Mellotron Symposium: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
'Tronto Mark II
September 22-23, 2001
| Even with the backdrop of the
tragedy in New York City and Washington on September 11, attendees flew in
from the UK, from California, from Texas, and from Virginia. More
drove across the Canadian border from New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and
Massachusetts. Still others just drove across town. It was a
close call with the horrific goings on fresh in our minds, but the
decision was unanimous. Anyone who can sit through hours of 'tron
keyboard adjusting could not be deterred. And so 'Tronto Mark II
went on, albeit with slightly heavy hearts. |
From all over: Charles, Jerry, Fritz, Dan,
Terry, Martin, JB
In a word...
Is it possible to sum up all this Mellotron craziness in a
single word? Ian McDonald could.
"SURREAL!"
Most apt, I'd say, especially when Clay's Mark VI started
playing "Sweet Gingerbread Man"---the whole thing, broken up over
several tapes. No, really.
Dan Miso, Mike Dickson, Martin Smith, John Bradley, Terry
Conheady
Highlights from 'Tronto
Mark II include...
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Fixin' them 'trons
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Mike Dickson's chemistry experiments
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Informative sessions about getting the most from a 'tron
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The Bow and Arrow Pub
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Checking out a Mark VI
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The fabulous SFX Console
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The Wakeman Double-Tron
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Special guest: PUFF DODDY of PUFF DODDY AND THE TAPE
REPLAYERS
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Additional guest: Ian McDonald of King Crimson and
Foreigner
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Soooooooo...Pick a spot and start in on the trip report.
May I suggest Arrival.
And on one of the pages there's some stuff for you to
view, use, and enjoy.
THANK YOU TO COLL AUDIO
 |
A big thanks to Coll Audio of
Toronto (Markham) who again gave us a place to work on and learn about our
machines.
Need some music equipment---from a single instrument to an entire stage
setup, from vintage to new? Give these guys a
call!
| Largest backline specialist in Canada |
| Rentals are available from Coll all over North America |
Phone:
(905) 470-6330
Fax:
(905) 470-6870
Mail:
P.O. Box 540
Markham, Ont.
L3P 3R1
E-Mail: Inquiries can go to "mail" over at collaudio.com |
Craig Collett (Coll Audio, center) got the meeting room
set up so we could hear the Brendatron.
Mike Dickson, Rick Blechta, and Ian McDonald round out the cast.
CREDITS AND DISCLAIMERS
Text and photos by Ken Leonard, unless otherwise noted.
Additional photography: Clay Eccles, Craig Collett of Coll Audio, Frank Samagaio.
Webmaster embarrassment prevention (i.e. web site review with corrections):
Rick Blechta, Ken Merbler. Also part of the review team were Jimmy Moore
and Mike Rivers.
Mellotron work done by the
Streetly
Lads Martin and John.
The Mellotron name is owned by Dave Kean of
Mellotron Archives.
Thanks to Rick Blechta and Fritz Doddy for their contributions.
These pages aren't to be used as a fix-it guide for your Mellotron, although
you may get some hints. You'd be better off getting expert help at the
next Mellotron Symposium.
The beaver is the largest rodent in North America. The capybara is the
largest rodent in the world.
Always wear safety goggles when performing Mellotron maintenance work, and be
sure to read, understand, and follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Ear muffs recommended for keyboard adjustment.
