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mellotron problem...

mellotron problem...

2012-10-10 by Casterman Jean

Hi Guys,
I bought a M400 some months ago .it is a refurbished mellotron (with a new tapeframe and the old CMC 10)
The mellotron works perfectly until last week.
Here's my problem:
I don't know why but a lot of tapes/notes (16 notes/tapes per sound bank) gets hung up(jam,crinkle) in the pinchrollers and won't come back out, the tapes wont'fall.
I cleaned the pinchrollers,capstan,tape heads,pads with isopropyl alchool but the problem is still present and the some tape are a little bit damaged(some creases on the tapes).
I don't know how can I resolve this problem but it's really tricky....
It' seems it's a comon problem but I don't know what's the cause of this problems ,I have a dry room with a dehumidifier (No more than 53% moisture in my studio)
I feel a little bit helpless to resolve this problem
Thanks for your help and sorry for my bad english
Jean

Re: mellotron problem...

2012-10-10 by tron400

Jean, sounds like your keyboard needs adjusting. Please read this for symptoms and adjustment instructions:

http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mellotronia/techtalk.htm

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I bought a M400 some months ago .it is a refurbished mellotron (with a new tapeframe and the old CMC 10)
> The mellotron works perfectly until last week.
> Here's my problem:
> I don't know why but a lot of tapes/notes (16 notes/tapes per sound bank) gets hung up(jam,crinkle) in the pinchrollers and won't come back out, the tapes wont'fall.
> I cleaned the pinchrollers,capstan,tape heads,pads with isopropyl alchool but the problem is still present and the some tape are a little bit damaged(some creases on the tapes).
> I don't know how can I resolve this problem but it's really tricky....
>
> It' seems it's a comon problem but I don't know what's the cause of this problems ,I have a dry room with a dehumidifier (No more than 53% moisture in my studio)
>
> I feel a little bit helpless to resolve this problem
>
> Thanks for your help and sorry for my bad english
>
>
> Jean
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...

2012-10-10 by Casterman Jean

Thanks for your mail Bernie,it's fair ;-)
I knew this web page but I'm really new in the mellotron world and I'm not sure to understand very well all the mechanical stuffs
Yesterday,I tried to adjust (pinchroller and pressure screw) only one key but it doesn't change anything on this particular key...the tape was crinkle in the pinch roller...
Once again thanks for your help

From: tron400 <tron400@yahoo.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:26 PM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...
Jean, sounds like your keyboard needs adjusting. Please read this for symptoms and adjustment instructions:

http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mellotronia/techtalk.htm

Bernie

--- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I bought a M400 some months ago .it is a refurbished mellotron (with a new tapeframe and the old CMC 10)
> The mellotron works perfectly until last week.
> Here's my problem:
> I don't know why but a lot of tapes/notes (16 notes/tapes per sound bank) gets hung up(jam,crinkle) in the pinchrollers and won't come back out, the tapes wont'fall.
> I cleaned the pinchrollers,capstan,tape heads,pads with isopropyl alchool but the problem is still present and the some tape are a little bit damaged(some creases on the tapes).
> I don't know how can I resolve this problem but it's really tricky....
>
> It' seems it's a comon problem but I don't know what's the cause of this problems ,I have a dry room with a dehumidifier (No more than 53% moisture in my studio)
>
> I feel a little bit helpless to resolve this problem
>
> Thanks for your help and sorry for my bad english
>
>
> Jean
>

Re: mellotron problem...

2012-10-10 by tron400

Jean,

Martin posted the following information about keyboard adjustments a while ago. It was really helpful for me. Maybe it will be helpful to you. If not, keep asking questions. Someone will be able to answer them.

Pads: a good pad should come from silence to a full sound in 1/4 turn of the adjustment screw. From there you should add 1/2 turn further to establish a good setting.

Rollers: a good roller should come up to full speed from stall in 1/2 turn max. From there you should add 1 full turn to establish a good setting.

Keys: undo the backnut until the key drops away from the bar. Now tighten the nut until the key just touches the rubber strip and add 1/8 turn. This is the correct back pressure. Too little and the key will flap, too much and it will feel like a girder.

