Can't really see a problem - whether the tape has deteriorated or not should be obvious at a glance. If the coating has perished or not should be obvious at once; if it has, maybe expert advice could help, but otherwise, a good quality reel-to-reel machine linked into a good sound programme should suffice; I use Adobe Audition - if you can't afford it, you can load down a free trial edition for the period you need it, but it's an excellent domestic programme anyway.
Over the last couple of years I have digitised in the region of five thousand reel-to-tapes, some of them dating back to the mid-1960s. I am astounded at how reliable the reel-to-reel format has proved over that period of time.
"I have recently transferred from reel to reel analogue to cd "
Cap'n; if you have put anything irreplaceable on CD you will be well advised not to leave it there- CDs are proving far less reliable a format as was originally thought - don't risk it - hard disc it!
Jim Carroll