The Mellotron Group

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Murray Anderson <mca@...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone
>
> > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue
> > M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
>
> I hope that mentioning this is not against list policy: my collection of
> vintage synths, including Mellotron M-400S, ARP 2600, Roland VP-330 vocoder,
> and more are on their way to England. Presuming they are OK after the
> journey (they'll be checked and if necessary serviced on arrival), they are
> scheduled for the Vemia auction April 7-14. So maybe you'll be able to get
> one for less than a new M4000!
>
> I'll post a link to some photo's of them on the studio's website in the next
> few days.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Murray
>
> Murray Anderson
> Milestone Studios
> 21 Bloem Street
> Cape Town 8001
> South Africa
>
> http://www.milestones.co.za
> Tel: +27 (0)21-424 6000
> Fax: +27 (0)86-628 7618
>

Not that I know anything, but why not use the mellotron sample disc a midi keyboard and a laptop, you probably have the laptop and keyboard already. That will probably sound better than the M4000D. Failing that the same combination and M-Tron ( this will be even cheaper ) which will sound as good as a memotron. If you have an ipad the M4000 app.

I cannot understand why anyone would fork out $2000 for something which just looks a bit like a mellotron and isn't.

But then again I don't much about it.

Mark

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Murray Anderson <mca@...> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone
>
> > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue
> > M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
>
> I hope that mentioning this is not against list policy: my collection of
> vintage synths, including Mellotron M-400S, ARP 2600, Roland VP-330 vocoder,
> and more are on their way to England. Presuming they are OK after the
> journey (they'll be checked and if necessary serviced on arrival), they are
> scheduled for the Vemia auction April 7-14. So maybe you'll be able to get
> one for less than a new M4000!
>
> I'll post a link to some photo's of them on the studio's website in the next
> few days.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Murray
>
> Murray Anderson
> Milestone Studios
> 21 Bloem Street
> Cape Town 8001
> South Africa
>
> http://www.milestones.co.za
> Tel: +27 (0)21-424 6000
> Fax: +27 (0)86-628 7618
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
>
> The Mtron sounds more like a 'tron than any other device, program or objet d'art with the new Streetly Tapes, other than a real M400 so there!
>
> M
>
> mellotronics.co.uk
>
>
>
> On 19 Feb 2012, at 17:47, "mellotronmadness" <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> > Not that I know anything, but why not use the mellotron sample disc a midi keyboard and a laptop, you probably have the laptop and keyboard already. That will probably sound better than the M4000D. Failing that the same combination and M-Tron ( this will be even cheaper ) which will sound as good as a memotron. If you have an ipad the M4000 app.
> >
> > I cannot understand why anyone would fork out $2000 for something which just looks a bit like a mellotron and isn't.
> >
> > But then again I don't much about it.
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Murray Anderson <mca@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi everyone
> > >
> > > > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue
> > > > M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> > >
> > > I hope that mentioning this is not against list policy: my collection of
> > > vintage synths, including Mellotron M-400S, ARP 2600, Roland VP-330 vocoder,
> > > and more are on their way to England. Presuming they are OK after the
> > > journey (they'll be checked and if necessary serviced on arrival), they are
> > > scheduled for the Vemia auction April 7-14. So maybe you'll be able to get
> > > one for less than a new M4000!
> > >
> > > I'll post a link to some photo's of them on the studio's website in the next
> > > few days.
> > >
> > > Kind regards
> > >
> > > Murray
> > >
> > > Murray Anderson
> > > Milestone Studios
> > > 21 Bloem Street
> > > Cape Town 8001
> > > South Africa
> > >
> > > http://www.milestones.co.za
> > > Tel: +27 (0)21-424 6000
> > > Fax: +27 (0)86-628 7618
> > >
> >
> >
>

On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 11:08 AM, mkmellotron <mkmellotron@yahoo.gr> wrote:

greatings from Greece
i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance

ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!

--

"All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."

Louis Armstrong

Gino Wong Birgelo

BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC

Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design

Ginowong@gmail.com

greatings from Greece
i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance

ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!



No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1411 / Virus Database: 2092/4766 - Release Date: 01/25/12
Internal Virus Database is out of date.

I believe you, Martin. Although my samples of #1565 sound incredibly like #1565. I don't understand why anybody cares what an instrument looks like, the sound is everything to me.

