tape orientation

[Gkar]

Hi, all, I was given a reel (10 incher) of tape that was partially on  two reels, half on one and half on the other, and was preparing to put the tape all on one reel, but I am a bit confused here.  Both reels are marked "Scotch" and the tape, as threaded on both reels beems to have the play side of the tape as a dull black, with the backside as shiny brown.  I have other reels of tapes that have a dull black back coat with the shiny side as the play side, this one is just the opposite.  Is the tape oriented on the reel correctly, or did it somehow get threaded backwards?  thanks!

[ironbut]

Hi Randy,
Right off hand I'd say that there's a good possibility that the tape is twisted but there have been tapes that look that way.
The name on the reel is just that. I would take the Scotch brand with a grain of salt especially since they're partial (the reel could've just been handy to load pancakes or 7" reels onto).
The only way to know for sure is to play one both ways and see which way sounds better. Of course, if they're 1/4 track and it's on backwards the sound will be in reverse.

[Gkar]

thanks, Steve, I'll give it a roll....  Randy

[Marie]

The tape could well be wound on the reel incorrectly, wouldn't be the first time!  I have seen tape that is shiny looking on both sides which makes the 'norm' no longer the norm!  I do also have some Scotch tape examples here that are shiny both sides, kind of a rustic reddy brown colour.

Cheers
Marie