Hi Jan:

Hold the reel up to a bright light and MAKE SURE you cannot see light through the tape-pack (ie make 
sure it's not acetate-backed). See if you can confirm, from what's printed on the packaging, that 
these are definitely POLYESTER backed tapes. If so, bake them. Bake them 24 hours in a food 
dehydrator, let them cool 24 hours. Do this for one tape first. See if it plays without problems. If 
so, voila, there's your solution. As has been discussed on this tape, backcoat is not an absolute 
necessity for sticky-shed, although I have not actually encountered sticky-shed tapes that weren't 
backcoated. I believe others on this list have encountered such tapes, so they are out there.

-- Tom Fine

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jan Myren" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2016 6:46 PM
Subject: [ARSCLIST] Sticky shed reel to reel tape on non backcoated tapes??


Hi!

Usually I think of back-coated tapes when it comes to sticky shed tapes, but here is a new 
experience:

I am about to transfer a bunch of a certain tape called "Allegro" that was sold here in Norway. It 
has those black reels that I associate with Radio Shack-tapes, so I am not surprised if it is the 
same sort, only with another label.

The thing is that the tapes are not back coated. But they are very soft in consistence, so I rather 
see them as a bit "clingy". Although, the result is much the same as with sticky shed; the tape will 
not go through the tapepath on the tape recorder and the whole thing stops. When I try to wind (or 
rewing) it squeels a lot and the tape recorder works hard to do the task.

Can anyone explain what's wrong with the tapes and if there is any solutions on how to play them, 
since there are many fine vintage radio programs on them

All the best
Jan
NORWAY