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Description

The Mellotron became more popular after the Beatles used it on several tracks. It was subsequently adopted by the Moody Blues, Genesis and King Crimson, and became a notable instrument in progressive rock. Later models such as the M400, the best selling model, dispensed with the accompaniments and some sound selection controls in order to be used by touring musicians. The instrument became less popular in the 1980s due to the introduction of polyphonic synthesizers and samplers, despite a number of high profile uses from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and XTC. Production of the Mellotron ceased in 1986, but it regained popularity in the 1990s, and was used by several notable bands.

Product specs

Brand Mellotron
Model M400
Finish White
Year 1970 - 1986
Made In United States
Categories Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
Polyphony 35 Voices

FAQs

What is the polyphony of the Mellotron M400?

The Mellotron M400 features 35-note polyphony, allowing each key to trigger a separate tape playback for a rich, full sound.

How does the Mellotron M400 produce its unique sound?

The Mellotron M400 uses analog tape loops for each key, playing pre-recorded sounds that provide its distinctive, vintage timbre.

Is the Mellotron M400 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Mellotron M400 is often used in live settings due to its full-size weighted keys and unique sound, though its vintage nature requires careful handling.

What type of sound can I expect from the Mellotron M400?

The Mellotron M400 is known for its warm, orchestral sound, often used to replicate strings, choirs, and flutes with a distinct vintage character.

Does the Mellotron M400 require any special maintenance?

As a vintage instrument, the Mellotron M400 may require regular maintenance of its tape mechanisms and careful storage to preserve its functionality.

Bell Tone Synth Works

Bell Tone Synth Works

Inside a Mellotron M400: How the Mellotron Works

Video thumbnail for Inside a Mellotron M400: How the Mellotron Works by Bell Tone Synth Works

Inside a Mellotron M400: How the Mellotron Works

Bell Tone Synth Works

Bell Tone Synth Works

Video thumbnail for The Mellotron In Action by Doctor Mix

The Mellotron In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Nights In White Satin by the Moody Blues, on my Mellotron M400 by Marco Hoogland - Iconic Vintage Keys and Synths

Nights In White Satin by the Moody Blues, on my Mellotron M400

Marco Hoogland - Iconic Vintage Keys and Synths

Marco Hoogland - Iconic Vintage Keys and Synths

Video thumbnail for MELLOTRON M400 by Red Dog Music

MELLOTRON M400

Red Dog Music

Red Dog Music

Video thumbnail for Production Room: Mellotron M400 by Red Dog Music

Production Room: Mellotron M400

Red Dog Music

Red Dog Music

Video thumbnail for Mellotron M400 by Marius Leicht

Mellotron M400

Marius Leicht

Marius Leicht

Video thumbnail for Exploring the Mellotron M400 by Marius Leicht

Exploring the Mellotron M400

Marius Leicht

Marius Leicht

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mellotron M400.

Features and functionality

  • Original M400 tapes sometimes lacked full octave recordings; for instance, low cello notes were replaced with upright bass due to cellist's tuning refusal.

    Source
  • The Mellotron produces a tactile sensation under the fingers, as players coax sounds rather than simply play notes, adding a unique layer to performance.

    Source
  • The MicroFreak uses pitch-shifting from a single sample, which can result in unnatural sounds at octave extremes compared to dedicated Mellotron models with individual samples per note.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The M4000D lacks the pitch control found on original Mellotrons, a feature important for certain classic rock sounds like "2000 Light Years From Home".

    Source
  • The Studiologic Sledge and Korg Modwave Module are alternatives for Mellotron sounds, with the Sledge known for strong strings and flute emulation, priced used around $600.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for inspiring sounds, the M4000D is favored by fans of subtle Mellotron use in AIR, Beck, and Elliott Smith records.

    Source
  • A single note, like the top D on solo flute, can evoke strong audience reactions, making it powerful for live performances.

    Source
  • Steven Wilson's live setup uses Apple MainStage with a Behringer master keyboard for authentic Mellotron sounds, indicating a cost-effective option for live performances without standalone units.

    Source

Build quality

  • The M4000D is praised for its high build quality, akin to premium guitars like Fender Stratocasters, despite functional alternatives being available at lower costs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While priced around $4,000, some users have acquired the M4000D for $2,300, considering it more reasonable for its quality and inspiration factor.

    Source
  • The Roland JV/XV series offers Mellotron sounds via expansion cards but only samples 3 notes per voicing, potentially reaching the cost of a Micro or M2D with hardware and cards.

    Source

User experience

  • Playing the Mellotron involves an active feel where keys connect to a rubber drive wheel, pulling tape through, unlike passive keyboards like the Hammond.

