Stockfisch Records goes reel-to-reel 💫

 

From Stockfisch Records

Incredible, but true: The super-audiophile label Stockfisch to reel-to-reel tapes, and many younger people even to music cassettes.

The Northeim-based record label has been supplying the world with music for 50 years.

In 2024, the combined market for tapes and cassettes—with artistically outstanding and sonically first-class productions—was already worth 320 million US dollars globally.

For the company's anniversary, there's something very special:

Anyone who wants to play tapes but no longer has a Stockfisch green tape recorder from back in the day in their basement doesn't have to worry.

Günter Pauler opens his archive of those recordings.

Firstly, you can find restored tape machines that were originally mastered on 1/4-inch magnetic tape. Acquired, secondly, the tape giant Revox has revived its legendary Pauler, who at the time revived the stereo mixes individually with a dreary Revox B77 as the B77 MK III. The technology was manufactured in Villingen-Schwenningen, Württemberg.

The idea of ​​releasing tapes didn't come out of nowhere—but it does come at a price, namely 16,995 euros.

dangerous, because the unexpected renaissance of tape technology

Stocktisch also demands certain sums for his tapes:

is in full swing—more and more listeners are turning to reels again. The sampler "Analog Crossroads" (top left) costs 520 euros.

It should be said that much more expensive master tapes can easily be found on this specialized market.

Moreover, a tape like "Analog Crossroads" offers unique musical treasures.

It should be said that much more expensive master tapes can easily be found on this specialized market.

Moreover, a tape like "Analog Crossroads" offers unique musical treasures.

Günter Pauler was commissioned several times by NDR in the 1980s to record the station's concerts, for which he used a Nagra IV-S recorder. This resulted in recordings of stars such as Donovan, Benny Goodman, Leo Kottke, Sociech, and Joan Baez – all of whom are featured on the aforementioned compilation. Stockfisch luminaries Werner Lämmerhirt and Manfred Jaspers, among others, can also be heard on this exquisite recording.