Sealed NOS Scotch 142 - Should I use it?

[blarrer]

Hey everyone,

Today, along with a Craig 2403 reel to reel machine, I received a sealed reel of Scotch 142 tape. I don't know how old it is, but it looks pretty darn old.

The question is... is it a good tape, and should I open and use it or should I just keep it sealed?

Thanks

[Lance Lawson]

If its the only reel of tape you have use it try it out. old well cared for tape can be fine. The problem tapes are certain back coated tapes from the late 70's -80's. The name brand tapes from the 60's are very stable. Your tape deck can't do what it was designed to do without tape so enjoy it!

[vinyldavid]

Scotch 141 has sounded okay when played back, but my attempts to record on it have all failed...not sure how close it is to 142 though.

try it. I doubt it sheds badly.

[Jay Pemberton]

142 is fine. 1 mil polyester in their 1960s budget tape range called 'Tartan Series', the predecessor of the 'Highlander' brand.