BASF revised their standard “LGS” tapes into a new series with polyester backing in 1969. These are standard (type 1) tapes of excellent quality and are often confused with their LH Series of Low Noise-Hifi (Type 2) reel to reel tapes. This tape is also known for it’s excellent quality, with flat frequency response and excellent stability and tape to head contact. Advanced R&D made sure this tape would last a long time, even when stored in adverse conditions. This tape was made in Standard Play SP (SP52), Long Play LP (LP35), Double Play DP (DP26) and Triple Play TP (TP18). This formulation was produced through the early 1970s and then discontinued when the LH became the standard tape.

• When looking at BASF tapes from this era, you need to check the leader to know what you are getting – the tapes come in plain gray boxes and when you buy used you have no idea what is in the box. The type of the tape – “LP 35” – is printed at the beginning of the green leader, identifying the tape type. If there is no LH on the early olive green leader, it is his standard tape. Later formulations with dark green leaders of LP35 and DP26, available in carboard boxes in Europe, shared the LH formulation and should not be confused with these older tapes.
• The “35” and “52” denote the micron thicknesses signifying LP (long play) thickness and SP (standard play) thickness. The SP and LP share the same oxide thickness and performance.
• The “26” denotes the micron thickness signifying DP (double play). The DP does not share the same oxide thickness and performance as the SP and LP versions – it has a slightly thinner coating and a thicker base film than other DP tapes, unlike DP tapes from Scotch or Ampex which used the thinner base with the SP/LP coating. As a result, the performance is a little lower than the SP/LP versions.
• The “18” denotes the micron thickness signifying TP (triple play). Like other TP tapes, this has a very thin oxide coating, providing a lower output than the thicker tapes. The recording level must be set lower to avoid distortion.
• As with any thin tape, extra care must be taken when handling as it can easily stretch or crumble under stress.
• Some BASF Tapes of this vintage shed more than other tapes from the same time period, but this does not seem to affect long term performance or quality. This is not a sign that this tape is degrading, it should be considered normal.
• This is a formula that has withstood the test of time. It is amazing to consider that you can make a high quality recordings on a 40 or 50 year old tape, but this is indeed possible.
• Available Refurbished: Yes, you can buy refurbished reels of these standard BASF tapes in our store of all of the lengths and thicknesses, many of them directly imported from Germany.