The Mellotron Group

--- On Wed, 6/13/12, Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:21 PM

 

Inside doesn't look too bad, better than mine, but the cabinet looks wrecked, worse than mine.

Mark

From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@yahoo.com>
To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com" <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, 14 June 2012 7:53 AM
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell

 

At least it has an SMS motor controller.  Quite a low serial number.  Maybe it has a brass capstan.

 

It's certainly rough.

 

  -Bruce D.

 

From: tron400 <tron400@yahoo.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10:29 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell

 

Looks like it needs lots of fixing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item2ebf239af4

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> No Frank can't. Frank is exhausted from trying to get ready for NEARfest
> and once it's done, Frank is taking the rest of the summer to spend with his
> wife, sister and his nieces. Oh, and trying to earn some money. Then Frank
> has a waiting list starting in the fall.
>
> Besides, it's too much money, although I have no doubt that someone will
> buy it for way too much money. Thanks for the endorsement, though.
>
> Frank
>
>
> In a message dated 6/13/2012 6:13:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> jandjstrz@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> No problem, Frank can handle it.
>
> --- On Wed, 6/13/12, Mark Pring <markpringnz@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@...>
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com"
> <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:21 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Inside doesn't look too bad, better than mine, but the cabinet looks
> wrecked, worse than mine.
>
>
> Mark
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ____________________________________
> From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@...>
> To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com"
> <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, 14 June 2012 7:53 AM
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
>
>
>
>
>
>
> At least it has an SMS motor controller. Quite a low serial number.
> Maybe it has a brass capstan.
>
> It's certainly rough.
>
> -Bruce D.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: tron400 <tron400@...>
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10:29 AM
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
>
>
>
>
>
> Looks like it needs lots of fixing:
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=
> item2ebf239af4
>
> Bernie
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "tron400" <tron400@...> wrote:
>
> I'm guessing about $2500 in repairs on top of the $2500 minimum price, so a total of about $5000. Is that reasonable?
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@ wrote:
> >
> > No Frank can't. Frank is exhausted from trying to get ready for NEARfest
> > and once it's done, Frank is taking the rest of the summer to spend with his
> > wife, sister and his nieces. Oh, and trying to earn some money. Then Frank
> > has a waiting list starting in the fall.
> >
> > Besides, it's too much money, although I have no doubt that someone will
> > buy it for way too much money. Thanks for the endorsement, though.
> >
> > Frank
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 6/13/2012 6:13:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > jandjstrz@ writes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > No problem, Frank can handle it.
> >
> > --- On Wed, 6/13/12, Mark Pring <markpringnz@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com"
> > <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:21 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Inside doesn't look too bad, better than mine, but the cabinet looks
> > wrecked, worse than mine.
> >
> >
> > Mark
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________
> > From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@>
> > To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com"
> > <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Thursday, 14 June 2012 7:53 AM
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > At least it has an SMS motor controller. Quite a low serial number.
> > Maybe it has a brass capstan.
> >
> > It's certainly rough.
> >
> > -Bruce D.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: tron400 <tron400@>
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10:29 AM
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Looks like it needs lots of fixing:
> >
> > http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=
> > item2ebf239af4
> >
> > Bernie
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> It's hard to say It looks like an SMS 3. It probably needs to be recapped
> and who knows what's inside the power supply. I wouldn't want it in my shop
> for $2,500.00 It would be quite a bit more I think. but it depends on what
> its new owner wanted. You can fix 'em up a little or you can do it right.
>
> I'll show you something soon.
>
> Frank
>
>
>
>
> In a message dated 6/13/2012 7:01:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> tron400@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> I meant to ask, is that a reasonable estimate?
>
> Bernie again
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , "tron400" <tron400@> wrote:
> >
> > I'm guessing about $2500 in repairs on top of the $2500 minimum price,
> so a total of about $5000. Is that reasonable?
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> > --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , lsf5275@ wrote:
> > >
> > > No Frank can't. Frank is exhausted from trying to get ready for
> NEARfest
> > > and once it's done, Frank is taking the rest of the summer to spend
> with his
> > > wife, sister and his nieces. Oh, and trying to earn some money. Then
> Frank
> > > has a waiting list starting in the fall.
> > >
> > > Besides, it's too much money, although I have no doubt that someone
> will
> > > buy it for way too much money. Thanks for the endorsement, though.
> > >
> > > Frank
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 6/13/2012 6:13:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > jandjstrz@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > No problem, Frank can handle it.
> > >
> > > --- On Wed, 6/13/12, Mark Pring <markpringnz@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@>
> > > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > > To: "_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) "
> > > <_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) >
> > > Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:21 PM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Inside doesn't look too bad, better than mine, but the cabinet looks
> > > wrecked, worse than mine.
> > >
> > >
> > > Mark
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ____________________________________
> > > From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@>
> > > To: "_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ (mailto:newmello
> trongroup@yahoogroups.com) "
> > > <_newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) >
> > > Sent: Thursday, 14 June 2012 7:53 AM
> > > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > At least it has an SMS motor controller. Quite a low serial number.
> > > Maybe it has a brass capstan.
> > >
> > > It's certainly rough.
> > >
> > > -Bruce D.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > From: tron400 <tron400@>
> > > To: _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com)
> > > Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10:29 AM
> > > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looks like it needs lots of fixing:
> > >
> > >
> _http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=_
> (http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=)
> > > item2ebf239af4
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Daily <pocotron@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all-
>    It probably will cost more. The inside picture may also show that the adjustment screws are most of the way in.   And, do we spy a Sound Sales bracket on the frame connecting to the spill box?  Both could mean frame troubles.   The exterior condition could show that it has been moved a lot, and/or stored badly.  I think it's going to take a lot of work.
>    As with all ebay auctions, it will probably sell at too high a price.
>  
>    But... If you like it, Bernie, bid low (one time only)!
>  
>  
>   -Bruce D.
>  
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: tron400 <tron400@...>
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 4:59 PM
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: A fixer upper from hell
>
>
>
>  
>
> I'm guessing about $2500 in repairs on top of the $2500 minimum price, so a total of about $5000. Is that reasonable?
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@ wrote:
> >
> > No Frank can't. Frank is exhausted from trying to get ready for NEARfest
> > and once it's done, Frank is taking the rest of the summer to spend with his
> > wife, sister and his nieces. Oh, and trying to earn some money. Then Frank
> > has a waiting list starting in the fall.
> >
> > Besides, it's too much money, although I have no doubt that someone will
> > buy it for way too much money. Thanks for the endorsement, though.
> >
> > Frank
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 6/13/2012 6:13:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > jandjstrz@ writes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > No problem, Frank can handle it.
> >
> > --- On Wed, 6/13/12, Mark Pring <markpringnz@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com"
> > <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:21 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Inside doesn't look too bad, better than mine, but the cabinet looks
> > wrecked, worse than mine.
> >
> >
> > Mark
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________
> > From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@>
> > To: "newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com"
> > <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Thursday, 14 June 2012 7:53 AM
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > At least it has an SMS motor controller. Quite a low serial number.
> > Maybe it has a brass capstan.
> >
> > It's certainly rough.
> >
> > -Bruce D.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: tron400 <tron400@>
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10:29 AM
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Looks like it needs lots of fixing:
> >
> > http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=
> > item2ebf239af4
> >
> > Bernie
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Daily <pocotron@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bernie-
>    This feels like an episode of American Restoration.  Or, Pawn Stars.  It would be interesting to see a 'tron show up on one of those shows.
>  
>    Just my opinion.  Without more information on the inner works (capstan, spillbox, modifications, motor condition, history), and considering the "missing sounds from 5 or 6 keys", I would think it could be worth no more than $1800.  I admit this includes some "collectable" value, but not much.  Pay less if a total restoration is to be done.
