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The Musician Forums => Guitar Central => Topic started by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:11:35 PM
Title: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:11:35 PM
So after around 17 years of dreaming about going to the land of the Rising Sun, we were finally able to scrape up enough dough to make the trip :-)
I first heard about Ochanomizu in the jemsite.com forums, and boy, did it get me excited as frack then :lol: It's a station within Tokyo where a lot of musicians hang out, primarily because there are tons of music stores in the area.
Pretty much everything music- and especially guitar-related can be bought here: rare picks, all sorts of parts complete and in stock, awesome high-end models from companies such as Suhr and Anderson, vintage instruments dating as far back as the 1950's, esoteric boutique and out-of-production effect pedals, etc. I'd literally run out of breath talking about this in person :x
One really amazing realization I had when testing out some equipment was this: pretty much every store attendant knows how to set up the guitars (and perhaps even other kinds of instruments as well) for optimum playability. I'd imagine each and every one of the instruments on display are constantly maintained, and for good reason: given sir Perf de Castro's experience with our local music stores and their poorly setup floor models, how would one expect to sell any units? Of course the Japanese are more well-off than we are, but this is something I believe our local retailers should at least consider.
Anyways, enough talk. Here are the pics to prove sh*t actually went down!:
okay this isn't a guitar, but it's a cool out-of-production Mesa, so I took a picture anyway: (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970839_10151623563607822_146208874_n.jpg)
to be continued...
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:14:32 PM
It seems Japan has its own share of pedal modders and makers, such as one Boorocks (pretty unfortunate name, IMO :P), and some of their products are here.
Enjoy everyone! :)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: fretboard on June 03, 2013, 03:23:21 PM
:cry: subscribed!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 03:29:40 PM
what the sound of a Guitarist and gear lover playing with himself while looking at guitar and gear porn?
PAF! PAF! PAF! PAF PAF!!!
great photos! post ka din nice shots of your Japan trip para malibang..hehehe ...nagkalat ba yung mga AV looking girls? or only in the AV movie world yun? hahaha Kawaii!!!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:35:34 PM
a couple of bonus pics!
here's how the stores look like from outside (pardon the lacklustre photo skills, I was quite literally shaking in excitement :lol: ): This store's sign reads as "Ishibashi." (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/249196_10151623562912822_1725183923_n.jpg) This one reads as "Kurosawa." (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/935547_10151623563077822_1133489514_n.jpg) This one simply says "Karaoke," and sells mostly secondhand instruments. (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970162_10151623563277822_836356650_n.jpg)
Sadly, all I was able to buy, guitarwise, were a couple of Ultex Jazz III picks, and some really colorful designer picks my dad intends to collect (we've been doing this since our first out-of-the-country trip 9 years ago). I intended to get a Gotoh Floyd Rose from a custom shop/guitar store in the area, but all they had were Original Floyd Rose units, which I didn't care for too much.
I did, however, get to test a couple of guitars - a Suhr Modern Satin through a Fender Hot Rod Deville, and a Music Man Silhouette through a Diezel (not sure which one, but it's the same as the ones you can see in the photos above). Great guitars, but I guess I just love my guitars back at home a little more, because they frankly didn't feel or sound "right" in my hands. Same with the Diezel actually. Oh well, slice my fingers off and call me "deaf" I guess? (pardon the black comedy) :-D
Up next, a little video demo of the Silhouette into a Diezel head, with lots of wanking, awkward silences, and Japanese people chatting in the background!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:39:36 PM
what the sound of a Guitarist and gear lover playing with himself while looking at guitar and gear porn?
PAF! PAF! PAF! PAF PAF!!!
great photos! post ka din nice shots of your Japan trip para malibang..hehehe ...nagkalat ba yung mga AV looking girls? or only in the AV movie world yun? hahaha Kawaii!!!