Key depth: press down a black ket between two white keys at either end of the keyboard. The key should be no more than 1/6th of an inch above the white key otherwise the action will feel shallow and 'orrible.

If you have the above settings your tron will be a delight. If you don't, it won't.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your mail Bernie,it's fair ;-)
> Â
> I knew this web page but I'm really new in the mellotron world and I'm not sure to understand very well all the mechanical stuffs
> Yesterday,I tried to adjust (pinchroller and pressure screw)Â only one key but it doesn't change anything on this particular key...the tape was crinkle in the pinch roller...
> Â
> Once again thanks for your help
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: tron400 <tron400@...>
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:26 PM
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...
>
>
> Â
>
> Jean, sounds like your keyboard needs adjusting. Please read this for symptoms and adjustment instructions:
>
> http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mellotronia/techtalk.htm
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> > Â
> > I bought a M400 some months ago .it is a refurbished mellotron (with a new tapeframe and the old CMC 10)
> > The mellotron works perfectly until last week.
> > Here's my problem:
> > I don't know why but a lot of tapes/notes (16 notes/tapes per sound bank)  gets hung up(jam,crinkle) in the pinchrollers and won't come back out, the tapes wont'fall.
> > I cleaned the pinchrollers,capstan,tape heads,pads with isopropyl alchool but the problem is still present and the some tape are a little bit damaged(some creases on the tapes).
> > I don't know how can I resolve this problem but it's really tricky....
> > Â
> > It' seems it's a comon problem but I don't know what's the cause of this problems ,I have a dry room with a dehumidifier (No more than 53% moisture in my studio)
> > Â
> > I feel a little bit helpless to resolve this problem
> > Â
> > Thanks for your help and sorry for my bad english
> > Â
> > Â
> > Jean
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...

2012-10-10 by Bruce Daily

Hi Jean-
Here is a suggestion. A stuck pinch roller could be the cause of your problem. Take out the keyboard assembly and make sure all the rubber pinch rollers spin freely and easily. A little isopropyl alcohol applied to the roller axle, along with a fast spin of the roller can sometimes loosen it up. Don't ever apply oil, it won't help. If the roller is still stuck or binding, Uncle Frank (the TRONDOC) can fix it properly.
AND the tape spillbox (behind the capstan) must have the aluminum cover in place!
The best of luck to you.

-Bruce Daily
From: tron400 <tron400@yahoo.com>
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 6:46 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...
Jean,

Martin posted the following information about keyboard adjustments a while ago. It was really helpful for me. Maybe it will be helpful to you. If not, keep asking questions. Someone will be able to answer them.

Pads: a good pad should come from silence to a full sound in 1/4 turn of the adjustment screw. From there you should add 1/2 turn further to establish a good setting.

Rollers: a good roller should come up to full speed from stall in 1/2 turn max. From there you should add 1 full turn to establish a good setting.

Keys: undo the backnut until the key drops away from the bar. Now tighten the nut until the key just touches the rubber strip and add 1/8 turn. This is the correct back pressure. Too little and the key will flap, too much and it will feel like a girder.

Key depth: press down a black ket between two white keys at either end of the keyboard. The key should be no more than 1/6th of an inch above the white key otherwise the action will feel shallow and 'orrible.

If you have the above settings your tron will be a delight. If you don't, it won't.

