The original analog sampler - it actually used tapes!
The earlier MKI and MKII models contained two side-by-side keyboards: On the right keyboard were 18 selectable "lead/instrument" sounds (such as strings, flutes, and brass instruments).
The left keyboard played pre-recorded musical rhythm tracks (in various styles).
The left keyboard played pre-recorded musical rhythm tracks (in various styles).
What makes that classic eerie mellotron sound?
A combination of characteristics, really.
Replaying the tape over and over again creates artifacts known as wow and flutter. It's simple tape degradation and each time a note is played it changes just a little bit.
Replaying the tape over and over again creates artifacts known as wow and flutter. It's simple tape degradation and each time a note is played it changes just a little bit.
Download Mellotron VST Plugins
If you use VST plugins to make music you'll be happy to hear there is plenty of mellotron available to you!
- Mellotron by Tweakbench - FREE VST Mellotron Download
- Despite the $0 price, this plugin sounds great for must mellotron applications. Why not, eh?
- GForce M-Tron Pro Mellotron Software Plug-In
- This is the REAL Mellotron VST plugin. There is way too much to go into here, but this VST contains all the original sounds INCLUDING original loops, choirs, etc.
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In the same conversation you might hear the terms....
* Birotron
* Chamberlin
* Orchestron
* Optigan
Wikipedia tells us British multi-instrumentalist Graham Bond may have been the first rock musician to record with a Mellotron, beginning in 1965. A year later, The Beatles used it prominently on their groundbreaking single "Strawberry Fields Forever" (recorded November-December 1966).
The Mellotron was also used by Led Zeppelin in "The Rain Song" and "Kashmir". The Zombies ("Changes"), The Rolling Stones ("2000 Light Years from Home", "We Love You"), Pink Floyd ("A Saucerful of Secrets", "Julia Dream" and "Sysyphus").
The Kinks featured the instrument prominently in their recordings between 1967 and 1969, most obviously on 1968's "Phenomenal Cat," from The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society.
* Chamberlin
* Orchestron
* Optigan
Wikipedia tells us British multi-instrumentalist Graham Bond may have been the first rock musician to record with a Mellotron, beginning in 1965. A year later, The Beatles used it prominently on their groundbreaking single "Strawberry Fields Forever" (recorded November-December 1966).
The Mellotron was also used by Led Zeppelin in "The Rain Song" and "Kashmir". The Zombies ("Changes"), The Rolling Stones ("2000 Light Years from Home", "We Love You"), Pink Floyd ("A Saucerful of Secrets", "Julia Dream" and "Sysyphus").
The Kinks featured the instrument prominently in their recordings between 1967 and 1969, most obviously on 1968's "Phenomenal Cat," from The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society.
Share your Mellotron Love!
And feel free to put a link to your lens or site here, too!
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Electronic Drums
Sep 24, 2010 @ 8:16 pm | delete
- Anyone know where I can find some cheap electronic drums? I know in music you get what you pay for but college isn't cheap ya know?
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Aquavel
Dec 1, 2008 @ 3:05 pm | delete
- I'm sorry I gave you the wrong link. (I also wish I could go in and edit my prior post). The link is Strawberry Fields Forever: John Lennon. Thanks and 5 stars!
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Aquavel
Dec 1, 2008 @ 3:02 pm | delete
- I just wrote a lens on the John Lennon songStrawberry Fields Forever. I'm happy you made this lens on the Mellotron so I can provide a link to your site for those who want to learn more about this instrument.
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Senor Mellotron
Sep 23, 2008 @ 4:04 am | delete
- You should look and listen to the new MEMOTRON with great Tron sounds and the look and feel of the originals.
http://www.manikin-electronics.de/en/products_memotron.html
You will be amazed!
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Senor Mellotron
Sep 23, 2008 @ 4:03 am | delete
- You should look and listen to the new MEMOTRON with great Tron sounds and the look and feel of the originals.
http://www.manikin-electronics.de/en/products_memotron.html
You will be amazed!
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Looking at the Blogs
- Dead Mellotron - Glitter
- by David Welsh Dead Mellotron's John Frazier, Baltimore by way of Louisiana, appears to be the straightforward type: his particular persuasion of uncomplicated shoegaze has taken root and bloomed with the addition of bandmates Courtney Corcoran and ...
- Black Moth Super Rainbow: Making a comeback
- Black Moth Super Rainbow emerged from Pittsburgh in the mid-2000s with loopy songs, heavy with Mellotron and synth effects, that recalled '70s prog-rock as well as bands like Air and the Flaming Lips. The band's first nationally distributed album, ...
by PhillyVideoGuy
Explore the magical land of the Mellotron, children.
This proto-synthesizer, proto-sampler actually has little pieces of recorded MAGNETIC TAPE inside...
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