About

Fry Pharmacy Recording is a classic analog recording facility that is indeed housed in a pharmacy from the 1920s that closed in the 1960s. In 2004, the space was re-opened as Fry Pharmacy Recording. The space was not renovated to be a studio, it was simply repurposed - the tile floors and tin ceilings are essential to the Pharmacy's trademark sound. We currently house 17 different analog (and digital!) tape machines ranging from mono to 32-track open reel. We are an analog-centric studio, but we do offer a variety of recording options including digital. The Pharmacy is truly a unique and inspiring space to create and record in.

The Fry Pharmacy is an "open-air" studio. This means that there is no control room: the machines and engineers work right along side the musicians in the tracking room. This arrangement affords the engineers ease of communication and affords the artist(s) a comfortable setting where they are intimately involved in the process, and not being scrutinized behind a glass wall.

By tracking primarily to analog tape, we believe we offer an experience that has become unique in the field of recording. So often with the ability to track infinitely and microscopic editing capabilities, it is easy to lose sight of the goal of most recordings: to capture a performance. At The Fry Pharmacy, we believe a band will deliver the best performance when they are comfortable and able to communicate with each other. For this reason, whenever possible, musicians play together in the same room with a clear line of vision between them. All you have to do is play and the fine engineers at The Pharmacy will take care of everything else. We also believe that the 'limitaion' of 16 tracks is one of our greatest assets, as it forces musicians and engineers alike to be as succinct as possible when it comes to musical and technical decisions (we do however, offer Protools for those projects that prefer or require it). By keeping these ideas in mind, we strive to offer an experience as well as a final product akin to the 'good-old-days' of recording.

There is a lot to play with at Fry Pharmacy Recording, and many new sounds to discover. Check out our equipment section for a detailed list of instruments and effects. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a visit. We look forward to working with you.

Services

Recording: Analog or Digital - Live tracking, overdubs, demos, anything - you name it, we'll help you make it sound great.
Mixing/Mastering: Get a fresh set of ears and/or some vintage effects on your record.
Transfers: Whatever your tape format, we probably have the equipment to transfer it into digital WAVS. Don't lose it, archive it!
Or give us your digital files and we'll run them through tape and back for a touch of that "tape sound."
Musicians: Need a particular type of player for your record? We have worked with some of the best - let us help you assemble a band that most fits your needs. We have a long list of quality session musicians on call.
Production/Arranging: With all the great tools at Fry Pharmacy let us help you make the most effective use of them. We would love to collaborate with you on any or all creative aspects of your project.

More About Fry Pharmacy Recording
Want to know more? Read what people have to say about Fry Pharmacy below:

A Word from Scott McEwen - Fry Pharmacy co-owner & chief engineer

A Word from Michael Tarbox - Tarbox Ramblers founder, singer & guitarist