There were definitely a lot of beautiful Japanese women around, pero walang mukhang AV :-D There were some people wearing weird outfits and face masks (due to the Chinese bird flu outbreak) especially in Akihabara (we went there too :wave:), and some erotic magazines right at the entrance of some convenience stores (ULTRA WEIRD EXPERIENCE IMHO :cry:), but other than these, Tokyo is pretty normal, if a little cleaner and more organized than what we're used to here.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: throwinshapes on June 03, 2013, 03:43:42 PM
ALL MY :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
This is pretty cool, since I'm going to Japan next summer with my siblings, but in Osaka or Kyoto (since Tokyo is just too darn expensive). Hope we run into some music stores there so I can take my own pics of gear pr0nz. :-D
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 03:43:58 PM
Ochanomizu, Tokyo, is this the same place some guy posted a thread before? parang may nakita ako parang city or district na puro music shop..parang nandun din yata nakabase yung HQ ng Fujigen and Ishibashi..etc..hmm let me try to find that thread..
Awesome adventure..damn I felt that new music store excitement feeling looking at your pics..hahaha..malamang x10 yan sa actual...hahaha
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:49:35 PM
ALL MY :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
This is pretty cool, since I'm going to Japan next summer with my siblings, but in Osaka or Kyoto (since Tokyo is just too darn expensive). Hope we run into some music stores there so I can take my own pics of gear pr0nz. :-D
Osaka has an ESP Custom Shop bro, you might want to check it out :)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: coy_2cute on June 03, 2013, 03:51:59 PM
If there is Heaven, I would like it to be this way.. :drool: Nice share Boss!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 03:52:43 PM
how are the prices?
same as any JB,PPitch,Lyric,TMS,Crescendo Store?? or cheaper? pero you really cant beat the selection and variety..WOW..nakakalula..
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 03:54:37 PM
Take a Closer Look at Ochanomizu, Musical Instruments Town in Tokyo Earning 20 Billion Yen Annual Sales
Academies generated demands for music products
Ochanomizu means special to Japan's music products industry. Total sales of the area are estimated to be 20 billion yen* including Internet sales. There are 48 music stores located in an about 70 hector space starting from Japan Railways Ochanomizu Station down to Akihabara which is renowned by shoppers of PC and consumer electric appliances. Majority of them are MI stores with guitar as a main line. More recently specialist stores for used instruments are increasing their existence. (*Total annual sales are an estimate brought by Japan Music Trades in reference to previous data as no sales figures were provided from part of the stores.)
Looking back the history of the area, there are some credible reasons that the mega town for musical instruments was formed and developed to this day. The first point is its historical background dating back to Meiji Era. During the period, Meiji, Chuo, Senshu and other law schools founded one after another, and Tokyo University of Music (then, Toyo School of Music) which is the first music academy in Japan was established in 1907. Japan's first orchestra was organized in the academy to achieve national sensation. (photos above: Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Nicholai-do, a landmark of Ochanomizu, top, and the crossing from where the musical instrument town begins.)
Today extended Ochanomizu area including adjacent Kanda has become one of the largest academic towns having nearly 20 universities, art and language institutes. There existed substantial demands for musical instruments for those schools from earlier times.
The second point is the area also raised book stores of versatile fields serving the needs of the students. Well known Kanda Book Street emerged along with increase of the schools. A town guide book lists up as many as 160 book stores in Kanda.
The third point much relates to prolific music activities by students in the area. From early to middle of the 20th century, mandolin became a popular instrument among university students. Harmonica was another favorite of students and citizens. The music stores mainly sold violin, mandolin, guitar and harmonica. Only a limited number of retailers had piano on their sales floor. With outbreak of The Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, brass bands budded throughout Japan which helped stimulate demands for wind instruments.
The customers for the music stores in Ochanomizu are 73% adults, and 27% students. Despite the origin as academic town, they chiefly serve businessmen today. That reflects fewer youth population and increasing involvement in music making by adults.
The 48 music stores in Ochanomizu have following products displayed at their sales floors: 12,590 electric guitars 4,670 electric basses 4,430 acoustic guitars 320 trumpets 470 saxophones 210 flutes 147 clarinets 1,210 violins
Growth associated with surging demands for guitar Origin and advent of Ochanomizu as a town of musical instruments are deeply rooted into its peculiar factors much associated with the area. It's ideally located between Japan Railways Tokyo and Ueno mega terminal stations of Metropolitan Tokyo. It budded in early 20th century backed by demands from the schools in the area.
After the World War II, Ochanomizu revived from the ashes relatively earlier than other towns as much of the area survived the raids. As humble shops opened, people flocked, more shops came up, and a good cycle developed to form a larger commercial area.
