[Coco] Off-topic - Vintage Electronics

[Arthur Flexser]

Steve, here's a hint that is fairly reliable (not 100%) in telling whether
a reel-to-reel tape has been recorded on.

Take a look at the edge of the tape that is wound on the reel.  A
never-recorded tape will have an edge that is practically glass-smooth.
Tape that has been used has an edge that is less smooth.  That should give
you a fairly good idea whether the tape has been used.

Also, wouldn't it be likely that if your father-in-law had used the tape,
that he'd have labeled it somehow?  Written on the box, or left a slip of
paper inside the box?  If the tape edge is smooth and there is also no
labeling, I'd say it is an excellent bet that the tapes have not been used.

Art

On Fri, Feb 15, 2019 at 10:22 PM Steve Ostrom <smostrom7 at comcast.net> wrote:

> Sorry to ask an off-topic question, but this group has a lot of knowledge
> in vintage electronics.
>
> My father-in-law died a year ago, and I found in his possessions two
> boxes, each containing one 7” recording tape.  I assume this is
> reel-to-reel tape.  These boxes state, “1800 feet 1.0 mil 7” reel polyester
> concert recording tape, #44-1018”
>
> I would love to know if there is anything recorded on these two reels.
> One digital transfer company I checked with in Minneapolis did not have the
> capability to check these.  Are there any Coco list members who could check
> these to see if they have any audio data?  I’d be happy to pay for shipping
> both ways, and some money for your efforts.  If there is audio, I would
> also like to have it transferred to CD or flash drive so we can listen to
> anything he may have recorded.  Please let me know if anyone might want to
> tackle this for me.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --- Steve ---
>
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