Mellotronists

>does anyone have a recommendation for a specific kind of lubricant
>for rollers that don't spin as smoothly (to be purchased in USA),
>and perhaps a short procedure for the process they use?

At one of the 'tronto Symposia we used (gulp!) some kind of light oil 
similar to Hammond oil (I forget what it was---it was Martin's).  You work 
it onto the axle as best you can, and it works OK, but it kills the sleeve 
around the axle a bit more quickly than it would ordinarily---but who 
cares, the pinch roller wasn't working well anyway!

I don't know if something else, like a graphite or silicon-based lubricant, 
would be better (just watch any propellant if it's the squirt stuff--I 
don't know what the sleeve material would find intolerable and just wind up 
melting).

Then there's the Merbler Flick for those stubborn pinch rollers.  From my 
"Tronecdotes" page:

- Wobblies:  The unintentional variation in speed as a Mellotron plays a 
tape.  Results in an uneven sound.  Cure involves getting Mellotronist's 
Hunchback.  If that doesn't work, you may need to perform a procedure known 
as the Merbler Flick as part of freeing up a pinch roller that has become 
stiff.  If the pinch roller won't turn properly (has become stiff around 
the axle), douse (or submerge) the unit in alcohol for a while, especially 
around the axle.  When you remove the pinch roller assembly from its bath, 
place a suitable finger on the pinch roller and give it a flick.  Think of 
it like your middle finger resting on your thumb as you snap your 
fingers---that kind of press and flick, only very hard.  Repeat until the 
pinch roller is rolling freely.  Yes, this does work.


Ken Merbler came up with that one.  I've seen it work.  I wonder if you can 
use Windex or 409 instead of the alcohol.  It would be better on the roller 
material.

Fortunately I think new pinch rollers are going to be produced soon, if not 
already.  Check with our Fine Mellotron Part Providers.

...kl...
M400 #805 - been oiled
M400 #1037 - been flicked

** Ken Leonard - Web Table of Contents:  http://www.kleonard.com
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