Hi Frank,
I'd be interested to know if this machine sounds different to an M400 what with the different heads and amps etc? Does it sound less tronny or more like a chamerlin or just the same?
bw
John
--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> As I have finally started to dig into this machine, I have discovered that
> there is a lot to like about it. I really think that this would have been a
> great machine for a touring band, or in the studio.
>
> It's lighter than a standard Mellotron
>
> It's sturdier than a standard Mellotron
>
> It has four tracks instead of three.
> It takes any standard tape frame but uses 1/4 inch tape.
>
> Any of the four tracks can be mixed with any other in any combination
> including all four at the same time.
>
> Each track has its own separate controls for volume, EQ and panning
> left-right.
>
>
> I think it is unfortunate that this model never made it into mass
> production. I think it would have been immensely popular (for a Mellotron) if they
> hadn't gone out of vogue.
>
> It uses a standard motor as can be seen in the photos, but the capstan and
> pinch rollers are slightly smaller in diameter than a standard M-400. This
> may or may not be a design flaw. I don't know yet because it was so whacked
> when it came into the shop that it was nearly impossible to play. The
> rollers appear to be in good shape and they spin freely, but the machine was so
> filthy and poorly adjusted and the tapes are in such poor condition that
> it wasn't really very easy to play.
>
> Here are some photos for comparison to what we all know and love.
>
>
>
> This is how it looked upon arrival a while back. It's been in my shop
> since May.
>
> Here are the controls. The black buttons are on/off for each track. Pitch
> is on the left.
>
> Inside
>
> Inside the power pack. That is an SMS-3 toward the front.
>
> The keyboard frame is one giant piece of stamped aluminum.
>
> Keyboard frame with pressure pads...
>
> ...and without.
>
> Notice that the motor is not riveted. bolting a motor together is a pain
> in the ass, trust me. Each bolt has to be correctly torqued. Even the
> slightest error will cause the shaft to bind, amp draw to increase and the motor
> to burn out.
>
> I have no idea what that crap is on the flywheel, but it was a bitch to
> get off!
>
> Here is the main frame nearly torn all the way down. Also one big piece of
> stamped aluminum.
>
> Head block
>
> Close up of 4 track heads. No azimuths to adjust. Those collars are locked
> in place.
>
> The whole thing was pretty much of a filthy mess (as most are when I get
> them). Those are line out jacks on the right side of the photo
>
> See, just like every other Mellotron...
>
>
> So there you have it... A few photos exposing the "Dangerous Maytag."
>
>
> Frank
>