Mellotronists

Heh-heh ...

I remember reading in an interview that Andrew Giddings (modern-era Jethro Tull keyboardist) uses a specially-built wooden shell of a keyboard stand that is designed to look like a Hammond organ.  It actually houses two Roland R-70s, which Giddings uses as master MIDI controllers.  Apparently, Ian Anderson thought modern MIDI keyboards looked kinda cheesy and undignified for a classic band like Tull, and suggested the idea.  I tend to agree.  Ha!  According to the article, it even fooled Keith Emerson, who approached the Tull keyboardist  after a concert and asked: "What model Hammond is that you're using, Giddings?"  :-D

It may be heretical, it may be silly, but I rather like the idea of this Tron-style controller.  However, it's way overpriced, IMO.  I'd like to see one made out of simple foamboard (lightweight, ridged cardboard).  I think I may have even seen someone who did this in Keyboard magazine at some time...  It sets up and tears down with like Velcro or something.  A heck of a lot easier than hauling around a real Tron.  And it's got the "Giddings coolness factor."

My friends used to put their Kuzweil in a grand piano-shaped fake cardboard shell just to look cool on stage.

All in good fun!  This person just may have taken things a little too far.

Cheers,
Babz