Mellotronists

First of all, I find it interesting that only something like 15% of 
these units are accounted for--in comparison something like 40% of M-
400's can be currently tracked. Didn't most Mellotrons go to studios 
and bands/artists anyway? It would appear the best way to track down 
a Mellotron would be to hunt down band members that had them or the 
recording studios that produced the music.

I figure that since MkII's are such cumbersome delicate machines to 
begin with; that taking them on the road & exposing them to high 
humidity in the U.K.--let alone maintaining that great uniform 
shellac sheen after 40+ years & shielding them from overall 
abuse...well, you get the picture. 

They are not like antique furniture that sits in the corner looking 
pretty for decades & encountering an occaisional dusting.

We all would LOVE a Mellotron Mark 2 as our most prized 
possession...but I wonder if I personally would be a bit too fussy 
and nervous about having one in my abode. I see myself being 
overprotective of the unit to the point where I'd be a nervous wreck-
-my house boasts puppies that chew, kids with grubby fingers, dust 
from the road out front, and other insecurities. 

Some of you have flats in skyrises. Some of you are gone for weeks. 
And who knows what other incontrollable environments threaten MkII 
longevity. I should just be satisfied with the somewaht unassuming 
appearance of the standard white issue M-400. A lot less nailbiting 
seems to occur with these units--which is probably why they came 
about in the first place.

On another note--the occaisional inclusion of Mellotron/Chamberlin 
Discoveries For The Week has been sidetracked...the summer season & 
my seasonal employment detracts from the critical listening of new 
music; but I will say that for now, the latest from Djam Karet is 
certainly a gem...certainly hints of Wind & Wuthering/Trick Of The 
Tail. Kudos to Cuneiform for keeping me on their mailing list for 
promo's, when most other college radio stations are bandwagoning on 
the instant gratification drek that clogs the airplay charts on CMJ.