With regrets in advance for my lack of knowledge (LOK), here goes.
I have plunged into RTR with abandon.
Unlike some who like the hunt, I indulge in the overkill.
Consequently I have amassed an instant collection of prerecorded tapes.
I am not bragging. The only thing good about a bad habit is if you pursue it consistently, and I am darn consistent.
I have several reconditioned RTR machines Otaris, and Tascam, but my listening room is gutted so I am stockpiling software.
I am a music listener, not an engineer, or tech.
That was background, here is the question(s).
I have purchased several tapes which appear to be visually OK except the first 5 feet or so of the tape appears to be dry and curled; lacking in elasticity, or flexibility. Sort of reminds me of my wife's first attempt to grille vegatables; er let's move on.
This condition cannot be favorable; for the tape, not the vegatables.
Is it reversible? If so how?
How do you know when to bake tapes?
When you buy these older tapes, do you just play them and hope for the best, or is there some preferred procedure to follow?
I am beginning to have a panic attack!
I really do not want to drag the Forum down with really basic material which is of little value/interest to the more experienced members.
Is there another source that I can refer to while I learn a bit more and not waste your collective time?
Perhaps RTR for the Uniformed or TRT 101 would be a good Forum Thread where there would just be general info/topics and links to data that would be helpful to folks such as myself. For your collective sake I hope there are not too many folks like me out there.
I have tried the Search function, but perhaps my information needs are too broad.
There are so many things I need to know, I almost don't know where to start.
At least if my questions are annoying, I will attempt to deliver them in an entertaining fashion.
Thanks.
CEVED