Mellotronists

kenmerb@... wrote:

> For those interested, Jerry and I also participated in Mellotron
> "cycling races" over the phone that day.  In this case, his MKI beat
> my MKII easily.  His MKI took 5 to 6 seconds to cycle between
> stations.  My MKII - about 26 seconds was the worst time, although it
> seems to vary depending on which direction you are going and which
> keyboard is being used.  It has also gotten significantly slower (does
> much more "inching") since I changed my tapes.  I'll have to adjust
> this someday - a future project for me.  Let's just say that it's good
> I don't have to gig with my MKII (for so many reasons).

____________________________________________________________________

Hi KM and gang,   The main differences between cycling of MK-I and MK-II

models is due to larger sprockets on drums and drive motor.  Necessary
for
more "tooth contact" on the fine links of Meccano, vs. Reynolds roller
chain
on MK-II,SFX,and M300 .

Motor speeds appear to be the same in all cycling models. JB,can you
verify,pls?
The clue which KM revealed about the long inching time is due directly
to the recent tape replacement made.  Each tape mark must be precisely
in-line
with the rotary sync switch, driven from chain/motor in rear of
instrument.
If this is offset,you might have the machine inch more in one direction
than the other.

On MK-II models,easy to adjust the "wiper" on rotary switch. I had to
slacken
the chain,loosen the switch assy. and hopefully get it spot-on when
fastening
everything again.  Another item to check KM, is drum tension. If you can
access &
loosen the 2BA nut on motor clutch,you should be able to rotate the drum

freely. A litle resistance will be encountered,due to 35 tapes and
return springs
in motion.  Something to work on when you're relocated to the Sunshine
State.
____________________________________________________________________

> Congrats, Jerry!  And never forget - the ultimate reason we work on
> these things is so that we can *play* them.  A museum is a good place
> for light bulbs, not Mellotrons.  Maybe you can get back to playing
> your Mellotrons like you did back in North Jersey, when you were in
> the band with two Mellotronists.  That should be your next project
> after Pierre's machine.- Ken M.

____________________________________________________________________

Exactly correct,KM !  Collectors of vintage/perf.  autos(not I) love to
drive them,
as well as tinker with mechanicals .  Soon, I'll change hats from
pit-crew to
test-driver on the Mellotrons.......  "That thing got a Hemi??.... SWEET
!......"

Thanks for the nice compliments,Ken. Look for photos soon.
Best Regards,  JK (dual-quad,nitrous-injected,ported/polished Mellotron
family)