The Mellotron Group

new book;  disappointing

To be fair , i expected it to be one thing and it is something different.
i expected more detailed photos of mellotrons, and especially
chamberlins,maybe some of the the manufacturing process rather than the
celebrities that used them. I hoped for more technical information about
the recordings. I realize now that what I was hoping for was a 600 page
hardcover version of Frank Sammagio's book. The interviews are interesting
and there are somethings I hadn't heard over the years.
I wish there was a Chamberlin book even a small one- I often wish I had
gotten out to Harry's place and had him make me one. There was a guy in a
band "Rat Race Choir" who had an M2 and gave me the ph# et all but I never
got around to it (no $)
Okay, honestly I also feel that the book omitted certain things from the
American side some of which are of personal import, but I don't want to go
into sour grapes.

> Why?
>
> --- On Thu, 7/31/08, tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:
> From: tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh.org>
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 7:02 AM
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Thanks Thomas, I am not sure about buying the book, having already over spent this years mellotron budget. I can sympathize with you over the chamberlin, in my dreams I have a Rivera ( Riviera ) which works perfectly, nobody has ever offered to sell me one! 

I am beginning to wonder if keyboards are addictive, I've gone from a just Yahmaha PSR 295 to an M400 and a piano and I'm looking  for a Korg xd5 or an X50. And I can barely play!

Mark

--- On Thu, 7/31/08, Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:
From: Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 2:19 PM










    
            To be fair , i expected it to be one thing and it is something different.

i expected more detailed photos of mellotrons, and especially

chamberlins, maybe some of the the manufacturing process rather than the

celebrities that used them. I hoped for more technical information about

the recordings. I realize now that what I was hoping for was a 600 page

hardcover version of Frank Sammagio's book. The interviews are interesting

and there are somethings I hadn't heard over the years.

I wish there was a Chamberlin book even a small one- I often wish I had

gotten out to Harry's place and had him make me one. There was a guy in a

band "Rat Race Choir" who had an M2 and gave me the ph# et all but I never

got around to it (no $)

Okay, honestly I also feel that the book omitted certain things from the

American side some of which are of personal import, but I don't want to go

into sour grapes.

> Why?

>

> --- On Thu, 7/31/08, tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh. org> wrote:

> From: tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh. org>

> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

> To: newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com

> Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 7:02 AM

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Mark,
    Yes, absolutely, keyboards are addictive.  Many of
us are not players, or "noodlers".  I recommend
getting it out of your system quickly.  It's becoming
a more costly drug by the day...
-Jack


--- Mark Pring <markpringnz@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Thanks Thomas, I am not sure about buying the book,
> having already over spent this years mellotron
> budget. I can sympathize with you over the
> chamberlin, in my dreams I have a Rivera ( Riviera )
> which works perfectly, nobody has ever offered to
> sell me one! 
> 
> I am beginning to wonder if keyboards are addictive,
> I've gone from a just Yahmaha PSR 295 to an M400 and
> a piano and I'm looking\ufffd for a Korg xd5 or an X50.
> And I can barely play!
> 
> Mark
> 
> --- On Thu, 7/31/08, Thomas C. Doncourt
> <tomdcour@amnh.org> wrote:
> From: Thomas C. Doncourt <tomdcour@amnh.org>
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 2:19 PM
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>     
>             To be fair , i expected it to be one
> thing and it is something different.
> 
> i expected more detailed photos of mellotrons, and
> especially
> 
> chamberlins, maybe some of the the manufacturing
> process rather than the
> 
> celebrities that used them. I hoped for more
> technical information about
> 
> the recordings. I realize now that what I was hoping
> for was a 600 page
> 
> hardcover version of Frank Sammagio's book. The
> interviews are interesting
> 
> and there are somethings I hadn't heard over the
> years.
> 
> I wish there was a Chamberlin book even a small one-
> I often wish I had
> 
> gotten out to Harry's place and had him make me one.
> There was a guy in a
> 
> band "Rat Race Choir" who had an M2 and gave me the
> ph# et all but I never
> 
> got around to it (no $)
> 
> Okay, honestly I also feel that the book omitted
> certain things from the
> 
> American side some of which are of personal import,
> but I don't want to go
> 
> into sour grapes.
> 
> 
> 
> > Why?
> 
> >
> 
> > --- On Thu, 7/31/08, tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh. org>
> wrote:
> 
> > From: tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh. org>
> 
> > Subject: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> 
> > To: newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com
> 
> > Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 7:02 AM
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Mark- even in dreams the Riviera could give you a hernia! Beautiful though- do I remember seeing a studio in the West coast auctioning one off a couple of years ago? An M2 would be perfect- double keyboard- 12 tracks, 1/2 inch tape- fits in a station wagon! Why can\u2019t someone revive the M series?
The fingers are just a small obstacle between the brain and the keys- the wallet is another one, both are frustrating.
Thomas


Thanks Thomas, I am not sure about buying the book, having already over spent this years mellotron budget. I can sympathize with you over the chamberlin, in my dreams I have a Rivera ( Riviera ) which works perfectly, nobody has ever offered to sell me one!

