The Ampex oxide shedding problem...?

[-=Rudy=-]

I have come across a reel of Ampex 456 on a 10" reel that I got for free, and tried to use it...vintage unknown. I just got the NAB hub adapters for my Teac deck, and loaded up the tape. I'm able to record on it for about five minutes before the sound literally disappears. I find that one of the guide pins on the deck is covered with oxide, and the tape heads get gummed up with oxide as well.

Is this the infamous Ampex oxide shedding problem? Or perhaps do these larger tape reels just not agree with my deck? If it's the oxide deal, I'll just razor blade the tape and save the blank reel.

[Steve Hoffman]

Yes.

Throw it away, and clean your machine up. Do not even bother using American recording tape from 1974 to 1986 at all. It will wear your heads right out.

[-=Rudy=-]

That's what I thought...thanks!

*sigh* At least the reel will look cool. ;)

Funny, though--I have some Maxell reels from the mid 80's that still perform great today. Was this mainly an Ampex problem then?