Reel to Reel Blog

Learn how to inspect NOS tape before you buy or use it. Spot age-related risks, packaging clues, and warning signs that affect performance.

Use this tape formulation buying guide to match reel-to-reel tape to your deck, recording goals, and archival needs without costly mistakes.

Learn how to identify bad reel tape by spotting oxide shed, sticky-shed, edge damage, warping, and storage wear before playback causes damage.

Is refurbished tape reliable for reel-to-reel use? Learn what affects performance, how it is graded, and when refurbished tape makes sense.

Learn how 1 2 inch tape compatibility works across reel sizes, hubs, track formats, and machines so you can choose tape that fits and performs right.

Learn common half inch tape uses in analog recording, archiving, and mixing, plus what machines, track formats, and projects fit 1/2-inch tape.

Learn how to store reel to reel tapes the right way to prevent print-through, warping, moisture damage, and premature tape loss over time.

Scotch vs Ampex reel tape – learn how these brands differ in sound, stability, shedding risk, and best uses for recording, playback, and archives.

Looking for the best reel to reel tape brands? Compare Ampex, BASF, Maxell, Scotch, TDK, and more by sound, stability, and use case.

Learn how to identify sticky shed syndrome reel tape, why it happens, which brands are affected, and what to do before playback causes damage.

Learn the most common reel to reel tape problems, what causes them, how to spot them early, and when tape is still usable or best avoided.

Reel to reel tape grades explained for buyers, collectors, and archivists – learn what each grade means and how to choose the right tape confidently.

Learn how to choose reel to reel tape by matching width, formulation, reel size, and condition to your deck, recording goals, and archive needs.

Learn how 1 inch reel to reel tape is used, what machines it fits, how to judge condition, and what to check before buying vintage stock.

Learn where to buy empty tape reels, what to check before ordering, and how to choose the right size, hub, and condition for your deck or archive.

Learn how to buy new old stock reel to reel tape with confidence. Understand risks, storage issues, tape grades, and when NOS is worth it.

Shop refurbished reel to reel tape for sale with confidence. Learn how grading, testing, and format matching help you buy reliable analog tape.

Learn how to repair reel to reel tape safely, from clean splices to handling brittle, stretched, or damaged sections without ruining playback.

Wondering what to do with old reel to reel tapes? Learn how to inspect, store, digitize, reuse, sell, or archive them without causing damage.

Are reel to reel tapes worth anything? Learn what drives value, what buyers look for, and when old tapes are collectible, usable, or not.

Identifying BASF Reel to Reel Tapes When you see BASF tapes for sales on Ebay or from private parties, most of the time they come in gray or black plastic boxes, and you can’t tell from the package what tape you are getting. The good news is that all of their tapes are identified with […]

What is a Low Noise tape? Is it just a marketing term? What does High Output mean? What about High Bias? Its confusing for newcomers…and even for those with experience! We developed a new classification system to help people understand how to use their tapes by breaking them up into a category system with 8 […]

As part of my own fundamental research undertaken to launch Reel to Reel Warehouse, I stumbled upon this excellent research paper by By Mike Casey, Associate Director for Recording Services at Archives of Traditional Music / Indiana University. This is a 70 page document with a ton of great information on identifying tapes for archiving […]

In addition to the experience we gained from working with Reel to Reel tapes for nearly 50 years, we did extensive research on all of the brands and tape formulations to figure out what was out there – not only in terms of the information shared on the forums and by various organizations – but […]