I am beginning to wonder if keyboards are addictive, I've gone from a just Yahmaha PSR 295 to an M400 and a piano and I'm looking for a Korg xd5 or an X50. And I can barely play!

Mark

--- On Thu, 7/31/08, Thomas C. Doncourt wrote:

From: Thomas C. Doncourt
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 2:19 PM

To be fair , i expected it to be one thing and it is something different.
i expected more detailed photos of mellotrons, and especially
chamberlins, maybe some of the the manufacturing process rather than the
celebrities that used them. I hoped for more technical information about
the recordings. I realize now that what I was hoping for was a 600 page
hardcover version of Frank Sammagio's book. The interviews are interesting
and there are somethings I hadn't heard over the years.
I wish there was a Chamberlin book even a small one- I often wish I had
gotten out to Harry's place and had him make me one. There was a guy in a
band "Rat Race Choir" who had an M2 and gave me the ph# et all but I never
got around to it (no $)
Okay, honestly I also feel that the book omitted certain things from the
American side some of which are of personal import, but I don't want to go
into sour grapes.

> Why?
>
> --- On Thu, 7/31/08, tomdcour <tomdcour@amnh. org > wrote:
> From: tomdcour >
> Subject: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> To: newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com
> Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 7:02 AM
>
>
>
>
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> new book; disappointing
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OK, it is time for us complainers to write a book. It should be a textbook because the story is half technical and half pop chronicle. To be sensible I suggest

In a message dated 7/31/2008 11:21:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
wonggster@gmail.com writes:

OK, it  is time for us complainers to write a book. It should be a textbook 
because  the story is half technical and half pop chronicle. To be sensible I 
suggest  as executive editor M. Smith (aka document dump), Technical editor and 
 historian J. Bradley. Extend the ever growing appendix, bibliography and  
photos (AV) onto a website and CD. 




Could it wait until I get my m4000? 
 
Frank



**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for 
FanHouse Fantasy Football today.      
(http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

Let s hope we never run out of patience with you. ... -- Gino Wong Wanted: Schematics of, and odd rare unusual and maligned electronic devices such as: Kawai,

I would absolutely LOVE to be involved. Here's the real question..


 Why not do a proper documentary? The story has everything- and is bookended (to date) by tales of technical wizardry by Precision Mystics working miracles in sheds.
I've been talking to a film maker friend of mine- who's seen the Moog and Theremin films- and she agrees. Done properly it would be a splendid piece of work.

Yes, you're right about the need for a complete textbook style publication along the lines of 'Beauty in the B'- Mark Vail's Hammond guide.

Gino! Ask away regarding Farfisa Compacts.


Love and Scones,

Fotheringay Mangles-Moog R.N. (Ret'd.)
________________________________
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> From: wonggster@gmail.com
> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:21:10 -0400
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> 
> 
> OK, it is time for us complainers to write a book. It should be a textbook because the story is half technical and half pop chronicle. To be sensible I suggest as executive editor M. Smith (aka document dump), Technical editor and historian J. Bradley. Extend the ever growing appendix, bibliography and photos (AV) onto a website and CD.
> 
> 
> 

_________________________________________________________________
100’s of Nikon cameras to be won with Live Search
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/101719808/direct/01/

Frank! 

I feel for you.


 Oh Frank, bear with. You'll be so happy. At least you're going to own one soon.
 It's worse for me. I can't afford one but have played one, so I know what I'm missing.


It will knock your socks off.


Anyway, how long is the wait for a Morgan or Caterham sports car? What you're getting is SOOOO much rarer.

And INFINITELY cooler.




 msw ;-)
________________________________
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> From: lsf5275@aol.com
> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:25:12 -0400
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> 
> 
> In a message dated 7/31/2008 11:21:49 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, wonggster@gmail.com writes:
> OK, it is time for us complainers to write a book. It should be a textbook because the story is half technical and half pop chronicle. To be sensible I suggest as executive editor M. Smith (aka document dump), Technical editor and historian J. Bradley. Extend the ever growing appendix, bibliography and photos (AV) onto a website and CD.
> 
> Could it wait until I get my m4000? [http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201d20638/13]
> 
> Frank
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today.
> 
> 

_________________________________________________________________
Find the best and worst places on the planet
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/101719807/direct/01/

There is supposed to be some kind of documentary on the history of sampling
coming out, that includes the Mellotron, Chamberlin, Birotron, Orchestron,
and Optigan.

Several people were interviewed for it last year though the hard part is
trying to include everybody. It's impossible. The same challenge holds with
a book I think.

In order to satisfy *everyone* on this planet,  the definitive "dream" book
would include all the material in the new book, Frank's book, interviews
with Martin and John from Streetly, Dave Kean, Markus Resch, Bill Eberline,
ex- Mellotronics / Streetly / Sound Sales employees, Richard Chamberlin and
his sister, Richards' technician Steve Hawk, Dave Biro, Peter Robinson, Rick
Wakeman, ex- Packhorse employees , Dave VanKoevering and ex-Vako employees,
ex- Moog employees, ex- Optigan - Mattel employees, Hugh LeCaine's
descendants, plus all the usual classic "Mellotron musicians", etc. etc.
Where do you draw the line???

