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'72RI Thinline and Robert Quine's old MIJ 50's RI, that he modded with Rio Grande pickups.

 

Highest position on Explore: 10 on Monday, June 23, 2008

 

The scariest thing I've seen in years.

 

Highest position on Explore: 222 on Saturday, July 12, 2008

 

Highest position on Explore: 68 on Saturday, November 1, 2008

I've had my Strat since 1984, when I bought it new.

Raw file processed with Capture One

  

NIK Dfine 2.0, Color Efex Pro 4, Viveza 2

  

(selective frequency separation)

  

Taken with a Sigma 50 mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM AF Lens

It's like a traffic light & gas pedal all in one; the lovely Leslie Combo Pre-Amp.

After the concert — that quiet moment when everything cools down.

I used a diffused flash from the left and created the atmosphere with a fog machine.

One logo was removed to keep the focus on mood and texture rather than brand identity.

I wanted it to feel more like a scene than product photography.

Taken for Active Assignment Weekly - Pimp my 'Puter

 

This has turned into quite an essay, hang in there...

  

Everyone loves music, and by pimping your computer with a dedicated DAC, you can get honest-to-goodness high-end sound for ridiculously low cost. If you have a computer (and you must because you're reading this) and a USB port, you're already two-thirds of the way there.

 

DISCLAIMER

I'm in no way associated with any of these products, just a very happy consumer.

 

WHAT IS A DAC?,

It is a Digital to Analog Converter.

 

Music on a CD (Compact Disc) is stored in 1's and 0's, digital form.

A CD holds about 800Mb in WAV (wave file format).

Typically one track is about 50Mb in size.

MP3's are just another form of digital storage. It is a lossy form of compression - discards bits it thinks you wont miss, and can get one track down to 5Mb in size or less.

 

To hear either a CD or a MP3, it has to be converted to sound waves - Analogue, this is the job of the DAC.

 

There are DAC's in just about everything, computers, ipods, phones, and they are certainly not all created equal.

Your PC probably has a built in sound card. It will be terrible, bass will be chopped off, non-existent, treble similarly truncated, and everything in between will sound flattened. You can recognize the song, but just barely.

You think your iPod sounds great, compared to the PC sound card it probably does, but it is nothing compared to a high-end DAC.

With a high end DAC, it will sound like you are 2 feet in front of the performer. You can hear the intake of breath, the scrape of the fingernail on the silver wound guitar strings, the bass is heart arresting, and unbelievably deep.

It is the DAC that performs all the magic, and what magic it is once you have heard a good one.

 

WHAT TYPE OF DAC TO GET?

There is a plethora of dedicated DACs available, and it can be mighty confusing.

There are different types of connection to the computer - coaxial, optical, spdif, usb. The beauty of usb is you don't need any hardware or software on the computer, just plug in the USB cable, and the Operating System detects it as an external sound card. USB is the type to get.

 

The next choice gets very technical, the details are here:

www.sakurasystems.com/articles/Kusunoki.html

Having listened to both types side by side, I agree with this reviewer:

www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiozone5/system.html the non-over sampling filter less concept is winning in my listening room. So you want a NOS (non over sampling DAC).

The other type can be over analytical, ear bleeding harsh, and fatiguing to listen to, which is why some audiophiles still prefer vinyl.

 

WHAT DOES A NOS USB DAC COST?

You can spend insane amounts of money on high-end audio equipment.

Paganini DAC (PDC) - $17,999

Paganini Upsampler (PUP) - $10,499

Puccini uClock (PUU) - $4,999

That is $33,500 USD, just for the DAC components in your rig.

(from the CASH list www.computeraudiophile.com/computer-audiophile-suggested-...

 

For a truly great USB NOS DAC like the Red Wine Audio Isabella you are still looking at major money like $3000 USD.

 

However for a 9/10 Audio Zone dac-1, you are down to a somewhat more palatable $1300 USD.

