This time, I would like to write about the theme of "Buying an Instrument for the First Time" for those who are thinking about starting to play an instrument.

First of all, excuse me for talking about myself.
The first instrument I bought with my own money was a blues harp (harmonica) that I saved up my pocket money for when I was in sixth grade. At the time, there was a folk song boom (Yuzu, Kobukuro, 19, etc.) and my friends were starting to pick up the guitar early on, so I thought, "If I start playing guitar now, I won't be able to catch up with everyone, and most importantly, I won't be number one!" and so I decided to take up the blues harp, which no one else was playing.
He was an eccentric boy who always carried his blues harp in his pocket when playing tag, soccer, or going to the movies with friends, and who would play the harp while talking to his friends on the way home from school.
As I continued this, the blues harp became popular among my friends, and "Poo" was also used to signal for a pass in soccer and to express joy when scoring a goal.
We all got together and played while blowing the poo-poo. It was a huge nuisance to the neighbours!

I've gone off on a tangent, but basically, when you buy your first instrument you feel a strange attachment to it, and although I've bought many instruments since then, this memory is one that I'll always remember.

When I worked at a music store, I was often asked, "I'm thinking of starting to play the guitar. Which guitar should a beginner buy?" Whenever this happened, I would always tell them, "I think the best guitar is the one that makes you feel the most excited when you have it in your room."

Unless your reason is "I want to play this song, so I need a guitar that suits it" or "My favorite guitarist uses one," appearance is the most important thing, and sound is secondary!

I think the best thing to do is to choose a guitar that's "cool!" That makes practicing more fun, and most importantly, you develop an attachment to the guitar itself, so it's fun just holding it in front of the mirror.

However, even if you are told that, when you first choose an instrument, you may have many worries. You may not know which instrument is right for you or what factors you should pay attention to.

For now, I'll put my own opinions aside and explain what to consider when choosing a guitar or bass for the first time.

1. Think about your interests and goals <br>What kind of music do you like and what are your goals? The recommended model will vary depending on whether you want to play hard rock or stylish city pop, so it's a good idea to start by looking at the instruments used by your favorite music genre and artists you admire.

2. Set a budget

Instruments are sold in a variety of price ranges. Set a budget and look for the best instrument within that range. If you just want to try out a guitar, you don't need to buy something expensive. Used or entry-level models are also good choices (although we've had customers who bought guitars worth hundreds of thousands of yen as a warning against giving up, haha).

3. Consider the size and weight of the instrument <br>The size and weight of the instrument are important, especially for children and people with small builds. Make sure the instrument you're playing fits you well. For example, when choosing a guitar, the body size and thickness of the neck are important factors. Body size and neck thickness affect the characteristics of the sound, but it's also important to keep in mind that the comfort of holding and playing the instrument are also important factors to consider when deciding.

4. Try playing the instrument

I only run an online shop, so I recommend trying out as many instruments as possible before you buy one. This will help you find the sound and feel that suits you best. It's also important to ask the staff at the music store for advice. They have specialized knowledge about instruments and will be able to give you the right advice.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have via LINE or email and we will be happy to answer them to the best of our ability!

So, there are many ways to choose like this.
In summary, when choosing your first instrument, it is important to consider your interests, goals, budget, etc. Starting to play an instrument is an important first step that allows you to feel closer to music. Choosing an instrument that suits you will not only give you a more enjoyable playing experience, but also allow you to immerse yourself more deeply in the world of music.
We will continue to do our best to introduce you to a wonderful instrument that is right for you!