I have discovered a relatively simple solution that resolves the majority of tape squeal issues. It not only removes the static buildup from the tape (which causes the squeal) it also cleans the tape.The solution is to cut a strip from an anti-static dryer sheet that is approximately the width of the tape itself. Make sure the dryer sheets you use are "anti-static". There are some dryer sheets that are perfume only. Those have no effect.
The strip you cut needs to be wide enough to cover the tape but not too wide or you will meet with resistance when you thread it through the tape path. I usually cut the dryer sheets lengthwise and they turn out to be just the right length. Hold the cassette with the tape side facing up and thread the anti-static dryer sheet strip through between the front surface of the tape and cassette shell. You may need a straight pin to lightly grap the material of the strip to pull it through. Once you have threaded it through the tape path, continue pulling until you have an equal amount of the strip sticking out from both sides. Now you can hold both loose ends of the anti-static strip against the side edges of the cassette shell or you can temporarily tape them there. Place the cassette in a cassette deck. It needs to be the type of tape deck where the pinch roller does not pull the tape during fast forward or rewind operations. Fast forward the tape to the end and then rewind back to the beginning. Remove the cassette from player and remove the anti-static strip from the cassette. Reinsert the cassette into the player and hit PLAY. In most cases I have found that a single treatment solves the problem but on occasion a second treatment may be necessary. I have treated hundreds of cassettes in this manner with great success.
Steven Trott
September 2006
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