Some Tape Questions...

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tascaman

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Two questions:

Maxell UD 35 - 90. It was described here that it was the tape that was built for the machine, vice versa... Is it still ok to use, or is 407 and 457 better?


Here are two auctions:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Maxwell-UD-35-90-Reel-To-Reel-Tapes-2-Used-Still-NICE_W0QQitemZ120309328033QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120309328033&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14


http://cgi.ebay.com/Maxwell-UD-35-90-Reel-To-Reel-Tapes-7-Used-Still-NICE_W0QQitemZ110291858129QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110291858129&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14


Also, what is/is there a difference between Ampex 407 to Quantegy 407? I have heard that Ampex tape has the sticky residue these days, and it is best that you bake it before use. Will the bake still remove the sticky residue?

Here is an auction for the 407 which I heard is similar to the 457 that should be used on a 388. What are your thoughts?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300260686813&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=020

Also:

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Quantegy-031-or-AMPEX-456-7-Reels-Unused_W0QQitemZ280269546719QQihZ018QQcategoryZ41414QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Any info would be of great help!

Thanks,
Conrad
 
Last edited:
At this risk of sounding like a broken record: Don't buy used tape or NOS tape that hasn't been very recently made - Especially Ampex/Quantegy stuff. It's not worth the headache. RMGI is making good new tape. Find yourself a dealer and order some.
 
With the new tape, would you have to bake it like the older stuff?
 
tascaman said:
With the new tape, would you have to bake it like the older stuff?
Click to expand...

There is no need to bake new current tape stock. Quantegy stopped making tape a few years ago so at this point, I'd consider anything that is branded Quantegy and/or Ampex to be not worth recording on.
 
BTW: Maxells are fine but don't buy used and don't pay more than about 10 bucks for one, sealed.
 
tascaman said:
Also, what is/is there a difference between Ampex 407 to Quantegy 407? I have heard that Ampex tape has the sticky residue these days, and it is best that you bake it before use. Will the bake still remove the sticky residue?
Click to expand...
It's recommended not to record on a sticky tape, you must bake it for play it back and make a backup to the tape. It won't remove the sticky residue forever, it will last maybe a few weeks and then, again the SSS.

Try to not use any backcoated Ampex tape. Quantegy and Maxell are fine.
 
Read this [really, it's important]:
https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=228067
Click to expand...

+1 for that suggestion...

Try to not use any backcoated Ampex tape. Quantegy and Maxell are fine.
Click to expand...

There is some Quantegy tape that was still manufactured at the old Ampex factory and is known sticky tape. Generally Quantegy made 1995 and later is fine, but operator beware. Read the thread. It'll tell you what you need to know.
 
It's true, there was problems with the first Quantegy. I've only bought Quantegy GP9 and 652 (5" reels), so haven't any problems with them... but lots with Ampex. I think I haven't any Ampex backcoated without SSS.

The last time, this last week. I even shot two videos about it that are uploaded to YouTube so that anyone can watch and hear how to detect an sticky tape and how I do to empty the reel :)
 
Thanks

Thanks all for the help!

I think I am going to go with the RMGI LRP-35. It looks like a good buy to be honest, no problems or anything, just get it and record!

Thanks Again,
Conrad
 
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