What A Sticky Shed Tape Looks Like

[Des-Lab]

I actually created this essay a few years ago. I don't think it ever even made it onto that "other" board. I discovered it while going through some of my old files. I thought it might make some interesting reading for you. So here it is, re-formatted for this board.

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A BAD CASE OF STICKY SHED

Probably the worst case of sticky-shed tape I have ever encountered. I started off with a still factory sealed roll of Ampex brand #2020 (373) brand tape. This tape is on a 10 inch reel and is 1.0 mil, 3600’ in length.

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/AmpexBox.JPG

Upon opening the box and examining the tape, being that it was virgin and unused, the tape appeared to be fresh and supple, and ready for use.

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/Ampex_Reel_Clean.JPG
http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/Clean_Pack.JPG

Upon unraveling and examining the first couple of feet of tape, once again, everything passed visual inspection, although as can be seen in the second picture, there is some bubbling in the splicing tape which is what is holding the leader to the actual tape. The tape looked fine. Here is the “playback” of the tape, which, when on the reel, is face “in”:

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/PlaySide.JPG

And here is the “back” side of the tape, where the back coating is, which, on the reel, faces “out”:

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/BackSide.JPG

The first definitive sign of trouble was when I loaded the full roll of tape on the machine in preparation for the first run. I unspoiled some tape without actually threading it or otherwise exerting tension. The tape was subject only to gravity. Normally, the tape should hang freely. But note how there is some clear adhesion going on and the tapes reluctance to freely unravel.

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/image012.jpg

I then proceeded to fast-wind the entire length of tape. As I did, the machine, even at high speed struggled to unwind the very sticky tape.

I was shocked at what the previously clean tape pack looked like after just one [high speed] pass. Not only was the pack rough and uneven, which back coating is supposed to prevent, but the tape had clearly been in a severe state of deterioration as evidenced by the inconsistent coloring. Note in the two pictures above that the “head” side of the tape is chocolate brown in color and the “back” side is a dull, dark charcoal gray color.

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/Maxell_Bad.JPG
http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/Max_Hole_Close.JPG
http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/Max_Hole_Close2.JPG
http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/image018.jpg

The tape was in such poor condition at the back end that some of the back coating had literally disintegrated from the tape. The uniform color was no longer evident. In some spots, the back coating was thinned out and in other places had disappeared altogether, leaving patches of carbon coating.

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/image022.jpg
http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/image024.jpg

Note that the tape is in a “loop” so that you can see both sides and the very visible damage.

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/image026.jpg

I then decided to re-wind the tape again back onto it’s original reel. Now, with two passes, there was a very marked difference in the appearance of the tape and it’s true condition having been revealed. What a difference from when it was first out of the box!

http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/image028.jpg
http://x-2000r.angelcities.com/images/tapestuff/Ampex_Hole_Close.JPG

By now it goes without saying that this tape, unfortunately, will never have music recorded on it. After these pictures were taken, the reel was taken apart and the entire roll or “pancake” of tape ended up straight in the garbage can.
What a waste of tape! But if it’s no good, it’s no good.

The moral of the story?

THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE!

It’s not always a good idea to take things at face value. For what appears to be good, and even true, it’s always best to just “make sure” you know what you are really getting. This tape was indeed virgin and never used. Visually, out of the box, everything appeared to be perfect. But look what came to light once the tape was given it’s first test: it failed miserably.

Of course, we already know that any tape that says “Ampex” is already known to do that.

But it was worth sharing the pictures just the same.

[Scorpion8]

I love that Ampex reel! Sweet. Very good write-up.

[MacGyver]

jeez, kinda makes one frightened about their tape collection...

[Des-Lab]

jeez, kinda makes one frightened about their tape collection...


I wouldn't be too concerned about that unless a substantial amount of said collection happens to consist of tapes that say "Ampex" or "Scotch" on them.

If you are like me and have mostly Maxell and Quantegy, you should be OK. Ditto for TDK.

[MacGyver]

well jeez, 3M should've been ashamed of themselves...

[todd33rpm]

Of course, we already know that any tape that says “Ampex” is already known to do that.

But it was worth sharing the pictures just the same.

That's a good photo essay...that explains near-flawlessly what I've been trying to get across to some of my friends for years. Just because it's "new" and still in the wrapping doesn't mean you can trust it to be in great shape.

[kevinkr]

I am wondering if Acetate back coated Scotch Classic 201 is also subject to sticky shedding issues? I was just given a dozen reels in sealed boxes and the one I looked at seems ok on cursory inspection, there is no evidence of sticking on the 6' or so I unspooled, but I have not run one through my Otari because I am concerned about the mess it might make.

FWIW I think this thread ought to be a sticky too..

[Scorpion8]

Des -- You might also want to include a sticky post about baking old reels before playing them if they've been stored for long periods. Jim

[golfnut6]

Mr. Des-Lab,
In your post "What sticky Shed Tape Looks Like", all but one of the images don't open. Could you please send me direct via email attachment this post? Maybe the images will open if done that way. Thanks,

[Big Kelv]

Great first post!

Personal security isn't an issue for you Dick!

Although Houston is a bit vague, I already know that you like to play golf and have your personal email address provided by you isp. If I was that way inclined, I'd subscribe you to a load of porn sites - some that could end you up in jail! *eyepop*

The picture links don't work for me at the moment either. As for etiquette, your request comes accross as bad form. *bigthumbdown*

I suggest you edit your post and remove your email!

Regards, Kelv

[Warped Bezel]

Please pay attention and realize that some files may have been lost if a server was changed of a photohost dropped them.

Des-Lab, being the site owner and chief head cleaner and online as I type is probably working to fix it.

The word etiquette is a really unmannered thing. You can PM the poster or a moderator and voice your concerns to be potentially relayed, or click the icon for reporting trouble shown in every post (! in a triangle)...that is normally meant for spam or severe disruptions affecting site decorum.

But as I said the entire group doesn't always need to be involved. That's why we have moderators.

Why did I post this here then?

Because it needed broadacasting. Sorry.

[Des-Lab]

Yes. I apologize. That is an old document and most of the pictures were deleted when I was cleaning up some outdated and orphaned pictures. I may have them archived on a disc somewhere but I would need to look and re-upload them, which is something I probably won't be able to get to for awhile.

[Big Kelv]

Apologies, bad form on my part - I was just trying to press home to golfnut6's personal safety. I've sent emails to prsonal isp addresses before to warn them but I grow weary of wasting my bandwidth!

Regards, Kelv

[Warped Bezel]

Yes, but consider that every now and then one could just be spam and also that yes, we care but there are other ways. I know it's in our humanity to want to fix things like that but the best way is on-site, off-thread.

I'm guilty myself and I had to learn many things in 16 years.