images via this auction.
"For your consideration is this 1959 Chamberlin M-300 electro-mechanical keyboard in 100% ALL ORIGINAL condition. This one-of-a-kind Chamberlin M-300 was invented and crafted by Harry Chamberlin for the great Bobby Darin. This exact Chamberlin is the one which was later used on Darin's 1960 hit "Mack the Knife." Harry Chamberlin only made ONE M-300, which is essentially the better half of an M-600.
This Chamberlin has been completely restored to factory specs and is ready for professional studio recording use. In the early M-600s, and in this M-300, the tapes themselves have much more dynamics and detail than the later tapes found in the M1s. This is probably due to fewer generations of copies to the original masters. Additionally, the vacuum tube preamp and amplification stages are far superioir sounding to the transistorized amplifcation stages found in the M1.The sound of this M-300 is far superior to that of an M1 and M4, and it sounds most similar to a Mellotron Mk II. The keyboard action on the 300 is much better suited for the mechanical tape keyboard system. The keys have much better response to the tapes than an M1.
Recording directly off the speaker is much more dynamic than going direct, as both the amplification stage and quality of the speaker are amazing.
There were a couple owners between myself and the great Bobby Darin- none of whom are very interesting musicians are who were able to express the greatness of this keyboard.
None except the notorious and legendary Vincent Gallo who used it for recording and performance on several occasions. I tried to buy this unit from Gallo for years offering cash or whatever it would take to get it, but finally during a restoration Gallo was doing on his Universal Audio board I was able to offer the unfindable parts he needed to complete the task. So I acquired this machine from Gallo after he relucatantly did a deal with me, even insulting me as I left.
I expect him to bid if he finds out it is for sale."
that vincent gallo stuff is not a selling point.
ReplyDeleteI know of a few people who have seen other machines like this version. It is probably NOT a one-of-a-kind, just very rare.
ReplyDelete>>The keyboard action on the 300 is much better suited for the mechanical tape keyboard system. The keys have much better response to the tapes than an M1.
ReplyDelete<<
This is nonsense! Having owned a LOT of these things, this has they keyboard response of the MusicMaster and 200 Chamberlins which is FAR worse than the later machines! "Better response to the tapes"!!! Ha - what kind of phrase is that? Do NOT believe sellers know what they are talking about... can't trust them!