We may have to be content and grateful with what we get for now..... unless
everyone can pool their resources and create some mega-website that those
historically involved could access / contribute to. It would have to be
"bitterness / ego / censored info" free to have the highest credibility, and
be designed for people who would want ALL the facts 100,000,000,000 years
from now.

Anyone here with a spare lifetime?? :)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Wallis" <markstuartwallis@hotmail.com>
To: <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:13 PM
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book



I would absolutely LOVE to be involved. Here's the real question..


 Why not do a proper documentary? The story has everything- and is bookended
(to date) by tales of technical wizardry by Precision Mystics working
miracles in sheds.
I've been talking to a film maker friend of mine- who's seen the Moog and
Theremin films- and she agrees. Done properly it would be a splendid piece
of work.

Yes, you're right about the need for a complete textbook style publication
along the lines of 'Beauty in the B'- Mark Vail's Hammond guide.

Gino! Ask away regarding Farfisa Compacts.


Love and Scones,

Fotheringay Mangles-Moog R.N. (Ret'd.)
________________________________
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> From: wonggster@gmail.com
> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:21:10 -0400
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
>
>
> OK, it is time for us complainers to write a book. It should be a textbook
because the story is half technical and half pop chronicle. To be sensible I
suggest as executive editor M. Smith (aka document dump), Technical editor
and historian J. Bradley. Extend the ever growing appendix, bibliography and
photos (AV) onto a website and CD.
>
>
>

_________________________________________________________________
100\ufffds of Nikon cameras to be won with Live Search
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/101719808/direct/01/
------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links






--
Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.24.6/1480 - Release Date: 03/06/2008
7:00 AM

In a message dated 7/31/2008 11:43:32 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
wonggster@gmail.com writes:

Let's  hope we never run out of patience with you.




That sounds good to me.
 




**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for 
FanHouse Fantasy Football today.      
(http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

In a message dated 7/31/2008 12:23:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
markstuartwallis@hotmail.com writes:

Frank!  

I feel for you.

Oh Frank, bear with. You'll be so happy. At  least you're going to own one 
soon.
It's worse for me. I can't afford one  but have played one, so I know what 
I'm missing.

It will knock your  socks off.

Anyway, how long is the wait for a Morgan or Caterham sports  car? What 
you're getting is SOOOO much rarer.

And INFINITELY  cooler.




Actually,that comment was meant as humor for those of you with the big,  flat 
foreheads. My patience has been fully renewed. I know that one day it will  
show up and I'll be rewarded for the wait. 
 
Besides, I have the Black and White M400s to find homes for and the blue  one 
waits patiently for my attention. I'm hoping for some good news in  the fall.
 
I always wanted a Morgan... I've lusted after a Plus 8 for years. Also on  
the list is a Vincent Black Shadow from around 1954. Perhaps the most beautiful  
motorcycle ever made... and fucking fast, even by today's standards.
 
Frank



**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for 
FanHouse Fantasy Football today.      
(http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
chris.dale@primus.ca writes:

We may  have to be content and grateful with what we get for now.....  unless
everyone can pool their resources and create some mega-website that  those
historically involved could access / contribute to. It would have to  be
"bitterness / ego / censored info" free to have the highest credibility,  and
be designed for people who would want ALL the facts 100,000,000,000  years
from now.

Anyone here with a spare lifetime??  :)





I would gladly contribute all I know to such a project.
 
Frank



**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for 
FanHouse Fantasy Football today.      
(http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
chris.dale@primus.ca writes:

In order  to satisfy *everyone* on this planet,  the definitive "dream"  book
would include all the material in the new book, Frank's book,  interviews
with Martin and John from Streetly, Dave Kean, Markus Resch,  Bill Eberline,
ex- Mellotronics / Streetly / Sound Sales employees, Richard  Chamberlin and
his sister, Richards' technician Steve Hawk, Dave Biro,  Peter Robinson, Rick
Wakeman, ex- Packhorse employees , Dave VanKoevering  and ex-Vako employees,
ex- Moog employees, ex- Optigan - Mattel employees,  Hugh LeCaine's
descendants, plus all the usual classic "Mellotron  musicians", etc. etc.
Where do you draw the  line???




This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could care  
less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I would like to  
know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went through to make his first  
working anything. Then I would like to know How each successive machine was  
created and what thought processes went into their creation. Same thing for the 
 Mellotron and Streetly. What was it like back in the day in the "factory" 
when  they were perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and the M300-400?
 
I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman... What went into  
making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?
 
That's the kind of book that would most appeal to  me.



**************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for 
FanHouse Fantasy Football today.      
(http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020)

I would be quite interested in playing technique, is it there much about it in the new book?

 I would also be interested in all the stuff that Frank mentions, I assume that isn't in the book.

