Estate sale R2R tape ID by cover

Decatur Greg

Decatur Greg

Super Member
Trying to decide if I want to check out these home recorded reels of tape at an upcoming estate sale.

http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/GA/Atlanta/30327/845304?highlight=reel

Photos 18 & 19 have the shelves of R2R tapes.

I know these aren't Maxell or TDK or anything like that. Did RS make Supertape in a green box? Anybody know if these tapes are susceptible to sticky tape syndrome?

There's also some Dahlquist speakers and lots of recording gear.
 
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Could be Shamrock, not one of my favorites brands of tape.

But, there are a couple of nice Teac tape decks and what possibly looks like a small garage studio vibe going on (I know this may be a stretch).


But there might be some interesting music on some of those reels of tape.

It if were close to me, I might make to trip to see what the tape decks and other audio gear sells for and at the same time investigate the reel to reel tape.
 
There is certainly enough stuff scattered around to warrant an investigation, though there looks to be a lot of neglect. Go prepared to buy or walk.

As for the tape, yes, the music might make it worth it if it was cheap. I have a lot of tape picked up over the years that is fun just to put on and listen to something unexpected and different. Check the SSS list beforehand.
 
Those are shamrock, which is probably rejected Ampex 641 tape, but wow, there's a lot of 'em. Could be some interesting listening.
 
Sheesh! I'm seeing a ReVox A77, a TEAC A-6300 and an A-2340, one of those old tube Ampex jobs with the separate speaker/amp, Mac gear, Dahlquist speakers and a bunch of other interesting stuff. Definitely worth checking out, who knows what else the might be.
 
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I'd pass on the Irish tapes, but would pick up those Dahlquist DQ-20's. They are one great sounding speaker and typically only require woofer re-foaming (though crossover recapping can also help). Retail is in the $500 range on those, but once your hear them you won't be selling. I can't make out the other pieces on my pad screen, but obviously anything McIntosh is worth considering (pic 36 = $$$$$$).
 
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Take a peek under the Wollensak sitting on the dryer...if it's tube there's a pair of 7591s nestled inside.

And make an offer on the kitty while you're there:D
 
The Shamrock tape is not a SSS issue, however, it's very much run of the mill stuff. Music on the tape can be a treat-if your taste aligns with the original owner.

My experience with sales run by these folks is that they do a pretty good job of researching values, so you are unlikely to get screaming bargains, but you can still find good values.

If you feel you cannot pull the trigger on an item at it's asking price, they will dicker on the last day of the sale.
 
Performance of the tapes will depend on how well the deck they're played on matches the one used for recording. I'd consider every owner-recorded tape a complete crapshoot and price accordingly.

I think that Ampex would surely justify serious research. You might get some bargains on those DBX units or mixers. There's surely a market for that Revox if it works.

If the gear has been unused for years, I would be wary of turning it on; if you have a Variac, bring it along!

It's a good thing I'm far away! I have too many records already but I couldn't resist visiting a sale like that.

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I am going to ask the speaker group about the vintage monsters behind the Dahlquists. Curious...

Good luck Greg!
 
I've been checking back on this sale. They updated the list of audio gear with model numbers.

I tried to cut n paste them but it wasn't very readable. Best just to follow the link to the sale and read about some of what's available.

WHY WHY WHY did I just have to spend almost 3k on tree removal this week??? :cry:

Totally wiped out my savings account or I'd be looking at something McIntosh.

Now, I'm just hoping they don't want too much for those home recorded tapes!
 
I was going to this but I don't have cash for anything other than maybe some tape reels.

I have a scout going this morning to let me know prices and availability. I'll report back when I hear something.

I think I counted 5 solid state McIntosh power amps in the photos.
 
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