Hi all,
Just thought it was time to reflect on what a good time this is for all of us who have an interest in, or own, Mellotrons.
I bought my M400 for £120 at a time (DX7s, big hair, shoulder-pads and Miami Vice) when the instrument was regarded as a relic, a joke or both. Streetly MkI had just folded so no information, spares or other support was available. There were no affordable samplers or Mellotron samples available either. But I had to have THAT sound, despite slogging on with a Mellotron which was already neglected and performing far below its true capabilities.
I have just received my machine back from a week's pampering at the Streetly spa, gym and salon complex. One or two members on this list may recall that my Mellotron is the guts of M400 #1380 (d.o.b. 1st May 1974) installed in a highly portable road case by myself. When I did this in 2000, I needed various items including new tapes. Because of Streetly MkII this project was actually feasible and was a great success. Earlier this year I decided to install an SMS2, but I felt that the machine could be further improved... so I let the lads loose. Result: amazing! I have a Mellotron with a ruler-flat keyboard, rock-stable pitch, an action like my Hammond and everything is in tune (I was one of the requests for 'tuned tapes'). Not cheap, but worth every penny, and the service is second to none - highly recommended. Thanks to Martin, John and Brian.
Go back to 1998, when my M400 was in bits and I was using short samples of it in a cheesy 12-bit sampler. Suddenly I find Dave Kean is there with the Pinder CD, which I had to import from Mellotron Archives in the USA. Dave was very helpful during my enquiries and ordering, and I ended up with a great virtual Mellotron which I was happy to use for the next few years. I note with interest that a second MA sample CD has been announced; I will be one of the customers when this is available. Thanks, Dave and Markus.
The point of all this rambling is that we now enjoy an incredible level of support for our cherished instrument, whether real or virtual, thanks to the efforts of all these guys, who have actually got off their arses and done things over the years, culimnating in the production of new machines! I was very happy to learn of the Streetly/MA reconciliation for this reason.
Finally I know that attachments are not kosher within this group but I couldn't resist a jpeg of my completed machine (well nearly, foam insert for me to fit under lid). It's only a VGA-resolution one anyway. Martin came up with the 'T550-ette' and I have now officially named her.
Best regards
Paul Marshall
T550-ette #1380 'Melissa' (tuned flutes, 3 violins and 8 voice choir)