The Mellotron Group

On Tue, 8 Jan 2008, Mark Pring wrote:

> #1565 arrived today, I still can't believe it. To my
> inexpert eye it doesn't look too bad for a machine
> built over 30 years ago which has been in storage for
> 14 years. I will post some photos later.

please do share the pics...

> It has one broken tape spring and the track selector
> arm has come loose, the tapes look ok, I haven't
> removed the keyboard yet, there are a few electrical
> leads floating about. I don't think I would dare plug
> it in if I had a power cable which I don't, although
> I know Martin can supply one.

you should replace the a/c socket with whetever is appropriate
in your region. those bulgin plugs/jacks have been depricated
to 50 volts - they are NOT really safe to use, thought i suspect
many on the list ere still using them. it's a trivial task to
replace the socket on the power supply, and one that you need
to do regardless of any other service.

> I have realised 2 things.
>
> 1) I don't know anything about mellotrons.
> 2) By the time I get this thing working ( which I
> suspect might be a considerable time) I will.

neither did i when i got my first m400.
you have a resource that i didn't have: this list
there is more expertise concentrated here than you could buy anywhere.
use us.
yeah - we're a bunch of cranky old sods, but helpful cranky old dods.
i think i can speak for most here when i say that we all derive a lot
of pleasure helping resurrect a mellotron.

> I'll post a bit more in a few days but at the moment I
> am in still in a state of shock, all I can do is stare
> at it.
>
> Mark

'breathe deep the...' ;0)
oh never mind...

best!
jeff