Post by Owen Y on May 12, 2020 12:43:22 GMT 12
ANALOG PLANET (Michael Fremer) today reports communication with Simon Brown (The Wand tonearm, Design Build Listen) that.... " Jelco tonearm's parent company Ichikawa Jewel Co. Ltd had announced it would be shutting down the business. " An announcement letter email from Takako Ichikawa, President & CEO, is shown. (See below)
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Post by Owen Y on May 12, 2020 12:49:07 GMT 12
Dear Sir.
It is with deepest regret to inform you this sad announcement.
The novel corona virus pandemic continue to have a significant impact on our production lines, and so I have decided to terminate our business effective immediately.
For the past few years, the business has endured a decline in labor productivity due to health issues arising from our aging skilled engineers. Furthermore, due to our obsolete mechanical equipment, performing maintenance on them has become difficult.
I sincerely ask for your understanding on the following points:
• No new orders will be accepted.
• Repair of products will not be accepted.
I would like to thank everyone for their warm support that was extended to us throughout the years. I would also like to express in writing my deepest gratitude for your kindness and wish you all the best for your continued development.
Sincerely yours,
Takako Ichikawa
President & CEO
ICHIKAWA JEWEL CO.,LTD.
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Pundit
Post by Neil on May 12, 2020 14:08:58 GMT 12
That's really sad. They are great arms.
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Post by michaelw on May 12, 2020 14:36:05 GMT 12
first SME, now jelco.
where else can you go for a decent arm that won't cost one of yours ?
rega ? project ?
the jelcos were great with near-universal compatibility.
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on May 12, 2020 15:19:04 GMT 12
Im a fan too, have 2 of them a Sumiko MMT and a Jelco 750d. I know Simon isnt fussed on the detachable headshell but I find it a godsend for changing carts.
Nice sounding arms too imo.
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Post by michaelw on May 12, 2020 17:12:38 GMT 12
can't beat a traditional bayonet mount headshell for quick cartridge changes.
my oracle/sme has a removable headshell but it's such a pain in the ass you can consider it fixed.
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Post by colinf on May 12, 2020 19:39:18 GMT 12
That’s a shame...another historic company bites the dust. Opportunity here, Simon, perhaps come up with a Wand with cartridges able to be easily swapped while maintaining geometry, and repeatable counterweight settings?
AMR-iFi R&D
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