 

Now for the best bit, the exact same USB NOS DAC is available in a kit set form, marketed as Audio Sector for a mere $300 USD - now that is awesome.

 

If kit set freaks you out (like me), you can get it assembled by the designer himself, Peter Daniel.

 

Peter's signature states:

"Do something really well. See how much time it takes. It might be a product, a work of art, who knows? Then give it away cheaply, just because you feel that it should not cost so much, even if it took a lot of time and expensive materials to make it."

Get the Audio Sector DAC here: www.diyaudio.com/forums/audio-sector/149601-audiosector-u...

 

Even in the kit set form, a work of art it is: www.flickr.com/photos/richardmayston/sets/72157622990565738/

 

REVIEWER COMMENTS

www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiozone5/system.html

 

I'm amazed by designer Peter Daniel's ability to get so much from so little. No doubt the incredibly short signal paths, an obsessive attention to the minutest of details and ridiculously low parts count contribute to AZ's growing reputation for stellar sonic performance in small boxes

 

The non-over sampling filter less DAC.

The venerable TDA1543 converter and CS8412 input receiver remain as does the completely passive I/V stage. There are no op amps in sight.

The transparency, clarity and detail were staggering as was the sheer lack of noise. No hum, no hiss, no tube rush - nada. I can't ever recall hearing music emerge from as silent a backdrop as this. The result was a sense of heightened realism, with a plethora of subtle musical details and a stunning rendering of recorded venue. Transparency, resolution and lightning reflexes.

DAC was smoother, more natural with a lovely, detailed midrange yet utterly lacking in edge or glare. Music gushed forth with a more natural rhythmic bounce. presenting a fuller, more naturally balanced midrange without glare or hyped-up detail.

As for the DAC-1, if there is a more inviting and organic-sounding DAC or CDP retailing under $2000, I'm blissfully unaware of it.

 

VALUE

Need more evidence of value?

Have a look at this list All the DACs money can buy

They are ordered by price (USD) and range from position #1 at $39 to #176 at $69,220.

Now remember the $300 Audio Sector kit set is exactly the same as the commercial Audio Zone #98 at $1,167.

$300 would normally only get you as far as #42.

Not only that, Audio Sector design of non oversampling twin Philips TDA1541 and lack of Op-amps, is almost identical to #167 at $15,470.

The Audio Sector kit set is an incredible bargain.

 

It is not just me who thinks this is an incredible bargain, check out what some other Hi-Fi enthusiasts think:

I paid about £100 for the DAC, and the more I listen, the more I think this is one of the bargains of a lifetime.

Quite simply, if I'd paid £1000 for it, I wouldn't be disappointed.

It blows beresford/caiman/dacmagic etc into the weeds.

 

OUTPUT

The Audio Sector DAC has RCA output, so you have to put it into an amplifier.

As an AUX input to my 30yr old Denon amp & energy speakers, the Audio Sector DAC is like an injection of rocket fuel, they have never sounded so good.

However, in my continuing quest for sonic excellence, headphones are the way to go.

 

HEADPHONES

With good headphones, a good source, and a good headphone amp you'll be pleasantly surprised at the level of audio performance you get. In fact, while speaker systems can out-perform headphones in terms of imaging and visceral impact, headphones can deliver much superior resolution and detail. The most common reaction folks have with their first experience listening to good headphones with a good amp is, "I've heard stuff I've never heard before, I'm going to have to listen to my whole music collection over again."

 

The Sennheiser PX100 headphones are one of the best things I ever bought, they sound like chocolate for your ears. They are in the HeadRoom's 10 Best Headphones as "Great sound, unbelievable ergonomics, fantastic price". The reason they sound so great, is they are Open:

 

