Hi Hugh
Because this archive also handles cassettes with poor production quality and far-from-ideal storage conditions, we use an enhanced version of Richard Hess's setup for transferring only the magnetic tape from shell to shell.
Unfortunately, ARSC List doesn't permit attached photographs, so here's a rough description:
Two transport assemblies from a dual-cassette deck.
Head mechanisms removed
Other superfluous parts removed so the cassettes are easily accessible but still held securely
Transport pulleys and gears re-jigged for minimum torque and speed
Wall-wart power supply of a low voltage to also reduce torque and speed
Mounted side-by-side on the top of a case with a splicing block in front
Separate switches for each transport
The unit makes the question of glued versus screwed shells inconsequential and is useful for three tasks:
1. Cassette re-winder for exercising tapes prior to playback; two at a time independently
2. Transfer of tape between shells
3. Holder for shells during splicing or repair
Task 1 has the advantage that the cassettes are re-wound without any head contact - many cassette decks push the head assembly forward even during wind & re-wind.
Let me know if you'd like a photograph.
Nigel
Manager & Audio Conservator
Archive Of Mâori & Pacific Music
The University of Auckland
New Zealand
-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hugh Paterson III
Sent: Sunday, 24 June 2012 7:38 a.m.
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Free - Cassette tapes
Sounds like you and Steve Smolian and karl, should get together and they can solve your distribution problems... j/k
My archive just bought a about 50 screw type tapes because we needed the felt pads for fused tape types. We deal with tapes which come from jungles and little bugs like eat that felt. We just transplant the old tape into the new housings. Most times we get accessions on the order 5 tapes but sometimes there might be as many as 80 tapes.
I looked at the link to that blog post and learned a new trick... thanks.
- hugh
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