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M4000 specification 8 stations, 24 sounds.  That's the equivalent of 8 original M400 mellotron tape-frames in one instrument. Inching facility.  In addition to the factory pre-sets, program your own 'start' positions.  Advance the tapes by inching to your new preferred position.  This can then be programmed in for future use. Cycling optical failsafe.  Just like the MKII, the M4000 is designed to prevent damage to the tapes whilst the instrument cycles to the next station choice.  If the keys are pressed during this operation, the unique optical keyboard scanner will shut down the cycling system. MKII keyboard feel.  Anyone who has ever played a MKII has commented on just how good the keyboard feels compared to the M400.  The M4000 recaptures that elusive feel, making the keyboard light and very playable. MKII playing height.  Banish that bad posture for good!  The M4000 has a much improved playing height allowing for a comfortable standing position. Positively pressurised cabinet.  Foul air can clog up your mellotron and wreck your tapes.  The M4000 has the unique FILTRON air cleanser that sucks in filtered air from the base and gently pressurises the cabinet, keeping out stage smoke and other unwanted atmospheres. Azimuth align-able tape heads.  The head-block is the heart of your mellotron and the heads must be accurately set.  The M4000 playback heads are mounted in revolving collars so that each one can always be positioned for correct response. Choose your own tapes.  You choose 24 sounds from our extensive Tape Library and customize your new M4000.

With the iconic looks of the M400, the cycling mechanism of the MKII, and enhanced by new technology and features, the M4000 mellotron is the modern embodiment of the classic instrument.

There were certain hurdles we had to overcome when designing the M4000. Firstly, the challenge was to get the larger mechanism into a cabinet that echoed the instantly recognizable M400 yet still had to fit through a standard door. John’s solution was to draw the iconic profile of the instrument on the workshop door and if he could squeeze everything in then we were good to go. Secondly, how would we create thirty-five 60-foot tapes of equal length on an analogue tape deck with a maximum overall error of ½ an inch? - more than that was unthinkable as the timings would be erratic. After much experimentation, a new exterior flywheel was manufactured around which the tape runs to govern any fluctuation in tape deck speed. A simple but effective solution, and it worked! Customers for our new mellotron are varied and include Arcade Fire, The Kooks, Sigur Ros, Gary Barlow, Guy Chambers, Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann) and Antonio Pinto, the Brazilian film composer, plus many private owners.

M4000 on the web Sound On Sound magazine review Performing-Musician.com review Noel Gallagher and Tim Christensen on Danish TV with the M4000