Re: [AV Media Matters] acetate tape binder

[Jim Wheeler <Jimwheeler@aol.com>]

Lars

I am enclosing comments from a retired tape chemist.  The lubricant I use
for
old audio tapes is made by the LAST Factory and the address is:
  The LAST Factory
  2015 Research Dr
  Livermore, Ca  94550
  TEL:  1-925-449-9449

I hope this helps,

Jim Wheeler

Audio tape binders initially contained vinyl, butadiene/acrylonitrile and
related binders.  Those old acetate tapes had stable binder systems, but
other factors could make them archivally unstable, eg, base film (acetate)
and lubricants.  Of course, 8 track cassette is another matter, and the
graphite backside makes those tapes essentially garbage.  On balance, I
expect those old audio tapes are not degraded as much as later polyurethane
tapes but may need post lubrication to play properly.