Mark

--- On Fri, 8/1/08, lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

From: lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 8:57 AM










    
            



In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
chris.dale@primus. ca writes:
In order 
  to satisfy *everyone* on this planet,  the definitive "dream" 
  book
would include all the material in the new book, Frank's book, 
  interviews
with Martin and John from Streetly, Dave Kean, Markus Resch, 
  Bill Eberline,
ex- Mellotronics / Streetly / Sound Sales employees, Richard 
  Chamberlin and
his sister, Richards' technician Steve Hawk, Dave Biro, 
  Peter Robinson, Rick
Wakeman, ex- Packhorse employees , Dave VanKoevering 
  and ex-Vako employees,
ex- Moog employees, ex- Optigan - Mattel employees, 
  Hugh LeCaine's
descendants, plus all the usual classic "Mellotron 
  musicians", etc. etc.
Where do you draw the 
line???


 
This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could care 
less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I would like to 
know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went through to make his first 
working anything. Then I would like to know How each successive machine was 
created and what thought processes went into their creation. Same thing for the 
Mellotron and Streetly. What was it like back in the day in the "factory" when 
they were perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and the M300-400?
 
I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman... What went into 
making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?
 
That's the kind of book that would most appeal to 
me.


Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

Hey Frank-
   Birotron, huh?  All hail the 8-track!  If you haven't read it berore, try this site-
 
www.believermag.com/issues/200706/?read=article_collins 
 
 
    -Bruce D.


--- On Thu, 7/31/08, lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

From: lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 2:57 PM








In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, chris.dale@primus. ca writes:
In order to satisfy *everyone* on this planet,  the definitive "dream" book
would include all the material in the new book, Frank's book, interviews
with Martin and John from Streetly, Dave Kean, Markus Resch, Bill Eberline,
ex- Mellotronics / Streetly / Sound Sales employees, Richard Chamberlin and
his sister, Richards' technician Steve Hawk, Dave Biro, Peter Robinson, Rick
Wakeman, ex- Packhorse employees , Dave VanKoevering and ex-Vako employees,
ex- Moog employees, ex- Optigan - Mattel employees, Hugh LeCaine's
descendants, plus all the usual classic "Mellotron musicians", etc. etc.
Where do you draw the line???


 
This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could care less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I would like to know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went through to make his first working anything. Then I would like to know How each successive machine was created and what thought processes went into their creation. Same thing for the Mellotron and Streetly. What was it like back in the day in the "factory" when they were perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and the M300-400?
 
I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman... What went into making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?
 
That's the kind of book that would most appeal to me.





Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

The choir that's linked to in the article sounds pretty nice. I 
wonder how many other Birotron sounds are still floating around.

BTW, the Mellotron book arrived today. Haven't had any time to look 
it over yet.

Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Daily <pocotron@...> 
wrote:
>
> Hey Frank-
>    Birotron, huh?  All hail the 8-track!  If you haven't read it 
berore, try this site-
>  
> www.believermag.com/issues/200706/?read=article_collins 
>  
>  
>     -Bruce D.
> 
> 
> --- On Thu, 7/31/08, lsf5275@... <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> 
> From: lsf5275@... <lsf5275@...>
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 2:57 PM
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
chris.dale@primus. ca writes:
> In order to satisfy *everyone* on this planet,  the 
definitive "dream" book
> would include all the material in the new book, Frank's book, 
interviews
> with Martin and John from Streetly, Dave Kean, Markus Resch, Bill 
Eberline,
> ex- Mellotronics / Streetly / Sound Sales employees, Richard 
Chamberlin and
> his sister, Richards' technician Steve Hawk, Dave Biro, Peter 
Robinson, Rick
> Wakeman, ex- Packhorse employees , Dave VanKoevering and ex-Vako 
employees,
> ex- Moog employees, ex- Optigan - Mattel employees, Hugh LeCaine's
> descendants, plus all the usual classic "Mellotron musicians", etc. 
etc.
> Where do you draw the line???
> 
> 
>  
> This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could 
care less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I 
would like to know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went 
through to make his first working anything. Then I would like to know 
How each successive machine was created and what thought processes 
went into their creation. Same thing for the Mellotron and Streetly. 
What was it like back in the day in the "factory" when they were 
perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and the M300-400?
>  
> I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman... What 
went into making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?
>  
> That's the kind of book that would most appeal to me.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse 
Fantasy Football today.
>

I have had an M1 and still have my M2 - let me tell you..the M1 I could lift
alone, even in the anvil case, but the M2 even outside its fiberglass case
is a two-man job...

Vance

-----Original Message-----
From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom Doncourt
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 6:05 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

 

Mark- even in dreams the Riviera could give you a hernia! Beautiful though-
do I remember seeing a studio in the West coast auctioning one off a couple
of years ago? An M2 would be perfect- double keyboard- 12 tracks, 1/2 inch
tape- fits in a station wagon! Why can't someone revive the M series?

