A bunch of Ampex 456 and a few 407

[david winter]

Hi there,

Some time ago I bought a lot of around 200 7 inch reels recorded by a professional studio in 1987 and 1988. I can't remember the exact count but I think at least 33% are Ampex 456, there's a small number of Ampex 405 or 407 and the rest is all Maxell UD and XL1.

I have been told that the Maxell worked great but wanted to know about the Ampex. Are they still usable or will they deposit on the heads or stick ?


Thanks !

 

[cjacek]

You most likely will have problems with the Ampex but not the Maxell. The 80's is a real bad period for sticky shedding Ampex tapes.

See:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=228067&highlight=sticky

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=228066&highlight=sticky

 

[Beck]

Yeah, unfortunately the 456, 406 and 407 form the 80's will have Sticky-Shed. The Maxell will be fine as long as they aren't worn out from use.