Mellotronists

john barrick wrote:

> Hi all,
> in the process of cleaning up my keyboard and pinch rollers, I've
> noticed that on some of the keys, both screws that hold the pinch roller
> assembly to the underside of the key have washers placed on them, while
> on other keys, only the screw nearest the pinch roller has a washer on
> it.  Should all the screws used to attach the pinch roller have washers?
>
> Thanks, -  john

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Greetings John and all,    Welcome to Keyboards-101 !
While some of us are "pros" at this, it's only because we've "mellowed"
from "light to medium amber."  After a while, all your efforts will yield
"sweet success."

Black keys are secured  with 2 washers/screws .    White keys with one
washer/screw combo. Other screw is tapped into the wood w/o washer.
Reason : To permit more "flex" of the longer key assy.


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>
>
> PS - I've also lost some of the felt that cushions the adjustment screws
> for pinch roller and pressure pad tension.  Can I use any kind of felt
> to replace this or does it have to be something special?  If so, what
> should I get?

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I generally use piano felt , avail online.  KL and I saw one Tron which
was fitted with "Brillo pads" or sumpin' like that, Yechhhh !
Those same piano felt suppliers can also provide little 3/8" squares for
the tops/bottoms of pressure pads.  You should make sure that the
pad surface is flat as   a  "pancake" , w. resp. to head surface.
If not, your notes will sound "granulated". Should sound as sweet as sugar
with as rapid a response your hands will permit.

Ken/Jimmy Moto/I personally saw Pierre "test-drive" Larry Fast's
"Synertron" in July-2004 here at the M-Ranch, before it was returned to its
owner.  The M400 responded excellently to Pierre's lightning quick
performance.   .....So much for "they're hard to play"  MYTHBUSTED !

After you're done John, you can sit back with a glass of  "Chardon"nay ,
enjoy bits of cheddar (don't forget to cut the cheese first ) and feel proud
of your accomplishments. Maybe we Tronnists are more of the
Guinness persuasion.

Cheers, -- Jerry Korb  at the M-Ranch ( w. embedded sense of humor)