Speaking of films, I remember Richard Chamberlin mentioning his avocation
for film (thus the return pulley arrangement on the M's) and I bet he has a
bunch of super8mm....
Vance

-----Original Message-----
From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mark Wallis
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 9:13 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book


I would absolutely LOVE to be involved. Here's the real question..


 Why not do a proper documentary? The story has everything- and is bookended
(to date) by tales of technical wizardry by Precision Mystics working
miracles in sheds.
I've been talking to a film maker friend of mine- who's seen the Moog and
Theremin films- and she agrees. Done properly it would be a splendid piece
of work.

Yes, you're right about the need for a complete textbook style publication
along the lines of 'Beauty in the B'- Mark Vail's Hammond guide.

Gino! Ask away regarding Farfisa Compacts.


Love and Scones,

Fotheringay Mangles-Moog R.N. (Ret'd.)
________________________________
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> From: wonggster@gmail.com
> Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:21:10 -0400
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> 
> 
> OK, it is time for us complainers to write a book. It should be a textbook
because the story is half technical and half pop chronicle. To be sensible I
suggest as executive editor M. Smith (aka document dump), Technical editor
and historian J. Bradley. Extend the ever growing appendix, bibliography and
photos (AV) onto a website and CD.
> 
> 
> 

_________________________________________________________________
100's of Nikon cameras to be won with Live Search
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/101719808/direct/01/
------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

Wow, so it's still quite heavy even though it's somewhat compact? Now I'm
not sure if it was in a "table top" configuration like the m1 or in a full
cabinet. This is why i want a book that describes these things.
Thanks for the info.TD

> I have had an M1 and still have my M2 - let me tell you..the M1 I could
> lift
> alone, even in the anvil case, but the M2 even outside its fiberglass case
> is a two-man job...
>
> Vance
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom Doncourt
> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 6:05 AM
> To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
>
>
>
> Mark- even in dreams the Riviera could give you a hernia! Beautiful
> though-
> do I remember seeing a studio in the West coast auctioning one off a
> couple
> of years ago? An M2 would be perfect- double keyboard- 12 tracks, 1/2 inch
> tape- fits in a station wagon! Why can't someone revive the M series?
>
>
>

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

From: "Chris Dale" <chris.dale@primus.ca>
Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 16:53:08 -0400
To: <newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

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

From: lsf5275@aol.com

To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 4:57 PM

Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, chris.dale@primus.ca writes:

This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could care less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I would like to know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went through to make his first working anything. Then I would like to know How each successive machine was created and what thought processes went into their creation.

Well, Harry already had an engineering history working on B29 airplanes for the government, and rebuilt a couple of rusted Hupmobiles. He also was a raceboat driver and in the 1940's would win races against the Mafia using a souped up engine. I think it was his determination to make something work regardless of the obstacles, that kept him going. He made a 'special room' out of a large walk in closet where he would acoustically test things. He would stay in there from 6 in the morning until 10 at night working away. In 1948 he also invented the intermittent "windshield squeegee" which helped him in his designs.

Same thing for the Mellotron and Streetly. What was it like back in the day in the "factory" when they were perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and the M300-400?

I've heard some "private" recordings of Les talking about this, and there were some real financial struggles unbeknownst to most. If a mutual working partnership between Les and Harry could have developed, it might have made things easier for both of them throughout the period. But the way it happened with Bill Fransen prevented it. Harry had a great deal of animosity towards Bill Fransen. Maybe if Fransen had separated from the Bradleys' earlier, a partnership might have been possible. Also technically - you probably would have had more crossover between the two instruments as far as parts and design go.

I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman...What went into making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?

In researching the history and damage to the Wakeman Double-Tron, the Birotron story becomes interspersed along the way, as both instruments were worked on and modified at the same location.

The Birotron story interesting because it was never Dave Biro's intention to produce that instrument. He only ever built the prototype because he couldn't afford a Mellotron at the time, and was disappointed in it when he saw one in a music store. Probably poorly adjusted.

It was Wakemans' idea to go into business with it, and at the time the 8 track loop method had appeal because there was no limits on the playing time, and no fussing with adjusting pressure pads. Roger Whittaker, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, Tangerine Dream etc. all placed orders. Demo model prototypes were sent to Captain and Tennille and Tangerine Dream. These were the B90 models - not perfected but good enough to betatest.

The decision to stand the 8 tracks on their sides, arrival of the digital chip, and some personal and professional problems in Wakeman's life and outside his control, conspired to sink the project. In the aftermath, Dave Biro had designed an alternate model that corrected the problems in the B90. A prototype was made and funding secured from a different company, but the recession of the 80's ruined it.

The Optigan came from the Chatty Cathy toy, where a disc was played to hear the doll talking. A Mattel executive thought the market was ripe for an organ that could do this and the original idea was to have an Optigan that had discs played with a needle just like a regular record. A model was done that showed this wouldn't work and they went to the light sensing disc reader. In a sense the Optigan is the first "CD player" but it borrows from technology used in the Kimball Organ earlier in the century. Mattel, nevertheless, had to buy out several patents owned by Harry Chamberlin and even used many Chamberlin recordings on the discs. Harry and Richard warned Mattel to stay away from certain ideas in the patents but Mattel didn't listen.

