Mellotronists

On Apr 23, 2005, at 8:55 AM, Andy Thompson wrote:

>  I've got a C3
> (unsplit!)/122 combination lined up from a friend who's selling them. 
> Next
> time I'll insist they go too.
>
Lucky you! They are very fine instruments and ultra reliable. I've 
often wondered why C3s are seen far more often then their B cousins in 
Europe. You see very few Cs on this side of the Atlantic. They're both 
abominably heavy, of course, but the Cs even more so. Because of the 
legs, the B3s are actually easier to carry, assuming you have four 
people. Yes, your bandmates will certainly complain about it, but like 
a mellotron, there ain't no substitute for the real thing...

Also, I knew you weren't being "pissy" with me! ;) I've been on a bit 
of a crusade lately with people who knock the mellotron as being 
"unreliable" when what is actually the case is that they're poorly 
maintained. And of course, when someone of "import" makes those kinds 
of statements, it's believed by the great unwashed multitudes. (Need I 
mention Mssrs Wakeman and Banks?) In Wakeman's case, I'm convinced his 
road crew knocked his trons more than necessary just to piss him off. 
The only keyboard I've owned that outshines my mellotron for 
reliability is my B3, and I've actually heard keyboard players complain 
about having to oil them once a year AND replace tubes -- valves for 
you Limeys ;) -- now and then.

Rick