Mellotronists

Hi, y'all.

I am proud (and relieved) to share that tomorrow I drive to L.A. to pick up 
Mellotron Mark II #134, an early Pindertron, complete with road case with a 
faded "Moody Blues" still visible on the sides.  Some of you know how long 
and frustrating this quest has been.  The irony (if that's what it is) is 
that this may well be the same unit they used when I first saw them in 
November 1968, that day in infamy where I became hooked on Mellotrons.  It is 
almost a certainty that this is the same unit I closely inspected while the 
roadies were tearing down the gear after their show here a year later.  There 
were distinctive features to that unit that I remember to this very day.

My first thanks goes to the "Professor" Jerry Korb for giving me the lead 
that eventually led to the acquisition.  Thanks to Martin and JB for their 
advice (bet you can't wait to work on this one!).  Thanks to Ryo for his kind 
consideration, and thanks to all of you who have been supportive and empathic 
along the way.  What little room I have in my studio will be no more...and 
I'm not complaining.

I found some pretty knackered MkII's along the way whose owners wanted a 
king's ransom, sort of like the guy with the current 400 on eBay.  Martin, is 
this the one-off gold plated, sterling silver, self-cleaning, self-tuning 400 
you told me about?  If he gets $12K for it, mine deserves to sell for at 
least $15K.  Best of luck to him.  He really doesn't want to sell.  But I 
have other things to do...like prepare to take delivery of a MkII...

Frank Samagaio
San Diego CA
MkII #134 / M400 #908
author, The Mellotron Book