So Someone Wants To Know About Ampex Tape.

[Des-Lab]

See http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=171793.

I can answer that question. Someone send this guy a PM to join TH and he can get not only the information he needs in a timely manner (that post has sure been sitting for awhile), but will also find a much friendler and receptive audience here.

Let's see how long it takes for someone else there to answer it. I'm sure it will be. But here's a chance to get another TH convert.

[braxus]

Sent him a private message on AK to come here.

[Jay Pemberton]

So I'll toss in an answer here. Look on the tape boxes, and on 10 1/2" or larger reels, also there's a sticker on the rear flange (the flange opposite the one that will have the AMPEX 456 GRAND MASTER stickers or such like on it) that will sport not only the catalogue number for that specific item, but a five-digit number.

Here's a couple of examples to hand:

On the box: 408-151131 // 1/4" X 1200' // 96268
Box and reel: 456-273111 // 1/2" X 2500' // 91035

It's that five digit number which is of interest. The first two digits are the year, the second three, the batch number of that item.

[Westy56]

So I'll toss in an answer here. Look on the tape boxes, and on 10 1/2" or larger reels, also there's a sticker on the rear flange (the flange opposite the one that will have the AMPEX 456 GRAND MASTER stickers or such like on it) that will sport not only the catalogue number for that specific item, but a five-digit number.

Here's a couple of examples to hand:

On the box: 408-151131 // 1/4" X 1200' // 96268
Box and reel: 456-273111 // 1/2" X 2500' // 91035

It's that five digit number which is of interest. The first two digits are the year, the second three, the batch number of that item.

Thanks Jay

I don't have the sticker on the rear side of the flange but I do have the 5 digit number code on the individual reel box.

95234

If I understand you correctly, my tape is batch 234 of the year 1995.

Do I need to worry about sticky shed?

Thank you
Steve

[Jay Pemberton]

You might. I've even had some 1997 vintage tapes that are starting to go.

[Scorpion8]

Great info to know. Thanks!