Synth-DIY Yahoo! Groups Archives

Thread

Re: # 1541

2011-05-07 by lsf5275@aol.com

Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from  
stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've not  
had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't work 
and  that the cabinet was not worth repairing.
 
Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine  
doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual  
that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad,  and 
though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with it  
and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard was 
 beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed way 
out.  I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads 
that isolate  the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4 
inch thick.  Interesting...  these thick felt pads were also installed on 
the backs  of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the 
pressure pad  rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into 
a bizarre  configuration.
 
I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get it 
 to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong with 
 little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the keys 
are a  quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the 
sound dry and  got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the heads 
revealed zero  magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small 
magnetic reading from the  left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or near 
the tape path.  Hooray!
 
So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all of 
 the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and 
I have  no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect 
there will be  some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.
 
Frank

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-07 by john barrick

Keep us updated, Frank. This sounds like it will be interesting.

john

Show quoted textHide quoted text

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 12:12 AM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.

Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad, and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4 inch thick. Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed on the backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into a bizarre configuration.

I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or near the tape path. Hooray!

So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.

Frank

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-08 by gino wong

I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep love for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too 'something ' for both standing and sitting. Have you thought about making your cabinet taller or shorter ?

best

Show quoted textHide quoted text

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.

Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad, and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4 inch thick. Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed on the backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into a bizarre configuration.

I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or near the tape path. Hooray!

So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.

Frank

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-08 by lsf5275@aol.com

The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being built  
from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable panels and go  
with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment with 
different  ways of doing it. There will be several other differences as well. It 
will still  look like a Mellotron.
 
 
In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
wonggster@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 
I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep love  
for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too  
'something ' for both standing and sitting.  Have you thought about  making your 
cabinet taller or shorter ?  


best


g

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <_lsf5275@aol.com_ (mailto:lsf5275@aol.com) 
> wrote:


 
 
 
Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from  
stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've  not 
had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't  work 
and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.
 
Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this  machine 
doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something  unusual 
that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS  2 was bad, and 
though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that  came with it 
and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The  keyboard 
was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were  backed 
way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the  felt pads 
that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones  that were 1/4 
inch thick. Interesting...  these thick felt pads  were also installed on 
the backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing  them to stand off of the 
pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated  someone bending it into 
a bizarre configuration.
 

I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did  get 
it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong  
with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the  keys 
are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the  
sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the  heads 
revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small  
magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or  near 
the tape path. Hooray!
 
So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have  all 
of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine  and 
I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect  
there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.
 
Frank

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-08 by gino wong

Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is light isn't it? I have to replace my Afromosia case for my EMS synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest) wondering if stained birch was a good sub.

Show quoted textHide quoted text

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:25 PM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being built from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable panels and go with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment with different ways of doing it. There will be several other differences as well. It will still look like a Mellotron.

In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, wonggster@gmail.com writes:

I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep love for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too 'something ' for both standing and sitting. Have you thought about making your cabinet taller or shorter ?

best

g

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.

Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad, and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4 inch thick. Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed on the backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into a bizarre configuration.

I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or near the tape path. Hooray!

So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.

Frank

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-08 by lsf5275@aol.com

It is light for plywood and very high quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go with 
 solid wood in something that small.
 
 
In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
wonggster@gmail.com writes:

 
 
 
Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is light isn't it?  I have to replace my  
Afromosia case for my EMS synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest)  
wondering if stained birch was a good sub.

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:25 PM, <_lsf5275@aol.com_ 
(mailto:lsf5275@aol.com) > wrote:


 
 
 
The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being  built 
from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable panels  and go 
with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment  with 
different ways of doing it. There will be several other differences as  well. It 
will still look like a Mellotron.
 

 
In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
_wonggster@gmail.com_ (mailto:wonggster@gmail.com)  writes:

 
I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep  love 
for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too  
'something ' for both standing and sitting.  Have you thought about  making your 
cabinet taller or shorter ?  


best


g

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <_lsf5275@aol.com_ (mailto:lsf5275@aol.com) 
> wrote:


 
 
 
Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside  from 
stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood  frame, I've not 
had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was  that it didn't work 
and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.
 
Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this  machine 
doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find  something unusual 
that I've never seen before. This one was no  exception. The SMS 2 was bad, and 
though I have several spares, I  was able to fix the one that came with it 
and it was soon up and  running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard 
was beyond horrible.  Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed 
way out. I removed  the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads 
that isolate  the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4 
inch  thick. Interesting...  these thick felt pads were also  installed on 
the backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to  stand off of the 
pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated  someone bending it 
into a bizarre configuration.
 
I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I  did get 
it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be  very strong 
with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps  in some of the keys 
are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very  quiet. I cranked up the 
sound dry and got no humming and no crackling.  Amazingly, a check of the heads 
revealed zero magnetism on any of them.  In fact, aside from a small 
magnetic reading from the left bearing  block, there was none anywhere in or near 
the tape path. Hooray!
 
So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll  have all 
of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this  one is mine and 
I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be  slow. I expect 
there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun  has begun.
 
Frank

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-08 by john barrick

I'm with Gino on this, Frank. The height of the M400 cabinet is awkward at best. When I made new feet for mine, I added about two inches, keeping in mind that I'm probably going to put in on some kind of "furniture dolly" arrangement, so I can wheel it wherever I want it. I really look forward to seeing your refinements to the cabinet. When I rebuild mine (new cabinet) I've been thinking of a number of aesthetic modifications, many of which involve radiusing and rounding over of sharp edges with some kind of natural wood finish. The side panels present the real problem there and may involve some sort of solid wood construction. I'll get it figured out eventually. I'm a real fan of the transparent front and back panels, too.

john

Show quoted textHide quoted text

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

It is light for plywood and very high quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go with solid wood in something that small.

In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, wonggster@gmail.com writes:

Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is light isn't it? I have to replace my Afromosia case for my EMS synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest) wondering if stained birch was a good sub.

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:25 PM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being built from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable panels and go with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment with different ways of doing it. There will be several other differences as well. It will still look like a Mellotron.

In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, wonggster@gmail.com writes:

I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep love for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too 'something ' for both standing and sitting. Have you thought about making your cabinet taller or shorter ?

best

g

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.

Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad, and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4 inch thick. Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed on the backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into a bizarre configuration.

I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or near the tape path. Hooray!

So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.

Frank

Re: # 1541

2011-05-09 by ClayE

Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform?  It adds about6 inches.  Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches higher.



--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, john barrick <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:

Show quoted textHide quoted text

>
> I'm with Gino on this, Frank.  The height of the M400 cabinet is awkward at
> best.  When I made new feet for mine, I added about two inches, keeping in
> mind that I'm probably going to put in on some kind of "furniture dolly"
> arrangement, so I can wheel it wherever I want it.  I really look forward to
> seeing your refinements to the cabinet.  When I rebuild mine (new cabinet)
> I've been thinking of a number of aesthetic modifications, many of which
> involve radiusing and rounding over of sharp edges with some kind of natural
> wood finish.  The side panels present the  real problem there and may
> involve some sort of solid wood construction.  I'll get it figured out
> eventually.  I'm a real fan of the transparent front and back panels, too.
> 
> john
> 
> On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM, <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> >  It is light for plywood and very high quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go
> > with solid wood in something that small.
> >
> >  In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > wonggster@... writes:
> >
> >
> >
> > Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is light isn't it?  I have to replace my
> > Afromosia case for my EMS synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest)
> > wondering if stained birch was a good sub.
> >
> > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:25 PM, <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being built
> >> from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable panels and
> >> go with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment with
> >> different ways of doing it. There will be several other differences as well.
> >> It will still look like a Mellotron.
> >>
> >>  In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> >> wonggster@... writes:
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep love
> >> for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too
> >> 'something ' for both standing and sitting.  Have you thought about making
> >> your cabinet taller or shorter ?
> >>
> >> best
> >>
> >> g
> >>
> >> On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> >>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from
> >>> stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've
> >>> not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't
> >>> work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.
> >>>
> >>> Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine
> >>> doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual
> >>> that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad,
> >>> and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with
> >>> it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard
> >>> was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed
> >>> way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads
> >>> that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4
> >>> inch thick. Interesting...  these thick felt pads were also installed on the
> >>> backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the
> >>> pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into
> >>> a bizarre configuration.
> >>>
> >>> I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get
> >>> it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong
> >>> with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the
> >>> keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the
> >>> sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the
> >>> heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small
> >>> magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or
> >>> near the tape path. Hooray!
> >>>
> >>> So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all
> >>> of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and
> >>> I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect
> >>> there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.
> >>>
> >>> Frank
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >   
> >
>

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-09 by Gary Brumm

....just make sure you use locking casters......or it may Rock and "Roll" away....... :)

Gary

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ClayE
Sent: Monday, May 09, 2011 11:49 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform? It adds about6 inches. Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches higher.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, john barrick <barrickjohn262@...<mailto:barrickjohn262@...>> wrote:

Show quoted textHide quoted text

>
> I'm with Gino on this, Frank. The height of the M400 cabinet is awkward at
> best. When I made new feet for mine, I added about two inches, keeping in
> mind that I'm probably going to put in on some kind of "furniture dolly"
> arrangement, so I can wheel it wherever I want it. I really look forward to
> seeing your refinements to the cabinet. When I rebuild mine (new cabinet)
> I've been thinking of a number of aesthetic modifications, many of which
> involve radiusing and rounding over of sharp edges with some kind of natural
> wood finish. The side panels present the real problem there and may
> involve some sort of solid wood construction. I'll get it figured out
> eventually. I'm a real fan of the transparent front and back panels, too.
>
> john
>
> On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM, <lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > It is light for plywood and very high quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go
> > with solid wood in something that small.
> >
> > In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > wonggster@... writes:
> >
> >
> >
> > Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is light isn't it? I have to replace my
> > Afromosia case for my EMS synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest)
> > wondering if stained birch was a good sub.
> >
> > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:25 PM, <lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>> wrote:
> >
> >>
> >>
> >> The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being built
> >> from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable panels and
> >> go with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment with
> >> different ways of doing it. There will be several other differences as well.
> >> It will still look like a Mellotron.
> >>
> >> In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> >> wonggster@... writes:
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep love
> >> for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too
> >> 'something ' for both standing and sitting. Have you thought about making
> >> your cabinet taller or shorter ?
> >>
> >> best
> >>
> >> g
> >>
> >> On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@...<mailto:lsf5275@...>> wrote:
> >>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from
> >>> stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood frame, I've
> >>> not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it didn't
> >>> work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.
> >>>
> >>> Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine
> >>> doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something unusual
> >>> that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2 was bad,
> >>> and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that came with
> >>> it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The keyboard
> >>> was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were backed
> >>> way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the felt pads
> >>> that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that were 1/4
> >>> inch thick. Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed on the
> >>> backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of the
> >>> pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending it into
> >>> a bizarre configuration.
> >>>
> >>> I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did get
> >>> it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very strong
> >>> with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some of the
> >>> keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked up the
> >>> sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of the
> >>> heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a small
> >>> magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none anywhere in or
> >>> near the tape path. Hooray!
> >>>
> >>> So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have all
> >>> of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is mine and
> >>> I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I expect
> >>> there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.
> >>>
> >>> Frank
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-09 by Rick Blechta

On May 9, 2011, at 2:48 PM, ClayE wrote:

Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform? It adds about6 inches. Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches higher.

The Strawbs with Blue Weaver, used the bottom of their flight case, feet and all and it ended up about 6 inches taller. It would have been a bit high if someone was playing seated, by not bad at all if you were standing -- and Blue is taller than I am.

Only problem was for that gig (and the reason I was there): someone at Montreal's airport had driven the tines on a fork lift right through the center of the 400 and out the other side -- and there's not flight case on earth that withstand that. It was a right mess (as Martin would say), so I loaned them mine for the night since we weren't playing that week. Another was flown in for the rest of the tour.

Anyway, if you're standing, having a 400 in the base of the flight case is no big deal.

Rick

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-09 by Rick Blechta

On May 9, 2011, at 2:59 PM, Gary Brumm wrote:

….just make sure you use locking casters……or it may Rock and “Roll” away……. :)

And don't trust the roadie to remember to lock them!

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-09 by lsf5275@aol.com

I've done this repeatedly for live performances.
 
 
In a message dated 5/9/2011 2:48:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
ecclesreinson@rogers.com writes:

 
 
 
Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform? It adds  
about6 inches. Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches  higher.

--- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
(mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  john barrick <barrickjohn262@...> wrote:
>
> I'm with Gino  on this, Frank. The height of the M400 cabinet is awkward 
at
> best.  When I made new feet for mine, I added about two inches, keeping in
>  mind that I'm probably going to put in on some kind of "furniture  dolly"
> arrangement, so I can wheel it wherever I want it. I really  look forward 
to
> seeing your refinements to the cabinet. When I rebuild  mine (new cabinet)
> I've been thinking of a number of aesthetic  modifications, many of which
> involve radiusing and rounding over of  sharp edges with some kind of 
natural
> wood finish. The side panels  present the real problem there and may
> involve some sort of solid wood  construction. I'll get it figured out
> eventually. I'm a real fan of  the transparent front and back panels, too.
> 
> john
>  
> On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM, <lsf5275@...> wrote:
>  
> >
> >
> > It is light for plywood and very high  quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go
> > with solid wood in something  that small.
> >
> > In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26  P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > wonggster@... writes:
>  >
> >
> >
> > Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is  light isn't it? I have to replace my
> > Afromosia case for my EMS  synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest)
> > wondering if  stained birch was a good sub.
> >
> > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at  11:25 PM, <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> >
> >>
>  >>
> >> The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard.  It is being built
> >> from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do  away with removable 
panels and
> >> go with doors. I'm using the  old cabinet as a platform to experiment 
with
> >> different ways  of doing it. There will be several other differences 
as well.
> >>  It will still look like a Mellotron.
> >>
> >> In a  message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> >>  wonggster@... writes:
> >>
> >>
>  >>
> >> I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher.  Despite my deep 
love
> >> for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a  source of conflict for me, too
> >> 'something ' for both standing  and sitting. Have you thought about 
making
> >> your cabinet  taller or shorter ?
> >>
> >> best
>  >>
> >> g
> >>
> >> On Sat, May 7,  2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> >>
>  >>>
> >>>
> >>> Since I brought this  machine home a couple of months ago, aside from
> >>> stripping  the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood 
frame, I've
>  >>> not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that  it 
didn't
> >>> work and that the cabinet was not worth  repairing.
> >>>
> >>> Well, yesterday I finally  got around to finding out why this machine
> >>> doesn't work.  Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something 
unusual
>  >>> that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2  
was bad,
> >>> and though I have several spares, I was able to  fix the one that 
came with
> >>> it and it was soon up and  running. Then the surprises started. The 
keyboard
> >>> was  beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were 
backed
>  >>> way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the  
felt pads
> >>> that isolate the adjustment screws were  replaced with new ones that 
were 1/4
> >>> inch thick.  Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed 
on the
>  >>> backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off  of 
the
> >>> pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then  necessitated someone bending 
it into
> >>> a bizarre  configuration.
> >>>
> >>> I wanted to get it to  run before I started tearing it down and I did 
get
> >>> it to  work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very 
strong
>  >>> with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in  some 
of the
> >>> keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it  is very quiet. I cranked 
up the
> >>> sound dry and got no  humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of 
the
> >>> heads  revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a 
small
>  >>> magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none  
anywhere in or
> >>> near the tape path. Hooray!
>  >>>
> >>> So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet.  With any luck, I'll have 
all
> >>> of the parts cut within the  next couple of weeks. Since this one is 
mine and
> >>> I have  no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I 
expect

Show quoted textHide quoted text

>  >>> there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has  begun.
> >>>
> >>> Frank
>  >>>
> >>>
> >>
> > 
>  >
>

Re: # 1541

2011-05-09 by Charles

when I had my M400 I made a plain old black wooden box for it to sit on for live shows. I had an Anvil ATA case for it and sometimes used the bottom of the case.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:

