Active Band Man Chats - New Gear for 2025: Checking Back at the Second Half of the Year: Kizuhiko Edition

So, what are we discussing this time?

Since 2025 is coming to an end!

And?

This year just flew by too, didn’t it?

Yes… it did.

It went by in a flash.

A flash?

It went by in a puyu flash.

Pu?

It went by in a chesto! flash.

Che?

Hey, did you know? Apparently “chesto” means “abandon your wisdom”!

Okay enough…

Don’t think, feel! So, shall we get started? This year is My New Gear predictions—time to check the answers! Paf paf!

The annual tradition. This is for the second half of the year, right?

For the second half of the year, me… first of all, this!

PLAYTECH / Maracas

Maracas!

There’s one song in The Captains’ live repertoire where we use them.

Uh, was it “Poolside Beachside”?

…That’s it!

Oh, I got it right (laughs).

If they’re the fully wooden kind, they’ll crack if you hit the maracas together, so I was looking for something like this.

I see.

But you know, these maracas seem to have two different kinds of beads inside. They’re probably different sizes and weights, so when you shake them, they sound twice with a slight delay.

Huh, is that… really okay?

It’s fine! It’s me, after all!

As expected of the rough-and-ready prince… (laughs)

Well, yeah!

To be honest, you can barely hear it anyway.

What did you say—!

This is where you get mad (laughs).

That’s a relief!

You’re relieved? (laughs)

Alright, on to the next new gear!r />

This is…?

It was a gift, but it’s a Steinberger with a headstock!

Cool… I think the model number is GS7TA.

As expected! A true Steinberger expert!

That’s a pretty niche kind of expertise (laughs).

It’s very reliable! This Steinberger has three of my favorite EMG pickups, and it produces crystal-clear clean tones!

Nice!

Right? The downside is that the body is a bit heavy!

Ah, I see.

So I took that into account and bought a strap!

A standard one.

A pure white strap on a jet-black guitar—going full monochrome!

Oh, you did what you set out to do.

And then there’s this!

BOSS / BD-2 Blues Driver Overdrive

Oh, BOSS.

I love BOSS!

They’re always reliable, aren’t they?

I used to have one before, but I got it again this year!

Well, having at least one gives you peace of mind… right?

Exactly! It’s such a solid pedal, it might make it onto my main board next year.

First, send it to get trained at the farm (laughs).

Aiming for a regular spot!

Do your best—(flat tone).

And last but not least, this one!

PLAYTECH / Sound House Onee-san Pick M

The Sound House Onee-san pick! We’re always indebted to her.

Totally—I can’t thank her enough. As a pick collector, I just couldn’t not buy it!

I see.

That’s about it!

You covered guitars, effects, and accessories pretty evenly.

Ta-da!

Don’t “ta-da” me! (laughs)

So, next time horry will tell us about his new gear from the second half of the year! Yes,and everything is—

Because of love!