[ARSCLIST] Fwd: [ARSCLIST] Fwd: [ARSCLIST] A tape Vinegar Syndrome experience

[Don Tait <Dontaitchicago@xxxxxxx>]

David,

  It was fellow collectors who told me not to buy Irish or other tape around 
1961, not a dealer - they probably knew nothing factual but had just heard 
gossip or had concocted it themselves. You're correct that it was good quality 
tape. I've learned that because some of the Irish tapes I have here are 47 or 48 
years old, and they play perfectly. All Mylar, I must add - acetate tapes can 
be a wreck from shrinking and curling.

  Don Tait



  

  

Don Tait wrote:

>   When I started buying blank tape for recording in 1961, I was advised to
> buy Scotch. I always did, and they all play perfectly today. I was told that
> Irish was "junk" and never used it. However, some years ago I got a collection of
> tapes made between 1956 and 1960, some made on Irish, and they play perfectly
> too. Could Irish have been better quality tape in those days than later?

Irish was excellent..maybe your dealer had been burned by Orradio. Irish eventually
became Ampex, and of course their bargain line was Shamrock (which was also good tape
till the 70s). The stuff had its own unique smell (is there anyone else out there who
can still remember what each brand of tape smelled like when it was new? Going right
back to Scotch 100.)

dl