[jrebman]

Problem: I have these 2 nice open reel decks that I just bought service manuals and a few replacement parts for, and once they are fully cleaned up and working, I would like to be able to actually play some music on them.

I have several dozen tapes, but most of them were recorded by the former owners of the decks and I'd like to know if there are any sources for new, pre-recorded quarter-inch 2 track, 7-1/2 ips tapes.

Don't know if it matters, but one deck can handle 7 inch reels and the other can handle the 10 inch reels.

TIA fr any leads.

-- Jim

[Listens2tubes]

I have found most used tapes I get from house sales, eBay or the occasional friend's basement are in good condition. Maybe I've been lucky , I'm sure others will have stories to tell. Meanwhile, make a list and go shopping. Enjoy!

[lazydays]

I heard awhile back that there is a company starting to market pre-recorded classical music on 10" reels. But who it was I don't remember. Look for Teresa on the Tape Asylum. She knows.
gary

[Wayner]

I have found some 7 1/2" 3 3/4ips 1/4 tracks at a few local antique shops. If I find any more, should I pick them up? What music do you like? I did find the Moody Blues "A Question of Balance" a few months ago but I forgot my machine was a 1/2 track so I sold it on *bay.

W4

[SET Man]

Hey!

   Well, I don't think you could escape eBay.  For selection and hard to find item... but of cause it could get pricey

    Yes, when buying R2R tape make sure it is the right format and speed for your player. BTW... I have the tubed Akai M8 R2R.



  That's me above putting on Frank Sinatra "Stranger In the Night" tape that I've got off eBay a few years ago.... and it sounds wonderful But harder to select the track you want compared to CD and LP But... Wish I could afford to buy more R2R tape though. 

Take care,
Buddy

[Blackmore]

Soon you'll be able to buy new R2R tapes from Dan Schmalle at the Tape Project. www.tapeproject.com

Hey Buddy, I have a Roberts tube R2R that looks like your deck's grandmother. Pretty cool piece of gear. I think Scott F. has one too!!!

[jrebman]

Soon you'll be able to buy new R2R tapes from Dan Schmalle at the Tape Project. www.tapeproject.com

I should have figured that Doc B would have his mitts in something like this.  Heard that 15 ips master tape on the Nagra at RMAF 2004 and was stunned.  Never heard anything like it before or since -- regardless of price.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I'm still not sure which of the decks, if any, I'm going to keep, but it would be nice to track down some quality tapes to listen to before making the decision.

Sure wish we didn't toss out my grandfather's collection of big badn and swing jazz tapes -- but that was in the days before eBay and when the CD was just coming into it's own.

Off to check ut the tape project...

Thanks again,

Jim

[TONEPUB]

unfortunately, the tapes from Doc will be about 300 bucks each...

Thats going to keep the market pretty slim.

Too bad, if they were in the 50-75 range I bet a lot more people
would be interested, or at least able to buy...

[jrebman]

unfortunately, the tapes from Doc will be about 300 bucks each...

Thats going to keep the market pretty slim.

Too bad, if they were in the 50-75 range I bet a lot more people
would be interested, or at least able to buy...

And that's not the whole story -- these are 15 ips master tapes only -- no other formats will be produced, and you need a specially retrofitted machine to play them, and furthermore, those machines are modified to play only 15 ips as they have a special, no-compromise 15 ips head, EQ and bias and preamp all designed for absolute total performance.

I wrote to Dan sometime last week to ask about the cost of the retrofitted Technis RS-1500 -- the least expensive deck, and I still have not heard back from him.

Something like this that would play on a 7.5 ips, stock deck would be nice for the rest of us mere mortals.

-- Jim