Well Richard, this may be true for you, but that does not mean it's true for the rest of us.
Some of us here have multiple Mellotrons, Chamberlins (and even Orchestrons and Birotrons) and unfortunately many of those sounds won't be present in any digital product anytime soon (possibly ever).
It's not just about the sound, it's about the experience of playing an original classic keyboard that's been well engineered, and exists as a form of art and craftsmanship, and has a direct lineage to some of the greatest music ever created.
And it's also about ideas - what you'll come up with as a composer and musician when in front of a machine that's has 'movement' , 'heritage' , 'character' , 'unpredictability' (as opposed to sitting before any ubiquitous software based object that is rendered less metaphysically interesting when you include everyday computers, smart phones, touchscreens, remote controls, etc.)
Yes, the M4000D, M4000mini, Memotron, MTron etc. ARE GREAT TOOLS to have as an option. There's no disputing that.
In the interests of convenience, and reliability I would certainly use them as a live 'complement' to the existing machines, but never as a 'replacement.' That's just my personal preference.
Personally speaking, if I'm playing Yes music, why would I use a software emulation of Rick Wakeman's old Mellotron when I can actually use Rick Wakeman's old Mellotron? Especially after all the slaving away I put into fixing it?
Your argument that the sound is 'just as good if not better' is nullified by the laws of physics. And it's a tired, stupid, and childish argument to have. We all hear things differently.
I think Markus and Streetly would admit that simple truth, even though they both have stakes in selling their digital counterparts, and ironically, may even depend on that market to keep the original tape machines going. Nothing wrong with that.
And you forget something - seeing a Mellotron or Hammond B3, Moog Modular, etc. is part of the 'show'. It's has 'presence' and is visually stunning, and is there to make the show visually interesting as well as add sound (and quality) to something. It's a nice change from seeing a bunch of boring T stands with keyboards on them surrounded by bimbettes who can't dance or sing.
Also has it occurred to you that Markus still makes and supports the MK VI because the M4000D is NOT a replacement for it?
Has it occurred to you that Streetly still makes and supports the M4000 because it's NOT a replacement for a Memotron, or the3000App?
Why does Markus make the MK VI Mellotron at all?
Why does Streetly make the M4000 Mellotron at all?
Why do people buy the new Mellotrons at all?
Why do people pay $12,000+ for an M series Chamberlin? Or obscene amounts for the other aforementioned instruments?
Maybe it's not just about convenience. Maybe people want something more. Maybe it's beyond your ability to understand, (or even worse - appreciate).
The idea that everything in the past is obsolete and must now be replaced with a convenient, computerized version is a lame and ignorant symptom of mindless cultural conditioning. With that kind of thinking, you're doomed to spend money you don't have, on things you don't need, at prices you can't afford, for a life you'll never be satisfied with.
Well go on and think that, but don't come on here telling me or others what we should do, especially when this is a
MELLOTRON USERS GROUP,
and NOT a software/emulation users group.
Who are you to say what people should do or shouldn't do, or what's asinine and what isn't?
I don't condemn others for any choices they make. It's up to each person to choose what's personally good for them.
TO EACH HIS OWN.
Don't be an ignorant sod to nitpick over differences.
All you do is piss people off and show what a f∗∗∗ing asshole you're capable of being.
You made your point quite tactlessly, only BECAUSE you are leaving.
Your 'armchair soldier behind the computer' status rather negates your point.
Well, if you don't like what we do here, please leave.
F∗∗∗ off, and good riddance.
Go bother someone else.
By the way, if I was Markus, I'd be so insulted by the odious way you've cheapened his name and cheapened his product to make your point, that I'd never sell anything to you even if you had the money. Your character is flawed - not by what you said - but by the way you said it. Your 'game show host' style in making your point, ironically sells utter ignorance, and conversely - discredits Markus hard work.
I hope Markus eternally ignores you (for his own sake)
Shame on you.
Good Riddance 'Rich-Tard'. (You've earned that name).
After having been part of this group. And now leaving, Just saying having a real mellotron is stupid and not worth the money. You will enjoy it for 10 minutes. People selling for them for $4000, stripped, not original, no tapes, how absurd.
And then crying how it really is worth $4000. What a laugh.
Get a 4000D from Markus and call it a day. Get a 4000 mini from Markus (Mellotron)and call it a day. Get these new emulators and call it a day. They are just as good if not better. Carrying around a a real Mellotron to play out now-o-days is as good as carrying around a Hammond B3 and is just as asinine. Why not just carry around a grand or even better a baby grand to play out with. No benefit in the studio either. NONE.