Mellotron MK VI

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Page last updated Jan 28, 2026

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Average Price: $7,000

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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In the Synthesizers category, Mellotron MK VI is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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Step into the realm of vintage sound with the Mellotron MK VI, a modern recreation of the iconic tape-based keyboard instrument that revolutionized music in the 1960s. Known for its lush, organic tones, the Mellotron MK VI brings the classic charm of its predecessors with a contemporary twist, making it a must-have for musicians seeking authentic, expressive soundscapes.

The Mellotron MK VI is renowned for its tape replay technology, which allows you to access a library of sounds directly recorded onto magnetic tape strips. This unique feature gives each note a rich, analog warmth that digital synthesizers often lack. Whether you're crafting ethereal melodies or deep, resonant harmonies, the MK VI's authentic sound profiles provide endless creative possibilities.

Featuring a 35-key manual, the Mellotron MK VI offers a tactile and intuitive playing experience. Its keys are meticulously engineered to provide the perfect balance between playability and durability, ensuring that both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners can explore its sonic potential with ease. In addition, the MK VI comes with a selection of classic sounds pre-loaded, such as strings, choirs, and flutes, all of which can be easily blended to create your unique auditory signature.

Key Features:

Classic tape replay mechanism for authentic vintage sound.
35-key manual with a responsive, intuitive feel.
Pre-loaded with a selection of iconic Mellotron sounds.
Robust build quality designed for studio and live performance.
Easy-to-use interface for quick sound selection and manipulation.

Product specs

Brand	Mellotron
Model	MkVI
Finish	Black, White
Year	1999
Made In	United States
Categories	Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Weighted
Number of Keys	37 Keys
Polyphony	35 Voices

FAQs

Is the Mellotron MK VI polyphonic or monophonic?: The Mellotron MK VI is polyphonic with the capability of playing up to 35 voices simultaneously, allowing for rich and layered soundscapes.
What is the keyboard action like on the Mellotron MK VI?: The Mellotron MK VI features a weighted keyboard action, providing a tactile and responsive feel similar to an acoustic piano, which is ideal for expressive playing.
How many keys does the Mellotron MK VI have?: The Mellotron MK VI is equipped with 37 full-size keys, offering a compact yet versatile range for performance and composition.
Is the Mellotron MK VI suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Mellotron MK VI is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and the unique analog sounds it produces, which are highly valued in live settings.
What kind of sounds can I expect from the Mellotron MK VI?: The Mellotron MK VI provides classic tape-based sounds, including strings, choirs, and flutes, which are iconic in progressive rock and vintage music production.
Does the Mellotron MK VI require any special maintenance?: As an analog instrument with tape-based sound generation, the Mellotron MK VI may require occasional maintenance, such as tape head cleaning and tape replacement, to ensure optimal performance.

Videos

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bigcitymusic

NAMM 2009 - Mellotron Mark VI at Big City Music booth

bigcitymusic

Mellotron Mk VI

めろとろん

Mellotron Mark VI NAMM 2009.mp4

mikesgigtv

Inside the Mellotron MK VI with Markus Resch

Mellotron Factory

Improv #11 for VCS3, Arp 2600, Mellotron Mk. VI, Mellotron M4000D Mini and Singing Bowls

R. Reger

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Mellotron MK VI includes a speed switch on the control panel, distinguishing it from older models.
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The Doepfer d3m organ controller, noted for its reverse-colored keys, is used to control a pipe organ setup off-stage due to its volume.
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The Mellotron MK VI offers a distinctive string sound that many struggle to emulate electronically, as noted by musicians inspired by King Crimson and Yes.
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Use cases and applications

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Nils Frahm uses the Mellotron MK VI alongside a variety of keyboards and synthesizers for live performances, showcasing its integration with complex setups.
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The Mellotron MK VI is part of a live setup that includes triggering sequences and loops, indicating its compatibility with modern performance techniques.
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User experience

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It's noted that Nils Frahm's setup, including the Mellotron MK VI, creates a unique audio environment with a blend of electronic and acoustic elements.
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Owners report that tape degradation can cause "blips" in sound, particularly at the beginning of tapes where wear is most common.
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Bands sometimes switch tape frames mid-performance, highlighting the need for multiple frames to access different sound sets efficiently.
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Setup and maintenance

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Replacing tapes is possible with new tape frames from Streetly, though these frames are heavy and delicate, making handling and storage challenging.
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Comparisons

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The Mellotron MK VI is compared to the Birotron and Chamberlin, sharing the category of "magnetic-tape sampler keyboards."
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Artist usage

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Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Verified via Instagram

Adams posted this picture of a MK VI on his Instagram in summer 2016, while he was working on a new album.

UNKLE

Music Producer

Verified via Soundonsound

For all Lavelle's non-hands-on non-musicianship, he is credited as playing Mellotron on 'What Are You To Me?'. "That was the first live recording session we had," explains Richard File. "Ant and James and I just had a writing week and I was really inspired and we had come up with 'What Are You To Me?' and 'In A State'. On 'What Are You To Me?' I was playing guitar, and we had a bassist and a drummer and a guitarist, and James was playing a Mellotron through a Space Echo, and manipulated the filter.