On Dec 6, 2007, at 6:09 PM, Mark Pring wrote:
A hyothetical question: If someone could produce a
non mechanical sample based machine and it was not
possible to tell the difference in sound between that
and a mellotron, and it was the same price or cheaper,
which would you buy?
Admittedly this is probably not possible, but if a
sample based machine was that good I would buy one. I
sometimes get the impression that mellotrons
mechanical nature and all the problems that go with it
are actually part of its charm for a lot of owners. As
a prospective owner I think it probably is for me as
well but if there was such a machine available I think
my head would rule my heart.
All I can say, Mark, is that there's just SOMETHING about a mellotron. Play one for an hour with a good amplification set-up, and good echo and reverb, and you'll know what I'm talking about.
Martin's 100% right about the biggest knock against them being solely due to poor maintenance.
My 2 cents.
Rick