2. analog
  3. 124307-3034

is there a market?

Is their a large enough market within the audiophile community and music lovers alike to start a recording company that recorded primarily jazz and classical music the right way?  Is there a chance to capture the great orchestras of america in a totally analog process from start to finish just like they did back in the fifties?  I would think many orchestras would jump at the opportunity to be part of the effort to be recorded like the great orchestras were in the mid 20th century.  Is there still equipment in existence and engineering know how to make this happen?  There certainly is a renewed interest in vinyl and the sound it produces even if it is done digitally.  How about the real thing?
tzh21y
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,785 posts
 
Stereophile Magazine has been doing this the last 15 years...
whart's avatar
whart
3,043 posts
 
Is it possible- yes, and there are some smallish labels that do this, but a market? I know you aren’t asking because it’s about making money, but you know what they say about how to make a small fortune in the record biz? (Start with a large one). The main issue is who will buy, and how you will distribute, I think. And, along the way, it costs some money. Not trying to discourage you. Go for it. Some of the stuff I like and that is really well recorded is very simple- Chris Whitley’s Dirt Floor was recorded on a two track in a barn, and Classic Records released it on vinyl. (It’s scarce because I don’t think it was a big seller for Classic and getting a new copy- some still exist- isn’t so easy. But, great record, and I can’t believe the production costs were very high).
And you are right. There are some absolutely superb musicians who would jump into your arms -- they need the money. In Austin, top tier musicians work for almost nothing- big names, too. (At least among other musicians). The plight of big orchestras these days, at least in the States, is pretty sad. There are union issues too, with orchestras. (Those can be dealt with). So, you have to be pretty committed, and spend some bread or better, someone else’s money. But, you are asking the right question, i think: Is there a market? And that question can only be answered by looking at how much you are prepared to lose, rather than how much you might make. If that makes any sense.
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
It is something I have felt passionate about I guess.  I would not be in it to make money but to actually be a part of something great that would last beyond my years.  It would be a lot of work but could be a labor of love so to speak.  Just the thought of something new done all analog by a great orchestra like the Cleveland orchestra for example would be quite exillirating for everyone who loves great music.  I guess it would involve finding people who feel just as passionate.  Nothing sounds like a pure analog recording especially great orchestras, except for maybe the real thing.
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
Start a "Go Fund Me" or Kickstarter campaign.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 

Not a chance.  Trying to do this would be pouring money into a bottomless pit. 

There are record labels already making high quality analog and digital jazz and classical recodings largely as a labor of love.  You would be much better off supporting these labels than trying to compete with them.

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