Mark

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, tronbros <tronbros@...> wrote:
>
> The Mtron sounds more like a 'tron than any other device, program or objet d'art with the new Streetly Tapes, other than a real M400 so there!
>
> M
>
> mellotronics.co.uk
>
>
>
> On 19 Feb 2012, at 17:47, "mellotronmadness" <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> > Not that I know anything, but why not use the mellotron sample disc a midi keyboard and a laptop, you probably have the laptop and keyboard already. That will probably sound better than the M4000D. Failing that the same combination and M-Tron ( this will be even cheaper ) which will sound as good as a memotron. If you have an ipad the M4000 app.
> >
> > I cannot understand why anyone would fork out $2000 for something which just looks a bit like a mellotron and isn't.
> >
> > But then again I don't much about it.
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Murray Anderson <mca@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi everyone
> > >
> > > > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue
> > > > M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> > >
> > > I hope that mentioning this is not against list policy: my collection of
> > > vintage synths, including Mellotron M-400S, ARP 2600, Roland VP-330 vocoder,
> > > and more are on their way to England. Presuming they are OK after the
> > > journey (they'll be checked and if necessary serviced on arrival), they are
> > > scheduled for the Vemia auction April 7-14. So maybe you'll be able to get
> > > one for less than a new M4000!
> > >
> > > I'll post a link to some photo's of them on the studio's website in the next
> > > few days.
> > >
> > > Kind regards
> > >
> > > Murray
> > >
> > > Murray Anderson
> > > Milestone Studios
> > > 21 Bloem Street
> > > Cape Town 8001
> > > South Africa
> > >
> > > http://www.milestones.co.za
> > > Tel: +27 (0)21-424 6000
> > > Fax: +27 (0)86-628 7618
> > >
> >
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> That's ridiculous Gino ....most every M4000D review has been staggering in its praise. I will most likely make the Streetly samples my next "Mellotron" type purchase
> due to price but the M4000D had done to the Mellotron what the Ventilator has tone for the 122 Leslie....for all practical purposes it has replaced it. I think the
> Streetly group are wonderful people and put a lot of care into every machine they builb but you can't ignore the reality that the day has come that these tape machines
> have been relegated to collectors and enthusiasts and the season of the tape machine has past as a mainstream instrument for the sounds it produces. We all like the
> Streetly group and this is meant with no disrespect at all...just an observation that is hard to deny and I am sure it has not been lost on Streetly. If tape machine sales
> were still "booming" I doubt they would be selling samples and iPhone apps. Now I am sure I will be lambasted by the hard core tape guys but understand I am here
> because of the tape machines and my lifelong interest in them so please keep that in mind before slinging the dung.
>
> Lock & Load!
>
> Gary
>
>
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of gino wong
> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:37 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] need opinions for making a mellotron choice
>
>
> Don't get me started on a 4000D. I know people who are full time working musicians who's records we have all bought and it is regarded as adirty oppurtunistic fake, like a guitar with Gribson or Pender on the headstock, there were such things.
> If you can't afford a real Mellotron then don't bother buying an ersatrz device.. get a laptop or a sampler, theat plays Streetly approved samples. I have a Melotron and a computer and a sampler but I have felt no need for a thing that replicates a common thing like sample playback. If there was anything about these machines that made them special in termsof functionality I would not hesitate to reccomend.EG : I can't find a anything that repliactes my Crumar Performer.
>
> A VST playback module like the Muse would be what I would buy
>
> Look up the gear approach used by Radio Massacre International. A stripped down sampler with good samplesin a solid easy to maintain hardware shell and power sypply that demands no work to replace .is a great thing.
> On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 11:08 AM, mkmellotron <mkmellotron@...<mailto:mkmellotron@...>> wrote:
>
>
> greatings from Greece
> i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
> Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance
>
> ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!
>
>
>
> --
> "All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."
> Louis Armstrong
>
>
> Gino Wong Birgelo
> BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC
> Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design
>
> Ginowong@...<mailto:Ginowong@...>
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "mellotronmadness" <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
> I've never understood the expression "lock and load", I don't know much about guns either, but wouldn't you have to load first?
>
> Yours pedantically
>
> Mark
>
> PS much as I love the mellotron you are probably right, sadly it will only persist as a curiosity, however I think mellotrons will still be played after the dedicated sample players are forgotten, if you are using a sample player why restict yourself to one set of samples and pay way over the odds for it?
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@> wrote:
> >
> > That's ridiculous Gino ....most every M4000D review has been staggering in its praise. I will most likely make the Streetly samples my next "Mellotron" type purchase
> > due to price but the M4000D had done to the Mellotron what the Ventilator has tone for the 122 Leslie....for all practical purposes it has replaced it. I think the
> > Streetly group are wonderful people and put a lot of care into every machine they builb but you can't ignore the reality that the day has come that these tape machines
> > have been relegated to collectors and enthusiasts and the season of the tape machine has past as a mainstream instrument for the sounds it produces. We all like the
> > Streetly group and this is meant with no disrespect at all...just an observation that is hard to deny and I am sure it has not been lost on Streetly. If tape machine sales
> > were still "booming" I doubt they would be selling samples and iPhone apps. Now I am sure I will be lambasted by the hard core tape guys but understand I am here
> > because of the tape machines and my lifelong interest in them so please keep that in mind before slinging the dung.
> >
> > Lock & Load!
> >
> > Gary
> >
> >
> >
> > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of gino wong
> > Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:37 AM
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] need opinions for making a mellotron choice
> >
> >
> > Don't get me started on a 4000D. I know people who are full time working musicians who's records we have all bought and it is regarded as adirty oppurtunistic fake, like a guitar with Gribson or Pender on the headstock, there were such things.
> > If you can't afford a real Mellotron then don't bother buying an ersatrz device.. get a laptop or a sampler, theat plays Streetly approved samples. I have a Melotron and a computer and a sampler but I have felt no need for a thing that replicates a common thing like sample playback. If there was anything about these machines that made them special in termsof functionality I would not hesitate to reccomend.EG : I can't find a anything that repliactes my Crumar Performer.
> >
> > A VST playback module like the Muse would be what I would buy
> >
> > Look up the gear approach used by Radio Massacre International. A stripped down sampler with good samplesin a solid easy to maintain hardware shell and power sypply that demands no work to replace .is a great thing.
> > On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 11:08 AM, mkmellotron <mkmellotron@<mailto:mkmellotron@>> wrote:
> >
> >
> > greatings from Greece
> > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> > So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
> > Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance
> >
> > ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > "All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."
> > Louis Armstrong
> >
> >
> > Gino Wong Birgelo
> > BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC
> > Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design
> >
> > Ginowong@<mailto:Ginowong@>
> >
>

