Perseverance pays off for proprietary parts

My Roland Octa-Capture has a defective headphone jack. I was able to fix it about a year ago but sadly its past "fixing" now (I unsoldered it from the circuit board and it fell apart).  I originally contacted Roland support about a month ago and was told the jack, alone, is not available. I also contacted one Roland factory authorized service center and was told the same thing. The jack is a PC mounted "Jalco" jack and many internet searches did not turn up anything in the US - either the jack or a suitable substitute. I did find one listing in an eastern European country but no way to attempt to purchase it. Jalco is a Japanese company and a query to them was never answered. 

One last attempt with Roland and I sent support an e-mail to see if the small circuit board that the jack was on was available. Their response was that it was available as part of another assembly and the cost was $248. They gave me their parts department number if I wanted to order it. I wasn't going to pay $248 (plus shipping) just for jack. On a whim I called the Roland parts department and Surprise! they have the jack and I was able to order it (actually ordered two considering how cheaply made it is and that same jack is used in other outputs on the unit). Price was high ($15 for two) for a 50 cent jack but there was no other choice and I will be able to repair the unit.

Bottom line, if told odd-ball/proprietary parts are not available, don't give up.

Update, the jack was received and installed.  The replacement is better made and hopefully will last longer.