From the United States, I found 35 reel-to-reel tapes thrown away in a dumpster. Most were Scotch brand on 7" reels, recorded in the early 70s. I cleaned each using the 'diaper' method where you wrap the tape heads with soft facial tissue (no liquids) and rewind the tape twice, holding another tissue underneath on the non-magnetic side. I clean the heads and rollers after playing each side. For me, Scotch brand from 3M came out the cleanest, with slight tape oxide release. BASF was the next clean. Memorex CrO2 was the dirtiest, with oxide all over my pinch roller, even after just one playing. Scotch was cheap and it's a type I tape but I was surprised at the dynamic range, even after 50 years.

I just got a couple of rtr's. Wow that's the fastest I have seen someone put tape onto take up reel. I had to replay a few times to see it again.

The reason why most those tapes sounded dull is because your mid-1970s recorder is set up for LH (Low Noise Hi-Output) tape, whereas some of your tapes are from the 60s and were used with older recorders, they need far less bias. Nothing wrong with those specific tapes , it's a compatiblity problem. if you reduce the bias on your deck you will soon see the sound get sharper. However adjustment is not always easy as the potentiometers are inside.

I still use tapes to this day so yea i know what you mean with the shedding tape oxide lol

the 3rd tape has both channels audible

Enjoyed the smell test. Learned much watching this video, I will buy 1 of these some day, must be able to play 10" Reels. I would think after playing all these mystery Tapes the heads would need a de-mag.

Op de 2e tape THE CATS.

older tape has a nice warm timbre

The first is keine horrible german music! It is the divine Karel Gott!!! 🙂

Some of those garbage tapes would sound great recording a guitar or synthesizer at high levels

I'm seriously impressed with your ability to smell the tape brands! :)

This was really fun to watch. Thank you for entertaining and also informing us.

Glad i found this channel again

Fantastic video! Sad about sticky shed of course but oh I miss playing with tapes :D

could you de-magnetize the heads and guides ? ido that with my cassette deck now and then and it makes a difference

Nice video again!

As a hobbyist reel-to-reel enthusiast, I loved this video. Very relaxing

I'm loving the volkmusik... wish I had a few of those tapes! I got a box of 7" 7 3/4 speed tapes at antique store and they ALL had depressing country music. Not even the fun upbeat stuff. At least one of them had some Marty Robbins

I like it

I just found a sansui sd-7000 reel to reel player/recorder by the side of the road for free. Can’t wait to hear it play. Just need a blank reel and some tapes .