Egg's Tape Grading and Trading

TAPE GRADING

If you're anything like me, you want to know exactly what you're getting when you trade for a video. That's why, rather than rate the video quality of my tapes by the vague (and often exaggerated) labels of "Excellent", "Very Good", "Good", etc., I have opted to give them numerical ratings on a scale of 1 to 10. Granted, even a numerical rating scale can be highly subjective - one person's 7/10 may be another person's 5/10 and someone else's 9/10 - but I do try to be as accurate and consistent as possible with my ratings. Hopefully, you will find them helpful.

8.5 to 10 - These tapes were either recorded directly from broadcast or are one generation removed from the original. In other words, they are virtually flawless.

7.5 to 8 - Still very nice quality although they tend to exhibit minor imperfections such as slight graininess or loss of sharpness.

6.5 to 7 - While you certainly won't mistake these tapes for a live broadcast, they are still quite watchable. Typically, these tapes are a few generations removed from the original and have flaws that, while readily noticeable, do not seriously detract from the enjoyment of the game.

5 to 6 - These tapes typically exhibit one or more flaws that are severe enough to be distracting. While some would still likely consider them to be watchable, they are not typical of the quality of my other tapes and only occupy space on my lists until up-graded copies can be obtained. Don't be surprised if I try to talk you out of trading for these ones!

Under 5 - Tapes rated lower than five receive a failing grade according to my standards. These tapes are simply no fun to watch or, should I say, try to watch. Despite the fact that I have acquired more tapes of this description than I would care to admit, I have chosen not to list them on my site to save you from the eyestrain and headaches.

It should be noted that my ratings are meant to reflect the quality of my copies. Obviously, there would be a very slight deterioration of quality in the copy I make for you due to the nature of the dubbing process. Please keep this in mind.

Again, I hope you find my grading system to be helpful and, above all, fair. To put it simply, your satisfaction is important to me. If you want more details about the quality or contents of a particular tape, I'd be more than happy to provide them for you.

TAPE TRADING

Meeting other tape collectors and trading with them is what makes this hobby so much fun. It is also the reason I have created this web site. If you find something on my lists that you'd like, please e-mail your request along with any lists of tapes that you may have to trade. Of course, I can't guarantee that I'll find something I'd want to trade for since my limited storage space has forced me to become somewhat selective about what I collect these days. But, even if you don't have any tapes you think I'd be interested in, drop me a line anyway and maybe we can still work something out (I also collect all sorts of oddball Bruins and WHA Jets memorabilia in case that helps).

What You'll Get:

Unless otherwise requested, I will record your games on top name brand (usually Maxell) VHS tapes at SP speed. Though some of my games in my collection fit neatly on a single tape, many of the games that I have taped directly from broadcast run three hours long. In such cases, I offer you two options:

* I can edit out the intermissions to fit the game onto a single T-160 tape.

* I can record the complete broadcast on two T-120 tapes (typically with the first two periods of the game on the first tape with the third period on the other).

If you choose the two-tape option, I will gladly fill the remaining hour of the second tape with selections of your choosing (hi-lites, specials, fights, or whatever). However, in such cases, I would normally expect two full tapes in return.

I will try to record your tapes as quickly as possible after your request is made. However, since this is just a hobby that must occasionally take a back seat to real life (I hate it when that happens!), I cannot guarantee a specific delivery date. I will, however, endeavour to keep you posted on the progress of my taping.

Your tapes will normally be mailed out via regular airmail meaning that you can expect delivery within North America to take between one and two weeks. I will take every precaution possible to ensure that your tapes are properly protected and packaged for mailing and I encourage you to do the same for me (Unfortunately, I have received a few tapes that didn't survive the journey in one piece).

What I'm Looking For:

The headings of my tape lists will give you an idea of the kind of stuff I'm after - in other words, more of the same. Lately, I've become quite interested in acquiring good-quality games from the 1970's and brawl-filled games. Plus, I'm always on the lookout for more WHA and pre-1995 Boston Bruins footage. At the top of my "want list" is game #7 of the 1983 Boston-Buffalo playoff series (Brad Park overtime goal). Any help in obtaining this game or any of the above-mentioned material would be greatly appreciated!

Last updated on January 29, 2002