Depending on the formats, you can find usable decks on eBay. If they are quarter-track, 7.5IPS
and/or 3.75IPS, then a Pioneer RT-701 or RT-707 will be perfect. These can be found in good
condition for reasonable prices often on eBay. If you have 2-track tapes or half-track tapes, it
gets more expensive. I highly recommend a good-condition Technics 1500, which also has a
quarter-track play head in the block.
Note also that you need to check tapes for sticky-shed syndrome (SSS) and that old tapes may have
edge warp, which causes dropouts in the left channel of quarter-track recordings. Be careful of any
tapes with mold on the box or on the tape. If it smells like vinegar, it may be problematic.
It's not as simple as "dubbing tapes to CD for a friend" anymore, in most cases. Good-condition
analog tape decks are getting rarer and old tapes are proving non-permanent. If these tapes contain
audio of value to your friend, they may wish to pay for a professional transfer.
-- Tom Fine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bartl, Joseph" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 7:27 AM
Subject: [ARSCLIST] Need reel-to-reel tape deck for transfers
Folks,
I've promised a colleague to transfer to CD a number of 7" reel-to-reels. Two of my brothers had
tape decks, unused for many years, that died when I tried to use them. Does anyone have a decent
deck to sell for a (really) reasonable price? Thanks for your help.
Joe Bartl
Head, Music Bibliographic Access Section 1
Music Division
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Room LM 542
Washington, DC 20540-9420
Desk: 202-707-0013
Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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