Thanks for stepping in, Frank. I know there's a fine balance between the key adjustments. This is a generic method that Jerry and Ken showed me. I used this method to initially set up my keyboard, then fine tuned using my ears. I know the adjustments aren't exactly 3/4 turn and 1.5 turns, but it was a good starting point.
My pinch rollers are pretty new and they have made the biggest difference in ease of adjustment. One thing I didn't know about replacing them though, is that the hex nuts need to be reset. My keys were pretty tight before I reset them.
Bernie
--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> Nah... that's over-simplification. A properly working keyboard is all
> dependant on relationships. It's not just how fast you can play it, it's about
> consistency. Does each key played maximize the sound of the tape passing
> under it? Is there consistency in volume and EQ from note to note? When
> blending tracks, does the blend sound similar from note to note? Example:
> Blending strings and cello... a little more cello than strings on this key... a
> little more strings than cello on the next, and so on, all over the keyboard.
>
> It is possible to not only get an incredibly light action, but incredible
> presence and consistency from note to note, track by track, to the maximum
> capability of the recorded tape if the keyboard is set up exactly right.
> This is very subjective and the formula you show below is a compromise.
>
> Even changing frames can change playability. Different frames often have
> different amounts of friction in the 35 individual tape paths, due to spring
> tension, whether the turnbuckles are set up correctly and how much they
> rub against the separators, how well the plastic rollers spin, etc. It's all
> about friction, friction, friction.
>
> That leads me to pinch rollers. New ones are far superior to old ones. They
> grab the tape with less pressure. Pressure pads with good felt, properly
> aligned to the heads require less pressure. Friction, friction, friction.
>
> So here's a simple formula to get the most out of every frame. You need
> enough roller pressure on each key to pull the tape all the way to the end
> without loss of pitch. No more... no less. You need enough pressure from the
> pad (once properly aligned to the head) such that when a key is depressed,
> as the tape moves progressively forward, consistency of volume is
> maintained for the full time the key is depressed.
>
> As the tape gets pulled forward, the return spring tension increases.
> Especially near the end, as the turnbuckles approach the limits of their travel,
> tape tension is going to tend to lift the pressure pad a bit, causing loss
> of volume and clarity, The objective, therefore is to only apply enough
> pressure pad adjustment to keep that pad against the head until the tape is
> at the end. No more, no less.
>
> Making these adjustments means going back and forth a bit setting pad and
> corresponding roller tension for each key.
>
> These adjustments are ENTIRELY subjective, although less so on a Mellotron
> that has been properly set up by an expert. When I work on a machine, for
> me the keyboard and head block are the heart and soul of the machine. Power
> supplies, motors and preamps are easier. Component values and performance
> aren't subjective... they are measured. Keyboard setup takes hours of work.
> Head azimuths must be set first. When they re right, then you can match the
> pads to the heads.
>
> You want your Mellotron to sound and play great? Perfect it. But remember.
> Friction is the enemy. The less, the better, The less you need to pull the
> tape, the better. Old pinch rollers can not be "reconditioned". Buying new
> ones is one of the very best investments you can make.
>
> It's all about relationships.
>
> Frank
>
>
>
> In a message dated 3/19/2013 12:26:18 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Following is the method I learned from Jerry K and Ken L recently (for
> M400's only!).
>
> DISCLAIMER: This is what I remember with the remainder of my aging brain
> cells. If I've missed anything or something is unclear or illogical, please
> correct.
>
> 1. Carefully remove the L-shaped stop bar over the keys.
> 2. Adjust the hex nuts at the rear of each key so that all the keys float
> evenly and not too high.
> 3. Replace the stop bar.
>
> Then for each key:
>
> 1. Back off the pinch roller and pad screw until there is no sound and no
> tape movement.
> 2. Adjust the pinch roller screw until the tape just starts to move
> (remove the back panel so you can see the tape movement).
> 3. Adjust the pad screw until sound appears.
> 4. Adjust the pinch roller screw until the tape stalls, then turn the
> screw 1.5 turns clockwise.
> 5. Adjust the pad screw until there is no sound, then turn the screw 3/4
> turn clockwise.
> 4. Repeat steps 4 and 5.
>
> After following this procedure, I can easily and effortlessly do a
> glissando across the keyboard.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , Bruce Daily <pocotron@> wrote:
> >
> > Ummm....Ã Ã Little purple pills?
> > Ã
> > Ã
> > Ã -Bruce D.
> > Ã #1221
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: matthew meixner <ccstickleback@>
> > To: "_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) >
> > Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 11:43 AM
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] re: New Video with Mellotron Mk. VI
> >
> >
> > Ã
> >
> > Hi gang,
> > Ã
> > What is this method for improving action?Ã
> > Ã
> > Matt
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: "lsf5275@" <lsf5275@>
> > To: _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com)
> > Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 12:31 PM
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] re: New Video with Mellotron Mk. VI
> >
> > Ã
> > Well, I'm happy I could do at least something to help.
> >
> > In a message dated 3/18/2013 12:38:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > rjtr2958@ writes:
> > Ã
> > >Thanks Frank.
> > >Ã
> > >It's only fair to add that the fact that I was able to play that
> relatively fast lead line on the Mk. VI and it sounded ok was due to your tips on
> improving the action.
> > >Ã
> > >Thanks again.
> > >Ã
> > >Rick
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >________________________________
> > >From: "lsf5275@" <lsf5275@>
> > >To: _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com)
> > >Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 11:37 PM
> > >Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] re: New Video with Mellotron Mk. VI
> > >
> > >Ã
> > >Really nice Rick!
> > >
> > >Frank
> > >
> > >In a message dated 3/17/2013 1:24:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> rjtr2958@ writes:
> > >_http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QotLuE0rPs_
> (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QotLuE0rPs)
> >
>