There are many things to list. It's best to be familiar with the
machines before buying one, but some of the items I'd probably
notice...
- Does it work and make sound? Are you starting from something that
at least runs and runs OK?
- CMC-10 (bad) vs. newer SMS motor controller (good)
- Capstan condition (gouges, chipped plating, etc), including bearings
(although bearings are relatively easy to fix)
- Condition of tapes
- Condition of pinch rollers
- Condition of motor (does it run well?)
- Condition of preamp
- Was it "bodged" by Sound Sales and in need of frame sag repair?
(The machine will eventually become harder to adjust and may be
unplayable.)
- Cosmetics, if that's important to you (although most old units are
pretty dinged up)
- Any "modifications"? (These are rare, fortunately, unless Sound
Sales got to it!)
Head wear is usually not a problem (heads are available anyway).
Everything is usually fixable, although it can be expensive (such as
purchasing a replacement for the CMC-10 or a replacement motor).
The reason it's good to "know" the machine a bit before you buy it is
because you may be looking at one that's really hard to play or has a
bunch of wobblies, and you need to know what could be causing it. It
could be simple clean up and adjustments, it could be belt tension, or
it could mean the motor controller is a CMC-10 and dying, or it could
be frame sag.
Suggest you review my web site (
http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron) and
view some of the MONEYPITs to see what goes into a refurb. Along the
way there is talk about replacing motor controllers, motors, pinch
rollers, tapes, and frame sag (although it doesn't go into how to fix
that). It should give you the ins/outs of the machines and some
hints.
Good luck!
...kl...
On Fri, Apr 17, 2009 at 5:23 PM, bnanakingg <bryce@...> wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have only heard recordings of Mellotrons, and never had the good fortune to play one, let alone own one. There is an m400 for sale in my area. It was briefly listed on eBay starting at 4k. What are some of the mechanical things I should be inspecting before purchasing? What kind of questions should I ask the current owner? Any input is helpful. Also, what are some of your opinions... Should I save my pennies for a new m4000, or is 4k a fair price for the vintage version? Thanks for all your input!
>
> Cheers,
> Bryce
> bryce@...
>
>
>
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