The Mellotron Group

I've attached some pictures of my tape frame. The question I have is, should the tapes fit tightly in the frame when the frame is pulled out and compressed? My common sense tells me they are supposed to be tighter than they are. I couldn't imagaine setting the frame in a case (not that I have one) with the tapes flopping all over. 

Are the springs shot? 

If so, does anyone have a low cost alternative to official springs? Like something from McMaster-Carr? I bought 100 grommets from them for my Rhodes for the cost of about 4 grommets from Rhodes parts dealers. Five dollars per sping times 35 seems excessive.

Are the tapes stretched?

Does it make sense to shorten them by pulling them tighter?

Also, judging by the black/brown color scheme on the tapes, anybody have a guess as to how old they are? Are they original? I would think they are.

I do plan to get new tapes eventually when I can save up enough.

Thanks!
Dan

http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/tspit74/?action=view¤t=DSC04000.jpg

http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/tspit74/?action=view¤t=DSC03901.jpg

They should not be like that! I'm sure Frank will know why they are.

Streetly Electronics - All Things Mellotronic 
_www.mellotronics.com_ (http://www.mellotronics.com/) 

M4000 tour de force - UK trailer _http://thebox-movie.warnerbros.com/_ 
(http://thebox-movie.warnerbros.com/) 
US  Sales East: Jimmy Moore_  JMoore6397@aol.com_ 
(http://JMoore6397@aol.com/) 
US Sales West: Paul Cox_ pjc56@earthlink_ (mailto:pjc56@earthlink)  
Chloe Smith:  _myspace.com/chloesmithmusic_ 
(http://myspace.com/chloesmithmusic)

Hi Dan,
 
With the tape frame in the storage position, the tapes should be just under 
 tension.  If the are not, pull the tapes up from the frame end and NOT the 
 rear tape clamp bar as this would adjust the 'start' position also.  Black 
 and Brown tapes sound like Ampex stock and they should be hurled away as  
soon as possible as it is impossible to get a good adjustment(what we call  
good!) with that formulation.  
 
Best,
 
Martin
 
Streetly Electronics - All Things Mellotronic 
_www.mellotronics.com_ (http://www.mellotronics.com/) 

M4000 tour de force - UK trailer _http://thebox-movie.warnerbros.com/_ 
(http://thebox-movie.warnerbros.com/) 
US  Sales East: Jimmy Moore_  JMoore6397@aol.com_ 
(http://JMoore6397@aol.com/) 
US Sales West: Paul Cox_ pjc56@earthlink_ (mailto:pjc56@earthlink)  
Chloe Smith:  _myspace.com/chloesmithmusic_ 
(http://myspace.com/chloesmithmusic)