The Mellotron...

[DEzerov]

While progressive rock has always been associated with unique instruments, many would argue that one of the "proggiest" instruments is the mellotron. I certainly have always loved the sound and often specifically looked for bands that used it.

I am curious as to how other "veteran cosmic rockers" feel about this progressive rock staple. Tony Kaye, for example, did not like it and didn't want to add it to his sound while in Yes, just prior to Wakeman's joining the band.

If you like it, please list some tracks that you are particularly fond of.

A few of my faves are Beyond by the Moody Blues, Flying (The Beatles- I know, not truely prog), Without Words (Clearlight) and Premoli's use of it on the early PFM albums.

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

There are countless King Crimson tunes you can pick from. Fripps extensive fascinaiton with the mellotron really ingrained that instrument into progressive rock. As did Rick Wakeman's mastery of that keyboard.

However, my favorite tune with a mellowtron is by The Strawbs: Hero and Heroine.

One of the best 'Tron tracks I know is "4 Moments" suite by Sebastian Hardie.

Check it out and float on a cloud of string bliss.

[Rick and Roll]

Not only are there countless KC tunes as Dale says, there are countless tunes everywhere.

Anekdoten is one example that jumps out - every song they do is awash with Mellotron.

If I had to find a special song, believe it or not, Elton John's "Daniel" is one. It features a Mellotron lead that is note-perfect.

[Andyyyy]

I love the mellotron. Genesis were masters of this used in conjunction with strong dynamics. In particular, there is a section of Afterglow where they all sing in harmony, but I think the tron starts off the chords. Very well done! Howbout Schooldays by Gentle Giant, where Kerry used the tron just to play behind some piano...soft and mellow. Articulating the strong parts as well...Very effective!

[SnardLivesHere]

I too, love the mellotron, especially when used either "symphonically", or as a solo instrument. Some faves: Elton John's Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and several tracks on Genesis' Wind and Wuthering, like One for the Vine, and on Trick of the Tail - Ripples (one of my most-loved songs of all time)

[Andyyyy]

Ah yes, Ripples. Believe it or not, that was one of the best songs IMHO which they did on this last tour, and I think it was mellotronless, but still magical.

[mailotron]

a usefull book , the only one devoted to the mellotron, price in usd is affordable for english listeners I own a copy
http://www.amazon.com/Mellotron-Book.../dp/1931140146

[jtmckinley]

The Mellotron is really one of, if not the, first sampler and used tape loops. From what I've heard/read it was a real beast to keep working properly, but it definitely left its mark on prog. I guess one of my fav tunes where it is heavily featured is Genesis' Watcher Of The Skies. Here's a little video about the Reason Abbey Road Refill samples in which they open up a Mellotron M400 and discuss it a bit, the Mellotron coverage starts at about 1:10 into the video thru about 3:00.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sLpo9nPeLk

[ich_bin_besser]

The real Mellotron video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrXtmKGkSa4&e

[DEzerov]

Originally Posted by ich_bin_besser

The real Mellotron video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrXtmKGkSa4&e

Great bit of history! Thanks for sharing it!

[kirk]

Originally Posted by jtmckinley

The Mellotron is really one of, if not the, first sampler and used tape loops. From what I've heard/read it was a real beast to keep working properly

That's being very kind. They drift out of tune constantly,
tapes break and wear out, the hold time for a note is 7 seconds.
String sounds have progressed so much, that unless the aim is to
go for a nostalgic feel, there's not much point in putting up w/
the problems and limitations.


K

[jtmckinley]

Originally Posted by ich_bin_besser

The real Mellotron video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrXtmKGkSa4&e

LOL that's a funny video, never saw a Mellotron that looked like that. Here's couple more videos from youtube where you can see them actually taking the tape loops out and the inner workings while its being played (no sound on the second).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcrmD...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKLWX...eature=related

Another great 'Tron track here on the Moon is Symphonic Holocaust by Morte Macabre (An Anekdoten spin off I think).

I remember reading a Moody Blues article where Mike Pinder said that his 'tron was always breaking down and one time had to be fixed quickly using a wire coat hanger.

Some of Rick's work on TRSoG from "Tales" is amazing too. Such a good sound that today's electronic strings can imitate but not replicate.

[gr8sho92]

Flavio Premoli from PFM is my favorite musician with the Mellotron and the Moog.

If you understand Italian, this video will be more suitable, but even if you don't you can hear demos in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJGEY0LE9L4

The video concludes with Dove e' Quando parte 2 which is a great song to showcase the band.

Other interesting things you will see here is that the tape is from 1972 and is in rather poor quality. The hair of the band members is very dated from that era. And Italy did not get color TV until 1975 (amazing) so the tape is in black and white.