Very true Mike, I do look forward to getting the Streetly samples because I am sure they will be painstaking tin their reproduction.

I do wish they would make the in other formats besides the M-tron. Although I have a M-tron Pro I would rather use the samples

in one of my Kurzweils or other samplers so I didn’t have to use a laptop if I wanted to plat them live. Oh well maybe someday.

I could sample the M-tron into the Kurzweil but it would be nice to have native files to work with.

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Dickson
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:23 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a mellotron choice

There is a big difference between 'low quality' samples and 'low grade' samples. I know it has been said before, but most samples are bloody awful because of the 'creative liberties' taken with the original sounds, ie normalisation, tuning, noise reduction etc. I recorded the 3-violins from #996 warts and all and programmed it into a sampler and I can absolutely guarantee you that there is no way this side of a miracle you could tell it from the real deal. Comparing that to what M-Tron first produced and you have to wonder what they were even thinking about. I haven't had the chance to see or feel the latest batch but they sound a lot better, it must be said.

I'm absolutely certain that one day Mellotrons will turn no more, but given that it's that sound that we are after you realise that the instrument is only the medium for the noise that it makes. As long as the sound is captured somewhere and can be reproduced by whatever means then it will be around for years and years yet.

Mike

Interesting! Our take is that mellotrons will always be wanted but not in great numbers. We don't need great numbers to survive and are a lean enough operation to continue with the current trend. Indeed, it is in every mellotron owner's interest that we do continue because you will always be able to restore a mechanical machine long after chipsets have come and gone. The old comparison stands up: Steinway grands are still being made but you can get umpteen boxes and sample sets that come extremely close to the real deal. What they don't offer is the interaction, they just offer the sound and one day they will die and not be worth tinkering with. Our excursion into software is that we have decided to exploit our archive, not having put out any form of samples other that on mellotron tapes in the past 15 years of our current incarnation. We will not, however, be manufacturing a digital keyboard in the near future as we've discovered you can't mill, drill, press, bend or turn dsp chips!

