7" reel to reel tapes

[MacGeek]

Hi all,

I have a box of 21 7" open reel tapes.  17 of them are Ampex "641" at 1800' each.  The remaining four are off brands.  These have been previously recorded with what looks like mostly 1960s and 1970s classic rock and a few other things.  $35.00 for all, or trade for something interesting?

Klaus

[OldiesButGoodies]

Tempted but I am still going through the last batch I bought.  Need to get more cue tips - these old tapes gets the heads dirty in a hurry.  Like every two reels I can see accumulation.  But they are fun to listen to. Maybe that is part of why PBJ has three decks - he prob reserves the Revox for the newer tapes   .

[MacGeek]

I run white shoe laces, soaked in cleaning fluid through the tape path and use Q tips for touch ups.  The finer weave laces are best.  With the old tapes, once they are played, I find the residue quantity goes down; it seems to be that first time after long term storage that's particularly nasty.

[OldiesButGoodies]

Thanks, I remember you mentioning that tip before - wll try it!

[papabearjew]

What OBG said is true.  I use my Akai as my workhorse play deck for 7" reels as it sounds awesome but is the easiest to clean.  Plus the GX heads seem to resist getting dirty better than my TEAC or ReVox.  The ReVox may edge by the Akai a bit in sound but is a pain in the ass to clean.  Of course all 10-1/2" tapes must be played on it.  I also do all recording on the ReVox as it is certainly the best of the batch.  I do like MacGeek's shoe lace idea.  Sounds good for major cleanups of the tape path.