing with the ownership and maintenance of Mellotrons or motorcycles, one's wallet must be included in the equation. Not everyone has the resources to replace parts. Therefore rehabilitating existing ones seems a pretty good second choice to me. The object is to get the machine to play as well as it can be made to play within the financial and servicing capabilities of its owner.
So can we move on.
Frank (Mellotron owner & servicer)