Between the late 1970s and the early 1980s most audio tape manufacturers received bad batches of polyurethane binder that contained some molecules that were not as "poly" as the others. Shorter urethane molecules are hygroscopic and consequently tapes from this period may absorb moisture from the air and, over time, become sticky.

Bad tape is impossible to detect until it is too late and the first sign of a problem appears when a valuable recording is brought out of storage and will not play properly. Many valuable master tapes have become damaged in this way. Some have been rescued, and some have been irretrievably lost.

The only cure for tapes in this condition is a very slow drying process at a low temperature. The temperature range has to be carefully controlled and the drying time will vary according to the tape size and its condition.

When fully dry the tape may be played again, but it is likely to reabsorb moisture unless very carefully stored. After drying some tapes may shed their oxide badly when playing, others may be good for several plays, depending on how old they are and how they have been stored. Obviously it would be wise to transfer the audio to another medium immediately on the first play. It may be the only chance you get!

We can accept all tape widths for drying on NAB spools up to 10.5". Each tape may take up to 14 hours--or even more--to dry, so please be realistic if you have a lot of tapes. Rescue small batches at a time and copy the tape immediately upon return.

Contact us for more information and pricing.