Tim,
I might have missed it, but I have been using Quantegy 456 1/2" for a few years now.
However, I can't seem to find it, except for ebay. (used)
Do you know where I might buy some? Or, is there any other tape that is compatible for use with my Tascam 48 and 38?
Thanks!
Randal
And I owe it all to graduating summa cuma laude from Gu U.
AMPEX brand is getting harder to find new, but it hasn’t been made by AMPEX since 1995. Quantegy is the same as AMPEX (They bought AMPEX tape division in 1996) and can be found new, but the outlets are dwindling because they are now out of the tape business too. Quantegy didn’t start using the Quantegy brand on boxes and reels until 1997 or 98, so you will see AMPEX made later than 1995, but it’s really Quantegy.
AMPEX or Quantegy 406, 407, 456 and 457 with dates ranging from 1995 to early 2005 are good, but buy them sealed new-old-stock. Before 1995 you have sticky-shed issues. Mid 2005 and later you have deplorable quality control issues from a “reorganized” (disorganized) Quantegy. I might revise that range from 1995 to late 2004 to be on the safe side.
Most of my old links for Quantegy distributors are dead, so I look on eBay myself these days. I have a lot of unused 456 around dating back to 1995, so I only buy tape when it's a good deal... no panic buying. If the bidding gets crazy they can have it. More tape always comes along when no one's looking.
Other AMPEX 4xx compatible new-old-stock tape to look for:
AGFA PEM468
BASF and EMTEC SM468 and SM911
3M/Scotch 966, 986, 206, 207
BASF LPR35 (but be careful, there is a special run of this stuff floating around that is really a 1-mil SM900… tapeandtape sells this stuff and it’s not bias compatible with 456 or normal LPR35)
For new tape RMGI is the only option. They have the SM911 and SM468 like BASF and EMTEC used to make, but IMO their tape is overpriced and they turned opportunistic when Quantegy closed their doors. However, you might have to breakdown and buy a couple pricey reels to get you by while you patiently look for good buys on eBay.
By the way, don’t buy anything from eBay member tapeandtape unless you feel lucky or have an aggressive guardian angel.
Stay away from Ampex branded tape, used or not. Stick to Quantegy 456 or RMGI SM911. Quantegy is no longer made but new stock remains and is being sold on eBay and some online stores. RMGI is a direct replacement and is currently made. Just key in RMGI into the eBay search field. Look for SPLICIT Reel Audio Products. They're good people to deal with. 
