For those of you into reissues and new releases on vinyl, buy now, don't put it off. Prices are going to go up, a lot, with no end in sight. Waits for new releases will get much longer, also.
There are only 2 companies in the entire world that produce lacquers used in the cutting of vinyl, one in Japan, the other in Banning, California (Apollo/Transco Masters). The one in Banning, that makes 75% of the world's supply, was a complete loss in a fire on 2/06.
The Japanese company made a statement, that they will not be accepting new clients, or tooling up to increase production. They have been operating at peak capacity for quite a few years.
Apollo is also the only manufacturer for cutting styli for Westrex cutting heads. So, anyone cutting on Westrex machines, lost their source.
Once the backsock of blank lacquers around the world is gone, who knows what will happen.
This is a real disaster for the vinyl market, with unknown consequences.
https://www.desertsun.com/story/news...ed/4737599002/
https://www.analogplanet.com/content...ansco-disaster
Bookmarks