domestic reel-to-reel tape recorder request

[JimN]

[quote="drakula63"]Thanks folks.

Yeah, I guess it could be 'print through' as the tape hasn't been played for about 20 years. I am still of the view that by erasing the unwanted tracks this might provide a solution./quote]

Whoah!

Don't erase anything!

There'll be a solution which doesn't involve destruction.

As described by Ulrich above, the problem is that tapes recorded on older formats are backwards compatible with replay on newer machines, eg:

(a) full track will pay OK-ish on half (twin) track
(b) twin track will play OK-ish on 4-track
(c) [even] full-track will play back well on a 4-track machine,

...but not the other way round. Tapes recorded on later formats will not play back satisfactorily on older formats with a lower number of tracks.

I bet your tape will play fine on a 4-track reel to reel recorder (whether mono or stereo).

[drakula63]

Thanks Jim!

Yeah, after I had made that post, I realised the potential folly of such action! It wasn't until I looked carefully at the diagram provided by Ulrich that I fully understood the process and workings of the various tape machines. I am hopeful that a non-destructive solution can be found. I am inclined to believe that the problems at present are caused as a result of improper head alignment rather than print through. I am sure that a 4 track machine will, as you say, be the solution!