Wowzer, this is pretty significant move in the context of reel-to-reel becoming more ‘mainstream’.
London and Tokyo-based Gearbox Records is now making a big chunk of its back catalogue available to buy on copy master tape! There’s a long list of tapes available, each one copied direct from the original master to ¼-inch tape. The copies are made using either their Studer C37 or Philips EL3501 tape machines in IEC or NAB format, at 15ips and supplied on RTM SM911 formulation tape on metal reels.
Also available are 1/4” mono, 2-track stereo and ½-track stereo copies at 3.75ips and 7.5ips. Plus, they will also make a tape from any digital master they have, on request.
If you’re not familiar with their work, Gearbox is a respected independent record label with ‘a vinyl-led ethos’ founded in 2009. They’re also a recording studio and mastering facility, and are known for their attention to detail in creating excellent sound quality. To that end, they have some really cool, seriously high-end in-house kit, for both recording and playback.
Their catalogue covers a combination of previously unreleased historic recordings (think forgotten treasures by the likes of Thelonious Monk, Don Cherry and Nico) as well as new music by contemporary artists.
You can check out the list of titles available at https://store.gearboxrecords.com/products/tape-transcriptions
Gearbox can ship from the UK (including for Europe), the US and Japan.
Dave Denyer: The Reel-to-Reel Rambler 