Frequently Asked Questions at Reel 2 Reel 2 CD Tape Transfer

We can take those old reels and transfer them to CD so the content will be preserved for years to come. The process is simple and we are always eager to answer any questions that might arise about the process. Our prices are affordable and our system is designed to help people who may know nothing about reel to reel tapes.

What kind of reel to reel tapes can you transfer?

Any 1/4" reel to reel tapes. All speeds. Cassette tapes, plus 8mm, super 8,and 16mm movie films. Also, tapes that suffer from "sticky shed syndrome" can be baked for an additional charge. We do not offer tape baking as a service alone, only to customers that are having transfers done.

What if I don't know if there is anything on my tapes? What can you do to help me?

We offer free analyzing of your tapes. (Audio tapes only. This does not apply to movie films.) What you do in this situation is send us the tapes with no money along with our easy order form. Note at the bottom of the form you would like contacted after tapes have been captured. We will digitize each tape so we can graphically identify any content and contact you with the results. You can then decide what you want done with them. Please remember that this does not include shipping. You will be responsible for paying shipping cost to us and back from us. If the tapes turn out to be blank and you don't want them returned that is fine. We can keep them.

How many reel to reel tapes fit onto one CD?

Before answering you should know that we charge by the size of reel being transferred, not by the number of finished CDs you receive. Now to answer the question: This varies depending on several different criteria. First, how big the reel is (3 inch 5 inch 7 inch) plus, what speed the tapes were recorded at. Reel to reel tape machines had the ability to record material at different speeds. The faster the tape turned the higher the quality of recording. The slower the tape turned the more you could fit onto one tape. Also, not all tapes were used completely. Reel to reel tapes could be flipped over like cassette tapes and recorded on both sides. In many cases people just recorded on one side and left the other empty. Also, some reel to reel machines had the ability to record only on one channel at a time. So for instance you could record on the left channel, rewind and record something different on the right channel, flip the tape over and repeat the process. The finished tape would have four tracks of music. If this was done at the slow speed, quite a bit of audio could fit on one tape. Since we analyze the complete tape, we charge by the size of reel not number of finished CDs. This keeps thing simple for everyone. We do charge double for tapes recorded 4 track mono.

What is the best way to ship my tapes to you?

We prefer USPS "Priority Mail". You can visit their website at www.usps.com . They have a shipping calculator to help you determine the cost of shipping the tapes to us. Our zip code is 45341. Be sure that you print our address and your return address legibly. Also, print our easy order form and stick it inside the box with the tapes/LPs.

What forms of payment do you accept.

What is your mailing address?

Can I call you on the phone? If so what is your number?

Sure! We encourage you to do so. We understand that sending your priceless family recordings off to some internet site can make you feel a bit nervous. Sometimes just calling and talking to a human being can be very reassuring.

How long does it take?

Our current turn-around time for transfers is 1 to 3 weeks. This of course varies depending on the size and complexity of your order and time of year. (The holidays are very busy for this type of business, great gift idea.) If you have a deadline to meet (for example you are giving the transferred audio to someone as a birthday gift) we will be glad to work with you. Just let us know what you need and we will do our best to make sure it happens.

A scan of the original tape will be printed onto the CD, or, for an additional charge ($10) you can send along a photo to be scanned and printed onto the CD with a title of your choosing. For example, "Christmas 1966". Just let us know on your order form. In the case of multiple CDs needed for transfer they will state, for example, "Disc 1 of 3", and so on.

For audio transfers we charge a return shipping fee of $7.00 for the first tape/LP/cassette and $.50 for each additional. So for example, if you send 10 reel to reel tapes to be transferred, your return shipping cost would be $7.00 plus $.50 X 9 ($4.50) for a total of $11.50. (U.S. only). Your tapes and new CDs will return to you via USPS "Priority" mail.

Do you give a bulk discount?

Yes. We offer a 10% discount after 10 originals on reel to reel and cassette transfers only.

Do you return the original tape?

Will you accept orders from Canada?

Yes; postage could vary from our regular return shipping formula. We do not accept Canadian currency. Also it is a good idea to wrap your tapes in foil to protect from x-ray machines and what not coming through customs. Also we have been told that our 1-800 number does not work from Canada. If you would like to call we do have a regular toll number that does work. It is (937) 849-0759

My cassette tape broke off inside. Can you fix it?

Yes we can. We do charge $20.00 per cassette tape needing repair, plus the regular transfer cost.

I live in your area, could I just drop my tape off?

Sorry but we are a mail order business only. Our Ohio license is a "delivery venders" license. Otherwise we would have to charge higher prices to allow for insurance, parking, accessibility etc. We have found that doing business without a brick and mortar outlet saves us bundles on overhead and allows us to charge less.

Please understand we have never in 6 years of doing business had tapes lost or stolen in the mail. We suggest United States Postal Service "Priority Mail". The post office will supply you with free boxes when using the Priority service. Please do not use envelopes to ship your tapes and steer from discount "media mail" offers.

You can email us your questions info@reel2reel2cd.com.
Or call us toll free at 1-800-617-TAPE (8273)