Show quoted textHide quoted text

>
> I've done this repeatedly for live performances.
>  
>  
> In a message dated 5/9/2011 2:48:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
> ecclesreinson@... writes:
> 
>  
>  
>  
> Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform? It adds  
> about6 inches. Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches  higher.
> 
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_ 
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) ,  john barrick <barrickjohn262@> wrote:
> >
> > I'm with Gino  on this, Frank. The height of the M400 cabinet is awkward 
> at
> > best.  When I made new feet for mine, I added about two inches, keeping in
> >  mind that I'm probably going to put in on some kind of "furniture  dolly"
> > arrangement, so I can wheel it wherever I want it. I really  look forward 
> to
> > seeing your refinements to the cabinet. When I rebuild  mine (new cabinet)
> > I've been thinking of a number of aesthetic  modifications, many of which
> > involve radiusing and rounding over of  sharp edges with some kind of 
> natural
> > wood finish. The side panels  present the real problem there and may
> > involve some sort of solid wood  construction. I'll get it figured out
> > eventually. I'm a real fan of  the transparent front and back panels, too.
> > 
> > john
> >  
> > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM, <lsf5275@> wrote:
> >  
> > >
> > >
> > > It is light for plywood and very high  quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go
> > > with solid wood in something  that small.
> > >
> > > In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26  P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > wonggster@ writes:
> >  >
> > >
> > >
> > > Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is  light isn't it? I have to replace my
> > > Afromosia case for my EMS  synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest)
> > > wondering if  stained birch was a good sub.
> > >
> > > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at  11:25 PM, <lsf5275@> wrote:
> > >
> > >>
> >  >>
> > >> The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard.  It is being built
> > >> from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do  away with removable 
> panels and
> > >> go with doors. I'm using the  old cabinet as a platform to experiment 
> with
> > >> different ways  of doing it. There will be several other differences 
> as well.
> > >>  It will still look like a Mellotron.
> > >>
> > >> In a  message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > >>  wonggster@ writes:
> > >>
> > >>
> >  >>
> > >> I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher.  Despite my deep 
> love
> > >> for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a  source of conflict for me, too
> > >> 'something ' for both standing  and sitting. Have you thought about 
> making
> > >> your cabinet  taller or shorter ?
> > >>
> > >> best
> >  >>
> > >> g
> > >>
> > >> On Sat, May 7,  2011 at 1:12 AM, <lsf5275@> wrote:
> > >>
> >  >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Since I brought this  machine home a couple of months ago, aside from
> > >>> stripping  the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood 
> frame, I've
> >  >>> not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that  it 
> didn't
> > >>> work and that the cabinet was not worth  repairing.
> > >>>
> > >>> Well, yesterday I finally  got around to finding out why this machine
> > >>> doesn't work.  Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something 
> unusual
> >  >>> that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2  
> was bad,
> > >>> and though I have several spares, I was able to  fix the one that 
> came with
> > >>> it and it was soon up and  running. Then the surprises started. The 
> keyboard
> > >>> was  beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were 
> backed
> >  >>> way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the  
> felt pads
> > >>> that isolate the adjustment screws were  replaced with new ones that 
> were 1/4
> > >>> inch thick.  Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed 
> on the
> >  >>> backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off  of 
> the
> > >>> pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then  necessitated someone bending 
> it into
> > >>> a bizarre  configuration.
> > >>>
> > >>> I wanted to get it to  run before I started tearing it down and I did 
> get
> > >>> it to  work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very 
> strong
> >  >>> with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in  some 
> of the
> > >>> keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it  is very quiet. I cranked 
> up the
> > >>> sound dry and got no  humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of 
> the
> > >>> heads  revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a 
> small
> >  >>> magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none  
> anywhere in or
> > >>> near the tape path. Hooray!
> >  >>>
> > >>> So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet.  With any luck, I'll have 
> all
> > >>> of the parts cut within the  next couple of weeks. Since this one is 
> mine and
> > >>> I have  no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I 
> expect
> >  >>> there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has  begun.
> > >>>
> > >>> Frank
> >  >>>
> > >>>
> > >>
> > > 
> >  >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-10 by gino wong

If I recall King Crimson used cinder blocks.

Back in the golden age when I worked at the Tower Theatre, I always wondered why bands with M400s always moved the instruments with the tape racks out. Occasionally running at=round looking for them. The poorly driven forklift must be the reason why.

Show quoted textHide quoted text

On Mon, May 9, 2011 at 7:42 PM, Charles <charel196@yahoo.com> wrote:

when I had my M400 I made a plain old black wooden box for it to sit on for live shows. I had an Anvil ATA case for it and sometimes used the bottom of the case.

