Introducing This Amazing Local Shiga Brand - Guitar/Bass Edition

Recently, I haven’t written much, although I’ve appeared in collaboration articles. However, I felt inspired to write this piece because when something is truly good, I want to share it with everyone. So I’m going to spread the word myself.

“I want an instrument that’s uniquely mine! But a full custom order feels a bit intimidating.”
This is a brand I highly recommend to anyone who feels this way.

I’ve probably bought and sold more guitars and basses than the average person. I previously posted two separate articles about it, but even after that, I’ve continued swapping out a few more. My material desires just won’t stop.

⇒ Past Article: Searching for My Main Bass as a Working Adult – Part 1
⇒ Past Article: Searching for My Main Bass as a Working Adult – Part 2

While writing those articles, I even found myself thinking, “There might be something wrong with me.” As I reflected on why I could never truly grow attached to the necks during this learning process, I realized it ultimately came down to this: I wanted an instrument that was truly my own.

However, when it comes to a full custom order, I don’t have that much detailed knowledge or strong preferences, and the price—300,000 to 400,000 yen—makes the hurdle quite high. So I wondered if there might be a brand that keeps the price reasonable, uses high-quality materials, and still fulfills all the specs I want, even if the options are somewhat limited.

And, I found it right here in my hometown of Shiga. The brand is called Kanade SOUND DESIGN by Altero Custom Guitars.

https://kanadesounddesign.com/

They’re truly an amazing brand. I’m the type of person who can only speak in abstract impressions no matter the subject, so I can’t put the finer details into words—but it’s incredible. It sounds great. It looks cool. It feels luxurious.

I’ve heard that they reduce costs by outsourcing certain parts and limiting the specifications, but the wood they use is the same high-grade material as Altero custom orders. The assembly and finishing are done by Altero, so the overall level of craftsmanship is beyond reproach. Even though the specs are somewhat limited, I can choose from three types of body wood and two types of fingerboard, and I can also specify the color and finish (note: orders are made through shops rather than as individual custom orders). Personally, I love that they use Kariya Pickups. It’s understated and classy.

And yet, for some reason, I can get one starting in the 100,000-yen range. Isn’t that amazing? That’s basically the same price as a mass-produced instrument. I honestly don’t understand how that works. I’ve heard it’s a two-person workshop, so labor costs are lower—but are they getting enough rest? (laughs)

What’s interesting is that each instrument is ordered by individual shops, so there’s a wide variety available, from orthodox models to highly unique ones. I imagine the shop staff placing orders thinking, “This is going to look so cool… this is crazy…” So quite often, I find instruments that match my taste perfectly just sitting there for sale. That’s exactly how I found my guitar. It almost feels like I custom-ordered it myself.

In short, for someone like me who wants “a great, one-of-a-kind instrument without too much hassle,” this brand was a perfect fit. I ended up letting go of several instruments I had accumulated, and now I use Kanade for both bass and guitar. Since the specifications are predefined, I was able to complete my bass order entirely through email. It feels a little lonely in a way, but at the same time, it was convenient. I’ll finish by briefly talking about the instruments I currently own.

Lately, since the workshop has also started selling their own effects pedals, I feel that Kanade is gradually becoming a brand that’s getting more hype. It’s a great product, so I hope the word continues to spread—I highly recommend giving it a try. I’ve interacted with the two people running the workshop on Twitter a few times as well, and they’re very approachable, so it’s worth reaching out to them. (laughs)

As an aside, while searching for brands like this, I’ve also been very intrigued by Sago New Material Guitars and their “Stem” line. They also use similar methods to reduce costs. It seems to be slightly more expensive than Kanade, but they’re a very attractive brand. Sago is known for their original wrap finishes, which look amazing… although I’m not buying one right now. Another side note: I own two basses from their lower-tier brand Seed, the Tabuchi Mk-II and Kanderbird. Despite being the lower tier, they don’t feel cheap at all and are perfectly good basses. Definitely more value than the price suggests. And for the higher-tier models… well… again, I’m not buying one right now.

https://sago-nmg.com/brandcat/stem/

[Bass] KPJ-SERIES

https://kanadesounddesign.com/kpj-as-kpj-al/

Specified Specs:
Body: Light Ash
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Color: British Green
Finish: Matte
Other: Changed from 2 vol to 1 vol with balancer.
As for the sound, it’s excellent. Even if you crank everything to the rear pickup, it doesn’t get thin or unusable—it still produces a very good tone.

[Guitar] Amico-HTB

https://kanadesounddesign.com/amico/

Specs (Shop Order)
Body: Alder
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Finish: Matte
Other: It’s light and cute. Compared to my previous guitars, it’s easier to grip and doesn’t hurt my fingers. The combination of black with this pickup—doesn’t it just look perfect?
This guitar has completely revived my motivation to play.

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