Best,

Martin

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 21:31, Gary Brumm <gabru@comsec.net> wrote:

Very true Mike, I do look forward to getting the Streetly samples because I am sure they will be painstaking tin their reproduction.

I do wish they would make the in other formats besides the M-tron. Although I have a M-tron Pro I would rather use the samples

in one of my Kurzweils or other samplers so I didn’t have to use a laptop if I wanted to plat them live. Oh well maybe someday.

I could sample the M-tron into the Kurzweil but it would be nice to have native files to work with.

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Dickson
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:23 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a mellotron choice

There is a big difference between 'low quality' samples and 'low grade' samples. I know it has been said before, but most samples are bloody awful because of the 'creative liberties' taken with the original sounds, ie normalisation, tuning, noise reduction etc. I recorded the 3-violins from #996 warts and all and programmed it into a sampler and I can absolutely guarantee you that there is no way this side of a miracle you could tell it from the real deal. Comparing that to what M-Tron first produced and you have to wonder what they were even thinking about. I haven't had the chance to see or feel the latest batch but they sound a lot better, it must be said.

I'm absolutely certain that one day Mellotrons will turn no more, but given that it's that sound that we are after you realise that the instrument is only the medium for the noise that it makes. As long as the sound is captured somewhere and can be reproduced by whatever means then it will be around for years and years yet.

Mike

On 19 Feb 2012, at 22:15, Mike Kechagias <mkmellotron@yahoo.gr> wrote:

> you dont need great numbers because its one of the machines is costing a small fortune..
> but great work i really admire it

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> From your point as a player, perhaps, but after processing (which most Mellotron laden music has in it) the end result (sound) of the song is the same.
> You are looking at it through the eyes of someone with a great appreciation of the instruments history, which is fine. Most everyone
> here on this list shares that or we wouldn't be here. But in the world of recorded and (especially) live music the original instrument is
> no longer required (or sought after) to get "that sound" and in fact the sound has long survived the original instrument that produced it. This says nothing
> to diminish the original and this group is a testament to that. Quite the opposite, the Mellotron rightly deserves its place in the hall of fame for
> instruments that influenced generations of music. I am glad #500 came back into your life....if you were in California you could marry it! :)
>
> Cheers,
>
> Gary
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tron400
> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:05 PM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a mellotron choice
>
>
>
>
> Before I reacquired #500, I went for 25 years without a Mellotron. Then I bought a keyboard that had Mellotron samples and I was in heaven. Over the years, I picked up samples from many sources, both commercial and non-commercial. Life was good. Then #500 came back into my life and suddenly I realized why samples will only ever come in second place. I can appreciate the effort that went into the design and creation of the M4000D and the effort to make it as much like a real Mellotron as possible. I've never played one, but in my mind it could never be a Mellotron. A painting or a photograph of a beautiful scene can never capture the spirit of the actual scene.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, "mellotronmadness" <markpringnz@<mailto:markpringnz@>> wrote:
> >
> > I've never understood the expression "lock and load", I don't know much about guns either, but wouldn't you have to load first?
> >
> > Yours pedantically
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > PS much as I love the mellotron you are probably right, sadly it will only persist as a curiosity, however I think mellotrons will still be played after the dedicated sample players are forgotten, if you are using a sample player why restict yourself to one set of samples and pay way over the odds for it?
> >
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, Gary Brumm <gabru@> wrote:
> > >
> > > That's ridiculous Gino ....most every M4000D review has been staggering in its praise. I will most likely make the Streetly samples my next "Mellotron" type purchase
> > > due to price but the M4000D had done to the Mellotron what the Ventilator has tone for the 122 Leslie....for all practical purposes it has replaced it. I think the
> > > Streetly group are wonderful people and put a lot of care into every machine they builb but you can't ignore the reality that the day has come that these tape machines
> > > have been relegated to collectors and enthusiasts and the season of the tape machine has past as a mainstream instrument for the sounds it produces. We all like the
> > > Streetly group and this is meant with no disrespect at all...just an observation that is hard to deny and I am sure it has not been lost on Streetly. If tape machine sales
> > > were still "booming" I doubt they would be selling samples and iPhone apps. Now I am sure I will be lambasted by the hard core tape guys but understand I am here
> > > because of the tape machines and my lifelong interest in them so please keep that in mind before slinging the dung.
> > >
> > > Lock & Load!
> > >
> > > Gary
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of gino wong
> > > Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:37 AM
> > > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] need opinions for making a mellotron choice
> > >
> > >
> > > Don't get me started on a 4000D. I know people who are full time working musicians who's records we have all bought and it is regarded as adirty oppurtunistic fake, like a guitar with Gribson or Pender on the headstock, there were such things.
> > > If you can't afford a real Mellotron then don't bother buying an ersatrz device.. get a laptop or a sampler, theat plays Streetly approved samples. I have a Melotron and a computer and a sampler but I have felt no need for a thing that replicates a common thing like sample playback. If there was anything about these machines that made them special in termsof functionality I would not hesitate to reccomend.EG : I can't find a anything that repliactes my Crumar Performer.
> > >
> > > A VST playback module like the Muse would be what I would buy
> > >
> > > Look up the gear approach used by Radio Massacre International. A stripped down sampler with good samplesin a solid easy to maintain hardware shell and power sypply that demands no work to replace .is a great thing.
> > > On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 11:08 AM, mkmellotron <mkmellotron@<mailto:mkmellotron@>> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > greatings from Greece
> > > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> > > So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
> > > Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance
> > >
> > > ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > "All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."
> > > Louis Armstrong
> > >
> > >
> > > Gino Wong Birgelo
> > > BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC
> > > Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design
> > >
> > > Ginowong@<mailto:Ginowong@>
> > >
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> Very true Mike, I do look forward to getting the Streetly samples because I am sure they will be painstaking tin their reproduction.
> I do wish they would make the in other formats besides the M-tron. Although I have a M-tron Pro I would rather use the samples
> in one of my Kurzweils or other samplers so I didn't have to use a laptop if I wanted to plat them live. Oh well maybe someday.
> I could sample the M-tron into the Kurzweil but it would be nice to have native files to work with.
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Dickson
> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:23 PM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a mellotron choice
>
>
>
> There is a big difference between 'low quality' samples and 'low grade' samples. I know it has been said before, but most samples are bloody awful because of the 'creative liberties' taken with the original sounds, ie normalisation, tuning, noise reduction etc. I recorded the 3-violins from #996 warts and all and programmed it into a sampler and I can absolutely guarantee you that there is no way this side of a miracle you could tell it from the real deal. Comparing that to what M-Tron first produced and you have to wonder what they were even thinking about. I haven't had the chance to see or feel the latest batch but they sound a lot better, it must be said.
>
> I'm absolutely certain that one day Mellotrons will turn no more, but given that it's that sound that we are after you realise that the instrument is only the medium for the noise that it makes. As long as the sound is captured somewhere and can be reproduced by whatever means then it will be around for years and years yet.
>
> Mike
>

