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Can't record on some tapes

2

2old2randr

New Member
In the process of restoring an old Akai GX-266D open reel deck, I've run into a curious issue.

While testing record/playback functionality using old tapes that I have, I've been unable to record onto some tapes (Sony PR-150, Scotch 177) whereas I can record fine onto others (BASF). On the Sony tape, I can hear the recording faintly at full volume but on the BASF tape, there is no problem with the level. Other Sony / Scotch tapes that already had music recorded on them play back fine but I haven't tried recording over any of them as yet.

Is it possible for old tapes to degrade such that it is impossible to record onto them? Or does this point to some other issue with my tape deck?
 
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On the edge of the cassette opposite from the tape opening should be flat all across the entire side. If there are any small square holes found on that edge, those are the recording safety slots. The cassettes all come with those spots filled with a small square plastic piece. If you wish to keep your recordings from being recorded over, you pop out those squares. If they have been removed from the cassette and you wish to over record that cassette, then put a piece of tape over the square and your cassette deck will recognized your tape as being record able. Take a look at your tapes to see what I am talking about.
 
This is a R2R Tape Machine not a Cassette Deck right? Basf is a good tape usually but Sony & Scotch ARE NOT VERY GOOD USUALLY! Yes some brands of old tape do not record well! Basf is one that does:)
 
Thanks all. This is a reel to reel deck not cassette.

The problem is fixed and I feel like an idiot for not checking this earlier. The tape was wound inside out on these two reels (oxide facing out) so the magnetic layer was not making contact with the heads. I respooled the tape the right way around and now it works perfectly.
 
2old2randr said:
Thanks all. This is a reel to reel deck not cassette.

The problem is fixed and I feel like an idiot for not checking this earlier. The tape was wound inside out on these two reels (oxide facing out) so the magnetic layer was not making contact with the heads. I respooled the tape the right way around and now it works perfectly.
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That makes sense. It does make one wonder-how did they get that way? Perhaps a PO who had little idea of how things work (I have seen pictures of machines for sale on CL for instance, with the tape obviously threaded wrong. It does take some extra effort to flip the oxide-LOL
 
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