The Mellotron Group

--- On Thu, 11/26/09, DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net> wrote:

From: DaSwans <tspit74@comcast.net>
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Question about slack tapes...
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 5:03 PM

I've attached some pictures of my tape frame. The question I have is, should the tapes fit tightly in the frame when the frame is pulled out and compressed? My common sense tells me they are supposed to be tighter than they are. I couldn't imagaine setting the frame in a case (not that I have one) with the tapes flopping all over.

Are the springs shot?

If so, does anyone have a low cost alternative to official springs? Like something from McMaster-Carr? I bought 100 grommets from them for my Rhodes for the cost of about 4 grommets from Rhodes parts dealers. Five dollars per sping times 35 seems excessive.

Are the tapes stretched?

Does it make sense to shorten them by pulling them tighter?

Also, judging by the black/brown color scheme on the tapes, anybody have a guess as to how old they are? Are they original? I would think they are.

I do plan to get new tapes eventually when I can save up enough.

Thanks!
Dan

http://s684. photobucket. com/albums/ vv201/tspit74/ ?action=view& current=DSC04000 .jpg

http://s684. photobucket. com/albums/ vv201/tspit74/ ?action=view& current=DSC03901 .jpg

I've attached some pictures of my tape frame. The question I have is, should the tapes fit tightly in the frame when the frame is pulled out and compressed? My common sense tells me they are supposed to be tighter than they are. I couldn't imagaine setting the frame in a case (not that I have one) with the tapes flopping all over.

Are the springs shot?

If so, does anyone have a low cost alternative to official springs? Like something from McMaster-Carr? I bought 100 grommets from them for my Rhodes for the cost of about 4 grommets from Rhodes parts dealers. Five dollars per sping times 35 seems excessive.

Are the tapes stretched?

Does it make sense to shorten them by pulling them tighter?

Also, judging by the black/brown color scheme on the tapes, anybody have a guess as to how old they are? Are they original? I would think they are.

I do plan to get new tapes eventually when I can save up enough.

Thanks!
Dan

http://s684. photobucket. com/albums/ vv201/tspit74/ ?action=view& current=DSC04000 .jpg

http://s684. photobucket. com/albums/ vv201/tspit74/ ?action=view& current=DSC03901 .jpg