I think the Streetly guys understand that keeping the samples in a proprietary format will lessen the chances of software piracy.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> Very true Mike, I do look forward to getting the Streetly samples because I am sure they will be painstaking tin their reproduction.
> I do wish they would make the in other formats besides the M-tron. Although I have a M-tron Pro I would rather use the samples
> in one of my Kurzweils or other samplers so I didn't have to use a laptop if I wanted to plat them live. Oh well maybe someday.
> I could sample the M-tron into the Kurzweil but it would be nice to have native files to work with.
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mike Dickson
> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 1:23 PM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a mellotron choice
>
>
>
> There is a big difference between 'low quality' samples and 'low grade' samples. I know it has been said before, but most samples are bloody awful because of the 'creative liberties' taken with the original sounds, ie normalisation, tuning, noise reduction etc. I recorded the 3-violins from #996 warts and all and programmed it into a sampler and I can absolutely guarantee you that there is no way this side of a miracle you could tell it from the real deal. Comparing that to what M-Tron first produced and you have to wonder what they were even thinking about. I haven't had the chance to see or feel the latest batch but they sound a lot better, it must be said.
>
> I'm absolutely certain that one day Mellotrons will turn no more, but given that it's that sound that we are after you realise that the instrument is only the medium for the noise that it makes. As long as the sound is captured somewhere and can be reproduced by whatever means then it will be around for years and years yet.
>
> Mike
>

The Mtron sounds more like a 'tron than any other device, program or objet d'art with the new Streetly Tapes, other than a real M400 so there!

M

Don't get me started on a 4000D. I know people who are full time working musicians who's records we have all bought and it is regarded as adirty oppurtunistic fake, like a guitar with Gribson or Pender on the headstock, there were such things.

