I have a Memory-Moog synth on top ofmine (slightly Wakeman-esque, yes), so I solved not only the weight problem,but my even bigger concern of being able to open the lid without having toremove the heavy synth first. I found an old Ampeg amp dolly I'd had, that fitsperfectly between the Mellotron skids, turned the 2 fixed castors on it so theywent sideways instead of lengthwise. It's JUST high enough to lift theMellotron very slightly, so it rolls front-to-back perfectly, and still remains nicely stable and balanced.
Then I built a simple 3-board(3/4x12) pine frame/stand, just high and wide enough to straddle the Mellotron on thedolly, braced in the rear with one crosspiece positioned to clear the plugs on theback of the 'tron. I stained it a dark cherry, if I rememberright, to somewhat match the wood on both the Memory-Moog and the adjacentMini-Moog. Now, any time I want to get into the Mellotron, Ijust move the swell pedals and pull 'er straight out. Works like a charm! If you feel the stand is a little narrow to be secure (mine's 12" deep),you can attach it to a wall behind it in any preferred way. It's not onlypractical, but looks great, too! The stand barely even shows; it looks like theMemory-Moog's just floating slightly over the Mellotron.
I've attached a photo in which youcan see just the edge of the dolly under the Mellotron, and a bit of the rightend of the Memory-Moog stand, under the Mini.
It's an afternoon project, maybe shorter-timeand prettier-looking for those good with woodworking, and it works.
Cheers, & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Berington
Berington Van Campen
Van Campen Productions / V.C.MusiCorp Scoring Services / Sessions
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