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Subject: Re: [Mellotronists] new tron breaking tapes

From: Jerry Korb <jkorb@...>
Date: 2006-08-01

 

Matthijs Herder wrote:

 
Hi Guys,
I have just acquired a mellotron M400. The serial is probably 1111,but this can't be confirmed yet because one of the previous owners waskind enough to remove the serial-plate. But nr. 1111 is written on allotof the components, so I guess that’s it. Can anyone confirm M400 #1111being a Dutch mellotron? Or does anyone know about #1111 existing somewhereat all??
The state of the thingisn’t very good yet. It still has the old CMC10 inside, which I’ve gotto get rid of first. But there is probably more going wrong. 
I can’t play more than1 note at a time, the keys get really heavy to push when I try and fromthe 3 notes he only plays 2 (or sometimes none at all) and they sound veryuneven and squeaky. Does this have anything to do with the old motor?
Further more, I justbroke my forth tape in 3 days. They all seem to break at different places.Could their be any explanation for this, other than that the tapes areprobably as old as the machine itself?
Please help me sortthis out.   Thanx ,  Matthijs

========================================================
 

Greetings Matthijs ,     Congratulations on yourrecent Mellotron purchase!

What you describe is very obvious a Tron needing serious work.
Broken tapes most likely caused by poor adjustments to rollers/pads/keys.
CMC-10 must go,absolutely !
Motor should be removed,cleaned and lubricated. Also check for
wear/overheating from age/use.

You're located in Holland ?   Streetly and Markus willoffer full
repair/restoration services for #1111 .   Contact themdirectly for
prices and turn-around times.

If you're planning to perform some work on your own, myself and
many others on this List will gladly assist with tech-help.

Good Luck !    -- Jerry Korb at the steamy MellotronRanch in New England

P.S :   Was there ever an M400 #666 ?   Betcha I know where it is !