Re: [ARSCLIST] Another SSS playback technique?

["Richard L. Hess" <arclists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Angie,

What scares me about talcum (and graphite to some extent) is the 
potential for spacing loss between the head and the tape. Graphite is 
a known tape lubricant (it was used extensively in tape cartridges). 
Talcum's particle size and propensity to adhere to its neighbouring 
particles makes it more of a concern.

Perhaps Peter Brothers has something to say about this?

I would think the high frequency response would be quite variable as 
the hydrolysis products and the talcum could (at least as I'm 
imagining it now) create quite a "paste."

Someone should try it and evaluate it. Here's more than I knew about 
the substance: http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/talc/talc.htm

Cheers,

Richard

At 01:42 PM 2/22/2006, Angie Dickinson Mickle wrote:
> The following was posted on a pro audio forum.  I've not heard of 
> this technique.  Anyone care to comment?
>
> <<I've had equally good results using talcum to ease the friction 
> allowing playback, negating the need for baking. I just stood there 
> with a handful of talcum and applied it to the tape with a finger 
> before it entered the tape guide on the supply reel side ...
>
> Right, it's the binder liquefying, but it's the friction of the 
> smooth head that causes it to stick. Applying talcum reduces the 
> friction, and allows the tape to travel across the head without 
> "locking up" the transport.
>
> It's always worked for me, and was more convenient than baking, 
> which sometimes required several attempts. I'm actually quite 
> surprised that the technique wasn't more popular. I learned it from 
> a tech who is now a head tech at Capitol.>>
>
> Angie Dickinson Mickle
> Avocado Productions
> Arvada, CO
> www.avocadoproductions.com
> 800-246-3811

Tape Restoration Seminar:    MAY 9-12, 2006; details at Web site.
Richard L. Hess                   email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Aurora, Ontario, Canada       (905) 713 6733     1-877-TAPE-FIX
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