Such established music stores as Shimokura Gakkiten, Suga Gakki , Kawase Gakki, Miyaji Shokai, Ishibashi Musical, Shimokura Gakki and Taniguchi Gakki prompted further growth of Ochanomizu. Later, guitar boom brought by popular folk and rock music also greatly accelerated their success.
Electric guitar sales flourished after 1972. Domestic sales in 1972 were 45,000 units which nearly doubled to 82,000 units next year, and reached 103,000 units in l976. After the industry sold 230,000 units in 1978, business successfully expanded.
While, acoustic guitar market enjoyed favorable growth with average annual sales of 650,000 units from 1965 through 1979, however, it went into a downward trend in 1980s. All in all, huge demands for guitar built a solid foundation of music retail business in Ochanomizu.
It was the middle of 1980s that music stores for used instruments began increasing existence in the area. Present structure of the music town forged in this period. It's not a surprise that competition magnifies as more players join the game. At one time, cut-throat discount by music retailers in the area was a major concern for the industry.
Whereabouts of the musical instruments town cast significant influence on performance of music products industry. It's trend and business climate are easily penetrated to other areas. Hopefully, Ochanomizu remains as one of leading powers in music business in the years to come.
Here is a list of 48 music retailers in Ochanomizu.
Shimokura Gakki main store http://www.shimokura-gakki.com/ Ishibashi Musical main store http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/ Taniguchi Gakki http://www.taniguchi-gakki.com/ ESP Technical House http://www.espguitars.co.jp/ G-Club Tokyo http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_g_club/ Kurosawa Wind http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_windocha/ PAN Music Used Insts. Center http://www.pan-project.com/pan_used.html PAN Music http://www.pan-project.com/panmusic.html Big Boss FREAKS MARKET http://www.bigboss.jp/ Shimokura Violin Co. http://www.shimokura-violin.com/ Shimokura Second Hands Part I http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/ Shimokura Second Hands Part II http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/ Kurosawa Violin http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha.v/ Guitar Planet http://www.pan-project.com/guitarplanet.html Akio Gakki http://www.akionet.com/ Kurosawa Gakki Ochanomizu St. store http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha/ Old Guitar Garage http://www.bigboss.jp/ Big Boss Tokyo http://www.bigboss.jp/ Figaro Guitars Ishibashi Musical Ochanomizu Annex http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/ Gakki Center Tokyo (Show Room) http://www.gakkicenter.com/ Big Boss Tokyo SOUND LINER http://www.bigboss.jp/ Guitar Workshop Andante http://andante.aki.gs/ Wood Magic http://www.woodmagic.jp/ Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Electric Guitar & Bass) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/ Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Acoustic Guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/ Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Classical guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/ Rankado http://www.rankado.co.jp/ Otofuku http://www.otofuku.net/ Rim Shot http://www.rim-guitars.com/ Sankei Shoten Suga Gakki The Dream http://www.the-dream.jp/ Kuroda Gakki Blue-G Acoustic Guitars http://www.blue-g.com/ Hobo's Trading http://www.hobos-g.com/ Guitar Workshop Kawase Gakki http://www.kawase.co.jp/ Woodman http://www.woodman.co.jp/ LLuck Guitar http://www.lluck.jp/ Miyaji Gakki Kanda Store http://www.miyaji.co.jp/ Vintage Strings http://www.vintage-strings.co.jp/ Media Calm http://www.media-calm.com/ Ken Guitars MUSICVOX AKIHABARA http://www.musicvox.jp/ Ikebe Gakki Revole Akihabara Store http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ Ikebe Gakki Bass Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ Ikebe Gakki Drum Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 03:56:50 PM
Ochanomizu, Tokyo, is this the same place some guy posted a thread before? parang may nakita ako parang city or district na puro music shop..parang nandun din yata nakabase yung HQ ng Fujigen and Ishibashi..etc..hmm let me try to find that thread..
Awesome adventure..damn I felt that new music store excitement feeling looking at your pics..hahaha..malamang x10 yan sa actual...hahaha
Thanks gandy :) Actually super saya ko dito talaga haha :mrgreen:
Some helpful phrases!
Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka? (May I take pictures?) Gitaa o tameshtemo ii desu ka? (May I try [out] the guitar?) Takai desu ne. (It's expensive.) (insert thing you're looking for here) ga arimasu ka? (Is there a [thing] here?) Arigatoo gozaimasu. (Thank you very much.)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: siopao69 on June 03, 2013, 03:58:30 PM
i am moved to tears..
yep some price comparisons would be helpful.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 04:00:13 PM
Thanks gandy :) Actually super saya ko dito talaga haha :mrgreen:
Some helpful phrases!
Shashin o tottemo ii desu ka? (May I take pictures?) Gitaa o tameshtemo ii desu ka? (May I try [out] the guitar?) Takai desu ne. (It's expensive.) (insert thing you're looking for here) ga arimasu ka? (Is there a [thing] here?) Arigatoo gozaimasu. (Thank you very much.)
HAHAHAHA this is helpful!!! Running the phrases in my head now..hahaha
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 04:06:35 PM
I think it's more or less the same pricewise. As some price tags are visible in the pictures, try converting them to Peso by using the current exchange rate between our currency and the Japanese yen: 1 yen = 0.42 pesos
What's infinitely cool is the availability of pretty much every kind of guitar and part, new and/or used. The first few electrics in the pictures are from a used instruments store, and you can already see some sweet Strats, Les Pauls, and Superstrats from pretty much every reputable brand. And they're in really good condition to boot!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: kawayan_strat on June 03, 2013, 04:10:00 PM
Look at how rediculously low priced T.C. Vintage distortion @ ¥9980, that's Php4190, mura!!! (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/945121_10151623564742822_537755240_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 04:11:50 PM
I guess, when coming back home.. if one would like to experience that Ochanomizu vibe, all you have to do is go to the pier, or those japanese surplus stores (third world setting lang nga) ...hahaha
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 04:14:47 PM
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: robertshanepascual on June 03, 2013, 04:21:11 PM
Ito ay isang paraiso para sa atin... :cute: :cry: :drool:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 04:21:32 PM
There were some places I wasn't able to take pictures, though, probably due to store policy.
But do imagine walking into a room full of all the latest production Strats and Les Pauls, complete with original parts such as potentiometers, switches and pickups. Seriously, if I had the cash and the means to bring a guitar home, I'd have done it :cry:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: robertshanepascual on June 03, 2013, 04:28:53 PM
There were some places I wasn't able to take pictures, though, probably due to store policy.
But do imagine walking into a room full of all the latest production Strats and Les Pauls, complete with original parts such as potentiometers, switches and pickups. Seriously, if I had the cash and the means to bring a guitar home, I'd have done it :cry:
a day is not enough to check all the gears there. :-o :roll:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: maniacally_cool on June 03, 2013, 04:31:19 PM
now, if only our local music stores also place tags on each of their items.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 04:33:46 PM
here's how the stores look like from outside (pardon the lacklustre photo skills, I was quite literally shaking in excitement :lol: ): This store's sign reads as "Ishibashi." (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/249196_10151623562912822_1725183923_n.jpg) This one reads as "Kurosawa." (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/935547_10151623563077822_1133489514_n.jpg) This one simply says "Karaoke," and sells mostly secondhand instruments. (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970162_10151623563277822_836356650_n.jpg)
that is ishibashi ochanomizu main office. i bought my LP Classic from that store. Theres another ishibashi (annex) few steps down the road. if you continue further down the road, there's kurosawa gakki - G Club. they have nice Gibsons and Epiphones there too.
3rd photo is not actually karaoke. the karaoke sign is for the 3rd-5th floors. that music store is shimokura 2nd hand store.
na check mo ba yung zemaitis shop? there's also a shop that has 1 whole floor dedicated for lefty guitars. you need to take the elevator @the side to get there.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: kym005 on June 03, 2013, 04:48:39 PM
geetar porn :cry:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 04:50:54 PM
that is ishibashi ochanomizu main office. i bought my LP Classic from that store. Theres another ishibashi (annex) few steps down the road. if you continue further down the road, there's kurosawa gakki - G Club. they have nice Gibsons and Epiphones there too.
