10" reel to reel tape - Where? What kind? etc...

[JimmyNeutron]

I've been looking on eBay and on Google for some 10.5" metal reel to reel tape for my Technics and Akai reel to reel players, but daaaaang! They're expensive! Where does one go to buy some good reel to reel tape on metal reels? I don't plan on listening to my reels that much to be honest, but I do want to hot rod them, so to speak. I've been looking at some of the machined aluminum HUBs :yes:, and am trying to find colored reels, but these seem pretty rare. Also, what kind of tape is good for these decks ( Technics RS-1506 and Akai GX-747 )? Where do I go to buy some?

Jimmy

 

[Numistrek09]

Cheaply?.... nowhere.

Least, not anymore for anything decent. You might luck out and grab one for under 30 dollars now and then, but thats about as good as it gets. And yes, colored reels do seem to be pretty rare. I see gold and black most often, then red and blue a little less. Can't say i've ever seen green, but i have seen purple a couple of times.

As for the tape itself,
Old production: Maxell UD or XLI are the best
New production: RMGI LPR35 or SM 911 (you can get it at USrecording, and a few other sites, but again, not cheap!)

 

[KentTeffeteller]

In the late 1980's a reel of Maxell UD in 10 1/2" cost me around $26. So, they were expensive new then.

 

[mhardy6647]

I've always liked, and still do like, Maxell UD. Too bad it is no longer made The "equivalent" TDK tape was also OK as are some of the Ampex/Quantegy formulations. I have far less experience with Scotch or BASF (or anyone else, come to thinnk of it).

Remember that there are 3600 feet of tape on one of those reels - yeah, they're expensive.

New production tape should be available from www.usrecordingmedia.com
e.g., http://usrecordingmedia.com/rmemlp14x36o.html

The supply of new-production tape always seems to be teetering on the brink, though...

 

[Bassinman]

I have purchased all of my 10.5" tape, reels and plastic cases from ATR Magnetics. They offer a good selection of tape and accessories. The prices are average, and the quality is good. They provide good service and fast shipping. You can look them up on the internet.

 

[radiokom]

13 years old thread resurrection But nothing wrong with that.
What I found, if you want the best quality reels, spacers etc, buy from tonbandspule.de
Even 12" reels are available and they are really machined at highest quality.

Now they are selling only through ebay.

Tonbandspule | eBay.de Shops

Herzlich Willkommen bei der Tonbandspulenabteilung der Feinwerktechnik Allgäu GmbH. Sie besuchen uns auf dem Ebay Shop. Hier bekommen Sie Tonbandspulen - Made in Germany. Bei Fragen dürfen Sie sich gerne auch an uns wenden.

www.ebay.de

 

[Bassinman]

13 years old thread resurrection But nothing wrong with that.
What I found, if you want the best quality reels, spacers etc, buy from tonbandspule.de
Even 12" reels are available and they are really machined at highest quality.

Now they are selling only through ebay.

Tonbandspule | eBay.de Shops

Herzlich Willkommen bei der Tonbandspulenabteilung der Feinwerktechnik Allgäu GmbH. Sie besuchen uns auf dem Ebay Shop. Hier bekommen Sie Tonbandspulen - Made in Germany. Bei Fragen dürfen Sie sich gerne auch an uns wenden.

www.ebay.de

I will stay with ATR Magnetics. Great selection of everything in all sizes.