TIPS FOR STORING AND MAINTAINING YOUR TAPES LIKE A PRO

Physical media is making a comeback. The nostalgic experience of popping open a cassette case, inserting the cassette into the well, and pressing down that PLAY button is an audio experience all its own.

And it seems like cassettes have been around forever. For sixty years, cassettes have been with us, from the time they revolutionized portable music to now, when we need hits of nostalgia more than ever before.

However, while they seem like they’ve always been around, cassette tapes don’t actually last forever. These magnetic tapes do eventually degrade for a variety of reasons. But thankfully, many of these reasons are incredibly easy to prevent. We’re here to teach you why they go bad and how to extend their life so you can enjoy their one-of-a-kind experience for as long as possible.

WHY DO CASSETTE TAPES GO BAD?

While it’s true that no tape has eternal life, there are several factors that make a cassette go bad sooner rather than later.

First, environment. Unlike reels, these tapes are housed inside a cassette, which is a protective plastic case. This helps protect it from dust, dirt, and finger oils. However, it’s not airtight. This means that it’s susceptible to factors like heat and humidity. Direct sunlight and UV rays can distort the tape, and if the cassette is left in a damp, humid place, the tape can even begin to grow mold.

Second, storage. Improper storage means tapes get more exposed to the environmental factors above. The quicker they’re exposed, the quicker they go bad. Plus, storing them too close to magnets can affect the audio information on the tapes (as the information itself is magnetic).

Third, use. Between natural aging and listening to the tape regularly, wear and tear happen. The more the tape is played, the closer it gets to the end of its life. Plus, if it’s played incorrectly, such as while the tape is twisted, then damage can occur. And if the tape is used in a broken deck, the deck can eat the tape and cause irreparable damage.

ARE YOUR TAPES GOING BAD?

Most of the time, damage occurs gradually and on a small scale. Unless the cassette is smashed or the tape gets eaten by a cassette player recorder, then damage or decay isn’t always easy to spot.

However, there are some common signs and symptoms you can keep an eye out for.

First, muffled sound; if the audio is distorted, then the tape may be on its way out. If the audio cuts in and out, that’s also a sign that the magnetic tape is degraded. You might also notice issues with the playback speed, such as if it sounds sluggish or is playing too fast on your deck (and no other tape is doing the same).

You should also keep an eye out for physical damage. If the tape is crinkled or warped, it’s best to just toss it. Same thing if you notice mold inside the plastic cassette.

HOW TO STORE YOUR CASSETTE TAPES

Properly storing your cassettes can mean the difference between life and death. While it by no means will keep them safe for the rest of time, proper storage practices will keep them around longer for you to enjoy.

To start, keeping the environmental factors from above in mind, store your tapes somewhere where heat and humidity won’t relentlessly attack them. This means not keeping them for weeks on end in hot attics, damp basements, car trunks, or on a sunlit window ledge.

Store them vertically so no weight presses down on them; if you do need to save space and stack them horizontally, then cassette cases are a great way to keep them safe. Alternatively, get a storage shelf made specifically for multiple cassettes. If you have a lidded storage box, that’s a good way to prevent dust and moisture from creeping in as well.

Also, remember to keep them away from powerful magnets.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR CASSETTE TAPES

Keeping your tapes happy and healthy is actually pretty easy! Rewind them after each use to make sure the tape is wound tightly and securely around the spools; the tape shouldn’t be separating from itself.

And while it’s probably not a good idea to play it non-stop, you also don’t want to never play the cassette. Otherwise, the tape can start sticking to itself. Regularly playing and rewinding it, at least once a year, will help maintain the condition of your cassette album.

IN SUMMARY

Cassette tapes are remarkable. They’re wonderful in that they bring a piece of the past into the present. But their lifespans are finite. They need our help to stay alive for as long as possible. Just follow the simple steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be the hero your cassettes deserve.

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for a nice cassette deck to play your tapes on, we’ve got you covered. At SpenCertified, we’re experts at vintage audio and video gear, and we’ve got a wide selection to choose from. We have everything from vintage silver face beauties to single-well decks to double-well decks to portable players. You can find all of our cassette systems here.

Have a great day!

https://spencertified.com/collections/cassette-player-deck-systems