Despite Mattel leaving their name off the product (so they could charge more)the Optigan was a toy organ aimed at families that would stand around and sing songs after supper, but that era had passed. Mattel soon realized this and sold the Optigan to a susidiary called Opsonar. Their new market would be to teach kids music, but Opsonar was legally entrapped in the problems of the Magnus Organ company and this brought and end to them.

The Optigan almost re-emerged as the "Chilton Talentmaker" when Roy Chilton (ex-Optigan) tried to market it. Several were made, but pending lawsuit threats put an end to them as well.

David VanKoevering (of Moog Music) started Vako and they re-released the Optigan as the Orchestron, doing away with the rhythm sections of the Optigan and Talentmaker. The Orchestron was obviously meant to take a share of the Mellotron market, but was offerred as a premium instrument at premium prices, and positioned outside of the market. The Optical technology was later sold to NASA for use in their space program. It also was used in recordings made for German touring buses.

That's the kind of book that would most appeal to me.

Sorry to ruin your fun Frank, I think I just wrote it! :)

Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today.

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.24.6/1480 - Release Date: 03/06/2008 7:00 AM

Chris- this is entirely the kind of information that I want to find in a
book! If you can throw in some pictures I will place my order right away!!

>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: lsf5275@aol.com
>   To:  newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 4:57 PM
>   Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
>
>
>
>   In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> chris.dale@primus.ca writes:
>   This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could care
> less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I would
> like to know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went through to
> make his first working anything. Then I would like to know How each
> successive machine was created and what thought processes went into
> their creation.
>
>
>   Well, Harry already had an engineering history working on B29 airplanes
> for the government, and rebuilt a couple of rusted Hupmobiles. He also
> was a raceboat driver and in the 1940's would win races against the
> Mafia using  a souped up engine. I think it was his determination to
> make something work regardless of the obstacles, that kept him going. He
> made a 'special room' out of a large walk in closet where he would
> acoustically test things. He would stay in there from 6 in the morning
> until 10 at night working away. In 1948 he also invented the
> intermittent "windshield squeegee" which helped him in his designs.
>
>    Same thing for the Mellotron and Streetly. What was it like back in the
> day in the "factory" when they were perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and
> the M300-400?
>
>   I've heard some "private" recordings of Les talking about this, and
> there were some real financial struggles unbeknownst to most. If a
> mutual working partnership between Les and Harry could have developed,
> it might have made things easier for both of them throughout the period.
> But the way it happened with Bill Fransen prevented it. Harry had a
> great deal of animosity towards Bill Fransen. Maybe if Fransen had
> separated from the Bradleys' earlier, a partnership might have been
> possible. Also technically - you probably would have had more crossover
> between the two instruments as far as parts and design go.
>
>   I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman...What went
> into making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?
>
>
>   In researching the history and damage to the Wakeman Double-Tron, the
> Birotron story becomes interspersed along the way, as both instruments
> were worked on and modified at the same location.
>
>   The Birotron story interesting because it was never Dave Biro's
> intention to produce that instrument. He only ever built the prototype
> because he couldn't afford a Mellotron at the time, and was disappointed
> in it when he saw one in a music store. Probably poorly adjusted.
>
>   It was Wakemans' idea to go into business with it, and at the time the 8
> track loop method had appeal because there was no limits on the playing
> time, and no fussing with adjusting pressure pads. Roger Whittaker, John
> Lennon, Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, Tangerine Dream etc. all placed
> orders. Demo model prototypes were sent to Captain and Tennille and
> Tangerine Dream. These were the B90 models - not perfected but good
> enough to betatest.
>
>   The decision to stand the 8 tracks on their sides, arrival of the
> digital chip, and some personal and professional problems in Wakeman's
> life and outside his control, conspired to sink the project. In the
> aftermath, Dave Biro had designed an alternate model that corrected the
> problems in the B90. A prototype was made and funding secured from a
> different company, but the recession of the 80's ruined it.
>
>   The Optigan came from the Chatty Cathy toy, where a disc was played to
> hear the doll talking. A Mattel executive thought the market was ripe
> for an organ that could do this and the original idea was to have an
> Optigan that had discs played with a needle just like a regular record.
> A model was done that showed this wouldn't work and they went to the
> light sensing disc reader. In a sense the Optigan is the first "CD
> player" but it borrows from technology used in the Kimball Organ earlier
> in the century. Mattel, nevertheless, had to buy out several patents
> owned by Harry Chamberlin and even used many Chamberlin recordings on
> the discs. Harry and Richard warned Mattel to stay away from certain
> ideas in the patents but Mattel didn't listen.
>
>   Despite Mattel leaving their name off the product (so they could charge
> more)the Optigan was a toy organ aimed at families that would stand
> around and sing songs after supper, but that era had passed. Mattel soon
> realized this and sold the Optigan to a susidiary called Opsonar. Their
> new market would be to teach kids music, but Opsonar was legally
> entrapped in the problems of the Magnus Organ company and this brought
> and end to them.
>
>   The Optigan almost re-emerged as the "Chilton Talentmaker" when Roy
> Chilton (ex-Optigan) tried to market it. Several were made, but pending
> lawsuit threats put an end to them as well.
>
>   David VanKoevering (of Moog Music) started Vako and they re-released the
> Optigan as the Orchestron, doing away with the rhythm sections of the
> Optigan and Talentmaker. The Orchestron was obviously meant to take a
> share of the Mellotron market, but was offerred as a premium instrument
> at premium prices, and positioned outside of the market.  The Optical
> technology was later sold to NASA for use in their space program. It
> also was used in recordings made for German touring buses.
>
>
>   That's the kind of book that would most appeal to me.
>
>
>   Sorry to ruin your fun Frank, I think I just wrote it! :)
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>   Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse
> Fantasy Football today.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>   Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
>   Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>   Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.24.6/1480 - Release Date:
> 03/06/2008 7:00 AM
>

