Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing elongated material, such as tape, from a spool of such material are disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a rotatable spindle for supporting a first spool of material and a feedback mechanism for providing a controlled braking force to the spindle in response to changes in tension in the material being dispensed. The dispenser also can include another spindle for supporting a second spool of material. The trailing end portion of material from the first spool can be spliced to the leading end portion of material from the second spool to provide a continuous feed of material between the spools.