Open/closed

Also known as open-back ("Open-Aire") and closed-back. Generally speaking, a distinction is made between open and closed headphones. With closed headphones, the ear is completely sealed off from outside noise (pressure chamber principle). Typical featues of closed headphones are the acoustically sealed housing and the ring-shaped (circumaural) pads that completely surround the ear. The sealing around the ear has a decisive influence on the sound reproduction of closed headphones. If it is insufficient, the quality of the bass sounds will deteriorate. For this reason, the contact pressure of closed headphones is higher than that of open headphones. Closed headphones are often used by sound engineers to allow them to concentrate on the music without disturbance from outside noise. The problem of sealing does not exist with open headphones. In this design, the space behind and in front of the diaphragm lets through sound. Therefore, open headphones allow music to pass straight through the diaphragm without being "muffled", thus resulting in a more transparent and natural sound image. The distinguishing features of open headphones are their small size and low weight. These in turn make them extremely comfortable to wear, and no discomfort is felt even after prolonged periods of listening.

 

I bet you've only ever heard closed headphones, and probably mediocre ones at that. You owe it to yourself to try a PX100, everybody should try them. They made me want to listen to every piece of music I owned over again, just to finally hear it how it was meant to be heard.

 

For home use open headphones are better than closed.

Anything of this headphone top 10 list is going to be good:

www.headphone.com/selection-guide/10-best-headphones.php

El cheapo the Sennheiser PX100 at ~50USD is a good start.

Next step, but a big sonic jump the Grado SR60i at ~100USD.

I didn't intend to go so high up the ladder myself, but once I'd heard them, I thought you only live once, and got the Sennheiser HD650.

www.headphone.com/headphones/sennheiser-hd-650.php

"Once considered (at least by us!) the "world's best," the Sennheiser HD650 remains one of our absolute favourite headphones. This full-size open-back headphone delivers silky smooth sound with a laid-back delivery; a truly gorgeous can for acoustic music of all kinds."

 

For commuter you need closed headphones for isolation, I use Sennheiser HD25-1-II with a Cowon J3 player. The combination of lossless flacs, with the Wolfson DAC chip in the Cowon J3, and the HD25 headphones - never fails to put a big smile on my face. I look forward to my commuter time. Anyone I play it to is stunned.

 

I have about 1.5hrs commuting and listen to flacs on the Cowon J3. I wanted something that sounded like open Grado RS1 headphones but that had some isolation and portability, the Grado GR10 EIM sounded ideal. Initially I was somewhat disappointed. The highs and mids were great but the bass was significantly recessed. The solution was a Ray Samuels Hornet, and the marriage is a match made in heaven. The Hornet has a ‘upfront’ sound to it. The vocals are pushed a bit more forward and it has a tight, punchy type of sound to it, it really is suited nicely for pretty much everything except possibly orchestral. The hornet opens up the GR10 's fully, the bass is back! The GR10's are breathtakingly revealing, much more so than my sennheiser HD650. An analogy would be instead of being at the back of the hall at say a Buena Vista Social Club concert, you are right on the stage, and can choose to examine each instrument in turn. The detail gives you much more to examine in each piece, you can focus on something new each time you listen. Now I treasure my travel time. I think the Grado GR10 are an incredible bargain, well worth their price, but I do recommend you amp them.

 

AMPLIFIER

For a really good, but still affordable desktop Amplifier I got the Little Dot mk V.

www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/review-little-dot-mkv-dual-mono...

 

ANALOGUE CABLES

I used to be a cable sceptic, but I was loaned a Crimson Chord, and became a Cable Convert, it does make a difference.

www.chord.co.uk/chordweb/crimson.htm

"A superb all-rounder that will suit any sub-£1000 system."

 

DIGITAL USB CABLE

I was definatelty in the cable skeptic camp when it comes to USB cables:

 

>one big placebo, assuming the cable is not defective.

>If the cable meets the IEEE standard, there should not be a difference.

>There is a world of difference between analog type cables and digital ones.

 

Yep, that was what I thought.

 

>Spoken like a person with either no real world experience or not a particularly revealing system.

>Digital cables do matter and can sound starkly different assuming your system is transparent enough.

>The only way you will be able to make an educated decision is to try the different cables in your system

>to see if there is a difference in your system and, if so, which cable you prefer.

 

So I did.

