The Mellotron Group

Hi Gary,
 
 
I'm enjoying the list today.  Lots of robust dialog.  Samplers arguably
may be more reliable but in my opinion a Mellotron has a better sound.
I've tried both in an identical setup with amps, reverb, and EQ.  Hands
down the Tron sounded better to me, particularly the 8 voice choir.
But, I've only used one particular sampler/workstation.
 
John
#911

________________________________

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Gary Brumm
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 3:50 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Mellotron film in London...


  

I believe he (Wakeman) talks about it in a Mellotron documentary he was
in.  I don't know if it is true but he certainly has distanced himself
from the instrument 

as did Tony Banks, Ian McDonald, Robert Fripp, and just about every
other successful musician responsible for the Mellotron being known.
None of them 

still use them as they are easily replaced by samplers.  Most of the
Mellotron recordings relied on playback through reverb, guitar amp,
chorus, etc. and not the direct 

sound of the instrument alone.  The Hammond/Leslie has not been
recreated successfully until the XK-1/XK-3 series bu t the Mellotron was
replaced by 

more reliable samplers long ago.  Due to its limited bandwidth (which is
what makes it sound so unique) even earlier samplers did a good job with
it.  The short 

duration of the notes certainly contributed to a style of playing that
we otherwise may have never seen.  I know I am going to get slammed for
saying such 

things so let me get this out beforehand....I love the Mellotron!  It is
responsible for getting me to listen to a more diverse selection of
music.  I didn't get on 

this list to bash it in any way....I just see the instrument as an
important part of music histor y and I am glad to see people like Frank
restoring them to "better than new"  

condition.  You can appreciate what they are without ignoring their
limitations.  I love the "sound" and appreciate the instrument that
created it....remember that 

as you pelt me with your attacks......

Cheers,

Gary

   

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 12:00 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Mellotron film in London...

  

I, for one, think the burning Mellotron story is bullshit. Wakeman made
it up because its another great Wakeman story. I believe he is even
starting to distance himself from that one.

In a message dated 9/30/2009 2:55:52 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
mike.dickson@gmail.com <mailto:mike.dickson@gmail.com>  writes:

	Personally, I'd quite like to see Rick Wakeman on a bonfire. 
	
	Not because of his Mellotron stunt, just because he's a twat.