There is a little bit of happiness when one is in the right place at the right time. In this instance I was able to purchase a rather nice reel-to-reel tape published by Columbia. The tape is Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic performing West Side Story and On the Waterfront.
Of particular interest with this tape are the enclosures. One is pamphlet of sorts that amounts to be “liner notes” written by William K. Zinsser. Mr. Zinsser discusses a number of interesting topics, not the least of which is the relationship of the music to the City of New York.
The other enclosure of interest is the catalog of Columbia reel-to-reel tapes from 1962. The best way to describe the collection is “extensive”. It should be noted that reel-to-reel tapes were the true audiophile’s medium of choice from the late 1940s to the middle of the 1970s.
Reel-to-reel tapes do not degrade in the same way that LP records do. Sure, the tapes age with time and can be very delicate, especially after 40 or more years. But, for the most part (and within reason) they maintain their fidelity over the decades if, and only if, they are well taken care of.
Dirt, grime, heat, and sunlight are the enemies of tapes. Early tapes were made from paper, and later, acetate which become brittle over time. The most recent tapes were (and still are) made from more advanced materials such as, but not limited to, Mylar.
This tape was obviously well cared for I have it playing as I write this and I can assure you that it sounds fantastic!