3rd photo is not actually karaoke. the karaoke sign is for the 3rd-5th floors. that music store is shimokura 2nd hand store.
na check mo ba yung zemaitis shop? there's also a shop that has 1 whole floor dedicated for lefty guitars. you need to take the elevator @the side to get there.
whoops, sorry about the third photo :x
I saw some Zemaitis guitars in a store called Big Boss Guitars (i think), I got to test an EBMM there, and I recall riding an elevator to get to the parts section of the building. You live in Japan sir? :-)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: ryechua on June 03, 2013, 04:59:32 PM
I saw some Zemaitis guitars in a store called Big Boss Guitars (i think), I got to test an EBMM there, and I recall riding an elevator to get to the parts section of the building. You live in Japan sir? :-)
nope, but i stayed there for a while before. tambay ako sa ochanomizu dati pag weekends :-). marami ding music store sa shinjuku pero magkakalayo sila. ok din yung ishibashi sa shibuya. last time i was there was last April.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 05:05:32 PM
nope, but i stayed there for a while before. tambay ako sa ochanomizu dati pag weekends :-). marami ding music store sa shinjuku pero magkakalayo sila. ok din yung ishibashi sa shibuya. last time i was there was last April.
Meron pala sa Shinjuku! We stayed there for much of our vacation, but never found any other guitar store :lol:
Nanghinayang ako kasi akala ko makaka-try ako ng Music Man JPXI-7, hanggang Silhouette lang pala :cute:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: tokwatoinoink on June 03, 2013, 06:08:25 PM
migrate na tayo sa japan!!!!!! :razz:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on June 03, 2013, 06:26:59 PM
Unfortunately, wala silang planong ipaghalo at sirain ang lahi nila sa pagdagdag ng mga pinoy sa Japan. Your only chance is to get married to Japanese girl. Kaso lang, ang panget talaga ng itsura nila. Kaunting kaunti lang ang maganda parang gitarang may hiyaw. Less than 3% of their population lang ang maganda.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on June 03, 2013, 06:38:40 PM
Unfortunately, wala silang planong ipaghalo at sirain ang lahi nila sa pagdagdag ng mga pinoy sa Japan. Your only chance is to get married to Japanese girl. Kaso lang, ang panget talaga ng itsura nila. Kaunting kaunti lang ang maganda parang gitarang may hiyaw. Less than 3% of their population lang ang maganda.
hahahaha..
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gravityworkin on June 03, 2013, 06:41:47 PM
makapag piktyur teyking nga sta.mesa kung san meron tayong Lumanong Headquarters. pantapat lang natin sa japan :-D
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 07:13:00 PM
Alex, I'll be honest with you. I didn't find the Suhr or the Music Man guitars I've tried to be "magical" in any sense. I concede that you're onto something here. They were well-made though. Would it make your evaluation of my character go bad if I also reveal that I didn't like the Diezel amp that I plugged into?
It's crazy that you'd talk about Japanese people that way, especially since the people we've met during our stay have been very helpful and accommodating the whole time. As much as I'd like to react violently to this comment though, I know I'm not supposed to, because it's rude and unbecoming of a decent human.
Get well soon.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: kym005 on June 03, 2013, 07:15:41 PM
Unfortunately, wala silang planong ipaghalo at sirain ang lahi nila sa pagdagdag ng mga pinoy sa Japan. Your only chance is to get married to Japanese girl. Kaso lang, ang panget talaga ng itsura nila. Kaunting kaunti lang ang maganda parang gitarang may hiyaw. Less than 3% of their population lang ang maganda.
Alex, I'll be honest with you. I didn't find the Suhr or the Music Man guitars I've tried to be "magical" in any sense. I concede that you're onto something here. They were well-made though. Would it make your evaluation of my character go bad if I also reveal that I didn't like the Diezel amp that I plugged into?
It's crazy that you'd talk about Japanese people that way, especially since the people we've met during our stay have been very helpful and accommodating the whole time. As much as I'd like to react violently to this comment though, I know I'm not supposed to, because it's rude and unbecoming of a decent human.
Get well soon.
:lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Bolt Thrower on June 03, 2013, 07:18:20 PM
nung pumunta ako dun, summer sale ng mga guitar shops. nakabilad lang sa labas mga esp, jackson, gibson at caparison. :cry: nice pics lolwat. sarap talaga mag shopping diyan lalo na used gear.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on June 03, 2013, 07:24:53 PM
nung pumunta ako dun, summer sale ng mga guitar shops. nakabilad lang sa labas mga esp, jackson, gibson at caparison. :cry: nice pics lolwat. sarap talaga mag shopping diyan lalo na used gear.
truly sir :-)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on June 03, 2013, 07:39:36 PM
Alex, I'll be honest with you. I didn't find the Suhr or the Music Man guitars I've tried to be "magical" in any sense. I concede that you're onto something here. They were well-made though. Would it make your evaluation of my character go bad if I also reveal that I didn't like the Diezel amp that I plugged into?
