Old audio media identification

[jefnvk]

OK, need some help.  I got a bunch of old audio reels, but don't know what the name for them is.  They are on clear plastic reels, some are about 5", some are about 7".  The material looks like casette tape tape, but maybe a bit wider (don't have any casette tapes to compare it to).

They came from the campus radio station, who was tossing them out.  Me and some buddies have a whole trash bin full of them now.  Mostly junk, but some that look interesting.  Some metal promos, an Elvis promo, Nixon resignation, a Queen interview, etc.

Next question, anyone know where I can find an affordable player for these?

[RocketMan]

Jefnvk,

It sounds like you have 1/4 inch reel-to-reel format tapes.  The term "tape recorder" generically refers to this format and the machines that play and record it.  Reel-to-reel machines are still available and still being manufactured, but they are not as common as they once were in this digital world.
Do a Google search on "reel-to-reel".  It should turn something up.

[Felonious Monk/Fignozzle]

Rocket Man's right.  It's reel-to-reel.
Probably can pick up a player on eBay.

[jefnvk]

Thanks, that is what it is.

Players are a bit more than I care to spend to find out if these reels are mislabeled though.  Have to keep checking out the junk stores and garage sales.

[BobR]

Make sure you hit the local goodwill and salvation army thrift stores. That may be your best bet to pick up a player.

bob

[garrettwc]

Also check out local TV/stereo repair shops. We have one in our area that takes old stereo equipment like Reel2Reel or turntables and fixes them up for audiophiles that collect the old equipment. Ebay, thrift stores, or pawn shops are your best bet.

[grampster]

Ha Ha Ha, it's funny to read about a young critter that didn't know what a reel to reel tape was.  See if you can find a Teac A-170 player.  Course you'll need to hook it up to speakers and an amplifier first.  Ha Ha Ha.
  (Sorry, it's just so much fun getting older and watching youngsters puzzled by things that were as normal as breathing to me.  Sort of like watching young business managers having awesome "new" ways of doing things)

[charby]

The fun part is editing the tape...  Some odd reason with all the digital styles of editing, I was taught how to edit reel to reel tape in my undergraduate classes in the 90's

C

[jefnvk]

C'mon, gramps, I have seen them before.  Just never really knew what they were called until I actually had to look for a player.

[grampster]

I've seen dinasaur bones in the museum, too.  heh heh.  Just funnin' ya, kiddo.  You started my day out with a smile.

[jefnvk]

Could have fooled me, I thought you lived with the dinosaurs

[grampster]

Touche'

[onions!]

My Stepdad #2 introduced me to reel to reels w/Iron Butterfly's In-A-Gadda-da-Vida.Flippin awesome.

I don't think that there's another audio component that has as much style as a reel to reel player.It's not just a black lump w/blinking lights.

Just my opinion.

[garrettwc]

Ha Ha Ha, it's funny to read about a young critter that didn't know what a reel to reel tape was.

I have the same kind of fun explaining LPs or 8-track tapes to people. They just look at you like you're from another planet.

[grampster]

Hey Garrett,  Know what a 45 is.  Not 1911 or APC.  heh.

[garrettwc]

Hey Garrett,  Know what a 45 is.  Not 1911 or APC.  heh.

Oh yeah. Still remember when you could by them at the five & dime for less than a buck. Bought three of them one time and they gave me a Dr. Hook promo 45 for free. I still have them in a box at my parents.