Why Tape Baking

A lot of tape manufactured in the mid 1970's to early 1980's is starting to come out of storage now for re-mixing and re-issue, and engineers are finding that it won't play. The surface of the tape has become gummy and it sticks to the heads and fixed guides of the tape transport, squealing, jerking, and, in extreme cases, slowing down or stopping the tape transport. This problem has cropped up on all brands of tape, but is nearly always fixable, at least for a while.

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How Tape Baking Works:

Tapes deteriorate because of a breakdown in the binder (the glue) that holds the oxide atoms on the tape. The binder contains polyurethane, which soaks up water and causes the polyurethane to rise to the tape's surface.

This problem is known as the 'sticky-shed syndrome' . Short strands of urethane were most commonly used in tapes (until it was discovered that middle-sized strands are better) and were good at absorbing moisture. Baking the tape temporarily restores the tape so that it can be safely copied to another tape or a different format.

After baking, the tape usually remains in good condition for approximately a month. If the tape re-deteriorates, the tape can be baked again.

When to Bake a Tape:

There are some important signs that show when a tape needs baking. The typical symptom is squealing when the tape passes the playback head or other fixed parts of a tape player. The squealing is audible directly from the tape and also transmitted electronically through the output of the tape recorder.

Continuous use of a squealing tape risks permanently damaging the tape, as oxide is sometimes torn off the tape. This flaking residue can be seen and can feel gummy while still on the tape's surface. There is also a risk of damage to the player. Another symptom is the tape sounding dull and distorted.

Deterioration can happen to any tape, but the problem is more common with audio recording tape manufactured in the USA from the mid 1970's to the early 1980's.

Tapes That Generally Need Baking...

AMPEX- 406, 407, 456, 457, 499, Grand Master
3M- 153, 206, 207, 208, 209, 217, 219, 226, 227, 806, 807, 808, 809, Classic DP, Classic LP, Classic SP, Master and Master SX

 

Tape Baking Discount Pricing

	Tapes to Transfer		Price per Tape
	Cassettes		10.00
	1/4 inch Tapes		29.00
	1/2 inch Tapes		39.00
	1 inch Tapes		49.00
	2 inch Tapes		59.00
	Video Tapes		19.95

SEE ALSO: How to Order
                  How to ship tapes