Mellotronists

Bernie Kornowicz wrote:
>
> Congratulations!! Is this the same one you've been waiting on for 
who knows how long?
> 
> Bernie
> 
> 


It's a long story but since you ask.....

Back about 1988 or '90, I decided to ask about to see if there was 
perchance a 'tron somewhere in Utah to sate my ten-plus-year-old 
interest in this unique keyboard.  From my inquiries, I was 
introduced to a fellow who runs a store a few miles north of SLC who 
had a M400 "in a road case in the back room".  Over the next decade 
or so, I pestered him plenty (bless his soul) and with the advent of 
the internet, I did my research.  In the spring of 2002, I was able 
to see #574 for the first time.  Earlier this summer the owner of the 
shop informed me the owner of the 'tron was considering selling and 
that sale was finalized last night.  Two hours later, #574 was at it's
new home and being carefully scrutinized prior to doing anything.  I 
had looked it over very closely several months ago to get an idea of 
it's condition but this time it was with a camera with an eye towards 
what it will take to prepare it for the "big ol' firing it up" 
party.  

It's remarkably clean but not overly surprising as it has been stored 
for over 15 years and reasonalby well-maintained before that.  I'll 
be spending the next two or three weeks re-reading the information 
posted by our resident experts on what to look for, what to expect, 
and what to do (or not to do!) with photo-documentation along the 
way.  Wish me luck!  The thrill of the hunt is over and its time for 
the next part of the journey to begin. 

FS. Weller
M400S #574 (still proudly sporting its CMC-10!)