R2R Tape Storage

[turnitup]

Over the years I’ve collected a number of prerecorded R2R tapes, but have never come across much in the way of storage solutions - even from when the tapes were in production. I can find the occasional metal tape box, or use a bookshelf, but even a bookshelf doesn’t fit the size format well. Do any of you have any historical storage/display solutions that you’d be willing to post pictures of? Its odd to me that I can’t even find any old (original) stereo cabinets that have a decent solution for this. I can come across all other solutions for cassettes, 8-tracks, obviously records, but not for prerecorded R2R tapes...

Love the format, and would like to give my little collection the dignity that it deserves in a storage/display solution. Don’t like the “stacked on the floor”, or shoved in a random drawer method (which is how my tapes are currently stored). Historically accurate is my preference, but if not, I’ll build or adopt a great solution, if anyone has one. Thanks...

 

[ampdan]

Found this on the net...

 

[jlb2]

I store R2R tapes in an Ikea Billy bookshelf and it works well, even though the fixed shelf at mid-height can impose some empty space - which is not a bad thing since you do need some empty space above the tape in order to grab it. If you want something prettier, it is not overly difficult to custom-make a bookshelf that will accommodate the exact size/s of your tapes.

 

[kfalls]

Which size tapes do you want the cabinet for? There are 5" , 7" and 10.5" reels. This may be why you can't find a specific cabinet size for them.

 

[Westy56]

 

[oldvinyldude]

I repurposed an inexpensive CD storage cabinet. It had shelves with pegs that could be moved, so I was able to move the shelves to a height suitable for the reels (7 1/2"). For the larger reels, I use a similar generic cheap bookshelf that has adjustable shelves. Only issue with this storage is the sagging of the adjustable shelves, due to weight. It's perhaps 30" wide, and 30" worth of 10" reels weight quite a bit. The repurposed 'CD storage cabinet' is only about 12" wide-no sagging issue there.

I have seen someone suggest using a lateral file cabinet-but this is too large and ugly for my vintage vibe listening space. I suppose the vintage vibe should include cinder blocks and 1x10's, but not going there-lol

 

[markpilk]

I made mine, but have three times the 7” tapes. They do create lots of wasted space on most shelves. I sold off most all my pre-recorded a couple years ago and now I’m in the process of selling off my 7” BASF and Maxell’s. Both my decks play 10.5 tapes and it’s a much better solution to go with 10.5 reels.

 

[MRL_Audio]

I bought a shelving unit from Ikea that fits 7” tapes perfectly. About 6 or 7 shelves tall and two feet wide. Had it for at least 5 years. It’s full and to date have not noticed and drooping of the shelves. I’ll post a picture tonight.

 

[turnitup]

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions, yes my tapes are the common 7” prerecorded variety. Still somewhat baffled that there don't seem to be any common historical storage solutions, from back in the day. Most consoles, depending era, had storage solution built in for albums, 8-tracks, etc. - but nothing for R2Rs, even when they included R2R equipment in them. Interesting!

Guess it’s off to the garage to build something...

 

[MRL_Audio]

It's not last night but here's what I use.

 

[turnitup]

It's not last night but here's what I use.
View attachment 1978413

Thanks for posting, man, you’ve got quite a collection of tapes!

 

[twiiii]

I have three 4 ft wide metal business storage shelving units that are 84" high and you can adjust the shelves every inch. I know longer have tapes, but readjusted the shelves for manuals and books. and two are out in the garage now for storing what ever goes in a garage. They are over 50 years old and look like new.

There is a cabinet company called Decibel Designs that make equipment and CD cassette vinyl and tape storage cabinets that have adjustable shelves to.

A friend of mine bought a bunch of surplus metal 19 and 24 inch equipment racks from the military added rear rails and makes his own shelves out of 1/2 inch play wood. people don't buy books much anymore so finding book cabinets to repurpose is becoming difficult.