From:   PO2::"[log in to unmask]" "Folklore Discussion List" 15-DEC-1994
 10:25:41.06
To:     Multiple recipients of list FOLKLORE <[log in to unmask]>
CC:
Subj:   Re: IMPORTANT- Saving old audio tapes
 
        For the last year I have been working in the archives of the Blue
Ridge Institute of Ferrum Virginia. Before that I worked for the Southern
Folklife Collection, at the University of North Carolina, as a recording
specialist. My job was to restore, to re-record and save as much of the
large field tape collection as I could.  Many of the tapes were
recorded on Ampex 406/407 in the 1970s, all of which had developed what
is called "sticky " tape syndrome.  I wrote an article about the problem
but could not get it published. So far I have not been able to find the
article, however here are the main points that I hope will be of
interest to folklorists:
 
        If you have old recording tapes of any kind, including reel to reel
cassettes, VHS and even computer disks and tapes, that date back
to the 70's,  you are on the verge of loosing them.  The U.S. Government
now recognizes that recording tape of ANY KIND has a safe
life of not more than 15 years.  I know that some of you have tape that goes
back to the 60's of even the early 1950's that still plays.  That does
not matter, get your hands on two tape recorders and transfer your
collection to new tape as soon as possible.
 
        Remember you cannot save ANY recording tape.  All recording tape
is going to rot.  What you save is the contents of the tape by
re-recording to another fresh tape.  You will have to do it again in 10
or 15 years.  Therefore, try to use the best recording equipment that
money can buy in order to insure a quality transfer.  If you cannot afford
good equipment use what ever you have.  It is better to transfer the tape
even on low quality equipment, than not to do it at all.  Even transfer
to cassettes if you have to.  When decide on the equipment-- hook them
together directly to transfer-- dont go through microphones.
 
        Now to "sticky" tape syndrome.  If when you put your tape on the
recorder, push play, and the tape starts to squeel and even stick to
the heads of the recorder-- that is "sticky" tape syndrome and there is a
very good chance that nothing can be done to save the tape.  However, I
have save many hundred of these tapes and here is how you can do it.
 
        The reason that the tape sticks is that the formulation (the plastic)
has absorbed water from the atmosphere and turned the tape itself into a
sticky soft plastic.  What is needed is to harden the tape and drive away
the water.  The way to do this is by applying heat.  The easiest way is
to use your home (elecrtric only--no gas ) kitchen oven.
 
        First go to the hardware store and purchase a thermometer that
goes down below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  Experiment with the oven settings
until you can control the heat. Use the thermometer, you cannot rely on
the accuracy of the oven control knob settings. The temp. must be set to
stay withena 140 to 145 degree range. Caution-- above 150 degrees the
tape will melt.If you cannot control your oven don't use it find another.
Take your tapes out of their boxes and place five of six of them
flat on the oven racks and heat them at the above temp. for 5 hours.
Turn the heat off at the end of this period and allow the tapes to cool
down for 2  additional hours while remaining in the oven.
 
        Now all you have to do is transfer the tapes.  Most likely the
tape will play well.. However sometimes it may take a second treatment.
Once you have transfered to new tape throw the old "sticky" away becaus
it will turn sticky again within a short period of time.
 
        If you do not have an oven.  You can build one by placing a 500
watt light bulb in a 2-3 foot square cardboard box and stacking the tapes
inside.  Make sure that the light bulb does not touch  the tapes or the
boxes as it will get very hot.
 
        I take no responsibility and there are no guarentees but
With care you should have good success-- GOOD LUCK.
 
 
Pat Sky