If you can't afford a real Mellotron then don't bother buying an ersatrz device.. get a laptop or a sampler, theat plays Streetly approved samples. I have a Melotron and a computer and a sampler but I have felt no need for a thing that replicates a common thing like sample playback. If there was anything about these machines that made them special in termsof functionality I would not hesitate to reccomend.EG : I can't find a anything that repliactes my Crumar Performer.

A VST playback module like the Muse would be what I would buy

Look up the gear approach used by Radio Massacre International. A stripped down sampler with good samplesin a solid easy to maintain hardware shell and power sypply that demands no work to replace .is a great thing.

On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 11:08 AM, mkmellotron <mkmellotron@yahoo.gr> wrote:

greatings from Greece
i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance

ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!

--

"All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."

Louis Armstrong

Gino Wong Birgelo

BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC

Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design

Ginowong@gmail.com

We will not, however, be manufacturing a digital keyboard in the near future as we've discovered you can't mill, drill, press, bend or turn dsp chips!

On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 5:21 PM, tronbros <tronbros@aol.com> wrote:

The M4000 has proven to take a lot longer to build than originally envisaged. It should at least GBP1500 dearer!

M

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 22:15, Mike Kechagias <mkmellotron@yahoo.gr> wrote:

> you dont need great numbers because its one of the machines is costing a small fortune..
> but great work i really admire it

--

"All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."

Louis Armstrong

Gino Wong Birgelo

BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC

Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design

Ginowong@gmail.com

On 19 Feb 2012, at 23:06, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> Not that I'm doubting you Martin, knowing your sincerity and objectivity, but can I see the statistical analysis and report on that? How many subjects were tested? What sound system was used? Were the comparisons done in a theater, studio, small room, cathedral, or stadium? What sample playback machines were used? Was there a M4000D or Memotron available? iPad 1 or iPad 2? Was this one of those Consumer Reports thingies?

Our ears! And we know what is what 'cos it's what we do. If we can't judge, who can?

Best,

M

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 23:06, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> Not that I'm doubting you Martin, knowing your sincerity and objectivity, but can I see the statistical analysis and report on that? How many subjects were tested? What sound system was used? Were the comparisons done in a theater, studio, small room, cathedral, or stadium? What sample playback machines were used? Was there a M4000D or Memotron available? iPad 1 or iPad 2? Was this one of those Consumer Reports thingies?

What is ridiculous about a fellow offering practical advice. Saying that a ROMpler is what it is and can't more than what it can do It is limited by licences and components, there is very little new on that front. So what if I am put off about how it is marketed in a most exploitive and self limiting way.

Granted, my world view is limited by the fact that I have only ever done recording and music from 1971 til today. You meet so many messed up people at all levels that I don't read or believe reviews untilI can plug in or listen to a peer who is not impressed by Whitney or Dwight D or whomever.

gw

Life member of the Liberal Gun Club

On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 5:21 PM, tronbros <tronbros@aol.com> wrote:

The M4000 has proven to take a lot longer to build than originally envisaged. It should at least GBP1500 dearer!

M

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 22:15, Mike Kechagias <mkmellotron@yahoo.gr> wrote:

> you dont need great numbers because its one of the machines is costing a small fortune..
> but great work i really admire it

--

"All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."

Louis Armstrong

Gino Wong Birgelo

BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC

Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design

Ginowong@gmail.com

its strage that the streetly tapes stand for a software but not good enough for a digital keyboard though

Michael kechagias

On 20 Φεβ 2012, at 1:28 π.μ., tronbros <tronbros@aol.com> wrote:

Our ears! And we know what is what 'cos it's what we do. If we can't judge, who can?

Best,

M

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 23:06, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> Not that I'm doubting you Martin, knowing your sincerity and objectivity, but can I see the statistical analysis and report on that? How many subjects were tested? What sound system was used? Were the comparisons done in a theater, studio, small room, cathedral, or stadium? What sample playback machines were used? Was there a M4000D or Memotron available? iPad 1 or iPad 2? Was this one of those Consumer Reports thingies?

They would suit a digital keyboard but the price will decide the winner longterm and it may well be a blood bath.

