Up for auction is a fascinating lot of eight (8) vintage 7-inch reel-to-reel audio tapes. This collection is a wonderful find for big band enthusiasts, vintage audiophiles, and reel-to-reel collectors alike. It features highly regarded mid-century performances from legendary bandleaders like Lawrence Welk and Guy Lombardo, alongside unique high-fidelity promotional samplers from pioneering audio labels. Important Condition Note: These tapes are untested for playback as I do not have a working tape deck to test them on. They are being sold AS-IS for parts, repair, collection, or restoration. Visually, the magnetic tape appears securely spooled on the reels. The outer boxes show varying degrees of vintage shelf wear, edge scuffing, and minor age discoloration, which is typical for their age. Please review the detailed photos carefully to assess the physical condition of the boxes, inner inserts, and reels.
What is Included in This Lot:
- Moods Two – Various Artists / Ampex Stereo Tapes Sampler Series (Ampex / RSL, RSL 408). 4-Track, 7½ I.P.S., Double Play. Features a clear plastic spoked reel and detailed back index highlighting classic orchestration by Frank Hunter and Jose Melis.
- The Lombardo Touch / A Wonderful Year! – Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians (Capitol Records, Y2T 2516). 4-Track, 3¾ I.P.S. Features a solid cream-colored plastic reel containing two complete albums on one tape, with smooth big band arrangements and 1960s pop covers.
- The Happy Wanderer – Lawrence Welk and His Orchestra (Dot Records, DLP 25653). 4-Track, 7½ I.P.S. Features a solid cream plastic reel, the iconic Lawrence Welk Singers, and a visual back-cover matrix advertising companion Dot releases.
- More German Sing-Along – Will Glahé, His Orchestra and Chorus (London International / Ampex, LPM 70130). 4-Track, 7½ I.P.S. Features a clear plastic Ampex spoked reel and a full German lyric sheet printed directly on the reverse cover.
- Hawaiian Luau – The Polynesians featuring Harry Baty, Sam Kaapuni, Lani Sang, and Sam Koki (Bel Canto, ST-35). 2-Channel Stereophonic, 7½ I.P.S., Inline Head Format. Features a distinct clear plastic reel with a solid, bubble-patterned center.
- Dance Beat! – Various Artists / Ampex Stereo Tapes Sampler Series (Ampex, AXC 405). 4-Track, 7½ I.P.S., Double Play. Features a clear plastic spoked reel and a back index carefully organized by dance tempos like Fox Trot, Samba, and Cha Cha.
- Still More Sing Along With Mitch – Mitch Miller and the Gang (Columbia Stereophonic Tape, GCB 61). 2-Channel Stereo, 7½ I.P.S., Stacked/Inline Format. Features an industrial grey plastic reel, a repeating "Stereo" typographic back pattern, and the original loose paper lyric insert.
- Concert Hall Demonstrator Tape Number Two – Various Artists (Concert Hall Society, BX-37). 2-Channel Stereo, 7½ I.P.S., Stacked Format. Features an industrial grey plastic reel and a classic mid-century geometric geometric art box showcasing jazz, operetta, and classical samplers.
Shipping & Handling:
The lot will be carefully packed and padded to ensure safe transit. Please feel free to reach out with any questions prior to bidding. Happy collecting!