I was searching for a 1st generation TDK SA and found some at eBay from a trusted seller. I bought one and I was very happy... until it arrived and I opened it. I realized then that it was a fake tape. A rare clone 1st gen TDK SA. Are you curious? Please see this photos: And look closer: Apart from the obvious misalignment of the label, there are other clear signs of low quality: the scratches in the shell some imperfections in the shell Diferences in surface finish between this and the original one. Misalignment in the printed color stripes and other details of the J-card. After complaining, the seller agreed to refund the money when I sent back the tape. But to my surprise, he is still selling this ones without any advice of their current condition and 'story'... so be careful if you want a 'vintage' SA...
It is easy to buy blank cassette label, print whatever you like and attach it to cheap cassettes and sell it, But it is not easy to print on those shrink wrap with TDK label on it. So most probably coming from southeast Asia where you can get anything
I believe this one ias as old as the original one. It came also sealed and it was also similar to the original one, so it's not a modern clone. Very curious, but the quality is really low. Not worth even for collecting, so I keep searching for an original one...
Good to know, and welcome aboard. Everyone can make a mistake, but only good guys learn from them and change. I've just read your introduction and story. Do you still keep such a big number of decks and R2R?