Active Band Man Chats - Test-Playing Instruments Edition

So, what are we doing today?

That's right, let's go to an instrument store!

Eh? Right now?

I want to try out some gear!

Okay... and you're making that into a topic for the column, right?

Exactly. Trying out gear at a store feels like a high hurdle for beginners, or rather, they just don't know how it works, you know? So, experienced guys like us are going to put it into practice and show them how it's done.

This is a Sound House column, though (bitter smile)... well, whatever. Let's go.

First, check the price!

That's important! If you say, "Let me try out that insanely expensive vintage guitar!" there's no backing out (laughs).

And in principle, it should be on the premise that you have the intention to buy it.

I see. If you try it out and it's great but you don't buy it, that's a bit tough on the store's side... that being said, you can still try out gear even if it's not strictly on the premise of buying it. If there's an instrument you're curious about, I think it's perfectly fine to casually ask to try it out.

True. It's just the general premise (laughs). Alright, let's go call over a staff member right away.

Shyer kids might hesitate here... it's the first hurdle.

It's fine! There are no bad people among guitar lovers! *This is Kizuhiko's personal opinion.

Nor among bass lovers, either. *This is Horry's personal opinion.

Now, where’s the staff member?

It's actually quite common that there are no staff members around the instruments you want to try out, isn't it?

True... they're busy, after all. In times like that, I think it's fine to go call over a staff member who is at the cash register. Alright, today let's have Horry play the role of the staff member.

Can't be helped, I guess...

"Excuse me! Could I try this one out?"

"Welcome. You want to try it out, right? Of course, that's absolutely fine."

"Oh, you'll tune it for me too? Awesome."

"Yes. So that even beginners can play with peace of mind. First-timers often don't know how to use a tuner, after all."

"Even for experienced players, some guitars are hard to tune, like those with a Floyd Rose."

"That's so true. Basically, the staff will tune it before handing it over to you. Do you have a preference for the amplifier?"

Ooh! Don't panic here. When it comes to trying out gear, the main point is checking the tone of the guitar itself, so basically, any amp is fine as long as it can output a clean, undistorted sound. So, this is how you answer.

How?

"Whichever one pairs best with today's main dish!"

"Customer? This is an instrument trial, not a wine selection, you know?"

"My mistake! Anything is fine." Like that.

That’s true. If the store happens to have an amp that you normally use or have used before, I think it's fine to request that. But if you’re a beginner, leaving it up to them is probably best. Alright, back to the roleplay... "Understood! I'll plug it in for you." Stores will also have guitar cables ready for testing, too.

"Thank you very much!" No matter what, they won't make you try it out standing up, so if they offer you a stool, take a seat.

This feels like we’re practicing for a job interview (laughs).

Alright, it’s all set up, time to play!

What are you going to play?

I usually play my go-to licks... but before that, I check if every single fret rings out cleanly.

Every single fret? You’re surprisingly thorough.

Surprisingly...? I used to work part-time at an instrument store, and back then I checked not just the neck of the guitars, but every single fret.

Ah, I see. That makes sense.

Also, how well the tuning pegs work is important too because it directly affects tuning and pitch. The harmonics come out beautifully as well... OK!

And now, finally, the phrases?

Yep! I often find myself playing an A minor pentatonic scale, and toss in some string bending, too.

Oh, you actually sound like a real guitarist!

Surprisingly...? (Second time) It's also to check whether the tuning slips after a string bend!

That is important.

I also like to play some clean tone chord arpeggios. An A chord using the open strings of the 1st and 5th strings.

It's all A with you, isn't it?

That's just how go-to licks are, right?

True. Everyone has those comfort chords they naturally play. What else?

What else... checking the knobs!

Knobs and controls, very important.

Exactly, drinks are important, but the appetizers (otsumami) are important too! Kizuhiko always ends up ordering french fries or other childish things without thinking!

You’re so childish... aren't you just trying to get people to say "Kizuhiko is so cute!"? (laughs) Besides, this is an instrument store, not an izakaya!

My mistake! Checking how well the volume and tone knobs work!

Depending on the model, the way they respond changes because of differences in the volume and tone taper, after all. But for beginners, I think it's enough just to figure out which knob does what.

True! Oh, by the way, it's best to bring along the pick you normally use if possible!

Many stores will lend you one, but if you have a specific pick you always use, you should definitely bring it. By the way, I always keep a pick hidden in my pocket. Just so I can try out gear anytime!

Right, and since the instrument you are trying out is naturally the store's property...

Because it's not yours yet?

Make sure to play carefully so you don't scratch it!

Yes! Though some stores will put a protective sheet on it for you.

Treat it with respect.

That's an important piece of etiquette. You should be especially careful if you're wearing a jacket with a front zipper or large buttons. If you handle the guitar too roughly, you'll end up scratching it... Depending on the instrument store, they might even ask you to take off your jacket before trying one of their guitars out. The same goes for accessories and jewelry.

Alright, I've played a whole bunch with a clean tone. Turning up the amp's reverb feels great when you're playing, but it can blur the actual tone of the guitar itself, so keep it in moderation.

Right. Rather than shaping the sound too much with the amp, let's test it out with a straightforward, natural tone first.

And if the amp has a drive channel, let's test that out too. Click.

Click.

Clang! I'll play some lead guitar-style phrases with a distorted sound, too! Keep the volume in moderation!

While there are aspects you won't really grasp unless you have a certain level of volume, making too much noise will cause trouble for other customers and the staff. Moderation is key. It's best not to drastically crank it up from the volume the staff member initially set for you.

I often play the intro to my own song, "Yuyake Sand Beach."

Well, you do love yourself!

Heck yeah!

That's a spirited answer! Checking with classic, staple phrases is also important. Come to think of it, we touched upon trying out gear at a store in a previous column, too.
Related Article: "Let's Form a Band and Do a Live Show ~Let's Buy an Instrument~ (2021.3.30.)"
Just like it says there, it's a good idea to decide on the phrases you'll play during the trial in advance. Just strumming chords is perfectly fine, too.

After that, chord strumming with a distorted sound. I also check how much of the sparkle of each individual string can be heard amidst the distortion.

Huh.

It actually varies quite a bit depending on the guitar.

I see. You really do sound like a real guitarist! (Second time)

Alright, that's it for the trial! I'm satisfied! Now, let's return the guitar. Wait, where's the staff member?

The staff member who initially brought the guitar to you won't necessarily stay right by your side the whole time! They're busy, after all. Or rather, it's kind of hard to play if the staff member is standing right next to you the whole time... (bitter smile).

True. It can be a different staff member, but I hope someone notices me... In moments like this, the important thing is to not turn off the amp or unplug the cable by yourself!

Exactly, let's leave that to the staff member!

Turning the guitar's volume to zero, or turning the amp's volume to zero, are things you can go ahead and do, though.

Yes.

But usually, once the sound of the trial stops, the staff member should look over to check on you... Ah, they looked this way! "Excuse me! I'm finished trying it out!"

"Alright, I'll take the guitar. Turning off the amp too, and... how did you like it?"

"It's a guitar that feels really good to play! I had a lot of fun playing it. Let me think about the purchase a little bit more. Thank you very much!"

"You're welcome! Please let us know."

Yes, and everything is?

For love!