11 aPPENdIX
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Use of the Mellotron Sounds
although the Mellotron had been used earlier by some
British bands, the song Strawberry Fields Forever by the
Beatles (Flute) and Nights in White Satin by the Moody
Blues (3 Violins) in 1967 became the first Mellotron ‘hits’
both in Europe, the US and the rest of the World, forever
making a mark in popular culture. the rolling Stones used
the 3 violins it in the song 10 000 Lightyears from home,
david Bowie in Space oddity and numerous Britsh pop and
‘Progressive’ rock bands started using the Mellotron.
among those were King Crimson (3 Violins, MkII Brass
and Cello) Yes (3 Violins, 8 Voice Choir, Vibraphone, Flute
etc) and Genesis (3 Violins, MkII Brass, 8 Voice Choir etc). It
was also widely used in German ‘Electronic’ music such as
Kraftwerk’s trans Europe Express (3Violins) and tangerine
dream, who used not only the standard Mellotron sounds,
but also oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone and different string
sounds.
Led Zeppelin also used it live on Stairway to heaven, in
Kashmir and the rain Song. Even aBBa used it on another
town, another train.
during the 80’s the Mellotron remained virtually unused.
Most notable exceptions are talk talk in Life’s what You
Make it and oMd’s Enola Gay and other songs by these
bands.
the Mellotron experienced a renaissance during the 1990’s
when numerous bands and artists like red hot Chili Pep-
pers, Lenny Kravitz, oasis, radiohead, air, Monster Magnet,
rEM and Manic Street Preachers. after 2000 the Mellotron
is gaining even more popularity and has been used on hits
by dido, Nelly Furtado, daniel Powter, robyn, the Black
Eyed Peas and the Strokes to name a few.
• Mellotron is a registered trademark of Mellotron.com. All
other trademarks mentioned in this publication are the
properties of their respective holders.
Soundlist with comments
Mk I Lead sounds
15 original sounds,18 total:
MkI Clarinet
MkI French horn
MkI Marimba
MkI trombone
Very different from MkII
MkI hammond organ
(MkI French accordion
Same as MkII)
(MkI Flute
Same as MkII)
MkI acoustic Nylon Guitar
MkI Piano
Very different from MkII
MkI tenor Sax
Very different from MkII
MkI harpsichord/trombone split
MkI reverb organ
MkI Mandolin
Mandola-like
MkI organ
(MkI Vibraphone
Same as MkII)
MkI trumpet
MkI tibia organ
MkI Church organ
MkII Lead sounds
18 sounds:
MkII Flute
Beatles, Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, aBBa, Chili Peppers, etc
MkII 3 Violins
Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, Stones, etc, etc
MkII acoustic Steel Guitar
MkII trombone
Beatles
MkII organ 1
MkII French accordion
MkII rock Guitar
MkII Brass
Genesis, King Crimson, Moody Blues, Stones, Beatles
MkII Piano
MkII Muted Brass
Moody Blues
MkII harpsichord
MkII accordion
Genesis
MkII organ 2
MkII tenor Sax
MkII Vibraphone
Gracious
MkII Mandolin
Beatles
MkII tibia organ
MkII Church organ
