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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc. |
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11th Jun 2010, 4:53 pm | #1 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Leominster, Herefordshire
Posts: 174
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Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
I've tried all the sources I can think of, to no avail. Yes, there is "new" tape available on Ebay, but how long has it been hanging around.
My 2 recorders are both long in the tooth, as 'twere, one is an Akai GX220D, rescued literally from the skip, now showing signs of being a good 'un, the other is a lovely old valved Revox G36. If anyone can help with info or tape, it would be much appreciated, all costs reimbursed, of course. Regards to all, Mike M0XGG |
11th Jun 2010, 4:57 pm | #2 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Slough, Berkshire, UK.
Posts: 113
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
Hi Mike,
Have you tried Canford Audio in Washington, Tyne and Wear or Studiospares in London? Dave |
11th Jun 2010, 5:06 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Paignton, Devon, UK.
Posts: 805
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
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11th Jun 2010, 5:21 pm | #4 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,970
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
You can safely buy 1980s Maxell R2R tape on eBay. I know of no cases where this tape has deteriorated through age, and it will suit your Akai recorder very well, though the bias requirement of XL may be a bit high for the Revox resulting in some HF lift. Used examples are also usually safe buys too, as this tape was mostly bought by domestic hifi enthusiasts and well looked after.
Paul |
12th Jun 2010, 11:34 am | #5 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rye, East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 1,647
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
Don't forget that nearly all new tape is matt carbon-black backed tape for professional machines and that older decks with pressure pads need the glossy backed tape still available - just - but from only one or two dealers/makers. This appears to be the BASF LP35LH.
Barry |
12th Jun 2010, 12:51 pm | #6 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 2,495
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
Re: BASF LP35LH
Mike - please be aware that any BASF LP35LH you come across nowadays may be suffering from the fatal "oxide shedding syndrome" (discussed elsewhere on this forum). Certainly LP35LH is smooth backed and is of a bias level more likely to suit the machines you have, although I have a suspicion that the G36 may require even older (and lower bias requiring) tapes such as Scotch 150/215. That may not be a problem is you can alter the G36's bias level easily (It's not a machine I have experience with). My experience with LP35LH, which I had used as my standard tape for a decade was that it was a complete write-off. A quick test for stickiness is to get hold of a spool and whilst holding it vertically, just hand turn some tape off and see if it hangs smoothly when unspooling. If it does hang vertically then things look optimistic. Of course the definitive way is to lace some up on your machine and play it for a short time and examine the tape guides and heads for significant accumulations of oxide. If you play it for a long time you might find you have a really big mess to clean up! On the positive side, pre-low-noise tapes LGS35, LP35, Scotch 150/215 seem not to suffer so much from oxide shedding (an earlier oxide formulation?) so there is hope for your G36. |
12th Jun 2010, 3:23 pm | #7 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rye, East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 1,647
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
... yet I've never had any problems with 'old' LP35LH of the 1970s, though I understand later batches did shed oxide. LGS35 and LP35 is brilliant!
One reference I have is that all the American companies got their binder from one firm; when they stopped production, they sourced a new binder from another company - I believe Pfizer -which may account for oxide shedding problems. Scotch tapes sold in the UK came from America, France, Italy and Wales - I believe the Welsh-made tape is OK. Its probable they sourced a binder from the UK - dare I suggest "Essence of leak and daffodil"? Barry (Welsh ancestors!!) |
12th Jun 2010, 5:18 pm | #8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3,675
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
The G36 works fine with matt backed tape, and can bias and saturate PEM468 or equivalent. It may not erase it completely, though.
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12th Jun 2010, 7:04 pm | #9 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Leominster, Herefordshire
Posts: 174
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
Folks,
Thank you all very much for your great advice. I have got about 10 reels of professionally recorded (ex-studio) tape of various makes on 10.5 NAB in. reels, I'll try the "drop test" on some of this, and if good I'll re-spool some onto smaller reels for the Akai. I'll also try your suggestions for supplies of new tape, |
12th Jun 2010, 9:06 pm | #10 |
Hexode
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 478
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
__________________
What have you bought now?? |
18th Jun 2010, 9:17 pm | #11 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Lichfield, Staffs, UK.
Posts: 150
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
www.downsoft.co.uk advertise the availability of Ampex reel to reel tape if this is of any help.
P.P. |
28th Feb 2011, 7:59 am | #12 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
Posts: 2
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
RMG international in holland are using the old emitape equiptment and produce a fair range of studio and master tapes..i have just purchased a few reels "Panckes" from the Queensland distributor here in brisbane,but havent recorded on it yet awaiting a part from the net, so i guess wherever you live someone must stock it here is the website. www.rmgi.nl
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3rd Mar 2011, 7:14 pm | #13 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cromer
Posts: 41
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Re: Where can we get new reel to reel tape??
I have some for sale - check out here:
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=66269 Cheers Ian |