Mellotronists

kenmerb@... wrote:

>  In a message dated 11/20/02 4:19:10 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> j.k.beresford@... writes:
>
>
>> Ken Merbler wrote:
>
> It's definitely not noise or anything on the tape.  I've recorded the
> sound on MP3s, and using wave editing software you can see the random
> discharge spikes in the audio signal.  Right now I have a theory that
> it's some kind of static discharge taking place along the tapes,
> between the tape heads and the rear drum.  Playing the tapes makes
> contact between the tape heads and the drum, causing the discharge.
> Only on bank #1 because there's less tape between the two, making
> discharge easier.  Multiple notes because that provides more paths for
> the discharge to occur.  I'm no electronics expert,  just trying to
> fit the symptoms to a possible cause.  Also, it *sounds* like a static
> discharge.  At least one other 'Tron owner has had a similar problem
> with static discharge (on an M400).  However, I'm not sure how to test
> this theory.
>
> I tried removing the cycling plug from the power pack and I still get
> the pops, so it's probably not related to the cycling circuitry at
> all.
>
> You may have a point about the pad assembly - I did have that off, so
> it's worth checking.  Thanks.
>
> Ken M.

Wow! I think I have the solution! MY tapes (LH keyboard, especially)
sometimes have a tendency to audibly "snap", and when I first turn it
on, there's a definite "crackle" on certain notes. Ken, you've been
reporting "pops". It's my guess that Martinge was eating his breakfast
to close to the recording gear when he was making our tapes. You know
how he loves those rice crispies...

Rick B.

Surprised that most machines don't hiccup and give off "beery" fumes...