Messages

61

Tape Project Machines / Re: A visit to Flux Magnetics

« on: July 28, 2015, 07:00:47 PM »

One of the lapping machines. Once assembled with the aid of exceptionally precise jigs a head is lapped exactly enough but not too much (which would ruin the head). A final polish is performed by hand at another station. Inductance checks are made along the way to assure that the head will perform to specification.

62

Tape Project Machines / Re: A visit to Flux Magnetics

« on: July 28, 2015, 06:57:33 PM »

This is the coil winding station. Coils are hand wound, hand tensioned.

63

Tape Project Machines / Re: A visit to Flux Magnetics

« on: July 28, 2015, 06:56:09 PM »

This is a two track head under construction, or rather half a head which will be united with its other half and then end-capped and potted. There can be as many as a staggering 200 custom made lams in that tiny coil stack, a number confirmed with one of the many stereo microscopes used in the lab. Nearly invisible wire used to wind coils and insulating materials measured in microinches that can disappear with an errant sneeze makes watchmaking seem like tractor repair in comparison.

64

Tape Project Machines / Re: A visit to Flux Magnetics

« on: July 28, 2015, 06:50:09 PM »

Here is a major repository of the most advanced audiophile knowledge. Left to right - Bob Hodas, world renowned room tuner, Greg Orton, tape head builder extraordinaire, and Paul Stubblebine, reel tape and mastering maven.

65

Tape Project Machines / A visit to Flux Magnetics

« on: July 28, 2015, 06:42:45 PM »

Had the great pleasure to spend a little of last week's vacation at Flux Magnetics. Proprietor Greg Orton most graciously allowed me to take a few photos to share of his amazing tape head manufacturing lab while he described the painstaking and incredibly precise process of making the world's best tape heads...

66

General Discussion / PROVENANCE

« on: July 21, 2015, 10:08:41 AM »

The Tape Project uses original master tapes, licensed from the owner. Since The Tape Project introduced the idea of releasing real time duplicates of original master tapes a few other groups and individuals have begun to produce similar products. In some cases the provenance of the recording used to make the duplicates is not at all clear. A tape duplicate made from a safety copy, a production master sent to an overseas affiliate or an EQ'd copy used for cutting a lacquer is not being made from an original master.

These tapes are an investment in our cultural heritage. Be sure you know what you are getting. Ask the maker of your tape what the provenance of the master tape is. We are always happy to share information about the provenance of the masters we use with our customers.

67

Tape Project Machines / Re: Listening to my first Tape on my are of G36

« on: July 04, 2015, 11:13:42 AM »

Welcome to the fold. The twelve step program for your addiction involves buying 11 more albums. ;)

68

The Sidewinder / Re: Listening Impressions

« on: June 18, 2015, 02:53:38 PM »

Myles gives a little more detail here -

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue79/tape_project.htm

69

Hooker 'n' Heat / Re: Hooker 'n' Heat First Impressions

« on: June 18, 2015, 02:52:40 PM »

For those who have not seen it yet, Myles Astor has a great review of Hooker 'N' Heat as well as The Sidewinder in issue 79 of Positive Feedback

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue79/tape_project.htm

70

General Discussion / Re: New Tape Project Review

« on: June 08, 2015, 09:05:53 AM »

Thank you Myles, for the great article!

71

Tape Project Albums - general / Jazz albums back in stock

« on: June 04, 2015, 12:34:12 PM »

Three of our most popular jazz titles are back in stock, in limited quantities -

TP-008 Bill Evans, Waltz For Debby
http://tapeproject.com/product/bill-evans-waltz-for-debby/

TP-013 Thelonious Monk, Brilliant Corners
http://tapeproject.com/product/thelonius-monk-brilliant-corners/

TP-015 Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane
http://tapeproject.com/product/kenny-burrell-john-coltrane/

72

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Newbie to this Forum - needs a new machine! :)

« on: June 01, 2015, 11:04:24 AM »

Out of the models you have listed my preference would be the A807 and then the MX-55. You need meters for recording, but not really for playback unless you are making transfers.

73

General Discussion / T.H.E. Show Newport show special - World Wide!

« on: May 28, 2015, 08:08:01 PM »

We have a select group of albums for sale at T.H.E. Show Newport this week. The special price is $375.
We could only take so many albums with us, but we thought what the heck - why shouldn't everyone get a show special! So we have put all albums that are listed in stock in our online store on sale at $375 (regular $450) for the duration of the T.H.E Show (thru Sunday May 31st).

74

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Mini Stereo Tape Recorder Construction Article - July 1960 - Keith Johnson!

« on: May 26, 2015, 09:52:34 AM »

That is awesome. Thanks for the link, Charlie!

75

Tape Project Albums - general / One inch albums now available by special order

« on: May 25, 2015, 04:45:30 PM »

Paul just completed duplicating a custom order for two of our albums to one inch two track tape. One inch has a sound like no other format. Can we make some for you?