About the Company
Fisher (Fisher Electronics, founded by Avery Fisher) was an American high-fidelity audio manufacturer based in New York, USA, renowned for pioneering quality consumer hi-fi components starting in the late 1930s/early 1940s. Originally named Philharmonic Radio (later Fisher Radio Corp.), it became a leading name in receivers, amplifiers, tuners, speakers, and integrated systems during the golden age of hi-fi (1950s–1970s). Fisher emphasized innovation, good build quality, and accessible pricing for audiophiles and home users—often competing with brands like Scott, Marantz, Harman Kardon, and McIntosh in the tube era, then transitioning to solid-state.
Regarding reel-to-reel tape decks/recorders, Fisher did produce or include them in some console systems and component lines, but they were not a major or primary focus compared to their receivers or amps. Fisher reel-to-reel machines were consumer/mid-fi oriented rather than professional (unlike Ampex or Studer) or even semi-pro (like Ferrograph). Many were integrated into furniture consoles (e.g., "Statesman" series) or sold as add-on decks.
Production History
Fisher entered the tape recording market in the late 1950s/early 1960s, as reel-to-reel became popular for home hi-fi recording and playback.
Core production of Fisher-branded reel-to-reel tape recorders/decks ran from approximately late 1950s to late 1960s/early 1970s (with most activity in the 1960s). This aligns with the hi-fi boom and before cassettes overtook open-reel for consumers.
1950s–early 1960s: Early involvement included some models or collaborations (e.g., occasional ads or integrations with Concertone decks in the early 1950s, though primarily as part of systems rather than standalone Fisher production).
1960s: Peak era for Fisher tape equipment. Examples include decks in console stereos like the 1964 Fisher Statesman IV (which incorporated a reel-to-reel recorder). Some standalone or component decks existed, often solid-state or hybrid by mid-decade, with features like 3¾/7½ ips speeds, half-track or quarter-track heads, and walnut cases to match hi-fi aesthetics.
By the late 1960s/early 1970s, production tapered off sharply as cassette decks (e.g., from Japanese brands) gained dominance, and Fisher shifted focus to receivers, turntables, and cassette/8-track formats.
Corporate changes: In 1969, Fisher was acquired by Emerson Electric (shifting some manufacturing overseas, e.g., Hong Kong). In 1975/1977, Sanyo acquired Fisher (final major ownership shift), after which the brand continued mainly for receivers, TVs, and other consumer electronics into the 1980s–1990s, but no significant reel-to-reel production post-1970s.
Overall: Reel-to-reel was a short-lived, secondary part of Fisher's catalog—more prominent in integrated consoles than standalone high-end decks. They were not mass-produced like Sony or Pioneer equivalents but appealed to mid-range hi-fi buyers.
Fisher reel-to-reel units are now vintage collectibles, especially those in working consoles or with tube/early solid-state electronics. They appear in forums (e.g., AudioKarma discussions of rare 1960s Fisher-integrated decks) and collector sites, though less commonly than dedicated brands like Revox, Akai, or TEAC.