Capitol

Capitol Records Blank Cassette Tapes

Capitol Records was founded on April 8, 1942, in Hollywood, California, by songwriter Johnny Mercer, film producer Buddy DeSylva, and music retailer Glenn E. Wallichs — the first major record label established on the West Coast of the United States. Capitol's roster defined American popular music across the 1940s through the 1960s: Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, The Beach Boys, and — after EMI acquired Capitol in 1955 — The Beatles, whose American releases from 1964 onward appeared on the Capitol label. Capitol's circular tower building at Hollywood and Vine, completed in 1956 and designed to resemble a stack of records, remains one of the most recognized architectural landmarks in Los Angeles.

Capitol's entry into blank recording tape came through its partnership with Audio Devices — one of America's quality domestic reel-to-reel tape manufacturers since the 1950s. In 1970, the two companies joined forces to release the Capitol Sound Tape, a high-performance low-noise formulation sold in a series of "Beautiful Boxes." Their final product was "The Music Tape by Capitol" — a Type I cassette described by the Reel to Reel Warehouse as equivalent in performance to the best back-coated tapes of its era, comparable to Scotch 207. Capitol also registered "The Mod Tape by Capitol" as a trademark in 1976, covering magnetic sound recording tape, cartridges, cassettes, and open reels.

Capitol blank cassettes occupy a unique collector niche: blank tape sold under the name of one of the world's most storied record labels, made in America at a time when domestic tape production was being displaced by Japanese manufacturers. They are musical history objects as much as audio media.

All tapes are new sealed NOS. Free US shipping on orders over $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capitol Records' connection to blank cassette tape?

Capitol Records — founded in 1942 by Johnny Mercer, Buddy DeSylva, and Glenn Wallichs — partnered with Audio Devices to produce blank recording tape. In 1970 they released the Capitol Sound Tape, and later 'The Music Tape by Capitol' — a Type I cassette equivalent in performance to Scotch 207, one of the best American tapes of its era.

Who is on the Capitol Records label?

Capitol Records, acquired by EMI in 1955, has been home to Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles (for North American releases from 1964 onward). It is one of the most storied names in American recorded music.

What is 'The Music Tape by Capitol'?

The Music Tape by Capitol was a blank Type I cassette sold under the Capitol Records brand, produced through Capitol's partnership with Audio Devices. It was their final blank tape product and is described as equivalent in performance to the best back-coated American tapes of the period, including Scotch 207.

What is 'The Mod Tape by Capitol'?

The Mod Tape by Capitol was a blank tape brand registered by Capitol Records in 1976, covering magnetic sound recording tape, cartridges, cassettes, and open reels. It predates The Music Tape branding and reflects Capitol's active engagement with the blank tape market through the 1970s.

Are Capitol blank cassette tapes collectible?

Yes, particularly for their cultural significance. A blank tape sold under the name of the label that released The Beatles' American albums, Frank Sinatra, and The Beach Boys is a uniquely American cultural object. Capitol cassettes are collected as pieces of music industry history as much as audio media.