It's crazy that you'd talk about Japanese people that way, especially since the people we've met during our stay have been very helpful and accommodating the whole time. As much as I'd like to react violently to this comment though, I know I'm not supposed to, because it's rude and unbecoming of a decent human.
Get well soon.
Don't get me wrong. I love the Japanese people and I believe they have the advantage on us in almost everything. They are the better men or race. That being said, I think mas maraming magagandang at guapong Pinoy. Its just too bad that they have really strict immigration laws.
As I said before may mga panget na Suhr at Musicman -- actually karamihan. But my personal experience with Suhr is that they have better odds at sounding good na may character -- siguro around 10% at best compared to the other brands. With regards to the Diezel, I like it for what it is; though I plug mine thru my Mills Acoustics which I find better matched to my Herbert than Diezel's cabinet.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: karlwilson on June 03, 2013, 07:41:37 PM
drool... :drool:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: magtataho7 on June 03, 2013, 07:43:59 PM
EEEETS A GAS NIRVANA, MENNNNNN!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: skunkyfunk on June 03, 2013, 07:51:05 PM
Mecca ng mga maka MIJ.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: burnsbhm on June 03, 2013, 08:36:42 PM
May Mosrite sila!!!!!Huhuhuhuhuhu!!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: jannten on June 03, 2013, 08:41:08 PM
Unfortunately, wala silang planong ipaghalo at sirain ang lahi nila sa pagdagdag ng mga pinoy sa Japan. Your only chance is to get married to Japanese girl. Kaso lang, ang panget talaga ng itsura nila. Kaunting kaunti lang ang maganda parang gitarang may hiyaw. Less than 3% of their population lang ang maganda.
Pero di po ba pag sa porn sila yung laging may hiyaw?! :-D :-D :-D
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: accento24 on June 04, 2013, 12:07:38 PM
Take a Closer Look at Ochanomizu, Musical Instruments Town in Tokyo Earning 20 Billion Yen Annual Sales
Academies generated demands for music products
Ochanomizu means special to Japan's music products industry. Total sales of the area are estimated to be 20 billion yen* including Internet sales. There are 48 music stores located in an about 70 hector space starting from Japan Railways Ochanomizu Station down to Akihabara which is renowned by shoppers of PC and consumer electric appliances. Majority of them are MI stores with guitar as a main line. More recently specialist stores for used instruments are increasing their existence. (*Total annual sales are an estimate brought by Japan Music Trades in reference to previous data as no sales figures were provided from part of the stores.)
Looking back the history of the area, there are some credible reasons that the mega town for musical instruments was formed and developed to this day. The first point is its historical background dating back to Meiji Era. During the period, Meiji, Chuo, Senshu and other law schools founded one after another, and Tokyo University of Music (then, Toyo School of Music) which is the first music academy in Japan was established in 1907. Japan's first orchestra was organized in the academy to achieve national sensation. (photos above: Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Nicholai-do, a landmark of Ochanomizu, top, and the crossing from where the musical instrument town begins.)
Today extended Ochanomizu area including adjacent Kanda has become one of the largest academic towns having nearly 20 universities, art and language institutes. There existed substantial demands for musical instruments for those schools from earlier times.
The second point is the area also raised book stores of versatile fields serving the needs of the students. Well known Kanda Book Street emerged along with increase of the schools. A town guide book lists up as many as 160 book stores in Kanda.
The third point much relates to prolific music activities by students in the area. From early to middle of the 20th century, mandolin became a popular instrument among university students. Harmonica was another favorite of students and citizens. The music stores mainly sold violin, mandolin, guitar and harmonica. Only a limited number of retailers had piano on their sales floor. With outbreak of The Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, brass bands budded throughout Japan which helped stimulate demands for wind instruments.
The customers for the music stores in Ochanomizu are 73% adults, and 27% students. Despite the origin as academic town, they chiefly serve businessmen today. That reflects fewer youth population and increasing involvement in music making by adults.
