Many distributors bought up the remaining stock, so vendors like MF are still placing orders. Production has stopped but product will be available indefinitely.
Here’s the rub (besides the ridiculous price)… now we have to ask sellers the date for brand new tape because the most recent lots since the new Quantegy took over are some of the worst runs in history. If it’s made late 2005 and later I wouldn’t buy it any more than I would if it was made 1994 and older.
So, now we have a window between last quarter of 1994 to early 2005 that the tape has the best chance of being usable. 1994 and before will have sticky-shed. Late 2005 and later is hit or miss, but expect terrible slitting and inconsistent coating.
No matter… the only thing I would send to MF at that price is a jar of Vasciline and instructions on where they can put the 11” x 11” box.
As for the good AMPEX/Quantegy that’s still out there, just be patient because it will eventually start showing up at about half the price people paid for it during the closeout.
eBay is the best source for new-old-stock that I know of. It’s already starting to come down in price because the anticipated tape panic didn’t happen… and as I said back then when Quantegy was trying to create a rush on tape at any price, it never will happen.
Once the people that snatched it up to make a killing in another tape crisis realize the Great Pumpkin isn’t coming, they will start unloading it at reasonable prices. But again, ask about the manufacture date and shop wisely.
