The Mellotron Group

Anybody know what these cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why I'm here with all the other sickos.

I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have... must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone know for sure?

I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have now (flute, 3 violins, cello).

--- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net> wrote:

From: DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net>
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday,
July 1, 2009, 6:41 AM

















Anybody know what these cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why I'm here with all the other sickos.



I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have... must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone know for sure?



I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have now (flute, 3 violins, cello).

>
> Anybody know what these cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why I'm here with all the other sickos.
>
> I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have... must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone know for sure?
>
> I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have now (flute, 3 violins, cello).
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, markpringnz@... wrote:
>
>
> Hi, welcome to the interesting world of mellotron ownership. These things are not cheap, not for nothing is the mellotron symposium in Canada called Moneypit! There can be a wide range of opinion as to what they should sound like, if you are happy with the sound, I wouldn't worry. ( well not too much)
>
> I ordered a new frame and tape set from Martin last year and it was 470 pounds UK. The new frames are a big improvement on the old. You might find, ok you will find that you have to do a lot of work on the pads, springs and rollers to make new tapes play properly as almost certainly the keyboard adjustment will be way out. If you want a perfect tron, the whole thing probably needs to be taken apart and rebuilt! A lot depends on how you want it to sound and how much time, effort and money you want to put into it. Buying one is just the beginning.
>
> Your tapes might not be as old as you think, my machine ( #1565) came with old but surprisingly good tapes but I know that they are not the originals.
>
> If you want to play in a band with it, you probably need to replace the CM10 controller, I haven't on mine yet, as I generally play it solo, on switch on it does take 5-10 minutes for the pitch to settle and it does have a tendency to drift a little off pitch but it is quite stable on playing chords, so I can live with it. I believe that the new controller does put a bit more strain on the motor and new motors are expensive!
>
> The main thing is that it's worth it, after 18 months I still get that "Good God I own a mellotron" feeling whenever I see or play mine.
>
> Good Luck
>
>
> Mark
>
> PS The azimuth on the tape heads will probably need adjusting, not a job for the faint hearted! Probably better to pay some one who knows how to do it.
>
> --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@...> wrote:
>
> From: DaSwans <tspit74@...>
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Wednesday,
> July 1, 2009, 6:41 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Anybody know what these cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why I'm here with all the other sickos.
>
>
>
> I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have... must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone know for sure?
>
>
>
> I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have now (flute, 3 violins, cello).
>

--- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net> wrote:

> From: DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net>
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 9:27 AM
> Thanks Mark. That's $780 today. Since
> I'm only able to sell one kidney, I'm gonna have to think
> long and hard about what my choice for a 3rd voice should
> be. Only get one chance to get it right.
>
> I'm sure it's worth it though. I was up past midnight
> spacing out playing "Hairless Heart" from The Lamb, on the 3
> violins with my Pro-One on top. What a sound!
>
> Dan #857
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com,
> markpringnz@... wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi, welcome to the interesting world of mellotron
> ownership. These things are not cheap, not for nothing is
> the mellotron symposium in Canada called Moneypit! There can
> be a wide range of opinion as to what they should sound
> like, if you are happy with the sound, I wouldn't worry. (
> well not too much)
> >
> > I ordered a new frame and tape set from Martin last
> year and it was 470 pounds UK. The new frames are a
> big improvement on the old. You might find, ok you will find
> that you have to do a lot of work on the pads, springs and
> rollers to make new tapes play properly as almost certainly
> the keyboard adjustment will be way out. If you want a
> perfect tron, the whole thing probably needs to be taken
> apart and rebuilt! A lot depends on how you want it to sound
> and how much time, effort and money you want to put into it.
> Buying one is just the beginning.
> >
> > Your tapes might not be as old as you think, my
> machine ( #1565) came with old but surprisingly good
> tapes but I know that they are not the originals.
> >
> > If you want to play in a band with it, you probably
> need to replace the CM10 controller, I haven't on mine yet,
> as I generally play it solo, on switch on it does take 5-10
> minutes for the pitch to settle and it does have a tendency
> to drift a little off pitch but it is quite stable on
> playing chords, so I can live with it. I believe that
> the new controller does put a bit more strain on the motor
> and new motors are expensive!
> >
> > The main thing is that it's worth it, after 18 months
> I still get that "Good God I own a mellotron" feeling
> whenever I see or play mine.
> >
> > Good Luck
> >
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > PS The azimuth on the tape heads will probably need
> adjusting, not a job for the faint hearted! Probably better
> to pay some one who knows how to do it.
> >
> > --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > From: DaSwans <tspit74@...>
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] New tape frame and tapes
> from Streetly...
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Wednesday,
> > July 1, 2009, 6:41 AM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Anybody know what these
> cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already
> trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have
> on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why
> I'm here with all the other sickos.
> >
> >
> >
> > I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have...
> must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now
> I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new
> rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone
> know for sure?
> >
> >
> >
> > I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't
> come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an
> option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have
> now (flute, 3 violins, cello).
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
> mailto:newmellotrongroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, jeffrey coulter <i_am_zontar@...> wrote:
>
>
> you also have the option of just getting new tapes.
> installing the tapes also installs a back condition known as 'the streetly hunch' but it will pass.
>
> if the frame is in good shape but the tapes dodgy then this is a more economical alternative, plus it would give you the opportunity to clean up the tape frame itself and check for buggered springs or turnbuckles.
>
> you can keep the old tapes on a spool for re-use if you get another frame in the future.
>
> just a thought...
>
> jeff
>
>
> --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@...> wrote:
>
> > From: DaSwans <tspit74@...>
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 9:27 AM
> > Thanks Mark. That's $780 today. Since
> > I'm only able to sell one kidney, I'm gonna have to think
> > long and hard about what my choice for a 3rd voice should
> > be. Only get one chance to get it right.
> >
> > I'm sure it's worth it though. I was up past midnight
> > spacing out playing "Hairless Heart" from The Lamb, on the 3
> > violins with my Pro-One on top. What a sound!
> >
> > Dan #857
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com,
> > markpringnz@ wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi, welcome to the interesting world of mellotron
> > ownership. These things are not cheap, not for nothing is
> > the mellotron symposium in Canada called Moneypit! There can
> > be a wide range of opinion as to what they should sound
> > like, if you are happy with the sound, I wouldn't worry. (
> > well not too much)
> > >
> > > I ordered a new frame and tape set from Martin last
> > year and it was 470 pounds UK. The new frames are a
> > big improvement on the old. You might find, ok you will find
> > that you have to do a lot of work on the pads, springs and
> > rollers to make new tapes play properly as almost certainly
> > the keyboard adjustment will be way out. If you want a
> > perfect tron, the whole thing probably needs to be taken
> > apart and rebuilt! A lot depends on how you want it to sound
> > and how much time, effort and money you want to put into it.
> > Buying one is just the beginning.
> > >
> > > Your tapes might not be as old as you think, my
> > machine ( #1565) came with old but surprisingly good
> > tapes but I know that they are not the originals.
> > >
> > > If you want to play in a band with it, you probably
> > need to replace the CM10 controller, I haven't on mine yet,
> > as I generally play it solo, on switch on it does take 5-10
> > minutes for the pitch to settle and it does have a tendency
> > to drift a little off pitch but it is quite stable on
> > playing chords, so I can live with it. I believe that
> > the new controller does put a bit more strain on the motor
> > and new motors are expensive!
> > >
> > > The main thing is that it's worth it, after 18 months
> > I still get that "Good God I own a mellotron" feeling
> > whenever I see or play mine.
> > >
> > > Good Luck
> > >
> > >
> > > Mark
> > >
> > > PS The azimuth on the tape heads will probably need
> > adjusting, not a job for the faint hearted! Probably better
> > to pay some one who knows how to do it.
> > >
> > > --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > From: DaSwans <tspit74@>
> > > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] New tape frame and tapes
> > from Streetly...
> > > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Wednesday,
> > > July 1, 2009, 6:41 AM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Anybody know what these
> > cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already
> > trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have
> > on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why
> > I'm here with all the other sickos.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have...
> > must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now
> > I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new
> > rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone
> > know for sure?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't
> > come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an
> > option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have
> > now (flute, 3 violins, cello).
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> > mailto:newmellotrongroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
>

----- Original Message -----

From: DaSwans

To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 2:09 PM

Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...

Good point about just getting tapes. However, I'm enjoying my current ones too much to not be able to play them. Besides, two kidneys are for sissies.

I had my introduction to the Streetly hunch 10 minutes after turning the tron on for the first time. The heads were filthy and needed cleaning. I instantly thought about the back condition I had only read about. She sounded great afterwards though. I now walk like a 90 year old man but I have a working Mellotron, so it's worth it!