So when I needed a 2m usb cable, I thought I'd proove it to myself, and despite a vanilla cable being NZ $3.50, stump up the $110 for a Wireworld Ultraviolet USB Audio Cable. I had it at home for about 1 hour, swapping it back and forward at least 10 times listening to a range of music through my Sennheiser HD650's and Little Dot mkV, and I quickly decided to return it...and order the $250 Wireworld Starlight USB!

 

The difference was way bigger than I'd believed possible. I had thought it already sounded pretty near perfect, but after swapping it back & forth it was apparent the smearing of detail & particularly the silibance around 'S' sounds on the old cable.

 

Considering the wild price differences in RCA cables, I have to say I agree with several reviewers, the Wireworld Starlight USB is a no brainer bargin.

 

RIPPING

You can't play music from your computer unless you upload (or download) it first. To rip bit-perfect music files to hard drive I use the renowned Exact Audio Copy (EAC). This easy-to-use wonder does a fantastic job of pulling every last bit off Red Book CDs and is the standard by which all other rippers are judged. EAC is free.

 

Disk space will be under $50 per Terabyte this year - abandon those lossy MP3's, and use lossless compressed FLAC format. This sounds exactly the same as the original CD, but 1/2 the size. Once you have this type of gear, MP3's really do sound - compressed. MP3's do still have a place, on your 4/8Gb iPod where you can't tell the difference, but it is time to flac up your main collection, your software can convert it on the fly to mp3 for your portable ipod.

 

SOFTWARE

A lot of audiophiles swear by Foobar2000 (FB2K). It isn't the most user-friendly software. I agree with the FAQ

Does foobar2000 sound better than other players?

No. Most of 'sound quality differences' people 'hear' are placebo effect.

I use MediaMonkey, because of it's auto tagging from the web, auto organize, duplicate titles finder, auto play lists. It really helps managing my library.

 

OPERATING SYSTEM

Operating systems can be an issue. Windows XP routes audio through a nasty bit of work called the K-Mixer, which is effective at dramatically reducing sound quality. Not to worry, though, because a free utility, Asio4All, bypasses the K-Mixer and keeps the signal clean.

Windows 7 & Vista are fine.

Ubuntu, the easiest-to-use Linux variant no problems (no EAC though), not sure about Mac, but I expect they work fine.

 

GETTING STARTED

Putting this together would be a big leap of faith. I'd suggest starting with the Grado SR60i headphones. These have low impedance 32 Ohms, and can be driven directly off your iPod. That will give you a start in good sound. Then you probably have an amplifier with RCA inputs already, and can make a move on a DAC.

 

MY SETUP

With a Hard Y-Adapter the Audio Sector now does double duty, and also feeds a superb Unison Research Unico SE parts conneXion Level 2 modified, driving a stunning pair of ProAc Studio 140 speakers.

 

CONCLUSION

To put all this cost in perspective, my complete kit, headphones, amp, dac & cables cost less than my dSLR body alone.

My Canon 40d was second to the bottom of the dslr range at the time, this audio config is very close to the top, and will last 10yrs or more - if my old denon is anything to go by.

The universal response from everyone hearing this rig is OMG!

 

The Audio Sector DAC at $300 is a no brainer, just DO IT.

Pimp your computer, pimp your music, pimp your life.

 

UPDATE:

 

Comparing old technology and new:

 

TDA1543 dual 16bit developed in the 1980's

lightning reflexes

utterly lacking in edge or glare

more naturally balanced midrange without glare or hyped-up detail

Music gushed forth with a more natural rhythmic bounce

Has P.R.A.T Pace, Rhythm and Timing

  

Sabre ES9023 32bit 2012

slow

upper register edge glare hyped detail

bass lacking

flat, lifeless in comparison.

 

A replica of Peter Green's 1959 "honeyburst" Les Paul Standard, with magnetically out-of-phase pickups, duplicating his "magic" sound.

My mini board. I can take it and plug into any clean amp. . .

