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Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Fwd: Unable to deliver your message

From: Chris Dale <unobtainiumkeys@gmail.com>
Date: 2015-11-14

"The other thing is of course, not everyone can afford or find an original. I think the discussions we have are pretty well balanced tbh."


This isn't common knowledge in this group, but years ago, back in the early 90's  I spent the time calling everyone and anyone I could think of to find a Mellotron. And I was soon able to afford an original Mellotron (my first one) by working a $10.50/hour job and literally going without eating decent meals and having a social life for a very long long time.  I sacrificed a LOT to get that machine. That's how badly I wanted one. That's how much I loved the sound and the music.

And later on, I worked as a teacher in some pretty poor areas where the classroom itself was not much better than a non air conditioned, non heated garage, (terrible in both the summer and winter) and some of the kids families were so poor they subsisted on junk food from the local convenience store. I used to go to restaurants before class and buy the kids real food, or share most of my lunch with them just so they could get through the class. 

So I don't always have a lot of sympathy when someone says 'they can't afford one'.

That's a bit of a cop out in my opinion. If someone really wants one, they'll get one. Most people today don't know what it's like to literally starve for something you want.

I guess what I'm saying is: it's either a priority or it isn't. And that hard work and perseverance always pays off.

These days the digital choices make things easier, as does the internet. We are spoiled for choice now,  but back then, it was a totally different story. 










 

On Sat, Nov 14, 2015 at 1:20 AM, Andy Kinch kinchmusic@aol.com [newmellotrongroup] <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

The problem is that if you limit the discussion to just the machines themselves, it will make a forum that is already pretty quiet at times, go to sleep for long periods. The other thing is of course, not everyone can afford or find an original. I think the discussions we have are pretty well balanced tbh.
Andy K

Sent from my iPad

On 14 Nov 2015, at 05:53, jfranmac@gmail.com [newmellotrongroup] <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Sorry, but this is getting rediculous. The point of this site WAS discussion on Mellotrons. Are we not musicians and artists? I don't understand why one would try to emulate the the emulator which failed at it's attempt but became an organic "weed" all it's own. The truth is: they all sounded/behaved differantly and that is part of the physical aspect of them. You don't just 'hear them- you drive them. Like a Hammond. Mine doesn't sound like yours- but has its unique aspects. There is nothing unique about a manufactured synthesizer/ rom playback machine- they all sound the same. There is a certain amount of spirit that comes into play here. It's the same spirit which has created some fabulous, adventurous music. I say- if you want strings or another instrument like Brass etc.- play a synth. If you want a Mellotron sound- then buy an actual tape-loaded Mellotron.:)