Skip to product information
T Rex Tanx reel to reel tape front cover box art
1/9
  • T Rex Tanx reel to reel tape front cover box art
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
  • T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
T-rex, Tanx- 4 Track Reel to Reel Tape, 7 1/2 IPS
$575.00

Condition: Very Good
Description

Original U.S. 4-track stereo reel-to-reel of Tanx by T. Rex, factory duplicated by Magtec for Reprise Records. Features glam-era favorites including “Born to Boogie” and “Tenement Lady.” 7½ IPS stereo tape with original box and artwork.
Details

Album: Tanx

Artist:

  • T.Rex

Label: Reprise Records

Year of Release: 1973

Duplicator: Magtec

Country: United States

Genre:

  • Rock

Reel: 7 1/2 IPS 7 inch Tape, 4 Track Tape

Condition Notes:

  • Box: Excellent
  • Sound Quality: Very Good
Track List

Side One:
1. Tenement Lady
2. Rapids
3. Mister Mister
4. Broken-Hearted Blues
5. Shock Rock
6. Country Honey
7. Electric Slim and the Factory Hen

Side Two:
1. Mad Donna
2. Born to Boogie
3. Life Is Strange
4. The Street and Babe Shadow
5. Highway Knees
6. Left Hand Luke
Tape Review

TAPE & LISTENING REVIEW – 7.5 IPS MAGTEC

This is a rare 7.5 IPS four-track stereo rock release duplicated by MAGTEC. This copy has been listened to in full and plays cleanly without issue. At 7.5 IPS, the tape offers a lower noise floor and improved clarity compared to standard 3.75 IPS consumer reels. Playback is solid and well balanced, with good bass control, a clear and present midrange, and smooth high frequencies. Vocals are natural and forward without being aggressive, and guitars retain texture without harshness. Stereo imaging is stable, and dynamics are handled well throughout the program. Overall, this tape provides a strong and enjoyable listening experience consistent with well-duplicated high-speed open-reel tapes from this period.

WHY REEL TO REEL WORKS WELL HERE

Tanx is a layered studio album, and the reel-to-reel format handles its density and dynamic shifts effectively. Compared to vinyl, tape avoids inner-groove distortion and allows uninterrupted playback. At 7.5 IPS, transient response and low-level detail are improved, helping preserve the character of the original recording.

ALBUM OVERVIEW

Released in 1973, Tanx captures T. Rex during a transitional period, moving beyond earlier glam rock toward fuller arrangements and more studio-focused production. The album combines groove-driven tracks with more reflective material and rewards attentive listening.
About Four Track Tapes

Two-track stereo reels grew out of early post-war tape, when consumer releases were mostly mono (often with a “flip the reel” second side). Once in-line two-track (half-track) became standard, big tracks at 7.5 ips made great jazz and classical sound incredibly real. The industry eventually moved to 4-track because it was cheaper and offered more playing time- learn more here.

You may also like