The Mellotron Group

In a message dated 11/23/2010 6:42:22 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
vcmusicorp1@yahoo.com writes:

 
 
 
Hey Jack!  Congrats!  I can identify with your  plight.  I've got a very 
clean 400 #1485 sitting in my studio,  but it has a frozen motor, probably 
from NOT using it for a  long period when I wasn't doing so much recording.  
Times have  been, shall we say, "interesting" the past couple years, and I 
really  haven't had the few extra sheckles it'll take to fix it.  Had to  
prioritize, y'know?  So I haven't been without it, but yes  I have.  Now I'm back 
at music full time, but l'il 1485 still  sits sadly, just watching.  But it 
looks like in the near  future, those kinds of repairs will be possible, so 
I'll be able to get  'er back up and running.  I REALLY look forward to it! 
 Many  opportunities for session work here in L.A., too.
 
Frank, REALLY good point about magnetized capstan danger.   Where would you 
suggest getting a magnetometer, 
_http://www.rbannis.com/products/magnet/5.html_ (http://www.rbannis.com/products/magnet/5.html) 
 
any proper electronics store? Would a handheld bulk tape  eraser be good 
enough for demagging the capstan?  Also, when I  do get my motor rebuilt or 
replaced, whatever's best (you'd had some  suggestions long ago, too, when I 
first realized it had fried), what do  you suggest is the best way to clean 
the general  dust & "dis-use" from the tapes?  Someone  told me LONG ago you 
can take the whole frame & dunk it in  water w a touch of gentle detergent, 
then rinse well (and repeat?), but  that seems a bit radical, huh? (No, I 
never DID that.)  
 
Don't do that. Instead, use a paper towel and water. Pull  the tape away 
from the frame and draw it through the towel and then dry  each tape. Slow but 
good enough. I would recommend carefully cleaning  the separators as well 
as the rest of the frame including the  turnbuckles and the black tape guides 
(rollers)
 
Also, anyone have suggestions about refurbishing my  "Protecto-Muff?"  I 
hadn't realized it had gotten soaking wet  in a funky garage long ago, and all 
the padding just fell apart.  A  luggage repair place?  Aunt Agness's 
Country Quilting and Muff  Repair? Nothing sadder than a tattered Muff, ya know?  
I'd  appreciate any thoughts.
 
Most auto upholstery repair places can fix it right  up.
 
Anyway - Jack, congrats, and welcome back, indeed!  An'  I'll let y'all 
know when mine's back up n running!  It'll be a  happy day here!

And Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  (Those who celebrate  it! Hey, we all 
have something to be thankful for!)   Cheers!
 
Berington

Berington Van Campen 
Van Campen Productions / V.C.MusiCorp  / BEATUNES Beatles Tribute
VCMusiCorp1@yahoo.com
(626) 458-4474  Home/Office
www.myspace.com/berington  
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