Re: [ARSCLIST] Risk assessment tool--off brands

[Karl Miller <lyaa071@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 5 Jan 2006, Casey, Michael T wrote:

> What off-brand tape stocks would you consider to be at greater risk than
> the standard Ampex/Scotch products? Shamrock? Irish? I might add
> Sarkes-Tarzian. Are there others that are consistently problematic?

I have had the worst problems with "Concertape," as a product sold by
radio shack (I might have the name wrong, but it was in a white box with
black printing on it). Some of the tape is brown in color and not
problematic, however the black tape is some of the worst I have ever
encountered. Some of it will shed, some doesn't but will squeal. Baking
does not often help.

While I can't remember the number, there is an Ampex tape that featured
brown oxide with a black backing. Baking, in my experience, will cause the
tape to separate.

When I was teaching, I would give my class a reel of the black Concertape
to transfer and would grade them on their ability to research an
appropriate methodology and their success in making a transfer...and for
the advanced students, a restoration.

Karl