Active Band Man Chats - 2023 New Gear Predictions

So, the new year has begun!

That’s right. It’s already February.

It’s time for the annual My New Gear Predictions!

I’m not sure if it’s actually ‘annual’, though...

So, what are we buying this year?

Hmm... This year, I’m determined not to unnecessarily add to my gear collection!

Same every year!

Yeah, every year! For both of us, right?

There’s no such thing as unnecessary gear in this world!

That sounds like a wise saying... or is it supposed to sound cool?

Anyway, let’s dive into this year’s new gear predictions!

Basically, we’re just listing out our wishlists, right? Props to Sound House for allowing us to indulge in this.

Right? But hey, what if something I mention becomes a huge hit and sells like crazy? That’d be a nice contribution, don’t you think?

If it ends up tanking instead, they might stop letting us write columns...

Scary!

(Ignoring that) Alright, here we go.

Sure!
TC Electronic / Ditto Looper

A looper?

Yeah, I used to have a compact BOSS looper, but I never quite got the hang of it. This one only has one switch, so I feel like I could use it more intuitively!

Makes sense. It’s compact, too, so it should fit easily on your board. Loopers have really come a long way, haven’t they? Back in the day, they were more of a niche gimmick.

Next up:
Tech 21 / RK5 Fly Rig V2 Richie Kotzen Signature

A multi-effects unit?

Yeah! It’s a Richie Kotzen signature model. I’ve wanted it ever since it came out, and I’m so glad it’s not discontinued yet! You know, modern multi-effects units are so feature-packed these days.

True. Compared to when we first started playing, it’s like a whole different world.

It’s hard to keep up, huh?

Blame it on aging...

Graceful aging, you mean!

Smooth pun.

Something simple like this suits me!

Yeah, it does.

Yeah, but I also love compact pedals...

Make up your mind!

Moving on:
D’Addario / PW-AGLRA-10 Circuit Breaker Instrument Cable 3m

A circuit... breaker?

When you press the button on the plug, it mutes the signal!

Sounds handy... maybe?

Probably! Next:
BOSS / CUBE Street II RED

A must-have for street musicians.

Exactly.

Are you planning to use it?

Maybe for live shows with Ted and me. Our voices are loud enough for venues with up to 100 people, but...

True. You’d mainly need it as a guitar amp, then.

Yeah, and for larger venues or outdoor stages, something like this would be super handy.

It doesn’t seem to take up much space, which is great. You can use it for both a microphone and a guitar with just this one unit... Having one would definitely be convenient for Kizuhiko and Ted.

And next up!
Shure / BLX14J/SM31 Wireless Set/Headset Microphone

A headset! Classic!

I still haven’t given up on my dream of singing, dancing, and doing choreographed moves with both hands free...!

You can do it...

I will!

Got anything else?

I think I’m good for guitars.

Really?

Well, I already have a Teisco, a Jazzmaster, and a Steinberger... but... maybe just one more?

Oh, come on!

An SG!
Epiphone / SG Classic Worn P90 Worn Cherry

Oh, that’s surprisingly classic for you, Kizuhiko.

For the Show Words’ live shows, I thought a bit more power might be a good idea.

True, especially since it’s a three-piece band.

I wanted a guitar that could add some thickness to the sound. So, I started by trying out the classic Les Paul Standard.

Of course.

The tone was great, but it was so heavy!

Makes sense.

You know how I jump around when I play, right?

Absolutely.

With a Les Paul, that would be pretty tough. And then, the image that popped into my head was...

Was...?

Pete Townshend, jumping with an SG in his hands!

Ah, I see! The Who! Though, with an SG, Angus Young also comes to mind.

Either way, it’s lightweight and agile!

Are you going to dress like a schoolboy?

Th-that’s a bit much.

How about individual pedals?

For ambient effects, I plan to stick with the Zoom MultiStomp I already have. For distortion, I can consult with a builder friend, so I’m probably good there.

I see—your plans are more straightforward this year!

That’s about it!

That’s plenty... or actually, it’s quite a bit! Well then, it’s my turn now. Hmm... honestly, I don’t have much this year. I bought quite a lot in the first half of last year and feel pretty satisfied.

But you’ve got something, don’t you?

Well... yeah. Let’s start with the guitar. I don’t have anything specific in mind, but lately, I’ve been making a few trips back to my family home each year. I’d like to get a guitar for playing there. We do have a couple of guitars at home, but they’re things like a Thunderbird model or a Steinberger type—not really the most comfortable for casual home use.

Oh, I get that!

So, I’d like something a bit easier to play... Maybe this one? It’s a bass from Michael Kelly Guitars that you once told me about.
Michael Kelly Guitars / Element 4 Vintage Zebra Burst

It looks pretty well-made for the price. I’d love to give it a try. And while I’m at it, I might as well get a Michael Kelly guitar too. They just seem like great value overall.

Seems like a solid pick! I’d like to try one too.

Your desire for gear is rubbing off on me. And for something to use at home, I’m thinking of this:
NUX / Mighty Air

It’s basically a mini amp—compact, rechargeable, and wireless, so it seems perfect for home practice.

Oh, that sounds handy.

And what’s more, while it does require an app, it can also be used for bass. So, it’s a versatile two-in-one solution. If I had a Michael Kelly guitar, a bass, and this amp, I think I’d be able to get a lot done even when I’m back at my family’s place. What do you think?

I see. Looks like you’ve got quite the wishlist after all.

What else is there? Hmm... I’ve been curious about a preamp from the same brand as the Mighty Air I mentioned earlier—
NUX / MLD Bass Preamp + DI

I’m mostly satisfied with the preamp I’m currently using, but I can’t help but be interested in this one. It seems to have a good reputation, plus it features IR functionality. That means I could simulate cabinets on my computer and also use it as an audio interface.

Great value for the price!

Well, do I need it right now? Probably not... But yeah, that’s about it for now.

That’s plenty!

And then there’s the “I want one more just in case” type of purchase. You know, like a backup. Stuff like the BOSS BB-1X or PGS Advent. Especially the BB-1X—it seems to be getting scarce. I don’t see it much anymore, so I feel like I should grab one soon.

If you find it, secure it!

That’s probably it for this year... though honestly, when the dust settles, I might end up going on a shopping spree anyway.

Totally relatable! Oh, by the way, I already got my first new gear of the year!

What is it?

Just a small item, but... this!

A capo?

For electric guitars!

Is it different from one for acoustic guitars?

The tension—the amount of pressure it applies—seems to be different. I never really thought about it and had been using an acoustic guitar capo on my electric. Lesson learned!

Oh, I see. Little accessories are important too. Speaking of which, I’ve had fellow bands at live venues tell me, “I read your Sound House column!” quite a few times before.

That’s really nice to hear!

And then they tell me, “I’m thinking of buying this” or “I’m interested in this,” it makes me really happy.

Oh, definitely! But, you know, when someone has a great tone during soundcheck, I can’t help but sneak a peek at their pedals.

The ‘Prince Who Looks at People’s Feet’! But honestly, you can learn a lot from other people’s opinions and playing styles. I mean, I didn’t even pay attention to Michael Kelly instruments until you told me about them. Let’s keep exchanging info this year and keep fueling each other’s gear cravings.

Yes, because everything is?

For love!