Reel to Reel Tape Failure Modes w/Gene Bohensky - Acetate, Squealing, White Powder Syndrome & Others

[@julianpedro3215]

I can't find any information about the Grundig GD 15 tape. is a good tape? These are made in Germany... thanks!

[@charlesmacd1905]

Acetate base is also used on Photographic film, and so sometimes suffers also from Vinegar syndrome. Kodak di research and found that the process is catalyzed by rust! (which is similar to the oxide on Magnetic tape!) one thing they did is change from shipping new Motion Picture film in Tined steel cans and instead use cans with a plastic coating inside and out. they also advised to store film prints on Plastic reels rather then steel reels, and discard any rusty cans and rusty reels putting the film in new containers.. even today Camera original film for motion pictures is generally on acetate base. Kodak also recommends that acetate film be stored with "KODAK Molecular Sieve, Acid Scavenger" packets to trap the vinegar and prevent it from further damaging the film. I am not sure if that is applicable to acetate tape. you can filnd the details on their Movie film website.

[@ReeltoReelWarehouse]

That's interesting, a molecular sieve to trap the acid is a good idea.

[@brianwilliams9408]

In my experience, speaking about pre recorded tapes, the tapes duplicated on American brand tape seem to have the shortest life span. Virtually every American brand tape i have owned, all suffer from the ripple or is wavy. Exactly as you describe with acetate. Every now and then I'll come across a good one, but by and large, those tapes are terrible.