The Mellotron Group

 

Hi Bernie!

Yeah, the Mellotron's in very good condition, even the original swell pedal. I have the original "Protect-o-Muff" cover, too, but unfortunately I stored it in a garage for some time, where I didn't realize the poor thing had gotten wet. The inside padding is basically rotted, but with a little elbow grease, the outside vinyl & straps should be fine. I haven't taken the Mellotron out anywhere for many years, so the need for protection or easier portability isn't as great. But one day I want to get the cover reupholstered... ironically, a good rainy-day project, but only when I have extra budget for such things, too.  Ol' #1485 definitely needs a new motor, though, too, it burned out long ago. Another "when I have the budget..." thing. I DO miss playing the bugger. I'd probably want to decently clean the tapes, but by and large, yes, she's a very clean machine. Did all the control & power supply upgrades, & it always played very nicely. Along with a little Roland synth you can see on top in the rear, & guitars, it basically paved the way for for everything else in the room.

I don't run it through the Twin (& thanks for recognizing, yes it's a real '65); I usually run it straight into the board both in the studio, or of course when using it live. The Twin's really just for guitars, & it makes an awesome small bass amp, as well. When I used it for concert work in early '70s, it sat on top of & went into a tall-style Fender Bassman 2x12 cab w. E/V SRO-12 spkrs all around. Scary! Beside that was a beautiful Vox Super-Beatle that I used for cleaner stuff... still have that, too.  Got a little "vintage" around here, I guess... myself included!

Cheers!

Berington Van Campen
Van Campen Productions / V.C.MusiCorp Scoring Services / Sessions
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