Still-sealed 8-track tape cartridges, in their original plastic shrinkwrap, are commonly found for sale in the 8-track marketplace. Many collectors like to find sealed 8-track tapes of their favorite artists or albums, especially since the labels are often still in pretty good shape.
Finding sealed 8-track tapes can also mean looking for blank 8-track tapes that have never been used. Realistic, Scotch, and Memorex are just some of the many companies that produced blank 8-tracks for home recorders. Finding examples of these still brand-new and sealed can mean getting the best quality tape for your own home recording project.
Problems with buying sealed 8-track tapes
These vintage tapes, although still sealed, may still present the buyer or collector with some issues. A vintage 8-track tape tape still being sealed, in its original plastic, does not necessarily mean it won’t need repairs. Rubber pinch rollers and foam pads can decay even in new tapes. If you have a nice 8-track tape player, be sure to never stick a tape inside it that has a gooey rubber wheel.
More: 8-track tape cartridge repair tutorial (fully illustrated)
Also, you are always gambling when buying any 8-track tape, in any condition. We know someone who once bought a sealed 8-track tape by the band Caravan at a flea market. It was opened and turned out to be completely blank. Maybe it was stored near something magnetic.
Don’t be intimidated though
So, be careful when buying sealed 8-track tapes. But, the risk and reward of the pain and pleasure of 8-tracks is the point for many collectors, so don’t be intimidated. Usually things will work out in your favor. At any rate, a sealed 8-track tape, even if it’s an album or artist you are not interested in, can be valuable for your own sale, or as part of a trade. If you ever see any sealed 8-track tapes, especially in a bulk lot, at a really good price then go for it.
See also: 8-track tape lots: Whole collections of vintage tapes
Sealed 8-track tapes are often sold for higher prices, but some excellent deals can also be found if you watch sales listings closely. Good luck, and have fun opening (or not) your new sealed 8-track tapes.
