Maxell WE 1 - 1999 - JP
The Maxell WE 1 (1999, Japan‑market) is widely believed by collectors and reference sites such as 45spaces to use a UD‑I–class ferric formulation. UD‑I was one of Maxell’s stronger Type I tapes: cobalt‑doped, smooth running, and capable of taking healthy recording levels.
While the exact formulation has never been officially confirmed, the WE 1 shows the typical late‑era Maxell Japan precision, stable transport, and consistent tape handling. Based on available information across multiple tape‑reference sources, this model is regarded as a reliable, best value high‑quality ferric regardless of the exact stock used.
Note 1: 54 Minutes: B-Grade: This one has a 2cm (3/4") hairline crack on the reverse side. Only 1 available
Note 2: 64 Minutes: These have have lightly scuffed wrappers or possibly some other insignificant blemish. Only 2 available
Note 2: 70 Minutes: These have have lightly scuffed wrappers or possibly some other insignificant blemish. Very Low inventory
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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 WE 1 - 1999 - Made in Japan (JP)