Mellotronists

On Thursday, February 19, 2004, at 06:17  pm, mark kasian wrote:

> asleep at the wheel indeed. For many years and still
> that way. It's why the MK VI has been in production
> for over 5 years..and also why the turnbuckle mold is
> in Sweden....on and on it goes.
>

FYI I have no problem with the Swedish-built 600, indeed there was a 
superb review in "Sound on Sound" of just such a machine by a very 
respected British reviewer who himself owns a Streetly rebuilt 400. He 
provided a wonderfully disinterested critique of the instrument, and 
found the build quality to be excellent. I don't think the reputation 
of the current fare from Mellotron Archives is the issue here.

I DO however have a problem with sub-standard workmanship even when it 
is 'down to a price'. If my own Streetly tron had been supplied needing 
a tooth-brace and a good dental plan then I would not have tolerated 
it, not from John and Martin, nor from anyone else supplying a new or 
reconditioned Mellotron.

I work with acoustic pianos. If a client asks me to skip an essential 
part of a restoration, then I either refuse to do any work at all to 
that piano, or convince them that the restoration is incomplete without 
that work. I'd rather lose the client than have my reputation tarnished 
by a poor instrument with a repair attributed to me. The keys on that 
ebay Mellotron were not of the standard anyone should tolerate from a 
supposedly rebuilt instrument.

As for trademark use, then my earlier diatribe was not meant to be 
anything other than a statement of fact. The Mellotron branded T-shirts 
etc highlighted in these pages may well indeed be earning Mellotron 
Archives money in royalties. Fair play. - But if they aren't, then I'm 
afraid there is little that they can do about it provided that the 
shirt manufacturers have registered that trademark themselves as a 
brand of apparel.

Finally, good luck in your quest for a real live Mellotron, Mr. 
Hofmeyer. I can't help thinking that eBay is Not The Way though!!

Best

C