Question Recommendations for tape-to-digital service?

[shira]

I have a reel-to-reel tape of my late brother's voice, recorded in the late 1970s. It's been boxed and climate-controlled since then, and I'd like to get it digitized.

How can I assess the quality of a tape-to-digital service before I send this tape off for conversion? I'm afraid it has limited plays left and want to maximize the odds of full recovery.

Any/all recommendations are much appreciated.