-Dan #857
--- In newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com, jeffrey coulter <i_am_zontar@ ...> wrote:
>
>
> you also have the option of just getting new tapes.
> installing the tapes also installs a back condition known as 'the streetly hunch' but it will pass.
>
> if the frame is in good shape but the tapes dodgy then this is a more economical alternative, plus it would give you the opportunity to clean up the tape frame itself and check for buggered springs or turnbuckles.
>
> you can keep the old tapes on a spool for re-use if you get another frame in the future.
>
> just a thought...
>
> jeff
>
>
> --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@... > wrote:
>
> > From: DaSwans <tspit74@... >
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...
> > To: newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com
> > Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 9:27 AM
> > Thanks Mark. That's $780 today. Since
> > I'm only able to sell one kidney, I'm gonna have to think
> > long and hard about what my choice for a 3rd voice should
> > be. Only get one chance to get it right.
> >
> > I'm sure it's worth it though. I was up past midnight
> > spacing out playing "Hairless Heart" from The Lamb, on the 3
> > violins with my Pro-One on top. What a sound!
> >
> > Dan #857
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com,
> > markpringnz@ wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi, welcome to the interesting world of mellotron
> > ownership. These things are not cheap, not for nothing is
> > the mellotron symposium in Canada called Moneypit! There can
> > be a wide range of opinion as to what they should sound
> > like, if you are happy with the sound, I wouldn't worry. (
> > well not too much)
> > >
> > > I ordered a new frame and tape set from Martin last
> > year and it was 470 pounds UK. The new frames are a
> > big improvement on the old. You might find, ok you will find
> > that you have to do a lot of work on the pads, springs and
> > rollers to make new tapes play properly as almost certainly
> > the keyboard adjustment will be way out. If you want a
> > perfect tron, the whole thing probably needs to be taken
> > apart and rebuilt! A lot depends on how you want it to sound
> > and how much time, effort and money you want to put into it.
> > Buying one is just the beginning.
> > >
> > > Your tapes might not be as old as you think, my
> > machine ( #1565) came with old but surprisingly good
> > tapes but I know that they are not the originals.
> > >
> > > If you want to play in a band with it, you probably
> > need to replace the CM10 controller, I haven't on mine yet,
> > as I generally play it solo, on switch on it does take 5-10
> > minutes for the pitch to settle and it does have a tendency
> > to drift a little off pitch but it is quite stable on
> > playing chords, so I can live with it. I believe that
> > the new controller does put a bit more strain on the motor
> > and new motors are expensive!
> > >
> > > The main thing is that it's worth it, after 18 months
> > I still get that "Good God I own a mellotron" feeling
> > whenever I see or play mine.
> > >
> > > Good Luck
> > >
> > >
> > > Mark
> > >
> > > PS The azimuth on the tape heads will probably need
> > adjusting, not a job for the faint hearted! Probably better
> > to pay some one who knows how to do it.
> > >
> > > --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > From: DaSwans <tspit74@>
> > > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] New tape frame and tapes
> > from Streetly...
> > > To: newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com
> > > Date: Wednesday,
> > > July 1, 2009, 6:41 AM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Anybody know what these
> > cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and I'm already
> > trying to figure out more ways to spend money I don't have
> > on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But that's why
> > I'm here with all the other sickos.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I must have choir.., must have brass.., must have...
> > must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd voice? Oh, now
> > I know. The new string section! Something tells me a new
> > rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron. So anyone
> > know for sure?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes don't
> > come up for sale often. I'd always be open to such an
> > option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old tapes I have
> > now (flute, 3 violins, cello).
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------ --------- --------- ------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> > mailto:newmellotrongroup- fullfeatured@ yahoogroups. com
> >
> >
> >
>

--- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net> wrote:

> From: DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net>
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: New tape frame and tapes from Streetly...
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 2:09 PM
> Good point about just getting tapes.
> However, I'm enjoying my current ones too much to not be
> able to play them. Besides, two kidneys are for sissies.
>
> I had my introduction to the Streetly hunch 10 minutes
> after turning the tron on for the first time. The heads were
> filthy and needed cleaning. I instantly thought about the
> back condition I had only read about. She sounded great
> afterwards though. I now walk like a 90 year old man but I
> have a working Mellotron, so it's worth it!
>
> -Dan #857
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com,
> jeffrey coulter <i_am_zontar@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > you also have the option of just getting new tapes.
> > installing the tapes also installs a back condition
> known as 'the streetly hunch' but it will pass.
> >
> > if the frame is in good shape but the tapes dodgy then
> this is a more economical alternative, plus it would give
> you the opportunity to clean up the tape frame itself and
> check for buggered springs or turnbuckles.
> >
> > you can keep the old tapes on a spool for re-use if
> you get another frame in the future.
> >
> > just a thought...
> >
> > jeff
> >
> >
> > --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans <tspit74@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > > From: DaSwans <tspit74@...>
> > > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: New tape frame
> and tapes from Streetly...
> > > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 9:27 AM
> > > Thanks Mark. That's $780 today. Since
> > > I'm only able to sell one kidney, I'm gonna have
> to think
> > > long and hard about what my choice for a 3rd
> voice should
> > > be. Only get one chance to get it right.
> > >
> > > I'm sure it's worth it though. I was up past
> midnight
> > > spacing out playing "Hairless Heart" from The
> Lamb, on the 3
> > > violins with my Pro-One on top. What a sound!
> > >
> > > Dan #857
> > > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com,
> > > markpringnz@ wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hi, welcome to the interesting world of
> mellotron
> > > ownership. These things are not cheap, not for
> nothing is
> > > the mellotron symposium in Canada called
> Moneypit! There can
> > > be a wide range of opinion as to what they should
> sound
> > > like, if you are happy with the sound, I wouldn't
> worry. (
> > > well not too much)
> > > >
> > > > I ordered a new frame and tape set from
> Martin last
> > > year and it was 470 pounds UK. The new
> frames are a
> > > big improvement on the old. You might find, ok
> you will find
> > > that you have to do a lot of work on the pads,
> springs and
> > > rollers to make new tapes play properly as almost
> certainly
> > > the keyboard adjustment will be way out. If you
> want a
> > > perfect tron, the whole thing probably needs to
> be taken
> > > apart and rebuilt! A lot depends on how you want
> it to sound
> > > and how much time, effort and money you want to
> put into it.
> > > Buying one is just the beginning.
> > > >
> > > > Your tapes might not be as old as you think,
> my
> > > machine ( #1565) came with old but
> surprisingly good
> > > tapes but I know that they are not the
> originals.
> > > >
> > > > If you want to play in a band with it, you
> probably
> > > need to replace the CM10 controller, I haven't on
> mine yet,
> > > as I generally play it solo, on switch on it does
> take 5-10
> > > minutes for the pitch to settle and it does have
> a tendency
> > > to drift a little off pitch but it is quite
> stable on
> > > playing chords, so I can live with it. I
> believe that
> > > the new controller does put a bit more strain on
> the motor
> > > and new motors are expensive!
> > > >
> > > > The main thing is that it's worth it, after
> 18 months
> > > I still get that "Good God I own a
> mellotron" feeling
> > > whenever I see or play mine.
> > > >
> > > > Good Luck
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Mark
> > > >
> > > > PS The azimuth on the tape heads will
> probably need
> > > adjusting, not a job for the faint hearted!
> Probably better
> > > to pay some one who knows how to do it.
> > > >
> > > > --- On Wed, 7/1/09, DaSwans
> <tspit74@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > From: DaSwans <tspit74@>
> > > > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] New tape frame
> and tapes
> > > from Streetly...
> > > > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Date: Wednesday,
> > > > July 1, 2009, 6:41 AM
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
>
> > > >
>
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Anybody know
> what these
> > > cost? I've had the freakin' thing for 3 days and
> I'm already
> > > trying to figure out more ways to spend money I
> don't have
> > > on an instrument I couldn't afford. I'm sick! But
> that's why
> > > I'm here with all the other sickos.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I must have choir.., must have brass.., must
> have...
> > > must have... um... hmmm... What's a good 3rd
> voice? Oh, now
> > > I know. The new string section! Something tells
> me a new
> > > rack of tapes is more than I spent on the tron.
> So anyone
> > > know for sure?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I'm assuming old frames with old choir tapes
> don't
> > > come up for sale often. I'd always be open to
> such an
> > > option. It's not like I mind the 35 year old
> tapes I have
> > > now (flute, 3 violins, cello).
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > > mailto:newmellotrongroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
> mailto:newmellotrongroup-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>