So, am I still good to go?

[Bigsnake00]

I was just getting ready to grab a Tascam 388, and then all this news of quantegy closing/reforming hit. From what I understand this is not permanent??? I dunno, I am having second thoughts, and would like some reassuring. Does anyone have any idea how long this could last? I decided on the 388 because of the cheap tape cost, but I dont want to end up spending 50 bucks for 7" 1/4 stuff. Hopefully, this will blow over, as I have really become excited about analog recording. I just hope I am not to late...as a second option I have been looking at a Presonus Firepod, but looking at words like latency makes me wanna puke...

[The Ghost of FM]

From what I have read in up to the minute news, I am confident to recommend that you go ahead with the purchase of the 388.

There is excellent inventory on 1/4 inch stock and Quantegy is not declaring bankruptcy. They are simply restructuring and as well, a second new manufacturer is in the last steps of preparing a new line of blank tape products that is said to be more in line with the quality of the now defunct Emtec line of tape which was regarded as a superior product to Quantegy/Ampex.

While it's premature to say that happy days are here again, it is safe to say they are right around the corner.

Cheers!

[A Reel Person]

I've found a real bargain on 7"-1200' reels of brand new, genuine Quantegy 456 bias-compatible tape, in plain white boxes, for $2.95/reel. Consider, instead of your hypothetical $50/reel, you could get 40 reels for $120, (full factory sealed shipping box of reels). That's quite a big difference, and part of the reason I'm not panicking over the Quantegy situation. As GFM said, Quantegy will probably reorganize and come out the other end and continue producing tape. Likely, but as yet TBD, so hold onto your seats.

Back to my original point, if $120/40-reels of new Quantegy tape seems reasonable to you, as it does to me, then I'd say you're fine getting the 388 at this time.

Otherwise, I'd not usually recommend ol'puter recording, and I'm sticking to that. You know me.

After I get my own stockpile of 80-or-so reels of 7"-1200'-1/4" new Quantegy tape, I'd consider helping other users obtain the same media. I think 80 should be enough, considering I have at least 40 reels in storage at home already. Honestly, if the truth be known, I don't record that much, and that would easily be a lifetime supply, based on my recent production output.

BS00, I PM'd you. Don't know if you picked it up.

I'd still recommend the 388 as a good purchase. Good luck!!!

[Bigsnake00]

Reel, check your PM

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by Bigsnake00

I was just getting ready to grab a Tascam 388, and then all this news of quantegy closing/reforming hit. From what I understand this is not permanent??? I dunno, I am having second thoughts, and would like some reassuring. Does anyone have any idea how long this could last? I decided on the 388 because of the cheap tape cost, but I dont want to end up spending 50 bucks for 7" 1/4 stuff. Hopefully, this will blow over, as I have really become excited about analog recording. I just hope I am not to late...as a second option I have been looking at a Presonus Firepod, but looking at words like latency makes me wanna puke...

Demand for tape is still there, and dare I say increasing, so while Quantegy may close, another person(s) will take over or open up production somewhere else. It always goes like that, at least that's what I hear .. So my recommendation would be to buy your 388 and not worry. New Quantegy tape is still out-there and if the supply dries up, no worries 'cause another company will take over long before that happens. No sweat. Don't panic. Be patient. However, in the worst case scenario, we always have Dave (ARP) and his "lifetime supply" of tape ...

~Daniel