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, lsf5275@... wrote:
>
> I've done this repeatedly for live performances.
>
>
> In a message dated 5/9/2011 2:48:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> ecclesreinson@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform? It adds
> about6 inches. Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches higher.
>
> --- In _newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com_
> (mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com) , john barrick > >
> > I'm with Gino on this, Frank. The height of the M400 cabinet is awkward
> at
> > best. When I made new feet for mine, I added about two inches, keeping in
>; > mind that I'm probably going to put in on some kind of "furniture dolly"
> > arrangement, so I can wheel it wherever I want it. I really look forward
> to
> > seeing your refinements to the cabinet. When I rebuild mine (new cabinet)
> > I've been thinking of a number of aesthetic modifications, many of which
> > involve radiusing and rounding over of sharp edges with some kind of
> natural
> > wood finish. The side panels present the real problem there and may
> > involve some sort of solid wood construction. I'll get it figured out
> > eventually. I'm a real fan of the transparent front and back panels, too.
> >
> > john
> >
> > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 10:51 PM, wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > It is light for plywood and very high quality. Not inexpensive. I'd go
> > > with solid wood in something that small.
> > >
> > > In a message dated 5/7/2011 11:49:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > > wonggster@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Sounds bitching. Baltic Birch is light isn't it? I have to replace my
> > > Afromosia case for my EMS synthi VCS3 (not the 'A' you saw at Nearfest)
> > > wondering if stained birch was a good sub.
> > >
> > > On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 11:25 PM, wrote:
> > >
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> The cabinet will be 3 inches taller at the keyboard. It is being built
> > >> from Baltic Birch plywood and MDF. I may do away with removable
> panels and
> > >> go with doors. I'm using the old cabinet as a platform to experiment
> with
> > >> different ways of doing it. There will be several other differences
> as well.
> > >> It will still look like a Mellotron.
> > >>
> > >> In a message dated 5/7/2011 10:18:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > >> wonggster@ writes:
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> I have always wanted my cabinet "one brick" higher. Despite my deep
> love
> > >> for Mellotrons, cabinets have always a source of conflict for me, too
> > >> 'something ' for both standing and sitting. Have you thought about
> making
> > >> your cabinet taller or shorter ?
> > >>
> > >> best
>; > >>
> > >> g
> > >>
> > >> On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 1:12 AM, wrote:
> > >>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Since I brought this machine home a couple of months ago, aside from
> > >>> stripping the cabinet and getting the mechanicals into the wood
> frame, I've
> >; >>> not had the time to even really examine it. All I knew was that it
> didn't
> > >>> work and that the cabinet was not worth repairing.
> > >>>
> > >>> Well, yesterday I finally got around to finding out why this machine
> > >>> doesn't work. Every time I restore an old Mellotron I find something
> unusual
> > >>> that I've never seen before. This one was no exception. The SMS 2
> was bad,
> > >>> and though I have several spares, I was able to fix the one that
> came with
> > >;>> it and it was soon up and running. Then the surprises started. The
> keyboard
> > >>> was beyond horrible. Oddly, the pressure pad adjustment screws were
> backed
> > >>> way out. I removed the keyboard and took a close look. All of the
> felt pads
> > >>> that isolate the adjustment screws were replaced with new ones that
> were 1/4
> > >>> inch thick. Interesting... these thick felt pads were also installed
> on the
> > >>> backs of the pressure pads themselves, forcing them to stand off of
> the
> > >>> pressure pad rest 1/4 inch, which then necessitated someone bending
> it into
> > >>> a bizarre configuration.
> > >>>
> > >>> I wanted to get it to run before I started tearing it down and I did
> get
> > >>> it to work... sorta. I am happy that the motor appears to be very
> strong
> > >>> with little wear on the commutator or brushes. Minor warps in some
> of the
> > >>> keys are a quick fix. It has a PML 1 and it is very quiet. I cranked
> up the
> > >>> sound dry and got no humming and no crackling. Amazingly, a check of
> the
> > >>> heads revealed zero magnetism on any of them. In fact, aside from a
> small
> > >>> magnetic reading from the left bearing block, there was none
> anywhere in or
> > >>> near the tape path. Hooray!
> > >>>
> > >>> So far, I have begun kitting a new cabinet. With any luck, I'll have
> all
> > >>> of the parts cut within the next couple of weeks. Since this one is
> mine and
> > >>> I have no deadline or expectant owner, the going will be slow. I
> expect
> > >>> there will be some surprises when I reveal it. The fun has begun.
> > >>>
> > >>> Frank
> > >>>;
> > >>>
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

2011-05-10 by Andy Thompson

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

Show quoted textHide quoted text

From: "Charles" <charel196@yahoo.com>
To: <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 12:42 AM
Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

> Has anyone used an M400 flight case bottom as a dolly / platform? It adds
> about6 inches. Works well with feet off. Ends up about 2.5 inches  higher.

Used a flightcase base with locking castors on a few gigs, but it was 
slightly too high, especially with a Jupiter-8 on top. Marginally better 
sitting on a D-50 case.

Andy T.

The Mellotron Group

Re: # 1541

Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: # 1541

RE: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: # 1541

Move to quarantaine