Tim,

i have several of those paper-backed tapes, stored unprofessionally in Californian and New York
since they were recorded in January 1948. None of them have the problem you describe, and they
all play well, and I wouldn't call them unusually noisy either.
 

Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2018 20:32:39 +0800
From: Tim Gillett <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Soundmirror paper 1/4" tape

Hello,

I'm having problems with some very early Soundmirror tapes using a paper backing, circa late 40's early fifties I guess. I suspect they havent been wound or played for many decades. They contain live recordings of mainly classical oratorio concerts.

The tape wind is semi sticking to the next wind in varying degrees depending on the tape in question. With a couple I've been able to slowly wind them off without tape breakage or loss of oxide. Once they have been unstuck and spooled onto the take up reel they remain unstuck and play well. I've been able to repair old splices and clean off old spreading adhesive.

But this one is more sticky and further into the reel I go it has started to really stick to the next wind and rip off small pieces of oxide (I guess more tension from being under a constant torque wind for many years has made the inner layers stick more to each other).

Any hints on treating the tape to help it wind off without damage, or with less damage? Heat, humidity etc?

Thanks,

Tim Gillett
Perth,
Western Australia
  
Douglas Pomeroy
Audio Restoration and Mastering Services
193 Baltic St  
Brooklyn, NY  11201-6173
(718) 855-2650
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