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Who said tape doesnt last :^)

So I am kicking back listening to The Canadian Brass on cassette (DONT JUDGE ME) when I started wondering if these fine musicians were still performing (they are). When I looked at the discography, I saw my tape ("Champions" by Canadian Brass) was released in 1983. 1983! It still sounds rock solid on my Nak deck! For grins and giggles (and because I am nursing bruised ribs) I played some other tapes dating back to 1975/1977). These are tapes that are pushing 50 yrs of age! The fact they still sound good is a testament to the quality of construction, materials, and the care I use in storage.

It just boggles my mind that I have had some material that is still playing. Of course, having opened my mouth, the next tape I play will break and spool out inside the cassette well.

jcipale

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,976 posts
 

My pre-recorded 7" Reel to Reel 1/4" wide tapes (had over 500 of them, now about 300) average 50 years old, (a few are 7-1/2 IPS 2 Track stereo from 1956, soon to be 70 years old). They are the best sounding format I own.

My friend's 15ips tapes blow these away. I'm always surprised how many obsess over cables, fuses, expensive miniscule tweaks and don't get into tape for it's undeniable superior sound.

8 track cartridges were supposed to be for short lived ad campaigns played on the radio, throw them out after a short while;1/8" wide cassette was supposed to be for dictation,

and yet technology advanced these transportable/sharable formats to surprisingly good for multi-channel music.

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