BASF Chrome Extra II - 1991 - 2nd. Edition
WARNING! These are "pure chrome" Type II tapes. If your deck is calibrated for ferro‑cobalt Type II (e.g., TDK SA), you’ll need to re-calibrate for proper results.
Most tapes marked ‘Chrome POSITION’ aren’t true chrome. DuPont created and patented real chromium dioxide, and many brands avoided licensing it, opting for cobalt‑doped ferric instead.
Pure chrome can behave unpredictably in decks without bias or level adjustment, especially Japanese models tuned for tapes like TDK SA, Sony UX, Denon HD or Fuji FR-II...
Because of their specialized behaviour, these tapes are best suited to users familiar with true chrome characteristics. Please purchase only if you’re confident working with real chrome formulations, as returns aren’t accepted.
Signs of Globalization: This 2nd. Edition of BASF's run of this Chrome Extra II seems to have been made and assembled in France, Germany and/or Brazil. Wherever they were made, they were made with BASF technology, machinery, engineering and quality control. Tape manufacturers were at this point trying to still keep up with strong demand for magnetic tape and trying to remain profitable by moving into parts of the world where labour was significantly more affordable.
Collector's corner: How to distinguish between a tape made in Brazil and Germany/France:
1) Made in Brazil: A small round clip (Black or red) holds the leader tape onto a hub with a uniform pattern. The C60 tapes offered here, also show the tapes were manufactured in "Manaus Ind. Brasileira"
2) Made in France/Germany: A large clip holds the leader tape onto an alternating pattern hub. E.g. one rectangle is open, and the next one is solid. Some tapes will also show "Made in France" or "Made in Germany".
Note 1: 60 Minutes: BR: NEW! Moderately scuffed wrappers. Only a few available.
Note 2: 90 Minutes: DE: SOLD.
Note 2: 90 Minutes: DE: A bit scuffed on the front with one rip repaired. SOLD.
Note 3: 90 Minutes: BR: "For CD" Moderately scuffed wrapper with one 3.8cm (1.5") hairline crack on the reverse side. Discoloration due to sunlight on the main edge of the case. B-Grade. Only 1 available.
Note 4: 90 Minutes: BR: "For CD" Moderately scuffed wrappers. Only 1 available.
Note 5: 90 Minutes: FR: SOLD.
About BASF:
Founded in 1865, BASF became one of the true architects of cassette technology. Their deep expertise in magnetic chemistry shaped everything from early ferric formulations to the reference‑grade chromium dioxide tapes that defined real Type II performance. BASF shells were engineered with precision, their oxide coatings were remarkably consistent, and their true‑chrome behaviour remains instantly recognizable to anyone who’s ever dialed in a deck properly.
Even after the BASF name left consumer media, their formulations lived on through EMTEC and later Recording The Masters, keeping the BASF lineage active in modern tape production. For collectors and recording enthusiasts, BASF’s influence is still very much alive — a technical legacy that continues to matter every time one of their tapes hits the heads.
BASF Chrome Extra II - 2nd. Edition - 1991 - EU - Made in and/or assembled in France, Germany and Brazil.