Active Band Man Chats - Test-Playing Instruments Edition Part 2 -

Since we covered the etiquette for test-playing last time... this time, I’ll list my own personal methods or things I check when I'm test-playing. Keep in mind this is just how I do it.

Right on!

First... what would that be? I have a standard phrase that I always play during rehearsals at live houses, so maybe that? It's a phrase composed using the 2nd to 4th strings.

So, I guess it’s like grabbing a sense of the sound's characteristics with a standard phrase.

Exactly. Then, I play a phrase from a song by the band I’d likely be using that bass for... for example, with Nacional（http://nacional.jp/）, we have a song called "SWIM," so I'll play that phrase. It’s a song that has been in our repertoire forever. It’s probably the same as how Kizuhiko-san mentioned "Yuyake Sand Beach" last time.

Exactly. A song you're used to playing and used to hearing.

After that, I play octave phrases to check the overall balance. You know, that "up-and-down" kind of thing. Using the 2nd and 4th strings, then the 1st and 3rd. I check to see if each string is ringing out evenly.

I see. With a guitar, I check that by playing a chord using all six strings.

Ah, that might be similar. It’s about whether the whole thing comes out beautifully with a good balance, right? Then... I compare the sound of playing with a pick versus playing with my fingers.

I don't really do that much with guitar test-playing either. Oh, what about slapping...?

I don't do it. Or rather, I can't... you know that (laughs). At most, I'll just play the same phrase with a pick and my fingers.

Yeah, if it's an acoustic guitar, I guess I'd try fingerpicking too.

That’s about it, I think. The rest just depends on my mood—whatever phrase I’m into at the moment or something I’m practicing.

Anything except slapping.

Enough already with that! (wry laugh)

And then?

I also check the knobs (controls). Like, what the configuration is.

Ah, the "appetizers" (tsumami), right?

Exactly! Hey, Boss! What’s the recommendation for today? Something that goes well with sake!

Coming right up! We’ve got a real nice Jazz Bass today!

Hey, wait a minute!

I got scolded!

I mean, I do want a nice Jazz Bass (laughs), but personally, I prefer a single volume over dual volume. That can sometimes change whether I decide to buy it or not.

Knobs are important!

Furthermore... aren't we the type who tend to like "offset" or uniquely shaped models?

We?

Am I wrong? (laughs)

You are not wrong (laughs).

So, depending on the situation, I’ll sometimes ask the staff to borrow a strap so I can play standing up, just to check the body balance. Though some shops might not have straps available for testing.

I see, I see. And once you’ve borrowed a strap, do you finally go for the slap...?

Hey! Even if it rhymes, it's still a no!

Scolded again!

Uniquely shaped models can suffer from neck dive, right? Which can make them hard to play while standing. So, I make it a point to check that.

I see. After all, you do play standing up most of the time during a live show.

Well, whether I’d actually give up on buying it just because neck dive is a different topic. But I check it anyway, just in case (laughs).

Such a complicated maiden’s heart, isn't it?

Tee-hee! ...Wait, who are you calling a maiden?

So, anything else?

I think that’s about it.

Still, it’s a bit different from test-playing a guitar.

The checkpoints change a little, I guess. I’m sure it varies from person to person, but this is how it is for me.

This is a photo from when we visited the Sound House showroom. I’m wearing a down jacket... It was snowing that day. Why did we have to go at a time like that? (laughs)

That brings back memories. A space where you can test-play as much as you want... It’s truly a test-playing heaven (laughs). If anyone came to a place like this, they’d be "bound to try" (shisou-shisou) everything!

"Bound to try"... that wasn't a very good pun, and besides, that’s exactly what the place is for (laughs). But the showroom is temporarily closed right now... I’d love to go back once it reopens.

Right. Would you like to test-play anything else?

Hmm... then shall we move on to effects pedals?

Ah, customer, you have a keen eye! We’ve got some good "distortion" (hizumi) in today!

Well then, I’ll take one! ...Wait, hey! I’ll test-play it first!

An appetizer (otooshi)?

Testing! That didn't even sound like the same word!

Which one will it be?

Hmm... then I'll try this distortion, please. By the way, kizuhiko, are there things you watch out for or check when test-playing effects pedals?

Let's see. First off, I try to bring my own instrument to test it out whenever possible.

That’s important!

However, it’s not like I’m carrying a guitar around every day, so in reality, it usually ends up being an instrument shop I pass by on the way to or from a rehearsal.

If I don't have my own instrument, I ask to test-play with a "pole" (bass) that's as close to mine as possible. That is, if the shop has multiple test-playing units available.

Staff at music stores usually ask, "Do you want a single-coil? Or a humbucker?"

I see. For bass, it’s usually just "Do you want a Jazz Bass? Or a Precision?" Maybe choosing between passive and active, too.

It's a tough choice, right? Ham is good, but tuna salad is nice too... in the end, maybe the 3-variety sandwich?

Huh? Are you talking about sandwiches?

Just kidding. I meant they let you choose between a guitar with single-coil pickups (like a Strat) or humbucking pickups (like a Les Paul).

Yeah, because the way the effect sits can change quite a bit depending on that...

Exactly. You should know which one your own guitar uses!

Definitely. Also, depending on the situation, instead of a dedicated test-playing unit, I might ask to test-play using an instrument they actually have in stock. Especially if there's a bass I’m interested in—might as well kill two birds with one stone.

Totally. But a common thing that happens is you can't tell if the borrowed instrument was good or if the pedal was good...

That happens all the time! You’re supposed to be testing a pedal, but you end up thinking, "Wow, this bass is nice..." (laughs). Also, if there are multiple pieces of gear I'm interested in—especially if they’re the same type (like distortion)—I try to test them together as much as possible. So, if I can, I go to a shop that has them all in stock.

Checking ahead is important...

Exactly. And if they don't have everything, I might bring along gear I already own and test them together... that way, by comparing them, I can grasp the specific characteristics of that unit.

So practical!

Since the environment—like the amp and room—is different at a music store than what you're used to, you occasionally buy something and think, "Huh? This sounds different..." Doing a side-by-side comparison helps avoid that to some extent.

Happens all the time.

That’s about it, I guess. The rest is the same as testing an instrument: checking it with your usual habits or standard phrases. Ideally, I’d love to bring my own pedalboard and test a new pedal by plugging it right in. The compatibility between different pedals matters, after all. I think you could probably do it if you asked, but still.

You'd be thought of as a very demanding customer!

In the end, I suppose you just have to get out there, do it often, and build up your experience.

True. Everyone, get out there and test-play gear to level up your experience!

That’s right, because everything is...?

For love!