Audio Tape?

[Arksided]

Does this have a shelf life before deteriorating I imagine it does but how long? Kept at room temp. I don't have the means to play any of the old tapes that've I kept nor do I have the equipment to transport them into digital yet. but after reading another post on here, how long would they last?

[beckyboo]

I'mstill playing tapes over 30 years old

[Arksided]

Ah sorted, but I haven't played some of them for years. Having just checked some they do 'spool' OK. but I can't play them back (as yet).

[Buenchico]

Most of the problems with audio tapes come about through repeatedly playing them. If they're stored in dry conditions, and not played very often, they last for ages. (I've got some reel-to-reel tapes recorded half a century ago, which still play as well as they did when they were first recorded).

However damp storage conditions can lead to mould formation, leading to the tapes becoming unplayable. Also, with some tapes, the lubricant layer can dry out over time, leading to the tape becoming brittle.

For a far more detailed answer, see here:
http://www.clir.org/p...ub54/2what_wrong.html

Chris

[Arksided]

That is sorted Buenchico, no need for me to panic just yet. lol

Thank you both.