Mellotron MkII

Brian Jones British
ca. 1964-67
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
The Mellotron uses prerecorded three-track tapes to reproduce a variety of orchestral instrument sounds, rhythm tracks, and special effects. When a key is depressed, it plays a recording from a sample library that includes string sections, flutes, brass, and vocal choirs for up to eight seconds. This is one of two Mellotrons owned by the Rolling Stones; Brian Jones played one on “2000 Light Years from Home” and “She’s a Rainbow” from Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967) and on several songs from Beggars Banquet (1968). The Mellotron’s atmospheric sound became popular with psychedelic and progressive rock bands.

Technical Description:

Mahogany case, metal magnetic tape receivers, wooden keys with plastic tops; two thirty-five key manuals, one for rhythms and pre-recorded effects and one for eighteen pre-recorded melody sounds; tube preamp, solid-state power amps, two twelve-inch speakers, spring reverb, volume pedal

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mellotron MkII
  • Artist: Bradmatic/Mellotronics
  • Artist: The Rolling Stones
  • Artist: Brian Jones (British, Cheltenham 1942–1969 Hertford)
  • Date: ca. 1964-67
  • Geography: Birmingham, United Kingdom
  • Medium: Wood, metal, plastic, magnetic tape
  • Dimensions: Height: 39 in. (99.1 cm)
    Width: 51 in. (129.5 cm)
    Depth: 27 in. (68.6 cm)
    Weight: ~159 lbs
  • Classification: Electrophone
  • Credit Line: Collection of Mick Jagger
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments