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When to lube reel to reel tapes

Hey guys- first post. Need some help.

 

made the slippery slope dive into reel to reel. Just starting out. Have snagged some fairly mint/near mint well stored collector zeppelin 7.5ips pre recorded tapes from 1970-1973. Have read that the lubricant on these tapes tends to deteriorate over time. Give the value of these tapes, would folks lube these before use, specially if they’ve not been played ever/very long time?

iplaygoodguitar
iplaygoodguitar OP
3 posts
 

Have read a few articles on how to do it, just look for some guidance on determining when you should do, or if doing it proactively is advised given damage that can occur on old tape.

 

 

dill
2,485 posts
 

You do not need to "lube" tapes. I have 50 year old R2R tapes that sound fine. You are just going to "f" up the heads and tape path if you do.

iplaygoodguitar OP
3 posts
 

Haven’t done anything and wanted to check. There are some out there that mention silicon. Appreciate your feedback.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,511 posts
 

Anyone mention a successful method of application?

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,402 posts
 

The oxide on tape does deteriorate, but never add a lubricant. This is why it’s a good idea to transfer a precious old tape to digital, or make a safety copy (I realise most homes don't have two decks).

Studios will align the the heads, adjust azimuth according to the tape stock used for the recording, no lubrication.

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