That must be Brian's - I got mine in '82 or so directly from a guy who had
ordered it from Harry.

-----Original Message-----
From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Dale
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 1:59 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

 

There used to be an M2 in a studio here in town. It's now probably yours or
Brian Kehews.

 

Anyway I was amazed at the width and shape. It would take a very wide person
to carry it comfortably!!

 

 

 

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

From: Pomeroy <mailto:punchbowl4@earthlink.net>  Ranch 

To: newmellotrongroup@ <mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
yahoogroups.com 

Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 9:51 PM

Subject: RE: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

 

I have had an M1 and still have my M2 - let me tell you..the M1 I could lift
alone, even in the anvil case, but the M2 even outside its fiberglass case
is a two-man job...

Vance

 

-----Original Message-----
From: newmellotrongroup@ <mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
yahoogroups.com [mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tom
Doncourt
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 6:05 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@ <mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com>
yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

 

Mark- even in dreams the Riviera could give you a hernia! Beautiful though-
do I remember seeing a studio in the West coast auctioning one off a couple
of years ago? An M2 would be perfect- double keyboard- 12 tracks, 1/2 inch
tape- fits in a station wagon! Why can't someone revive the M series? 
   


  _____  


Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.
Checked by AVG Free Edition. 
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.24.6/1480 - Release Date: 03/06/2008
7:00 AM

But what happened when Harry found out? This is the part of the story that I
have not heard.

 

  _____  

From: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of lsf5275@aol.com
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 11:24 PM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book

 

In a message dated 8/1/2008 5:19:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
djacques@csulb.edu writes:

My question is how did Streetly get away with using Harry's ideas (which I
assume were patented) when they produced the Mark I?

 

Bill Fransen lied to them. They though he was the creator and held the
patent.





  _____  

Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read
<http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000
017>  reviews on AOL Autos.

In a message dated 7/31/2008 5:36:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
pocotron@yahoo.com writes:

Hey Frank- 
Birotron, huh?  All hail the 8-track!  If you  haven't read it berore, try 
this site- 
_www.believermag.www.believewww.believermwww.believermag_ 
(http://www.believermag.com/issues/200706/?read=article_collins)   



Oops, I guess I should have thanked you first.
 
Frank



**************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? 
Read reviews on AOL Autos.      
(http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 )

In a message dated 8/1/2008 5:06:21 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
chris.dale@primus.ca writes:

Anyway I was amazed at the width and shape. It  would take a very wide person 
to carry it  comfortably!A



 
I'd like a crack at it!
 
Frank



**************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? 
Read reviews on AOL Autos.      
(http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 )

In a message dated 8/1/2008 5:06:21 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
chris.dale@primus.ca writes:

Sorry to ruin your fun Frank, I think  I just wrote it! :) 



 
 
No you didn't, Chris. You gave an awesome, condensed response that was very  
interesting. You didn't spoil my fun. I'll be calling you soon to pick every  
last bit out of you.
 
Thanks!
 
Frank



**************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? 
Read reviews on AOL Autos.      
(http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 )

In a message dated 8/1/2008 5:19:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
djacques@csulb.edu writes:

My  question is how did Streetly get away with using Harry's ideas (which I 
assume  were patented) when they produced the Mark I?


 
 
Bill Fransen lied to them. They though he was the creator and held the  
patent.




**************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? 
Read reviews on AOL Autos.      
(http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 )

You're welcome, Frank-
   No problem.  It's easy to lose track of whose e-mail you're responding to, while using this newfangled Yahoo interface.
   I liked the picture of the Birotron prototype.  That thing must've weighed a ton.  And, considering all the 8-track transports in the cabinet, I bet it made one hell of a racket while changing tracks!
 
  -Bruce D.


