In a message dated 2/24/2008 1:08:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, zappaboggs@yahoo.com writes:
Hehe... that was a tongue in cheek comment... But, hey, Yes will be doing their 40th anniversary tour... Maybe you can convince Rick that this Blu-Ray tron is just the inspiration needed to actually use some legit keyboards this time around...
Well, I picked it up. As I write this, I am in a hotel in Elkton, Maryland. I was too tired to make it home.
This one easily rivals the Lazarus machine as seen on my myspace page. I ended up getting it pretty cheap. It may end up as spare parts although it is easily restorable.
Beyond fixing the cabinet, it needs a spill box and cheek blocks. The preamp may be fried as well and it needs an SMS card (I have a spare). It also needs all new pots.
The keyboard is in good shape throughout and the motor is strong. Aside from the big hole in it, the cabinet is in pretty good shape. Maybe I'll just restore the cabinet and fit a nice piece of Perspex in the hole.
I'm guessing $1,500-$1700 in parts (including a new tape frame and tapes) and a shit load of labor. It is the filthiest Mellotron I have ever seen.
I would probably replace the removable back panel because the existing one should be framed as a memento of one of the most bizarre paint jobs ever on a Mellotron.
Tomorrow night I'll post a bunch of photos of the insides and the "unique" tape looping mechanism.
Frank
Note to Andy. The photos of this one will restore your youth and vigor.