Mellotronists

thank you everyone for the screwdriver idea and all the other thoughts. i will proceed with 
said diagnostic and return with the results forthwith! :-)
Jerry - no unfortunately you did not meet me in 2001 as i was yet to own a tron at that 
point. i have known craig collett (of coll audio) for a long time, though. we are both major 
league beach boys fans, though he seems to own more beach boys crap than i do (like 
mike love's solo album from 1981 - yecch).
-Jimbo


"Hi James, Jerry Korb in New England. Did I meet you in 2001 in Toronto
at the Mellotron Workshop ??  Anyway, let's try to sort this clicking issue
together with your MK-VI.

A regular interval sound could be either coming from A) The drive belt,
or B) Pulley/tone wheel assembly. However, these are on the lower right side.
Another possibility is bearing noise, which can come from either end of the
capstan , left or right side.

What I do is apply a "stethoscope" similar to auto-mechanics' tricks to listen
for internal engine noise.  Place a metal rod or large screwdriver tip to
either bearing block, and put your ear in contact with that piece.
Give it a try and let me know.  I'm in process of restoring four M400's here
at the moment, and had to replace bearings on one already.

RSVP and Good Luck !  -- Jerry Korb"