The Mellotron That Got Away.

'Trade Me' is an auction site which can be considered as New Zealand's version of Ebay. Recently I saw a pretty nice Fender on there, one of it's selling points actually being 'Original strings!'. (Being NZ, that'll probably move it).

But the real story is the mellotron I found on there. Here she is.



Isn't she gorgeous? I was tempted to bid but was put off by the fact that the engine had a fault and she's not currently in working order. That'll do it every time. Plus I knew that within five minutes of purchase my preference for practicality over aesthetics would prevail. It would've been a right can of worms. I made the right decision. But I still have a lump in my throat. It went for $1000 which is around $750 US at the moment. A steal.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's the only one in the country. It's most certainly the only one down here in the south island. Perhaps I'll get to meet it one day.