Bernie

--- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your mail Bernie,it's fair ;-)
> Â
> I knew this web page but I'm really new in the mellotron world and I'm not sure to understand very well all the mechanical stuffs
> Yesterday,I tried to adjust (pinchroller and pressure screw)Â only one key but it doesn't change anything on this particular key...the tape was crinkle in the pinch roller...
> Â
> Once again thanks for your help
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: tron400 <tron400@...>
> To: mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:26 PM
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...
>
>
> Â
>
> Jean, sounds like your keyboard needs adjusting. Please read this for symptoms and adjustment instructions:
>
> http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mellotronia/techtalk.htm
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> > Â
> > I bought a M400 some months ago .it is a refurbished mellotron (with a new tapeframe and the old CMC 10)
> > The mellotron works perfectly until last week.
> > Here's my problem:
> > I don't know why but a lot of tapes/notes (16 notes/tapes per sound bank)  gets hung up(jam,crinkle) in the pinchrollers and won't come back out, the tapes wont'fall.
> > I cleaned the pinchrollers,capstan,tape heads,pads with isopropyl alchool but the problem is still present and the some tape are a little bit damaged(some creases on the tapes).
> > I don't know how can I resolve this problem but it's really tricky....
> > Â
> > It' seems it's a comon problem but I don't know what's the cause of this problems ,I have a dry room with a dehumidifier (No more than 53% moisture in my studio)
> > Â
> > I feel a little bit helpless to resolve this problem
> > Â
> > Thanks for your help and sorry for my bad english
> > Â
> > Â
> > Jean
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...

2012-10-11 by Chris Dale

Yes these are the correct adjustments for all this.
But be sure that your rollers and pressure pads are clean and free of dust, and that the tape heads, and tape guides, and tape spillbox also don't have tape particle dust all over them.
Tape particle dust creates an extra friction that occasionally gets in the way of proper performance especially with older machines that haven't been serviced.
Basically everything needs to be clean before these adjustments are done, and then everything works great.
And don't forget any screwdriver must be de-magnetized before bringing it near the machine. :)
It wouldn't hurt to also remove any magnetic metal watches. You'll want to take your time anyway


On Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 8:46 AM, tron400 <tron400@yahoo.com> wrote:

Jean,

Martin posted the following information about keyboard adjustments a while ago. It was really helpful for me. Maybe it will be helpful to you. If not, keep asking questions. Someone will be able to answer them.

Pads: a good pad should come from silence to a full sound in 1/4 turn of the adjustment screw. From there you should add 1/2 turn further to establish a good setting.

Rollers: a good roller should come up to full speed from stall in 1/2 turn max. From there you should add 1 full turn to establish a good setting.

Keys: undo the backnut until the key drops away from the bar. Now tighten the nut until the key just touches the rubber strip and add 1/8 turn. This is the correct back pressure. Too little and the key will flap, too much and it will feel like a girder.

Key depth: press down a black ket between two white keys at either end of the keyboard. The key should be no more than 1/6th of an inch above the white key otherwise the action will feel shallow and 'orrible.

If you have the above settings your tron will be a delight. If you don't, it won't.



Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for your mail Bernie,it's fair ;-)
> Â

> I knew this web page but I'm really new in the mellotron world and I'm not sure to understand very well all the mechanical stuffs
> Yesterday,I tried to adjust (pinchroller and pressure screw)Â only one key but it doesn't change anything on this particular key...the tape was crinkle in the pinch roller...
> Â

> Once again thanks for your help
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: tron400 <tron400@...>

> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:26 PM
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: mellotron problem...
>
>
> Â
>
> Jean, sounds like your keyboard needs adjusting. Please read this for symptoms and adjustment instructions:
>
> http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mellotronia/techtalk.htm
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com, Casterman Jean <jycasterman@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> > Â
> > I bought a M400 some months ago .it is a refurbished mellotron (with a new tapeframe and the old CMC 10)

> > The mellotron works perfectly until last week.
> > Here's my problem:
> > I don't know why but a lot of tapes/notes (16 notes/tapes per sound bank)  gets hung up(jam,crinkle) in the pinchrollers and won't come back out, the tapes wont'fall.
> > I cleaned the pinchrollers,capstan,tape heads,pads with isopropyl alchool but the problem is still present and the some tape are a little bit damaged(some creases on the tapes).

> > I don't know how can I resolve this problem but it's really tricky....
> > Â

> > It' seems it's a comon problem but I don't know what's the cause of this problems ,I have a dry room with a dehumidifier (No more than 53% moisture in my studio)
> > Â

> > I feel a little bit helpless to resolve this problem
> > Â

> > Thanks for your help and sorry for my bad english
> > Â
> > Â
> > Jean
> >
>