The 48 music stores in Ochanomizu have following products displayed at their sales floors: 12,590 electric guitars 4,670 electric basses 4,430 acoustic guitars 320 trumpets 470 saxophones 210 flutes 147 clarinets 1,210 violins
Growth associated with surging demands for guitar Origin and advent of Ochanomizu as a town of musical instruments are deeply rooted into its peculiar factors much associated with the area. It's ideally located between Japan Railways Tokyo and Ueno mega terminal stations of Metropolitan Tokyo. It budded in early 20th century backed by demands from the schools in the area.
After the World War II, Ochanomizu revived from the ashes relatively earlier than other towns as much of the area survived the raids. As humble shops opened, people flocked, more shops came up, and a good cycle developed to form a larger commercial area.
Such established music stores as Shimokura Gakkiten, Suga Gakki , Kawase Gakki, Miyaji Shokai, Ishibashi Musical, Shimokura Gakki and Taniguchi Gakki prompted further growth of Ochanomizu. Later, guitar boom brought by popular folk and rock music also greatly accelerated their success.
Electric guitar sales flourished after 1972. Domestic sales in 1972 were 45,000 units which nearly doubled to 82,000 units next year, and reached 103,000 units in l976. After the industry sold 230,000 units in 1978, business successfully expanded.
While, acoustic guitar market enjoyed favorable growth with average annual sales of 650,000 units from 1965 through 1979, however, it went into a downward trend in 1980s. All in all, huge demands for guitar built a solid foundation of music retail business in Ochanomizu.
It was the middle of 1980s that music stores for used instruments began increasing existence in the area. Present structure of the music town forged in this period. It's not a surprise that competition magnifies as more players join the game. At one time, cut-throat discount by music retailers in the area was a major concern for the industry.
Whereabouts of the musical instruments town cast significant influence on performance of music products industry. It's trend and business climate are easily penetrated to other areas. Hopefully, Ochanomizu remains as one of leading powers in music business in the years to come.
Here is a list of 48 music retailers in Ochanomizu.
Shimokura Gakki main store http://www.shimokura-gakki.com/ Ishibashi Musical main store http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/ Taniguchi Gakki http://www.taniguchi-gakki.com/ ESP Technical House http://www.espguitars.co.jp/ G-Club Tokyo http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_g_club/ Kurosawa Wind http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_windocha/ PAN Music Used Insts. Center http://www.pan-project.com/pan_used.html PAN Music http://www.pan-project.com/panmusic.html Big Boss FREAKS MARKET http://www.bigboss.jp/ Shimokura Violin Co. http://www.shimokura-violin.com/ Shimokura Second Hands Part I http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/ Shimokura Second Hands Part II http://www.shimokura-secondhands.com/ Kurosawa Violin http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha.v/ Guitar Planet http://www.pan-project.com/guitarplanet.html Akio Gakki http://www.akionet.com/ Kurosawa Gakki Ochanomizu St. store http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_ocha/ Old Guitar Garage http://www.bigboss.jp/ Big Boss Tokyo http://www.bigboss.jp/ Figaro Guitars Ishibashi Musical Ochanomizu Annex http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/ Gakki Center Tokyo (Show Room) http://www.gakkicenter.com/ Big Boss Tokyo SOUND LINER http://www.bigboss.jp/ Guitar Workshop Andante http://andante.aki.gs/ Wood Magic http://www.woodmagic.jp/ Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Electric Guitar & Bass) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/ Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Acoustic Guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/ Kurosawa Gakki Dr. Sound (Classical guitar) http://www.kurosawagakki.com/sh_dr/ Rankado http://www.rankado.co.jp/ Otofuku http://www.otofuku.net/ Rim Shot http://www.rim-guitars.com/ Sankei Shoten Suga Gakki The Dream http://www.the-dream.jp/ Kuroda Gakki Blue-G Acoustic Guitars http://www.blue-g.com/ Hobo's Trading http://www.hobos-g.com/ Guitar Workshop Kawase Gakki http://www.kawase.co.jp/ Woodman http://www.woodman.co.jp/ LLuck Guitar http://www.lluck.jp/ Miyaji Gakki Kanda Store http://www.miyaji.co.jp/ Vintage Strings http://www.vintage-strings.co.jp/ Media Calm http://www.media-calm.com/ Ken Guitars MUSICVOX AKIHABARA http://www.musicvox.jp/ Ikebe Gakki Revole Akihabara Store http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ Ikebe Gakki Bass Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ Ikebe Gakki Drum Station Revole Akihabara http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/
Thanks po for sharing!!!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gearthird on June 04, 2013, 01:10:32 PM
Mother of God. a true paradise! thanks for sharing bro.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: kawayan_strat on June 04, 2013, 07:14:30 PM
na check mo ba yung zemaitis shop? there's also a shop that has 1 whole floor dedicated for lefty guitars. you need to take the elevator @the side to get there.
