2 Track Master Dubs and Tape Baking

[astrotoy]

One of the mail order vinyl dealers I use normally has some prerecorded tapes for sale. I have purchased several 4 tr 7.5in from them. They also frequently have what they call "Master Dubs" which are mostly 15in 2 track, but sometimes are 7.5in 2 track. Up to now I only have a 7.5/3.75 R2R. With the Tape Project I am getting a Doc modified RS1500, so playing these "Master Dubs" becomes possible. Quite a few of the descriptions say "baking will/may be necesary." They also list the tape types including Scotch 206, 207, 111, Ampex 406, 457, and also a notation on some that says Quantegy. Most say they are stored tails out. They prices are not cheap, sometimes as much as the Tape Project, but some of the titles are very interesting (occassionally the prices are comparable to the vinyl versions of some of the rarer titles). Can someone enlighten me on what are Master Dubs? I did look on the web and downloaded an article on tape baking that sounded complicated - using a food dehydrator/heater and not permanent in effect. Thanks, LT

[ironbut]

Paul gave a nice explanation on another thread. I think I know the source your talking about and have thought about trying some of those "master dubs" myself. Here's the thread;
http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,224.0.html

[ironbut]

I don't know if this is the same site that you were talking about but this is pretty good;http://www.tangible-technology.com/tape/baking1.html There's a really good illustration on how to tell if a tape is acetate or not too. In the tape machines forum, I have a couple of posts that gives some initial impressions of the Last products. I've only been using them for a couple of weeks so I was wondering how long you've been using them?
As far as sticky shed syndrome I've never had that much problem. I do have one tape that I love and is riddled with this malady. Last suggests alternatives to baking. In the literature that I got with my tape treatment, they suggested using a either a vacuum chamber (@ 30 inches of mercury for two days) or placing the tape in a sealed enclosure with silica gel for a couple of weeks. And since my vacuum chamber is being used to preserve that last piece of wedding cake that will someday be tested for the contaminant that turned the girl I fell in love with into a raving,..or I lost it or something. So I've decided to try the silica gel and the Last. I'll be sure to post the results.
BTW welcome to the TP forum.

[astrotoy]

Thanks, this is a most informative group. I have been using the LAST tape preservative for about 10 years or more. It gets the crud off of old tapes and seems to do no audible damage. I never see it in stores or catalogues any more - and the most recent bottle I bought was directly from LAST through their website. Thanks for the info about the tape baking. I searched on the web and there is some good appearing information  (including using a food dehydrator as the baker). I am awaiting my Doc modified RS-1500 to be able to actually play 15 ips tapes, including those from the Tape Project. I did get a PM from one of the members saying that he has baked some tapes many times and they play well each time. There are also clearly tape formulations that are very prone to needing baking as they age and others that do not.  I'll get a chance to experiment when I get my maching in a couple of months. Until then, the Tape Project tapes will build up, looking nice on my shelf.