Wonder Why No Japanese Retippers?

@mijostyn Not all manufacturers/builders still exist. Ikeda does not service their direct scanner cartridges. Transfiguration no longer exists, maybe Mutech will do them? What about the classic Sony, JVC, or Audio Technica?

@rauliruegas Well the Japanese did buy up much of the vintage JBL, Western Electric, McIntosh, Altec and other classic gear. Seems like they have an appreciation for the old also. 

@lewm I would think that would be the case. There I have been into a few Japanese audio stores during my trips, and they do have a passionate group of hobbyists. I am curious, the cartridge companies that do directly export to the US and Europe, are their domestic prices significantly different than what we get here? Or are all the Japanese companies using distributors, and with another level of mark up?

@cey Neither to both, although my adopted mother is Japanese and I have been to Tokyo twice. There are plenty of sellers of vintage cartridges on Ebay, and one thing I notice is that none of the cartridges are advertised as retipped, but there are ones sold for parts or needing new diamond. Also the analog community is fairly tight, and we hear about places like Fonolab that is a resource for vintage Japanese tonearms service and parts. But nothing for cartridges. Audio boards like Audiogon, Audio Asylum, Audiokarma and what not have members all over the world and have not reported on one that I have seen. I imagine the Japanese have their own audio boards, and I suppose Google translate will let you read a lot of what is written, it's a matter of finding the sites. But that is the reason for the post...are there Japanese retip services, as I have never run across any info indicating there is.

@cey Looks like you have not been following the Koetsu story. They have shut down due to the death of the son, and will no longer offer product or rebuild services. Nor will they be selling to company to another to continue the line.

@cey Then who will service Koetsu for Japanese owners? Will it be another manufacturer like Excel? There is precedent for this in Europe, as Goldring offers retipping services for other cartridges, as does Van Den Hul. 

Here is a list of world wide retippers, and there is not a Japanese rebuilder referenced. Which is also odd since Japanese companies are major suppliers of diamonds and cantilever assemblies. 

Worldwide List of Phono Cartridge Retippers and Rebuilders - Audionirvana.org

I think that list is missing AllClear in Australia, and Joseph Long in the US. 

Seems like there should be some Japanese entries, and all i wonder is why there is not. As @lewm says, there probably is and they only serve the domestic market. Even so, it sure would be interesting to know of their craft and what cartridges they may specialize in.