M

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 23:35, Mike Kechagias <mkmellotron@yahoo.gr> wrote:

its strage that the streetly tapes stand for a software but not good enough for a digital keyboard though

Michael kechagias

On 20 Φεβ 2012, at 1:28 π.μ., tronbros <tronbros@aol.com> wrote:

Our ears! And we know what is what 'cos it's what we do. If we can't judge, who can?

Best,

M

mellotronics.co.uk

On 19 Feb 2012, at 23:06, lsf5275@aol.com wrote:

> Not that I'm doubting you Martin, knowing your sincerity and objectivity, but can I see the statistical analysis and report on that? How many subjects were tested? What sound system was used? Were the comparisons done in a theater, studio, small room, cathedral, or stadium? What sample playback machines were used? Was there a M4000D or Memotron available? iPad 1 or iPad 2? Was this one of those Consumer Reports thingies?

Our ears! And we know what is what 'cos it's what we do. If we can't judge, who can?

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Gary Brumm <gabru@...> wrote:
>
> Wow, you play a Chapman Stick! Did you get any formal training on it
or just “figure it out”. I am amazed at players like Tony
Levin and others who get
> incredible things from that instrument. It’s looks very
difficult to plat compared to a conventional guitar or bass. The only
bass I have these days is an
> Alembic Essence 4 string. I use it as a general purpose bass for
recording. I got the 5 string version for my friend but he is a bass
player and can make
> better use of the fifth string than I ever could. He just added a
Roland synth/modeling “thing” to it that II haven’t
really had much time to fool with ,
> but he seems to like it. My original bass was a Precision and I
always wanted a 4001 Rick but never got one. I mainly keep a bass
around for studio use
> but I am a guitar/keyboard player (at least I used to be) and it
doesn’t get much use. I usually play through HIWATT amps for
guitar or bass but also really
> like the original Ampeg SVT a lot for bass. there seem to be several
other good ones like SWR, HK, etc. but I have not spent much time
playing through them
> personally. Are you still actively playing? Most of my time these
days musically is spent recording or running FOH mixes for various acts.
I also rebuild studios and
> various associated electronic equipment. I have worked as an
electrical engineer and project manager but this economy has me back
working with the music stuff
> which I enjoy but doesn’t really pay the bills. I have a
condition that causes nerve pain and it can make playing an instrument
very difficult at times. Do you have
> your music posted somewhere. I seem to remember listening to it a
while back. Oh and as fat as a Mini or ARP go I used to have a Mini
Moog and a couple of ARP
> Odysseys back in the day (as they say). Nothing beats that Mini Moog
bass….and the original Taurus Pedals were fun as well…..
☺ Sorry for the long ramble……
>
> Cheers,
>
> Gary
>
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of fdoddy@...
> Sent: Monday, February 20, 2012 6:16 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a
mellotron choice
>
>
> Yeah, bass is what I'm most accomplished on. My 4 string of choice is
the Roland B-88 (without the synth box). It's more focused than a
Precision and has more growl than a Music Man. I have a Jerry Jones
6-string, was the bass I used on 90% of my record. I want to get a
short scale hollow body like an Epiphone Allen Woody or Hofner Club
Bass, maybe even a Beatle Bass, and string it up with flatwounds. It's
the one tone I don't have, that I am very fond of. No 5-string basses
in my stable, and probably never will be. I have my Mini or my Arp for
anything that low. I also play a Chapman Stick.
>
>
> fritz
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gary Brumm gabru@...<mailto:gabru@...>
> To: newmellotrongroup
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.c\
om>
> Sent: Sun, Feb 19, 2012 7:22 pm
> Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a
mellotron choice
>
> So I see you are a short keyboard kinda guy eh?? ☺
> I didn’t realize you were a bass player Fritz….what kind
of bass do you play?
>
> Gary
>
> From:
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.c\
om
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoo\
groups.com?>] On Behalf Of fdoddy@...<mailto:fdoddy@...
> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 3:03 PM
> To:
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.c\
om
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a
mellotron choice
>
>
> Here is where I disagree, Mark. I LOVE the look of..well..good
looking instruments. My M400 is beautiful in it's very utilitarian,
spartan sort of way. I wish y'all could see my Hammond M3, which not
only sounds fantastic, but is a beautiful piece of furniture. I am a
bassist/guitarist first and foremost and I won't consider buying an
instrument if it is, aesthetically, of poor design. Yes, it takes me
longer to find instruments I love, but once I have 'em, they're here
forever. A beautiful instrument invites you to play it!
>
>
> fritz
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mellotronmadness markpringnz@...<mailto:markpringnz@...>
> To: newmellotrongroup
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.c\
om>
> Sent: Sun, Feb 19, 2012 1:17 pm
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: need opinions for making a mellotron
choice
>
> I believe you, Martin. Although my samples of #1565 sound incredibly
like #1565. I don't understand why anybody cares what an instrument
looks like, the sound is everything to me.
>
> Mark
>
> --- In
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups\
.com>, tronbros tronbros@<mailto:tronbros@> wrote:
> >
> > The Mtron sounds more like a 'tron than any other device, program or
objet d'art with the new Streetly Tapes, other than a real M400 so
there!
> >
> > M
> >
> > mellotronics.co.uk
> >
> >
> >
> > On 19 Feb 2012, at 17:47, "mellotronmadness"
markpringnz@<mailto:markpringnz@> wrote:
> >
> > > Not that I know anything, but why not use the mellotron sample
disc a midi keyboard and a laptop, you probably have the laptop and
keyboard already. That will probably sound better than the M4000D.
Failing that the same combination and M-Tron ( this will be even cheaper
) which will sound as good as a memotron. If you have an ipad the M4000
app.
> > >
> > > I cannot understand why anyone would fork out $2000 for something
which just looks a bit like a mellotron and isn't.
> > >
> > > But then again I don't much about it.
> > >
> > > Mark
> > >
> > > --- In
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups\
.com>, Murray Anderson <mca@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi everyone
> > > >
> > > > > i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer
the analogue
> > > > > M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> > > >
> > > > I hope that mentioning this is not against list policy: my
collection of
> > > > vintage synths, including Mellotron M-400S, ARP 2600, Roland
VP-330 vocoder,
> > > > and more are on their way to England. Presuming they are OK
after the
> > > > journey (they'll be checked and if necessary serviced on
arrival), they are
> > > > scheduled for the Vemia auction April 7-14. So maybe you'll be
able to get
> > > > one for less than a new M4000!
> > > >
> > > > I'll post a link to some photo's of them on the studio's website
in the next
> > > > few days.
> > > >
> > > > Kind regards
> > > >
> > > > Murray
> > > >
> > > > Murray Anderson
> > > > Milestone Studios
> > > > 21 Bloem Street
> > > > Cape Town 8001
> > > > South Africa
> > > >
> > > > http://www.milestones.co.za
> > > > Tel: +27 (0)21-424 6000
> > > > Fax: +27 (0)86-628 7618
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "mkmellotron" <mkmellotron@...> wrote:
>
> greatings from Greece
> i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
> Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance
>
> ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!
>