>  
>    No offense to anyone, I hope.
>  
>   -Bruce D.
>  
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: tron400 <tron400@...>
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 7:45 PM
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: A fixer upper from hell
>
>
>
>  
>
> What do you think it's worth in the current condition, Bruce?
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Bruce Daily <pocotron@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all-
> >    It probably will cost more. The inside picture may also show that the adjustment screws are most of the way in.   And, do we spy a Sound Sales bracket on the frame connecting to the spill box?  Both could mean frame troubles.   The exterior condition could show that it has been moved a lot, and/or stored badly.  I think it's going to take a lot of work.
> >    As with all ebay auctions, it will probably sell at too high a price.
> >  
> >    But... If you like it, Bernie, bid low (one time only)!
> >  
> >  
> >   -Bruce D.
> >  
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: tron400 <tron400@>
> > To: mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 4:59 PM
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: A fixer upper from hell
> >
> >
> >
> >  
> >
> > I'm guessing about $2500 in repairs on top of the $2500 minimum price, so a total of about $5000. Is that reasonable?
> >
> > Bernie
> >
> > --- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@ wrote:
> > >
> > > No Frank can't. Frank is exhausted from trying to get ready for NEARfest
> > > and once it's done, Frank is taking the rest of the summer to spend with his
> > > wife, sister and his nieces. Oh, and trying to earn some money. Then Frank
> > > has a waiting list starting in the fall.
> > >
> > > Besides, it's too much money, although I have no doubt that someone will
> > > buy it for way too much money. Thanks for the endorsement, though.
> > >
> > > Frank
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 6/13/2012 6:13:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > jandjstrz@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > No problem, Frank can handle it.
> > >
> > > --- On Wed, 6/13/12, Mark Pring <markpringnz@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > From: Mark Pring <markpringnz@>
> > > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > > To: "mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com"
> > > <mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:21 PM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Inside doesn't look too bad, better than mine, but the cabinet looks
> > > wrecked, worse than mine.
> > >
> > >
> > > Mark
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ____________________________________
> > > From: Bruce Daily <pocotron@>
> > > To: "mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com"
> > > <mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Thursday, 14 June 2012 7:53 AM
> > > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > At least it has an SMS motor controller. Quite a low serial number.
> > > Maybe it has a brass capstan.
> > >
> > > It's certainly rough.
> > >
> > > -Bruce D.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > From: tron400 <tron400@>
> > > To: mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10:29 AM
> > > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] A fixer upper from hell
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Looks like it needs lots of fixing:
> > >
> > > http://www.ebay.com/itm/mellotron-400s-/200775277300?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=
> > > item2ebf239af4
> > >
> > > Bernie
> > >
> >
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Tom Doncourt <tomdcour@...> wrote:
>
> Seeing as I paid $3000 nearly forty years ago for mine it doesn't surprise me that someone would try to get at least that much for even a shiity one now. I'm not advocating that prices on trons should skyrocket but the value of other vintage analog instruments certainly have. People are trying to get at least the original prices for Echoplex these days.
>

On 6/15/2012 5:28 AM, hammonddave2004@yahoo.com wrote:

 

I forgot how much trons cost back then 3000 1975 dollars is equal to about 10000 2012 dollars. Insane.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

From: Mark Wallis <markstuartwallis@hotmail.com>

Sender: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com

Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:23:42 +0000

To: new trongroup<newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>

ReplyTo: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: A fixer upper from hell

 

Hey Frank, need an assistant?

To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
From: tron400@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:07:23 +0000
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: A fixer upper from hell

 

Tom, did you buy yours new? I paid $2900 for #500 around '72, which was sold as new. I found out later at Dallas Arbiter in N.J. that it had been on tour, even though it looked new.
Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Tom Doncourt <tomdcour@...> wrote:
>
> Seeing as I paid $3000 nearly forty years ago for mine it doesn't surprise me that someone would try to get at least that much for even a shiity one now. I'm not advocating that prices on trons should skyrocket but the value of other vintage analog instruments certainly have. People are trying to get at least the original prices for Echoplex these days.
>

 

From: Vance Pomeroy

Sent: Friday, June 15, 2012 10:24 AM

To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: A fixer upper from hell

 

 

Yeah - I paid $1500 for my Crumar Orchestrator in 1980. Wow!