Mellotron: The Unique Instrument Used by Progressive Rock Bands

The History of Mellotron

Mellotron was the instrument used by progressive rock bands because it captured the sound of an orchestra or a choir before synthesizers could accurately re-create these sounds.

A musical instrument called the Mellotron was created in 1963 in Birmingham, England. When you press one of its keys, a length of magnetic tape is pushed up against a capstan and pulled over a playback head. The Mellotron creates its sound from sounds recorded on 35 different tapes, unlike a traditional "synthesizer" or electronic organ.

The electronic keyboard gadget known as the Mellotron, which was produced from the 1960s to the 1980s, has been both adored and despised throughout music history.

The first Mellotron had a basic design similar to that of the Chamberlin 600, with two manuals: the right manual included lead sounds including strings, flute, and several organ tones, while the left manual had rhythm tracks to be played as a backdrop.