Active Band Man Chats - Is Trying Out Guitars Like Searching for a Dance Partner?

So, what’s today’s topic?

Shall we dance?

Huh?

Shall we dance?

What’s going on with you?

Come on, let’s dance!

Wait, seriously, what’s happening today?

Let’s dance!

David Bowie? Alright, let’s get to the main topic before we get in trouble.

So, I go guitar shopping with a senior guitarist about once every two months.

Ah, you mean Tomotaka Imamichi, right?

What!? You knew!?

Well, he tweets about it.

Right! That actually made me really happy. Feels like an official partnership!

An official partnership? I guess so.

Anyway! Back to the topic!

Go ahead.

When we go to music stores, we try out guitars, right?

Of course, if something catches your eye.

That process kinda feels like a ballroom dance, don’t you think?

Huh? What do you mean?

Like searching for a dance partner.

Really? I’ve never been to a ballroom dance... Well, I suppose for a prince like you, it’s an everyday thing.

First, you look for someone who catches your eye.

Uh-huh... (Let’s just let him keep talking for now...)

And then, asking, May I have this dance? (or rather, May I try this guitar?) takes courage, right?

Well... yeah, I guess so.

So, you choose the one.

Sure...

And this is where opinions split—between the prestigious F Family and G Family!

Why are you using initials?

I wanted it to sound like noble families attending a grand ball. Like the Habsburgs.

Sorry, I don’t know much about that... But in the guitar world, F and G are pretty obvious...

The glamorous and rich tradition of the G Family, versus the intellectual and sleek style of the F Family!

I get it.

Some people have strong preferences.

Right?

And then you have those who want to dance with unique, retro Showa-era types... That’s me!

Then I must be the headless lady? That’s basically horror!

Indeed. And of course, there are those who specialize in mature ladies.

You mean vintage guitars? I get what you’re saying, but your wording...

Next comes the outfit!

The outfit?

Yes. The cut of the dress, the accessories...

That’s a thing?

The cut of the dress is the finish and paint job. The accessories are things like pickups.

Huh...

For example, the tuning pegs are on the headstock, so they’re like a tiara.

Huh...

It’s like we’re playing a game, Saying “Huh” for you, Horry!

I’m actually just speechless. Got anything else?

So, even if a guitar isn’t from a noble lineage, if it has a stylish finish or vintage accessories, it stands out and gets more attention.

I see... Do I?

And then, finally—

Yes?

May I have this dance?

At last! The moment of “May I try this guitar?”

First, you gently hold the neck.

Right.

Just like in ballroom dance, where you first take your partner’s hand.

I wouldn’t know.

That alone tells you a lot about compatibility.

I mean... Yeah, first impressions of the grip matter. Sometimes, you just know the moment you hold it. It’s pretty rare though.

It’s like in martial arts—just by touching fists, you can gauge your opponent’s skill.

Prince, that’s not a ballroom dance, that’s a martial arts tournament.

(Ignoring that) After gently taking their hand, you start with basic steps.

Okay...

For me, that means playing an open low E chord to check balance and intonation across all strings.

That makes sense. I also start by playing all strings to check if they resonate evenly.

Then I run through some scales, some habitual phrases, and parts of my own songs.

Got it.

Since I use open low G chords a lot in my songs, I make sure to check the resonance carefully.

Makes sense.

By the way, about picks—most stores provide test picks, right?

Yeah, there’s usually a tray with various options.

But if possible, it’s best to bring your own.

Agreed.

Just be sure to ask, “Is it okay if I use my own pick?”

Also, don’t accidentally put your own pick back in the store’s tray, and don’t take the store’s picks home by mistake.

That! I almost do that sometimes! Anyway, tuning can go out of whack while playing.

Of course, especially on guitars with tremolo systems.

Yeah. If you keep playing out of tune, you can’t properly evaluate the guitar.

That’s true.

While tuning, also check how well the tuning pegs function.

Very important. And check all the strings.

Exactly. “Excuse me, miss, your hairpiece is a little crooked. Allow me to fix it for you...”

I don’t know what to say anymore...

Next, checking the harmonics.

Right.

Make sure harmonics at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets ring out clearly.

It’s crucial for checking intonation, so you should do this on all strings.

Yes! And also, test the switches, pickup selector, and knobs!

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to tone knob curves.

Exactly. If the guitar has multiple pickups, check the individual tones and how they mix. Oh, and I always check harmonics using the bridge pickup.

That makes sense—it’s easier to get them to ring out.

Also, I lightly touch the cable plugged into the output jack to check for unwanted noise.

That’s crucial, especially for live performances. Speaking of which, also check for scratchy pots. If it’s just minor noise, the store might fix it on the spot.

Yep! I think that covers the basics. Of course, you can check details like nut and bridge precision, but the main focus should be on things that can’t be easily adjusted or swapped out.

Look at you, being all reasonable.

Oh, one more thing! This is a small detail, but when testing electric guitars, I play clean for a while, then try a crunch or high-gain tone if available, and finally return to clean before wrapping up.

Why?

Because I want to end the final waltz with the true, unmasked you...

Aww, how romantic...

Oh, and one more thing—when using a test amp, keep the EQ flat.

Hmm, it depends. If the amp is one you’re familiar with, your usual settings might work. But yeah, setting it flat can help you evaluate the guitar itself.

By the way, last time I tried out an aNueNue electric nylon guitar...

⇒List of aNueNue Products

Yeah?

It had such a natural, beautiful, bare-faced smile... I was happily playing when suddenly— “Hey, Kizu-kun, that one sounds great. Mind if I give it a try?”

And?

Of course, I said, “Go ahead!”

Naturally.

But in hindsight, it felt like someone stole a dance partner!

That wording!

Should I have said, “She’s mine! Not even for you, senpai!”?

No way...

And then—Imamichi started off with tension chords.

Like an advanced dancer’s footwork?

Exactly!

I see...

And then! He suddenly grabbed aNueNue-chan by the neck—

The phrasing! You mean he played high up the fretboard?

And strummed hard with his nails!

That’s normal...

And it sounded amazing!!

Don’t cry, don’t cry! So, Imamichi just brought out her charm better than you did?

A complete defeat...

Well, yeah. But aren’t you nervous playing in front of Imamichi?

Not really!

Not at all? Impressive.

I have my own way of playing, and my own points to check when trying a guitar.、

Well said. When testing guitars, it’s best to focus on the instrument, not the people around you.

Exactly. It’s not about playing for Imamichi—it’s about dancing with my partner.

Ooh, that actually sounded cool.

Anyway, I want to take this moment to thank Imamichi for always sharing his wisdom!

He’s a legendary guitarist, after all. But tell him directly, okay?

Yeah, I’m really grateful.

So, that’s it! I hope all our readers find their perfect partner.

Because everything is?

For love!