• Brand: Scotch-3m
  • Type: 140, 141. 142, 144
  • Reel: 5" (13cm), 7" (18cm)
  • Lengths Available: 600' (180m), 900' (275m), 1200' (360m), 1800' (550m), 2400' (720m)
  • Thickness: SP (1.5 mil), LP (1.0 mil), DP (0.5 -0.75 mil)
  • Tape Grade / Performance Level: 1-Standard
  • Base Material: Polyester
  • 2024 Advice: Good for Daily Use, Acetate Vinegar Syndrome Possible, Suitable for Music Recording, Good for 7-1/2 ips and 15 ips
  • Where Produced: USA
  • Mfg Years: Early 1960s - Early 1970s
  • Sale Condition: Refurbished - 90 day warranty
  • Description:

    The Tartan Series was a lower cost tape introduced to the market in 1960 to capitalize on the growing market for home recording. It is classified as a Type 1 (standard) tape. Interestingly, it had virtually identical performance characteristics to the Scotch 150 and 190 tapes at the time, with a brown oxide coating instead of red. It was also priced lower than the 111 and 150 / 190 at the time. The 140 was an LP (long  play) acetate formulation and 141 was the SP (standard play) acetate version. The 142 was a polyester LP (long play) formulation and the 144 was DP (double play) version. These tapes were also popular at the time, so they are often found in garage or estate sales.

    • This is another formula that has withstood the test of time. It is amazing to consider that you can make a high quality recordings on a 60 year old tape, but this is indeed possible.
    • Tapes of this vintage have a tendency to shed oxide more than modern tapes. This is not a sign that this tape is degrading, it should be considered normal.
    • The general quality of these tapes increased over their production run as general improvements were made, particularly with oxide shedding and smoothness.
    • This tape formulation was often used for commercial tape duplication.
    • Available Refurbished: Yes, you can buy refurbished reels of 142 and 144 in our store. We don’t sell the 140 or the 141 because of its acetate backing.

Refurbished Reel to Reel Tapes for Sale

The Widest Range of Reel to Reel Tapes Available Worldwide

90 Day No-Fuss Replacement Guarantee If you find a problem with the tapes or are not satisfied for any reason, we’ll send you a replacement tape.

Browse the Shop

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get updates and Reel-to-Reel News in your inbox.

Have a question about reel-to-reel tapes?

Send us your reel-to-reel questions, comments and feedback about the website, or inquire about tapes for sale. Don’t see the tape you need in our shop? Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll try to find it for you.

Ask a Question