Technology which seems odd today

[Dave2002]

I was surprised to discover the modus operandi of the Mellotron. Did the originals have small tape loops, which themselves could be substituted? Presumably modern simulated program versions of the Mellotron can/could be implemented with short sample loops with sample sounds. Other features, such as the wow and flutter which tape loops may exhibit, could also be simulated.

[Nick Armstrong]

On another... note, but plumb on topic: the Keaton Music Typewriter, patented 1936





Article about it here

[Richard Barrett]

I was surprised to discover the modus operandi of the Mellotron. Did the originals have small tape loops, which themselves could be substituted?

No, each note used a two-ended length of tape which would be sprung back to its original position when the key was released - different segments of the tape were recorded with different sounds.

[Dave2002]

No, each note used a two-ended length of tape which would be sprung back to its original position when the key was released - different segments of the tape were recorded with different sounds.

Ok, but were the tapes user replaceable?

[Richard Barrett]

Ok, but were the tapes user replaceable?

I could continue looking up Mellotron facts, but maybe you'd like to take over - http://www.mellotron.com/

[MrGongGong]

Should have involved a better programmer...

Naaah should have got a Revox

[Dave2002]

I could continue looking up Mellotron facts, but maybe you'd like to take over - http://www.mellotron.com/

I’m on the case.

In the meantime this is a very interesting read -

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/restoration-mellotron-halfatron

[Anastasius]

When I read the title, I half expected to see MS Windows listed

[Bryn]

When I read the title, I half expected to see MS Windows listed

Only if you turn off the frequent updates (quality ones monthly, with major ones approximately biannually).

[cloughie]

Fine for Windows 10 but updating 7 and 8.1 not automatic and designed to take so long that the ‘will to live’ is tested!

[Dave2002]

I’m on the case.

In the meantime this is a very interesting read -
https://www.soundonsound.com/techniq...tron-halfatron

Seems the tapes in the original Mellotrons were about 2 metres long, and could produce a sound for about 7 seconds. It was possible for users to change individual tapes, and in the M400 model the whole tape frame could be switched in/out. I guess in those days most of the instruments were pretty much bespoke anyway.

I'm still surprised they didn't use tape loops - but they didn't.

The Mellowsound app (iOS) has a time limit on each key press - but I haven't checked to see if it's a "realistic" 7 seconds.

Presumably besides the tape mechanisms, there was some electronics to mix the individual sounds together - analogue - and there might have been limits to how many "channels" could be mixed together. I rather doubt that all the keys on the instruments could be played at once - though I might be wrong.
Assuming there was a limit, I wonder how many could be played simultaneously.

[burning dog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oYJGGE-f3k&feature=youtu.be

[Richard Barrett]

I rather doubt that all the keys on the instruments could be played at once - though I might be wrong.

I see no reason to think they couldn't. (There were only 35 keys anyway.)