Messages

1

Willy and the Poor Boys / Willy and the Poor Boys, new restoration

« on: November 16, 2023, 05:57:14 PM »

We had some problems with making more copies of TP-022, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Willy and the Poor Boys. We were noticing some degradation of our running masters. We contacted the label to get the original masters back so we could make fresh running masters. Unfortunately they said the original masters had degradation too. This left us in a tough spot. The title has been on hold for a couple of years while we figured out a solution.

Tape Restoration is something we do for clients, so we have some familiarity with the techniques. We worked hard to restore the running masters, but there were still some areas that we were unable to restore to our satisfaction.

Eventually we were able to come up with a version that overcomes the problems, but it required the use of digital tools. We have new running masters and we are making copies again. They have one pass through the digital domain and back onto 1" two track analog.

Does the restored version sound identical to our original version, minus the defects? No. Does it sound pretty darn good? We think so. This is what we will be using going forward.

2

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Teac 3340s - Teac a3340s

« on: October 30, 2023, 12:57:23 PM »

I only wish they would release some Gordon Lightfoot tapes as he was not just some musician.

Suggestions such as this--a very good one, by the way--are welcome in the Suggestion Box.

3

Service Resources / Stellavox service and parts

« on: March 16, 2021, 04:32:01 PM »

We just received this notice by email:

Information importante

Unfortunately, Jean-Pierre Gurtner has passed away on June 5th 2018.
His Phone number as well as his address e-mail are not in use anymore.
Until further advice you may use the following contacts for help
New address :
Simonet Jean-Michel
Chemin des Brisecou 12
2073 eng
Swiss
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Telephone: +41 79 6376733
My name is Jean-Michel Simonet and I have been working with Mr. Gurtner in the Stellavox factory since 1969
I was responsible for customer service, final inspection and welcoming customers.
I have all the spare parts for Stellavox portable machines in stock, I do the repairs, Offers and sales

4

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: TP-029 Istomin/Mozart back in stock

« on: October 26, 2020, 09:54:34 PM »

They're back!

5

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: TP-015 Kenny Burrell/John Coltrane back in stock

« on: October 07, 2020, 06:51:24 PM »

And it's back in stock too.

Will be restocking several other titles over the coming weeks as well.

6

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: So many tapes, so few boxes

« on: June 04, 2020, 10:11:31 PM »

All remaining boxes are shipping this week.

Thanks for waiting!

7

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: So many tapes, so few boxes

« on: May 22, 2020, 06:13:11 PM »

It's still slow. But we have managed to ship out the replacement boxes to a few of you.

All of you that received albums in plain white boxes, your replacement boxes are all here, all have had the spine labels added and they look good. We are not exactly allowed to re-open, but it looks like that will come soon. All of you will get your boxes.

We appreciate your patience. Enjoy the tapes in the meantime, and stay safe and healthy.

8

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: Update

« on: April 06, 2020, 02:04:49 PM »

We have the boxes in our possession.

But we're still on lockdown. There's no way to put a firm date on it, but as soon as we are able to return to work we will be getting everyone's replacement boxes sent. Then we'll be adding more of our existing catalog into inventory, and eventually releasing new titles. You'll hear about all of it here, and we'll send an occasional email newsletter as well.

9

Tape Project Albums - general / Covid-19 update

« on: March 23, 2020, 12:35:52 PM »

Everyone in the state of California is now required to stay home. We are honoring this, so production and shipping are on hold.

The shipment of new boxes is on its way to us. Assuming that the ports are working when the ship arrives, and assuming the lockdown is eased so that we can receive the order and start shipping the replacement boxes to customers, we anticipate they will be going out in the middle of April.

I'll post updates as things develop. Stay safe, everyone.

10

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: So many tapes, so few boxes

« on: March 03, 2020, 05:04:45 PM »

And now TP-016, The Band--Stage Fright is back on the shelves.

11

Tape Project Albums - general / So many tapes, so few boxes

« on: February 23, 2020, 07:16:32 PM »

This is a kind of a funny situation we find ourselves in. We have lots of tape albums duped and we'd like to sell them to you. But we are out of boxes. Our original box supplier retired and closed his business, so we have been working for months with a new supplier. We expect to be fully supplied with boxes in early April.

In the meantime we have been offering to sell albums in plain white boxes, with the nice box to follow once the shipment shows up here.

At the moment we have stock on the following albums as long as you are OK with getting your album now and the proper box in April:

Bill Evans Trio
Linda Ronstadt
Thelonious Monk
Jimmy Smith
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Lee Morgan
Nat King Cole and George Shearing
John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat
Jerry Garcia and David Grisman
Doc and Merle Watson

The elves are hard at work making the other titles too, so if  you are waiting for one that isn't on this list, make sure you have signed up for an email notification when it's back in stock. We'll be adding albums back into inventory regularly.

Once we have a proper supply of boxes we will also release a couple of new titles we have in the wings.
 

12

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics RS-1500 Repair Diary

« on: January 16, 2020, 10:47:08 PM »

I can't be sure, but it seems like the sound of this machine has been improved with the new switch.  I suspect that there's a much better connection with the playback tape heads.

I can believe that. It's the point where the signal level is most delicate, a point where you want robust connections.

You've inspired me to go in and hardwire that connection on the one headstack I've got with just one playback head.

Thanks for updating us.

13

Tape Project Albums - general / TP-023 Lee Morgan-The Sidewinder

« on: September 12, 2019, 05:57:20 PM »

After being away for far too long, The Sidewinder is back in stock.

14

Tape Project Albums - general / TP-021 Kurt Elling back in stock

« on: September 12, 2019, 05:56:02 PM »

Available again.

15

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: TP-008 Bill Evans Waltz For Debby in stock

« on: September 12, 2019, 05:54:55 PM »

A couple more just hit the shelves. Get 'em while they're hot.