Mellotronists

mettalliccasucks wrote:

> > I would like to know how Mike Pinder got all those low notes ...
>
> I get some exceptionally  L O W  notes when the power company "load
> sheds" and drops the 120VAC to 60-80 volts.
>
> Whenever that happens the "bass tron" makes some pretty interesting
> sounds, but being afraid of encountering a dreaded whisp of black
> smoke or burning smell and having to call Martin for parts, I turn it
> off and wait until the ceiling fan is back to spinning at normal speed
> ...     Jim

___________________________________________________________


Greetings Gang,   Mike Pinder's MK-II's were upgraded to DC motor
controls in the late 1960's. Same time as release of  "ISOTLC, Threshold.....,
and To Our Children's........"

First-generation CMC4 motor-control used. Quite possible that the Tronmeister
used the centre-speed control instead of regular pitch knob to achieve those
low notes , way past the normal +/- 20% pitch variation.

Rick Wakeman did the reverse on "Tales From Topo....Oceans."
He cranked-up the CMC-10 to max, and doubled the brass/choirs on portions
of the last last two sides.  Result was a choir section sounding more like
the Three Chipmunks.....

Finally, Good 'Ol Harry incorporated a dimmer control on some Chamberlins
to give 0-100% motor-speed change.  Stable, Harry only knows......

Signed,  --Dave Seville