Q-Jays Go Custom with One-Off Silicon Ear Tips

By Nick Mokey March 2, 2010

Six different pairs of different-shaped silicon ear tips can only take you so close to a perfect fit. On Tuesday, Swedish headphone outfit Jays joined the likes of Ultimate Ears and other custom headphone outfitters with the announcement of custom ear molds for its q-Jays in-ear headphones.

Jays has partnered with fellow Swedes Bellman & Symfon to execute the individually fitted end of the earphone. Unlike typical custom in-ear monitors, which are cast as a single piece, the custom-fitted silicon tips for the q-Jays Custom will be removable, making it possible to swap them for generic tips or have them refitted every few years.

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According to Peter Cedmer, product manager at Jays, the impetus for the q-Jays custom arose from performers requesting custom-fit earphones for live performances. “Live performers are like the Formula 1 drivers of the audio world. They’re an extremely demanding group of customers, but working in close cooperation with them allows us to develop the very best products,” he said in a statement. “With the launch of the q-JAYS Custom we can now offer the very best in this personalized earphone technology to our non-professional customers as well.”

Jays already offers the generic version of the q-Jays (which we weren’t overly fond of) for $179, and will release the custom version in April. Buyers will have to get impressions of their ears made at an audiologist, then send them to Bellman & Symfon to have the silicon tips made. Exact quotes for the tips may vary by location, but Jays will provide a $25 voucher toward the expense with the purchase of the q-Jays Custom.

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