"John Hornby Skewes & Co, known for its brands Vintage and Fret-King, announces closure after over six decades - despite absence of financial distress"
After six decades of crafting and selling countless electric guitars, basses, acoustics, and amps from its Garforth headquarters in England, John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd (JHS) has announced its closure. Despite being profitable, the company is shutting down due to a mandate set by the late company founder, John H. Skewes, who passed away last year.
The trustees, shareholders, and directors of JHS have paid tribute to the hard work of generations of staff who worked for the company over the last 60 years, acknowledging the countless relationships and friendships forged and much that has been achieved at JHS.
Brands included in the disposal are Vintage, Fret-King, Encore, and acoustic guitar maker, Santos Martinez. The remaining stock will be offered for sale to the highest bidder, with the company hinting at great deals to be had as it looks to part with its last remaining stock.
Attempts to sell the business have failed, leading to the formal steps to wind down the business's operations, a process expected to take up to 12 months. During this period, the company will downsize and gradually sell off its assets, including trademarks and intellectual property.
JHS would like to express a huge and most sincere thank you to customers around the world for supporting the business. The company's latest offerings, such as the $150 Retro desktop amp and the Revo Series, which takes a leaf from Fender's Paranormal playbook for a standout range of affordable offsets, have been well-received.
As the company prepares to vacate its Garforth premises, ending a 35-year tenancy, it is a poignant reminder of the legacy left behind by John H. Skewes and the impact his company had on the music industry. The closure of JHS marks the end of an era, but the company's influence and contributions will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the world of music for years to come.
- The acoustic guitar maker, Santos Martinez, is among the brands included in the disposal of JHS's remaining stock.
- The electric guitar, Retro desktop amp, and the Revo Series, which draws inspiration from Fender's Paranormal playbook, have been well-received by customers.
- Attempts to sell the business have proven unsuccessful, ultimately leading to the formal steps to wind down the company's operations.
- Despite being profitable, the company is shutting down due to a mandate set by the late company founder, John H. Skewes, who passed away last year.
- The company is gradually selling off its assets, including trademarks and intellectual property, during the 12-month process of winding down its operations.
- The trustees, shareholders, and directors of JHS have acknowledged the countless relationships and friendships forged over the last 60 years, as well as the much that has been achieved at JHS.
