The Mellotron Group

The headblock is the piece with all the playback heads on it.  It moves 
laterally when you turn the track selector knob from a to b to c.  I 
just tied mine down with a couple of bread twistys.  You'll want to 
bring along a 1/2" inch socket wrench to remove the feet.  The bolt 
heads are sunk about two inches into the bottom of the feet. If you have 
enough room, you obviously don't need to mess with it.  It should lay 
down on its back just fine - mine did.  I think Ken Leonard transported 
his that way in his Accura hatchback.  One thing about the keyboard.  
After you wrap it up, lay it down flat upside down (keys down, pressure 
pads up) as you don't want to bend the pressure pad arms.

Playing without a spill box lid is inviting trouble.  I've left it off 
accidentally before, and tapes tend to stick (not return properly) and 
sometimes they don't even go into the spill box but pile up on top 
instead, which is just asking for a snag or tangle.  You should be able 
to acquire one from Streetly or Mellotron Archives, or I believe that at 
least one person on the list has made a couple.

And while driving, allow yourself the luxury of imaging that other 
drivers are wondering whether or not you're carrying a Mellotron in the 
back.
best,
john barrick

PS - I also found it convenient to remove the tape frame, wrap it up in 
a sheet or blanket and lay it down flat also.


DaSwans wrote:
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>
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> >
> Okay. Dumb noob question: Which part exactly is the head block?
>
> Thanks for the dimensions and the tip about taking off the feet. I'll 
> probably lay it down on it's back. Anything else I need to know about 
> transporting it? It does have it's original protect-o-muff (tron 
> bondage). That should protect the lovely brushed on latex paint job it 
> received at some point.
>
> How important is the tape box cover (the aluminum thing that the tapes 
> roll into when they're played)? I see it missing in a lot of pictures 
> and the tron I'm buying is missing it. It seems like one could be made 
> relatively easily (unless, of course, somebody out there has a spare). 
> I'm sure the cover will be the least of my problems, however. I'm just 
> thinking out loud and taking mental inventory of the project ahead.
>
>