A replica of Peter Green's 1959 "honeyburst" Les Paul Standard, with magnetically out-of-phase pickups, duplicating his "magic" sound.

Sitting on a Mackie SA-1521 2-way 500 watt powered speaker is a very portable live sound rack. On the top 10 rack spaces is a Mackie 1642 VLZ3, on the front 6 I have a Furman power conditioner, Digitech TSR-24 and Studio Quad 2 processors, Alesis Midiverb 4, and dbx AFS-224 and Sabine FX-1802 feedback eliminators; all connected together with balanced lines!

This image offers a crisp, head-on view of MIKI GAKKI BASS SIDE, a specialty bass guitar shop located in the heart of Osaka’s Amerikamura (American Village) district—Japan’s mecca for musicians and gearheads alike. With gleaming glass doors and a brightly lit showroom, the entrance to this bass-only annex beckons to players of all levels, from casual enthusiasts to seasoned professionals.

 

Inside, a stunning lineup of bass guitars in every imaginable color and configuration hangs in orderly rows, creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the music these instruments are designed to produce. The reflected lighting and spotless floors speak to the shop’s modern, premium feel, while its highly curated inventory makes it a destination shop for low-end lovers across Japan and beyond.

 

MIKI GAKKI, one of Japan’s most legendary music retailers since 1825, is known for its elite service and expansive product range. The BASS SIDE location continues that tradition with a focused dedication to electric basses, amps, accessories, and boutique brands. Posters in the window announce promotions, gear buybacks, and shop hours (12:00–20:00), reinforcing this shop’s reputation as both a showroom and a community hub for serious musicians.

 

Even the corridor leading to the shop adds to the sense of anticipation—with clean architecture, quiet lighting, and an invitingly wide-open approach that frames the shop like a stage. Whether you’re in the market for a rare custom bass or simply want to bask in the glow of expertly displayed instruments, MIKI GAKKI BASS SIDE is a must-visit stop on any music-lover’s Osaka itinerary.

  

A replica of Peter Green's 1959 "honeyburst" Les Paul Standard, with magnetically out-of-phase pickups, duplicating his "magic" sound.

This immersive image offers a dreamlike view inside MIKI GAKKI BASS SIDE—a specialty bass guitar store in Osaka’s Amerikamura district, renowned among musicians for its wall-to-wall inventory of top-tier basses. The photo captures an entire section of the store’s display, showcasing multiple rows of Fender Jazz and Precision-style bass guitars, expertly arranged and ready to be played.

 

The instruments span a spectrum of finishes—from classic sunburst and glossy black to candy apple red and arctic white—each hanging with a tag detailing specs, pricing, and model names. Prominently featured in the front row are Fender Player Jazz Basses, known for their blend of affordability, playability, and iconic tone. With prices hovering around ¥86,900, this lineup appeals to both entry-level musicians and intermediate players looking to upgrade.

 

The carefully lit, wood-floored interior enhances the showroom effect, allowing each guitar’s details to shine—from tortoiseshell pickguards and maple necks to active electronics and custom pickups. The setting is not just a retail environment; it’s a bass-lover’s paradise, where each instrument is treated with reverence and care.

 

The presentation emphasizes Japan’s culture of precision and curation, and MIKI GAKKI’s reputation for offering world-class instruments in pristine condition is clearly on display. Whether you're a touring bassist, a gear collector, or simply a fan of beautiful instruments, this visual feast of finishes and forms captures the essence of a flagship music retailer dedicated entirely to the low end.

A stunning, close-up view of the body of the Fender Adam Clayton Signature Jazz Bass, a model inspired by the legendary U2 bassist. This four-string electric bass features a highly recognizable metallic finish, often described as Sherwood Green or a similar teal/seafoam tone, paired with an eye-catching white pearloid pickguard. The chrome hardware, including the control plate and high-mass bridge, beautifully contrasts with the deep metallic lacquer.

