Rumour of JHS selling up...

[MuddBass]

I've seen an unofficial notice / rumour that JHS (Dist. for Vintage, Encore et. al) are close to shutting their doors. 

 

I hope that this is not the case, as their products are useful conduits for entry-level (+) musicians. 

 

 

[MuddBass]

And now a press release via here: https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/john-hornby-skewes-jhs-shutting-down/

 

[BassApprentice]

TLDR  - Mr. Hornby-Skewes has passed away and the estate is now closing the company which is in good financial health.

 

I mean, fair enough. Will be a shame to have one less choice, and they were well supported by smaller independent guitar shops. The domination of Squier/Fender shall continue evermore.

 

[snorkie635]

The music trade is taking a serious kicking at the moment. Sad times. There were so many independents and brands when my journey began.

[Dad3353]

5 minutes ago, BassApprentice said:

... Mr. Hornby-Skewes has passed away and the estate is now closing the company which is in good financial health ...

 

Couldn't the employees make a bid for it..? If it's making a profit, there's surely a bank that could help with funding loans or such. Not an option..? 

[BassApprentice]

17 minutes ago, snorkie635 said:

The music trade is taking a serious kicking at the moment. Sad times. There were so many independents and brands when my journey began.

That is normally the story, trying to scrabble together funds to keep the lights on. This is just a business where (as it stands) no-one wants to keep it running, even though it is turning a profit.

 

Although, now it's in the press a magic buyer may appear.

[police squad]

It's a shame and as a JHS endorsee, where will I get my strings from now

The MD is past retirement age but was still working when I last spoke with him. He was, in fact, the rep that visited the shop I worked in back in the last 80s early 90s

 

Also a shame for the staff, I know what it's like trying to sell a business and sometimes it's just easier to close it down but it leaves people out of work

 

Good luck to the staff and to the MD in retirement