13/04/2021
FOR SALE: $200
BRAND NEW EMI 816 Pro recording tape x 2 Reel to Reel 10.5 x 1/2" 2400ft
Bought for use by ARMSTRONG STUDIO's in the late 70's where all the Australian hits of the time were recorded
In the late 60s, EMI redesigned both the EMITAPE boxes and reels. The new boxes were aqua blue with an 'atomic' image made up by three superimposed images of tape reels. The reels were changed to blue painted EMITAPE emblems and later to a blue EMITAPE sticker (occasionally the sticker is just "EMI" by itself ). This changed corresponded with new tape types, type 802 and 811 (Revolver, which began recording in April 1966, was the first Beatles album recorded on EMITAPE type 811). There are at least four variations of the reels we've encountered. It seems likely that the six spoke versions were earlier and the three-hole versions were later.
There are at least 4 variations of the dark blue boxes, though the exact packaging of the box and the insert that holds the reel centered in the box varied over time. The new box types presumably corresponded with release of each new tape types 815, 816, 825, 832, 851, 852 and 862.
The most recent EMITAPE type we have is type 862 and is packaged in a slightly larger box than earlier types.
EMITAPE production ended in May, 1981.
Polyester backing means will never go sticky like acetate reels. Stored in climate controlled room.
Taken out of box once for photo purposes, tape still factory sealed.