 

Below the strings, the black single-coil pickups hint at the punchy, versatile tone that has made the J-Bass a studio and stage staple for decades. The overall aesthetic is one of professional elegance and rock history, appealing to both U2 fans and bassists seeking an instrument with stellar looks, reliable build quality, and articulate J-Bass tone straight out of the box.

Inspired by Music Thing's similar post, I decided to put up a shot of the music gear I have laying around.

Set against velvet black drapery and glowing under a warm spotlight, this boutique fretless 6-string bass is a bold statement in modern luthiery. Its flamed maple top radiates with an amber glow, drawing the eye along the sleek contours of a body designed for both ergonomic precision and visual drama. Though the maker’s name isn’t visible, every curve and component whispers “masterbuilt.”

 

With Bartolini soapbar pickups and a six-knob control setup, this instrument is clearly built for tonal range and player customization. The unlined ebony fretboard offers infinite expressive potential—mwah-rich slides, fluid phrasing, and endless sustain for those who live outside the fretted box.

 

Architecturally, the design is minimal but deeply intentional. The sweeping lower horn and compact upper bout offer easy access to the upper register without sacrificing balance or comfort. Every edge has been sculpted to flow—this is not just a bass; it's a kinetic sculpture ready to sing.

 

Flanked by more traditional models in a boutique Tokyo guitar shop, this bass stands out like a piece of modern art in a gallery of classics. Whether it's a rare one-off by a master luthier or part of an ultra-limited run, it commands respect and curiosity. It’s an instrument that makes you want to ask questions—and then stop talking and start playing.

Sean Tan lives in Singapore. He is an expert for Woodwind instrument maintenance.

Both guitars are, according to Fender, painted "Sherwood Green," but Oliver, the Strat, looks more like "Ocean Turquoise Metallic" to me.

 

Both have pick guards by Spitfire Tort Pickguards.

A replica of Peter Green's 1959 "honeyburst" Les Paul Standard, with magnetically out-of-phase pickups, duplicating his "magic" sound.

1965 Vibro Champ with a J.Rockett IKON overdrive. Yum.

Here’s a bass that turns heads before you even plug it in—the Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass in Faded Daphne Blue. This short-scale powerhouse blends vintage aesthetics with modern performance and pays tribute to Justin Meldal-Johnsen, the bassist behind artists like Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and St. Vincent. It’s a modern classic with unmistakable retro flair.

 

Visually, the bass screams mid-century cool. The body’s offset contours and worn nitrocellulose finish channel Fender’s golden-era craftsmanship from the 1960s. The Daphne Blue color, originally a custom car paint shade from General Motors, became a staple of Fender’s custom colors in the early ‘60s—and this faded, road-worn version adds a ton of character. The light relic treatment gives it the feel of a well-loved vintage instrument that’s spent years on the road, complete with finish checking, dings, and edge wear.

 

The pickguard, a lush pearloid layer, complements the classic aesthetic, while the rosewood fretboard and vintage-style tuners lock in the retro vibes. The star of the show is the Custom Seymour Duncan® split-coil pickup, delivering punchy, focused tones with a deep, thumpy voice—perfect for indie rock, funk, and lo-fi grooves. Add the short 30” scale, and you get an incredibly playable bass that’s easy on the hands and full of sonic mojo.

 

Fender’s Mustang Bass was first introduced in 1966 as Leo Fender’s final bass design before selling the company. Its compact size and unique tonal range made it a sleeper hit—until bassists like JMJ revived it for modern audiences.

 

Whether you're a collector, gigging musician, or tone chaser, the JMJ Mustang blends history, attitude, and playability in one incredibly cool package. It’s not just a bass—it’s a vibe.

This extraordinary electric guitar is a rare blend of music, fine art, and Japanese cultural heritage. Displayed proudly in a Tokyo boutique, this Telecaster-style guitar features a meticulously detailed body graphic inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji", specifically the lesser-seen “South Wind, Clear Sky” or "Red Fuji" print. The bold gradient from indigo sky to volcanic crimson peaks is rendered with remarkable precision, transforming the guitar into a playable canvas.

