Tape Quality

[Nak_novice]

Which is the preferred NEW 1/4" 2400' or 3600' Tape?

I want to try to select a good tape once I acquire my first deck then stick to it if possible. I will be located in the UK soon, any suppliers there that anyone knows about?

The only tape found new so far there is the BASF EMTEC 468 such as:
Item number: 320254349590 (eBay)
Is this any good?

All opinions welcome

Cheers, Ben

[Nak_novice]

Just found Another UK Tape Supplier:

http://www.canford.co.uk/commerce/resources/catdetails/2804.pdf

Anyone have any comments on quality or experience with this tape. Available on plastic spool only but quite cheaply priced as a result.

[Des-Lab]

As far as the 3600' tapes, the RMGI/EMTEC LPR-35 wins by default because it's the only 1.0 mil tape that I'm aware of that's still being made new. However, Quantegy #407 and #457, which were recently discontinued are excellent performers as well. Going back a little further and we find that the Maxell UD and XLI are still at or near the top of the list of most desired tapes.

As for the 2400' (i.e. 1.5 mil), I'm less qualified to comment as I haven't used as many of those. I know that the Quantegys (406, 456, 499, and GP9) were all excellent tapes. Maxell made some UD and XLI tapes in the thicker length. But they are pretty hard to come by. Plus, if you want or need the thicker tape, you're probably better off with the 'pro' stuff anyway.

I really want to try the new ATR tapes. But they are currently available in 2400' only. And at >$50 apiece, it's going to be a tough sell convincing the wife to let me buy any. Especially seeing that I just spent almost $500 just to set up TapeHeads.

[TheReeler]

Try the 911 formule... it's very hot.

[iamhifi]

I just bought today for $25.00 each new in the box locally 2 Ampex Grand master 456 1/4 2500 ft and 1 Quantegy Grand Master 456 all in metal reel plastic seal. I don't know if this are 1 or 1.5 mm. How ever my father gave me 1 Ampex 456 like the ones I bought and 2 TDK AMR-10. Also an Ampex and Quantegy 456 half and inch which they will go to Ebay. Matt or others can you tell if any of this are any good.
Angel

[Des-Lab]

Ampex (and later, Quantegy) #456 is 1.5 mil tape. 10" reel= 2400'/ 66 min one way at 7 ½ ips.

I wouldn't place too much faith in the quality of the Ampex tape unless it was made during the tail end of the Ampex run just before the name change to Quantegy. #456 is perhaps the most widespread of the known 'sticky shed' tapes. Even though it may pass visual inspection, you might be in for a nasty surprise when you actually try to play it.

You should be fine with the Quantegy though. I know of no Quantegy thusfar that has developed sticky shed.

[TheReeler]

Completly agree with Des-Lab. Nowadays some Quantegy backcoated tapes have begun to be SSS, so any backcoated Quantegy or Ampex tape is a lottery, can be good or can be sticky. Another way to choose is to go for not backcoated Quantegy or Ampex tapes.

If you want a 100% of fiability in backcoated tapes, go for Emtec or Maxell. In the case of Maxell, the ones that begin with 35 are 1.0 mil. and with 50 are 1.5 tapes mil.

[Des-Lab]

You've had a Quantegy tape succumb to SSS?

What model and what's the vintage? I have some 1998 vintage 457's and they still perform as new.

You sure it's SSS and not a result of abuse and/or bad storage? And you sure it's a Quantegy tape?

[TheReeler]

Have some Quantegy GP9 that begins to whistle, and is the first step until they get sticky. Maybe they won't be sticky, but they're potentially sticky tapes.

I readed in other forum some complaints about Quantegy 456, don't remember if it was in reeltoreel Yahoo! forum or in a german forum.

[stripedcat99]

Zero problems with any Quantegy reel that I've used.

But my favorite 3600' formula is my small stash (12 reels, lol) of 3M 967....

[joeljoel1947]

Never had a problem with Quantegy!! Variants?

499, 632, 642 and 456. Plus all the newer formulations now available.

My 642 will squeak and squeal now and again but if I clean the roller---gone.