I bought the M4000D.
It took a bit of saving up to be able to afford one, but it is still much cheaper than a real one..... and it would be impossible for me to transport a real one for gigs.
Previously I'd had to dick around with lugging my Akai MPC4000 sampler, a MIDI controller keyboard and the Mike Pinder CD-ROM to gigs.... and that was a pain in the ass too as it took about 6 minutes to load the samples up into memory and it was always time consuming programming the ones I wanted at rehearsals.
The M4000D solves all that by having its own keyboard and the sounds load in about 1 second and there's 100 of them. The keyboard feel is lovely too.
I am planning to buy the GMedia MTron too though, with the Streetly tapes, just for the fun of it in my home studio - I have no plans to gig with a laptop though.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "mkmellotron" <mkmellotron@...> wrote:
>
> greatings from Greece
> i am considering buying a digital mellotron,(i would prefer the analogue M4000 by streetly but it is way too expensive...)
> So please share your thoughts M4000D or memotron / memotron rack.
> Your opinions will be very usefull,thanks in advance
>
> ps: (i have the software) it is for gigging!!
>

On Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 7:33 PM, ClayE <ecclesreinson@rogers.com> wrote:

With all the recent chat about keyboards that make mellotron sounds, the Memotron isn't top of anyone's list but watching The Kills on Letterman, it can be used effectively. I say it's all about how the keyboard is used. The song, the arrangement and the mix.

The big debate about which sampler sounds best and which one sounds the most authentic I don't care much about. It seems there are about seven good ways to do mellotron stuff. Lots to choose from. Lucky us.

Clay

--

"All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."

Louis Armstrong

Gino Wong Birgelo

BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC

Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design

Ginowong@gmail.com