 

While the body retains classic Telecaster hardware and electronics—two single-coil pickups, a control plate with chrome knobs, and a three-saddle bridge—the real showstopper is the custom finish. The wood grain subtly shows through the edges, grounding the art in natural tonewood craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of a centuries-old ukiyo-e masterpiece with a modern electric guitar form speaks volumes about the intersection of tradition and innovation in Japanese design.

 

This guitar wasn’t mass-produced—it’s likely a limited run or one-off custom model, possibly by Fender Japan or a high-end Japanese luthier specializing in art guitars. Japan has a deep reverence for both fine woodworking and musical instruments, and this piece beautifully reflects that harmony.

 

Guitars like this are rarely seen outside Japan, and when they are, they tend to become collector’s centerpieces. Whether displayed or played, it’s a conversation piece that merges visual storytelling with tonal versatility.

 

Perfect for photographers, collectors, or musicians drawn to the fusion of aesthetics and sound, this is more than an instrument—it’s a tribute to Japanese culture through a rock-and-roll lens.

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya district, the Fender Flagship Store is a haven for music enthusiasts, offering a captivating fusion of modern architecture and rich musical heritage. This glass-walled, multi-level showroom is Fender’s largest flagship store in the world, exuding an aura of sleek sophistication that reflects the brand’s legacy while embracing Tokyo's dynamic urban landscape. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by rows of meticulously displayed guitars and basses, from classics to limited-edition models, all bathed in warm lighting that brings out their unique finishes.

 

The store’s design is as striking as it is inviting. Fender amplifiers and accessories are thoughtfully arranged, ensuring every type of player, from beginners to pros, finds inspiration. Upstairs, the experience continues with interactive stations where you can explore Fender’s iconic soundscapes, making this not just a retail space but a place to immerse yourself in the world of music. A dedicated service area caters to musicians seeking repairs, customizations, or expert advice.

 

Beyond the guitars, basses, and amps, Fender’s Tokyo flagship also boasts exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collectibles, making it a must-visit destination for Fender fans and collectors. Whether you’re a musician or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, this flagship offers a unique insight into Fender's artistry within Tokyo's bustling energy. With its impressive design and unmatched selection, Fender's Tokyo Flagship Store sets the stage for an unforgettable experience for any music lover.

contents of the case. Some serious music's been made with these instuments.

Grant Dermody is an amazing player. This Case was made by Grant's father for his (son's) TOOLS from an old clarinet case, primo recycling job!

Here's the outside of this box of "Tools of Grant Dermodys Trade"

Oh Yeah and if you are a harmonica Player and you do not have his record "Crossing that River" (collaborations with many great artists in"cross-section of styles", all of whom admire Grant, hear him and you will know why) do yourself a favor and get a copy The record is primarily a variety of tunes done as a tribute to

his friend and departed mentor the late great John Jackson.

 

Update Grant Dermody is on a new Album with North Western acoustic blues artists Orville Johnson & John Miller THE NEW ALBUM is called Deceiving Blues it just came out in early 2006. I hope you get a chance to see any or all these guys they are all amazing artists, and that Grant Dermody totally mesmerizing on the harp.

 

A detailed, close-up shot showcasing the beautiful body of a premium Moon JJ-4 Electric Bass Guitar. Moon Guitars, known for their exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, created a visually striking instrument here. The body is topped with a highly figured, flamed or quilted maple, often referred to as a 'tiger stripe' finish, giving the wood grain an almost three-dimensional depth and movement. The dark amber, translucent finish allows the natural character of the maple to shine through.

 

This four-string bass features a classic J-Bass configuration with dual white single-coil pickups, black bridge hardware, and a sleek maple fretboard. The polished chrome control knobs contrast beautifully with the richly patterned wood. Resting artfully on a geometric patterned surface, this image highlights the glossy finish and the professional-grade quality of the build, making it a perfect instrument for discerning bass players and collectors around the world.

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