Not sure if this is what the fellas at TP would consider ethical but I've been hovering on the fence about getting a subscription for their tapes but can't seem to justify putting up that kind of coin for 6 or 10 titles when I'm only interested in 2 or 3. For me, their catalog leaves a bit to be desired and I was wondering if anyone was in the same boat as I am (albeit with different tastes in music). Here's their current catalog... http://www.tapeproject.com/catalog/catalog.htm . I'm interested in S. Rollin's 'Saxophone Colossus', B. Evans' 'Waltz for Debby' and could probably find 1 or 2 others but that still leaves 2 or 3 titles I'd have to select that I couldn't possibly enjoy at the price they're asking. If anyone is into classical or contemporary vocals and find some of TP's offerings interesting, please let me know.

For anyone not familiar with the Tape Project, Paul Stubblebine, Romo Romanowski and Doc B (of Bottlehead Audio) are working together to offer the finest-quality recordings possible to the home audio crowd - at least those with R2R decks capable of 15ips. The tapes are duplicated in real-time using SOTA equipment and the end product is suppose to allow those who can afford it ($200-350/album) to get as close as possible to hearing the original masters. More info here.. http://www.tapeproject.com/ .

Also, if anyone around here has a subscription, I'd really like to hear your opinions and impressions. Have fun.

Interesting that they chose the Technics decks for the project. They are apparently happy with Studer/Revox. Their prices are unfortunately, beyond me for the time being (I really need to find that lottery ticket...)

Bryan,

Travis (DWILawyer) is the only forum member I know with a subscription.

The Blue Note 45 series is expensive enough for me!  Have fun.

- Gary

garymd:

Bryan,

Travis (DWILawyer) is the only forum member I know with a subscription.

The Blue Note 45 series is expensive enough for me!  Have fun.

- Gary

Thanks for the head's up Gary - you're always a fount of information. The BN45 series from Music Matters was a gift (of sorts) so I don't count that as an expense (although I'd have most likely picked up most of them anyway). The TP subscription cost the same annually and was my 2nd choice because their catalog was so lacking in choices (and you only get 6 albums on tape as opposed to 24 albums from MM). There are several titles from the MM series that I'm not familiar with but I trust Steve Hoffman and MM's choices and I've enjoyed what they've sent so far. Maybe Travis will chime in soon with his impressions and some advise.

garymd:

Bryan,

Travis (DWILawyer) is the only forum member I know with a subscription.

The Blue Note 45 series is expensive enough for me!  Have fun.

- Gary

Hi Bryan, and Gary sorry to disappoint you but I too have a subscription to the TP tapes. I have not gotten any tapes yet but they are on the way.

Jay

canyonman:

garymd:

Bryan,

Travis (DWILawyer) is the only forum member I know with a subscription.

The Blue Note 45 series is expensive enough for me!  Have fun.

- Gary

Hi Bryan, and Gary sorry to disappoint you but I too have a subscription to the TP tapes. I have not gotten any tapes yet but they are on the way.

Jay

Holy cow Jay!  2 Blue Note 45 series subscriptions, tape projects...............got a couple mil I can borrow? LOL!

Don't worry about disappointing me.  I can handle it ;)

canyonman:

garymd:

Bryan,

Travis (DWILawyer) is the only forum member I know with a subscription.

The Blue Note 45 series is expensive enough for me!  Have fun.

- Gary

Hi Bryan, and Gary sorry to disappoint you but I too have a subscription to the TP tapes. I have not gotten any tapes yet but they are on the way.

Jay

Great to hear Jay! I'm only disappointed that you don't live nearby. Of course, if you also say you have tickets to see Tom Waits I could see myself being a bit envious....

garymd:

canyonman:

garymd:

Bryan,

Travis (DWILawyer) is the only forum member I know with a subscription.

The Blue Note 45 series is expensive enough for me!  Have fun.

- Gary

Hi Bryan, and Gary sorry to disappoint you but I too have a subscription to the TP tapes. I have not gotten any tapes yet but they are on the way.

Jay

Holy cow Jay!  2 Blue Note 45 series subscriptions, tape projects...............got a couple mil I can borrow? LOL!

Don't worry about disappointing me.  I can handle it ;)

Gary remember our last conversation when I told you I was working on something with serious potential, well now you know.I have always had tape decks and been abit envolved in them, problem was there wasn't a whole lot of others that I knew with the same interest. Then I ran across the TP, WOW!!! imagine my excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway waiting for the first few tapes to arrive.

Jay

Great to hear Jay! I'm only disappointed that you don't live nearby. Of course, if you also say you have tickets to see Tom Waits I could see myself being a bit envious....

Bryan but I do have tickets to see Tom Waits!!!!!!  LOL!!!!! just kidding I don't.

Jay

BTW, if anyone is looking for blank tape, Musiciansfriend has their remaining stock of Quantegy 499 reels (1/4 X 2500') on sale for $30 each. Its their 'Stupid Deal of the Day' sale so its best to assume that its a 1-day deal (although they sometimes leave the price alone until they sell out of the product). I called this am and the salesman said that they had a couple of hundred reels left.

Keep in mind that the 499 tape stock has a higher bias than standard fare. If your deck has a setting for high-bias, this tape offers higher frequency response and lower noise. Have fun!

I looked at the catalogue, probably would be sweet but, to rich for my blood.

OK guys it won't be long now, got an email with tracking number. First TP tapes are on the way!!!!!!!! WOW way too excited!!!!!!! This should be very interesting as well as fun.

Jay 

Good to hear Jay! I've only heard great reviews so far. Are you getting the calibration tape as well?

The Tape Project is putting out some top quality copies.... But remember they are 3rd generation copies...   Thats why i go out and find new talent to record..... Investing in good mic,s is the only upfront cost....   There is alot of good talent out there plus being part of the live recording adventure.  Untill you expierence the Master tape,,,, Nothing really like it.   Buying a tape recorder for just playback is only half the fun.

JBryan:

BTW, if anyone is looking for blank tape, Musiciansfriend has their remaining stock of Quantegy 499 reels (1/4 X 2500') on sale for $30 each. Its their 'Stupid Deal of the Day' sale so its best to assume that its a 1-day deal (although they sometimes leave the price alone until they sell out of the product). I called this am and the salesman said that they had a couple of hundred reels left.

 

Keep in mind that the 499 tape stock has a higher bias than standard fare. If your deck has a setting for high-bias, this tape offers higher frequency response and lower noise. Have fun!

 

Sorry about the hijack, but thanks for that info.  I ordered 4 since my Tandberg is biased for UDXL's.  Hopefully they'll be compatible.  Can't go wrong at that price.