Mellotron MkII shoot-from-the-hip commentary
2003-05-08 by mellotrongirl
First of all, I find it interesting that only something like 15% of these units are accounted for--in comparison something like 40% of M- 400's can be currently tracked. Didn't most Mellotrons go to studios and bands/artists anyway? It would appear the best way to track down a Mellotron would be to hunt down band members that had them or the recording studios that produced the music. I figure that since MkII's are such cumbersome delicate machines to begin with; that taking them on the road & exposing them to high humidity in the U.K.--let alone maintaining that great uniform shellac sheen after 40+ years & shielding them from overall abuse...well, you get the picture. They are not like antique furniture that sits in the corner looking pretty for decades & encountering an occaisional dusting. We all would LOVE a Mellotron Mark 2 as our most prized possession...but I wonder if I personally would be a bit too fussy and nervous about having one in my abode. I see myself being overprotective of the unit to the point where I'd be a nervous wreck- -my house boasts puppies that chew, kids with grubby fingers, dust from the road out front, and other insecurities. Some of you have flats in skyrises. Some of you are gone for weeks. And who knows what other incontrollable environments threaten MkII longevity. I should just be satisfied with the somewaht unassuming appearance of the standard white issue M-400. A lot less nailbiting seems to occur with these units--which is probably why they came about in the first place. On another note--the occaisional inclusion of Mellotron/Chamberlin Discoveries For The Week has been sidetracked...the summer season & my seasonal employment detracts from the critical listening of new music; but I will say that for now, the latest from Djam Karet is certainly a gem...certainly hints of Wind & Wuthering/Trick Of The Tail. Kudos to Cuneiform for keeping me on their mailing list for promo's, when most other college radio stations are bandwagoning on the instant gratification drek that clogs the airplay charts on CMJ.