Maxell UD - 1972-75 - & - 2016(!)
"A legend of a cassette, Maxell's 1st "Super Ferric" (not cobalt doped, but better than the basic LN at the time) from over 40 years ago. These still have their wrappers, which is quite unheard of in these days. We opened one and recorded on it...and they far better than a cassette of this age has any right to be." Tony Villa
About Maxell's Re-release of this iconic cassette: October 16, 2016: Yes! 10 Years ago tomorrow! Maxell’s 2016 Japan‑exclusive revival of the 1972 UD series faithfully recreates the original aesthetic while using modern UR‑grade tape, as specified by Hitachi‑Maxell. These limited‑production models were released in four lengths, including the C10 and C46 offered here. Each unit features the period‑correct design, updated packaging, and Japan‑market build quality associated with Maxell’s anniversary releases.
Collector's Corner: In 2016, Hitachi‑Maxell issued a limited 50th‑anniversary revival of the iconic 1972 UD series, reproducing the original design with remarkable accuracy. Although visually identical to the early UD line, Maxell confirmed that these tapes use UR‑grade stock, giving them the reliability of the modern UR formulation wrapped in a classic shell and J‑card. Produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market and released in modest quantities, the C10 and C46 have become increasingly difficult to source, especially in unused condition.
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Note 1: 1972: 90 Minutes: 100% Brand new cassette, but the wrapper is long gone. The case is also brand new and of superior quality, matching the original case almost to a "T" in the way it looks. It will be placed in a custom plastic bag to prevent possible case and tape damage. Only 1 available
Note 2: 1972: 120 Minutes: 100% New cassette and still has 60% of the original wrapper. The case is brand new, replacing the old (cracked) one. It matches the original one almost to a "T" in the looks department. It will be placed in a custom plastic bag to prevent possible case and tape damage. Only 1 available
Note 3: 2016: 10 Minutes: Box-fresh cassette. See about this cassette and why it came about in the paragraphs above. Only 1 available
Note 4: 2016: 46 Minutes: Box-fresh cassette. See about this cassette and why it came about in the paragraphs above. Only 1 available
These two 2016 UD cassettes, have been added here quietly as a small reward for those who check in often. Hidden Treasures for the regular visitor. Congratulations on finding them.
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Click below to watch a video by Tony Villa on a Maxell UD cassettes (1975!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yotbXJbetnk&list=PPSV
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About MAXELL:
Maxell Holdings, Ltd. (日立マクセル株式会社 Hitachi Makuseru Kabushiki-gaisha), commonly known as Maxell, is a Japanese company that manufactures consumer electronics.
Maxell, originally part of Hitachi’s corporate family, emerged in 1960 when a dry‑cell plant was established in Ibaraki, Osaka. In 1961, Hitachi consolidated its dry‑battery and magnetic‑tape operations into the new Maxell Electric Industrial Company, positioning the brand as Hitachi’s key vehicle for consumer recording media.
Throughout the cassette era, Maxell became one of the most respected tape manufacturers. Their formulations, especially the XLI-S (Normal), XLII‑S (CrO₂), and MX (pure metal particle), were widely regarded as peak‑performance examples of the Compact Cassette format, earning strong loyalty from audiophiles and home recording enthusiasts. Maxell also produced a full range of consumer and professional magnetic media, including computer and broadcast tapes, before later shifting away from in‑house optical and recording‑media production.
The company’s cultural visibility peaked in the 1980s with the “Blown Away Guy” advertising campaign, which cemented Maxell’s reputation for high‑performance audio cassettes. Even as Maxell diversified into batteries, storage, and functional materials, its cassette legacy, and its long-standing connection to Hitachi remains central to its identity.
Maxell UD - 1972-75 & 2016 - Made in Japan