Active Band Man Chats - 2022 New Gear Predictions: Kizuhiko

Alright, here we are at the 101st entry!

We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?

So, what shall we buy this year?

Hmm... this year, I swear I won’t get any unnecessary gear! But...

Every year, right?

Every single year!

Well then, let’s go ahead and make this year’s new gear predictions!

This year’s predictions!?

I want to say early on, “This is what I’m planning to buy!” so that people can warn me with, “Don’t do it!”

You want people to warn you? I don’t know about that!

Exactly!

(ignoring) Well, you go first!

Okay! I’d like to enhance my setup around acoustic-electric guitars and electric ukuleles since I’m a bit lacking in those areas.

Makes sense. You use them quite a bit for your solo work, after all.

Specifically, I’m looking at the BOSS AD-2.
BOSS / AD-2 Acoustic Preamp

It’s an acoustic preamp.

Yes, that one. It’s highly praised by a guitarist and ukulele player I admire, Iwao Yamaguchi.

Oh, right—we went to see his live show together.

The sound was amazing, wasn’t it?

Definitely. But his playing was just as impressive, even more so than the gear itself.

Of course! I’ll work hard on that part!

Yes, work hard...

He also recommends the L.R. Baggs equalizer!
L.R. Baggs / Align Series Equalizer

L.R. Baggs is kind of the brand for acoustic instruments, isn’t it? I’ve seen it on stage for singer-songwriters now and then, but I’m not super familiar with it.

I’ll probably end up getting those two pieces that Yamaguchi recommends—after all, we’re from the same region!

Does being from the same hometown really have that much influence...? Come to think of it, I wonder what setup Ojo used in Limelight... I don’t think she used a preamp.

If anyone has info on acoustic-electric gear, let me know!

Anything else you’re thinking about?

For electric guitar, I just got a Supersonic recently, so I think I’m good.

Really?

Well... maybe just two more?

You have more? And two, at that? (laughs)

Um, there’s the Epiphone Casino...

Oh, a classic choice.

And then... the Bass VI.
Squier / Classic Vibe Bass VI 3-Color Sunburst

A six-string bass! That’s unexpected. What’s behind that choice?

Well, I just watched the Beatles: Get Back recently...

Oh, you watched it?

And John’s natural-finish Casino...

Yes?

And George’s six-string bass...

Yes?

They just looked so cool!

Sounds like a moment of weakness to me!

Wh-why does this feel like an interrogation?

Want a katsu-don?

Scary! But yes, I’ll take it.

You would take it!

Make it a filet-katsu-don!

Don’t get picky! Now, any other ‘crimes’ to confess?

Nope, nothing else...

What about pedals?

I’ve been trying to cut back, compared to before.

Hmm, well, that’s commendable.

R-right. But... there’s just one thing I’ve been curious about...

Oh, there is something!

The BOSS Dimension C
BOSS / DC-2W Dimension C

And the BOSS acoustic simulator!
BOSS / AC-3

Two pedals?

Well, I’m currently using a Zoom multi-stomp, but I’d be really happy to have the BOSS stuff at my feet... Also, since I’m a singer, I need something for the mic...

Just confess everything!

Recommended by a senior musician, the ART Mic Preamp!
ART / Tube MP Mic Preamp

Hmm, I’m not too familiar with mic-related gear...

And then there’s the Shure wireless headset mic.
Shure / BLX14J/SM31 Wireless Set/Headset Mic

I get the wireless part, but a headset?

I want to sing while dancing!

Got it. Good luck with that...

I think that’s about it.

That’s more than enough... there’s actually quite a bit here.

Also, something I’m a little interested in is the shamisen!

A shamisen? Traditional?

This one!
Shamiko / Five Go Masu Shamisen

It’s small, so I thought it might be easy to start with, kind of like a ukulele!

So, Sound House even carries shamisen... impressive. Is that all?

Well, as a tarot reader, I’d also like to get a new deck of cards.

Hmm, that’s probably something even Sound House can’t help with!

One day, I want to make a deck with my own print on it!

What kind of shop are you running now...?

I’m just me!

...Right.

So, everything is?

For love!