Mellotron.. ..how much are they worth today?

jokke_v · #1 01-10-2005, 07:15 PM

So... I've been wondering for a little while what a mellotron really is, so I did some searches including a google image search.
Then! Dang in my face I discovered something..

About 4 years or so, when I was around 14 I was shopping for some costumes in a used store (salvation army) for some school project, then I discovered this remarkable instrument. It was like an organ, with tapes on it and other finesses. I tried it, and it made some strange, but cool noises and I was actually quite amazed by this thingy. Looking at the pictures and seeing the descriptions I now realize that this was actually a Mellotron I was looking at.
It sold for about $40 or so in that store, and as far as I recall, it seemed in pretty good shape. I think all of the keys worked.

Now, I read that there are only 10 or so of a certain Mellotron type left in Norway, and I'm wondering if this was one of them.... ..though I can't be sure, cause it's been a while.
But I do know that it was old and that it was a Mellotron.

So.. If anyone knows. How much of a mistake did I do by not buying this for $40?
I could really love to experiment with it in my own music today, but now it's obviously too late.

keb · #2 01-10-2005, 09:53 PM

I think a lot of people would be willing to pay $4000 or more for a Mellotron in good shape! If that was indeed a real Mellotron for $40, that was the deal of the century.

Benjamin Strange · #3 01-10-2005, 10:35 PM

I heard somewhere that mellotron was making a comeback, and made a new instrument. Let's see here.... oh yes: http://www.mellotron.com/

elros · #4 01-11-2005, 01:22 AM

Dang dude!

Well the new Mellotron Mk VI instruments go for $5200.00 USD.... As Keb says, you'd probably score $4000 for a nice old one, or at least $3000 I expect. Those things are the Bomb.

What color was the one you saw? White? Because a band I did sound for at a concert in probably '97 or '98 had one - but I think that might have been a Chamberlin.... It sounded amazing.... And I think that band was from Bergen, but I am not sure.

brianrost · #5 01-11-2005, 06:24 AM

It might not have been a Mellotron. There were some similar instruments made for home use that were a lot cheaper, like the Optigan. If it really was a Mellotron you missed a fantastic score...

jokke_v · #6 01-11-2005, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elros

Dang dude!

Well the new Mellotron Mk VI instruments go for $5200.00 USD.... As Keb says, you'd probably score $4000 for a nice old one, or at least $3000 I expect. Those things are the Bomb.

What color was the one you saw? White? Because a band I did sound for at a concert in probably '97 or '98 had one - but I think that might have been a Chamberlin.... It sounded amazing.... And I think that band was from Bergen, but I am not sure.

I'm pretty confident it was white yeah.

Damn... Looks like I missed out on something here.

lbanks · #7 01-11-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jokke_v

So... I've been wondering for a little while what a mellotron really is, so I did some searches including a google image search.
Then! Dang in my face I discovered something..

About 4 years or so, when I was around 14 I was shopping for some costumes in a used store (salvation army) for some school project, then I discovered this remarkable instrument. It was like an organ, with tapes on it and other finesses. I tried it, and it made some strange, but cool noises and I was actually quite amazed by this thingy. Looking at the pictures and seeing the descriptions I now realize that this was actually a Mellotron I was looking at.
It sold for about $40 or so in that store, and as far as I recall, it seemed in pretty good shape. I think all of the keys worked.

Now, I read that there are only 10 or so of a certain Mellotron type left in Norway, and I'm wondering if this was one of them.... ..though I can't be sure, cause it's been a while.
But I do know that it was old and that it was a Mellotron.

So.. If anyone knows. How much of a mistake did I do by not buying this for $40?
I could really love to experiment with it in my own music today, but now it's obviously too late.

AW, DUDE!!!

elros · #8 01-11-2005, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbanks

AW, DUDE!!!

In proper TalkBass spirit: +1

But probably someone else got it - likely the dude in the band I mentioned.

Man. Imagine if some dork bought it, and couldn't figure it out, and went and dumped it in the landfill....

Or rather don't.

Marley's Ghost · #9 01-11-2005, 04:04 PM

Oh man

Such a deal!

I love the Mellotron. I always wanted one. Some of my all time fav groups used them extensively:

King Crimson
ELO
Genesis

page · #10 01-11-2005, 07:11 PM

My grandfather has one he bought in 1970. Its in perfect condition and sounds..........WONDERFUL! I swear , youll think your Robert Fripp as soon as you touch it. You definitely missed out on a rare prize.

elros · #11 02-18-2006, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by page

My grandfather has one he bought in 1970. Its in perfect condition and sounds..........WONDERFUL! I swear , youll think your Robert Fripp as soon as you touch it. You definitely missed out on a rare prize.

Speaking of Fripp:
Does anyone know what Mellotron emulator he uses live with King Crimson? Sounds quite good, IMO, whatever he's using.

Matt Till · #12 02-18-2006, 03:18 PM

I could have swore he used a real mellotron

MikeyFingers · #13 02-18-2006, 03:43 PM

I was just listening to the song "Mellotron Scratch" by Porcupine Tree. Since I got that CD I've been wondering what a Mellotron is, thanks for the info.

keb · #14 02-18-2006, 11:36 PM

I'd love to have one of these: http://www.manikin-electronic.com/pr...ription_e.html

Kinda pricey for what it is though (essentially just a fancy ROMpler keyboard.) But still cheaper (and undoubtedly more reliable) than an actual Mellotron!