Copying of pre-recorded tape to preserve the music for posterity.

[esb1954]

I have bought some prerecorded tapes that are not getting any better with age and master dubs that are suffering from some SSS.  I would like to preserve the music for my own use and not for resale.  Can I copy these tapes to new tape?  If so, what is the best way to do it?  I have a Studer A807 reproducer and this week I will also have a Studer A80 RC.  Is it as simple as line out from one, to line in from the other machine?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.   

[High and Outside]

If you are copying tapes to make a personal backup copy, not for sale, then I think there will never be any rights issue raised in any serious way.

And yes, it's as simple as line out to line in.

[ironbut]

Regarding those master dubs, I can't remember if I asked you in any of my emails but, are you sure that the tapes didn't get twisted around backwards?
Having that much deposits on you tape path without having any squealing is unlikely.
The back of those tapes should be the dull blackish side and the oxide side (that contacts the heads) should be a shiny brownish color.

[esb1954]

Steve,
The tape did not get twisted.  The outside of the one tape is dull black and the inside is shinny brown gray.  Both sides of the other tape are shinny.  The tapes did not squeal and the bulk of the buildup was on the guides that come out on each side of the repro head during rewind and fast forward.  I do agree  that it does not make since because the shinny side is the side that is in contact with the rollers.

Mike