    Source
  • The Mellotron can unpredictably change sound quality mid-performance, requiring players to adapt to its idiosyncrasies, like a violinist's chair sound on the F2 note.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The MicroFreak offers limited sample memory, holding only 3.5 minutes of recording time, inadequate for full Mellotron sample sets which require roughly 15 minutes.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rothhandlestudios

Mellotron M400

I have three and they are a pillar of my sound. I have used them on every album Ive ever recorded or produced.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryo Okumoto uses Mellotron M400

Ryo Okumoto

Keyboardist

Spock's Beard

...
Verified via Spocksbeard

Showed up in a list of Ryo Okumoto’s gear on the Spock’s Beard official website.

See how Claude Schnell uses Mellotron M400

Claude Schnell

Keyboardist, Composer

Dio

...
Verified via Claudeschnell

In an interview featured on Claude Schnell's official website, he discusses using the Mellotron M400, highlighting its role in his performances.

See how Geoff Nicholls uses Mellotron M400

Geoff Nicholls

Guitarist, Bassist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

Geoff Nicholls is confirmed to have used a Mellotron M400, as evidenced by a photo available on Equipboard.

See how Claudio Simonetti uses Mellotron M400

Claudio Simonetti

Keyboardist, Composer

Goblin

...
Verified via Discogs

Simonetti is credited with using an OB-X, Roland System 100, Minimoog, CS-80, Prophet 5 & Mellotron

See how Bill Doss uses Mellotron M400

Bill Doss

Singer, Guitarist

The Olivia Tremor Control

...
Verified via YouTube

Bill has played Mellotron on Circulatory System's Signal Morning, Casper & The Cookies' Oh!, and on both Sunshine Fix albums

See how Jürgen Fritz uses Mellotron M400

Jürgen Fritz

Keyboardist, Composer

Triumvirat

...
Verified via Discogs

Jürgen Fritz is credited with playing a Mellotron M400 in the liner notes of Michael Holm's album "Stories," according to Discogs.

See how Erik Norlander uses Mellotron M400

Erik Norlander

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Last in Line

...
Verified

Erik Norlander is confirmed to use the Mellotron M400, as detailed in the Planet Mellotron Album Reviews: Lana Lane. The source notes several instances of Norlander's use of the Mellotron, including credited tracks with choir, flute, and string parts in his keyboard work on albums associated with Lana Lane.

See how Simon House uses Mellotron M400

Simon House

Keyboardist, Violinist

Hawkwind

...
Verified via Photo

Simon House often used a Mellotron during his years with Hawkwind, as evidenced by the credits for Hall of The Mountain Grill.

See how Damon Fox uses Mellotron M400

Damon Fox

Singer, Keyboardist

The Cult

...
Verified via Photo

Shown on the cover of Closer to Doom

See how Eddie Rayner uses Mellotron M400

Eddie Rayner

Singer, Keyboardist

Split Enz

...
Verified via Audioculture

"The end of the 1970s saw a huge rise in the development of synthesisers, and in making traditional instruments like pianos and organs more transportable and able to be amplified well. In the early days Split Enz always used to need an acoustic piano at every gig, which was a pain for us (amplification without feedback was always an issue) and promoters alike, but with the advent of Yamaha’s CP-70, that all changed. Synthesisers had also become polyphonic and memory space to store your own sounds was also a new development. The 'space capsule', as the guys called it, was seven or eight different keyboards, including a CP-80 Yamaha (full 88-note piano), a CS-80 and Prophet 5 (both early polysynths), a CP-30 electric piano, a Mellotron for 'real' string and choir sounds, a string synth, and a monophonic synth such as an EML 500 or Cat Octave … Oh, and I bought the first Korg Vocoder to arrive in New Zealand, which was fun! As you can imagine, transporting the sheer weight and volume of all this gear became prohibitive, so we replicated the setup in the US. Unsure what happened to all that gear when the band broke up!"

D

Dave Greenslade

Keyboardist, Composer

Greenslade

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:03 in this live video for the song "Bedside Manners Are Extra" David can be seen using a Mellotron M400 (I'm currently trying to find info about what tape set he had loaded!)

See how Gerald Woodruffe uses Mellotron M400

Gerald Woodruffe

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube documentary "The Secret Keyboardist of Robert Plant & Black Sabbath: Jezz Woodruffe" by JCM - Led Zeppelin Stories and more, it is confirmed at 5 minutes and 19 seconds that Gerald Woodruffe used the Mellotron M400 on his solo album "Opposite Directions," as all the keyboards utilized for the album are displayed.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mellotron M400, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Hohner Clavinet D6
Hohner Clavinet D6 Vintage & Electric Pianos
5
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
4
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
3
Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano
Yamaha CP-80 Electric Grand Piano Vintage & Electric Pianos
2
Roland SDD-320 Dimension D
Roland SDD-320 Dimension D Effects Processors
2
EMT 140 Plate
EMT 140 Plate Effects Processors
2

Community setups

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bios7

bios7

Gear IQ 97

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