8tracksrback web store FAQ section

The audio quality is in excellent condition, the term splice refers to the foil metal splice that separates the track changing in the device or robot you will put this 8-track tape in. The splice reacts with the solenoid on the player which enables the robot to change to another program, in turn because there are 4 tracks that basically give you 4 times the amount of length of tape per cartridge plus it also binds together one straight length of tape to both ends which in turn forms a loop of tape which keeps the tape on a continuous play in one direction ( please view the first image showing the foil metal splice ). Please keep in mind due to time or many years that have passed by since the tape was originally made the foils adhesive tends to disintegrate which means the two ends that are forming a loop will separate once the deteriorated foil comes off in turn will jam inside your robot and may ruin your tape and your robot. Pads refer to the foam cushion that lies behind the foil splice inside the bottom of the cavity of the 8-track cartridge. The foam pad is usually a inch and a quarter in length and it provides the cushion for the head pushing against the tape giving it the support it needs in order to obtain the sound off of the tape, plus it keeps the tape even so the tape won't jump around and end up jamming between the capstan and pinch roller ( the pinch roller is the wheel on the right side of the first image, the capstan is actually located inside the robot and it pushes against the pinch roller while spinning in turn pulls the tape to the right of the image in the cartridge ) which in turn will end up jamming inside your machine and may cause damage to possibly both the tape or the robot or one of the two. The pad must be perfectly aligned and square with the tape and also just the right amount of distance between the tape and the top of the pad for excellent play audio, or you may have the possibility of crosstalk meaning you may hear sound from one of the neighboring tracks. Well, what we do here is replace the pad and foil splice so you won't have to worry about the possibility of the tape jamming and possibly ruining your tape and robot, better yet it is all included in the $5.99 price. Once you have decided to purchase this tape please keep in mind when you are checking out please select Media Mail as a shipping option and we'll automatically ship your 8-track tape First Class Mail the following business day. We enjoy shipping First Class and we notice a lot of our customers usually receive their products in just a few days and Priority sometimes takes a little longer. Once your item has shipped we will immediately inform you letting you know that your package is on it's way. We'll also provide you with the delivery confirmation number for your purchase so you may track your purchase through the USPS website. We have attached a few extra images so you will be able to look at the cosmetics of your hopefully future purchase. The first image is the actual original foil splice and pads, if originality is also what you are looking for in the tape. We can put a tape support on the reverse side of the tape opposite the original splice which in turn will support the two ends so they will not jam inside your machine if the original foil splice should ever decide to come off. If it decides to come off the solenoid will not react and the 8-track player will not change different tracks you will have to do this manually using the channel selector featured on your 8-track tape player. The tape right now does play with the original pads with no distortion, however, we do suggest replacement in the near future. Please email us letting us know if it is originality or replacement. Well, we sure hope we answered your questions and if we didn't feel free to e-mail us letting us know and we'll do our best to get those questions answered. Thanks for your concern and hopefully your business. 8tracksRBack