Mellotrons

The Mellotron is an early electro-mechanical musical instrument developed in the 1960s. It is essentially a tape replay keyboard. Each key on the Mellotron is connected to a mechanism that, when pressed, pulls a magnetic tape across a playback head. These tapes are pre-recorded sound samples of real instruments, such as flutes, strings, or choir voices.

Unlike samplers which use digital memory, the Mellotron relies on analog magnetic tape for its sound. This gives it a distinctive, often described as "wobbly" or "haunting," sonic character. The tapes are typically only a few seconds long, meaning sustained notes can be challenging, and the sound quality is inherently lo-fi. Early models were quite large and complex to maintain due to the intricate tape transport system.

The Mellotron gained significant popularity in progressive rock and psychedelic music of the late 1960s and 1970s. Bands like The Beatles, King Crimson, and Genesis frequently employed its unique soundscapes. While digital synthesizers and samplers have largely superseded it, the Mellotron remains a cherished instrument for its nostalgic and inimitable tonal qualities, and is still used by musicians seeking that classic vintage sound. Modern digital emulations and even some new analog tape-based instruments continue to be produced.