--- On Fri, 8/1/08, lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com> wrote:

From: lsf5275@aol.com <lsf5275@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 11:12 PM








In a message dated 7/31/2008 5:36:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, pocotron@yahoo. com writes:

Hey Frank-
   Birotron, huh?  All hail the 8-track!  If you haven't read it berore, try this site-
 
www.believermag. com/issues/ 200706/?read= article_collins 

 
Oops, I guess I should have thanked you first.
 
Frank





Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.

The sound is a little garbled by the usual savaging that MP3 encoding 
dishes out. I may record another one for it instead.

Mike

Bernie wrote:

>
> The choir that's linked to in the article sounds pretty nice. I
> wonder how many other Birotron sounds are still floating around.
>
> BTW, the Mellotron book arrived today. Haven't had any time to look
> it over yet.
>
> Bernie
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
> <mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, Bruce Daily <pocotron@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hey Frank-
> >    Birotron, huh?  All hail the 8-track!  If you haven't read it
> berore, try this site-
> >  
> > www.believermag.com/issues/200706/?read=article_collins
> >  
> >  
> >     -Bruce D.
> >
> >
> > --- On Thu, 7/31/08, lsf5275@... <lsf5275@...> wrote:
> >
> > From: lsf5275@... <lsf5275@...>
> > Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup] new mellotron book
> > To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com 
> <mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 2:57 PM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 7/31/2008 3:26:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> chris.dale@primus. ca writes:
> > In order to satisfy *everyone* on this planet,  the
> definitive "dream" book
> > would include all the material in the new book, Frank's book,
> interviews
> > with Martin and John from Streetly, Dave Kean, Markus Resch, Bill
> Eberline,
> > ex- Mellotronics / Streetly / Sound Sales employees, Richard
> Chamberlin and
> > his sister, Richards' technician Steve Hawk, Dave Biro, Peter
> Robinson, Rick
> > Wakeman, ex- Packhorse employees , Dave VanKoevering and ex-Vako
> employees,
> > ex- Moog employees, ex- Optigan - Mattel employees, Hugh LeCaine's
> > descendants, plus all the usual classic "Mellotron musicians", etc.
> etc.
> > Where do you draw the line???
> >
> >
> >  
> > This would be the kind of book that would most interest me. I could
> care less how many suspended notes someone uses in there technique. I
> would like to know exactly the process that Harry Chamberlin went
> through to make his first working anything. Then I would like to know
> How each successive machine was created and what thought processes
> went into their creation. Same thing for the Mellotron and Streetly.
> What was it like back in the day in the "factory" when they were
> perfecting the Mark I, Mark II and the M300-400?
> >  
> > I'd like to know what occurred with Dave Biro and Wakeman... What
> went into making the Birotron, the Optigan, the Orchestron?
> >  
> > That's the kind of book that would most appeal to me.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse
> Fantasy Football today.
> >
>
>

Hi folks, 
I've just got my copy of Chris Awde's new book: Mellotron: The machine
and the Musicians that Revolutionised Rock'.
First of all, let me make it clear that this is not just another
'history of Mellotrons', or how to spot a CMC10 from an SMS2 at twenty
paces type book. This puts flesh on the bones of the story, so to
speak, by looking at the musos who used Mellys in all their glory,
interspersed with anecdotes on the manoueverings in the companies
involved from those who were there at the time. And at last, we have
the full story behind Peter Sellers and Princess Margaret's ownership
of Mark 2s (Previously only mentioned in the biography 'Peter Sellers;
the mask behind the mask'.
Interviwees include: Martin and John (obviously!), Geoff Unwin (Melly
demonstrator from the 60s and seen on the 1964 Pathe newsreel on
Youtube) whose contribution is a total revelation, Mike Pinder (of
course!), Woolly Wolstenholme, Tony Clarke (Moodies producer) Tony
Banks, Blue Weaver, Bill Bruford (with some typically pithy
observations on music and prog in particular), Robert Webb (England),
Dave Gregory (XTC), Andy McCluskey (OMD), Nick Magnus, Martin Orford
(IQ) and Andy Thompson, amongst many others.
All these interviews look at the careers of the musicians and bands
involved, their use of the Melly and observations on prog rock and
rock's golden age in general. These are bracketed by Nick Awde's
analysis of prog rock with a comprehensive list of appendices covering
models, concept albums, fave tracks and a whole lot more. Although I
don't always agree with some of Nick's conclusions on the music, he
argues the case both for and against prog with compelling facts and an
authoritative approach.
This mighty tome weighs in at 600 pages, so it's not a 'dip in'
volume. What it is is currently the definitive book on the Melly, the
most detailed, authoritative and well researched book of all time!
Any problems? Well, there are some typos, but I defy anyone to proof
read 600 pages without suffering some sort of literary shell shock,
and the pics could have been in colour, but Nick had to work with what
he was given, and there's always the prospect of a second edition to
correct these minor faults.
At £19.95 for a whopping great book, it represents almost absurd value
for money. A labour of love from a fan -[just like the rest of us.

Order yours now -it's the book we've all been waiting for!
ISBN: 1-898948-02-X.
www.deserthearts.com
www.bennetandbloom.com

Best wishes, 

Dave.