Dapat mapuntahan ni allen yun..
Anyways
Masaya talaga kultura ng japan tsaka yung randomness nila.. :lol:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: curiousdcat on June 04, 2013, 11:02:41 PM
What a coincidence (somewhat)! I was just in Ochanomizu for the first time 2 Saturdays ago! While I have been to Japan a couple of times already, I usually just end up in Akabane or Shinjuku music stores to get gear if need be. I've heard of Ochanomizu before but never really needed to go there because the stores I frequented would usually have the stuff I need already. This time it was different, the stores I go to didn't have the particular items I wanted. They were out of stock so I ended up asking how to get to Ochanomizu and never regretted it.
For me, the nice thing about "Ocha" is the number of guitars they have in total. Think of the guitar showcase in Guitar Center Arlington times 20! No kidding...there were just too many stores in Ocha that have a huge inventory of guitars. Don't let the store size fool you coz the stores usually have 3 to 4 floors devoted to gear with about 2 floors at least for solidbodies. Just ask how to get to the other floors and they will gladly point the way. Also when in Ocha, don't forget to explore the side streets as well because the stores there, IMO, have better guitars and more quality guitar inventory.
This is me and my tummy at a Kurosawa store in one of the side streets; about to get sick with the more than PHP600k priced Private Stocks:
Pricewise, I actually find Ocha more expensive than my usual go to places in Japan. Simple case in point is the price of Korg Pitchclip tuners at Shimamura, Ikebe and all other Ocha stores. They cost PHP700 there while it was only between PHP400-440 in Shimamura Akabane and Ikebe near Shinjuku. Even prices at Amazon.co.jp was a lot cheaper (and guaranteed delivery within 2 days). Having said that, there are nice guitar bargains in Ocha including a very nice looking used Suhr C2 which had a price tag of only PHP90K. Buying used items in Japan, whether via stores or ads, is almost risk free since the Japs (even salespersons) are usually straightforward and will tell you everything they know about a particular used item, including unseen defects, minute scratches and other problems.
Overall, Japan carries more types and brands of gear than HK and Singapore but I still find Japan pricier than SG. Prices in the US will always win hands down but Japan is still a nice place to go gear hunting in coz one might just find a trasure somewhere.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: renzy_boi on June 05, 2013, 01:14:21 AM
Ok talaga dito sa Japan. Heaven para sa mga musician na tulad natin. Madalas maraming mura and steal kapag may mga sale sila. This sunday may sale sa Ikebe. You can click on the link para macompare nyo kung gano kalaki ang discount sa items. http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/web-ikebe/130609rev-1day-baragain/index.html#revg
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on June 05, 2013, 06:27:46 AM
Alex, kahit used, mura parin, Php4190 for a TC pedal quite cheap, kung dito sa classifieds yan, malamang, mga 8-9k yan.
Ok, just clarifying. I was just pointing out that it is practice in japan to display the used products along with the new products BECAUSE the stores only accept used products that are close to unblemished condition.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: tonwins11 on June 05, 2013, 06:28:35 AM
May mga surveillance cam ba yung stores nila? !@#$%^ ang sarap kumupit kahit isang pedal lang! :wink:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on June 05, 2013, 06:29:34 AM
Pero di po ba pag sa porn sila yung laging may hiyaw?! :-D :-D :-D
Eh... nakita mo ba ang mukhang ng mga babae sa Jap porn? mukhang ang only redeeming quality nila ay pilitan sila humihiyaw. :)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on June 05, 2013, 06:38:38 AM
I feel that the best place to buy Fender Custom Shop (not the one-offs) and Gibson Custom Shop is in Japan because:
1) They get the most beautiful tops. They get a lot of the exclusives and are upto date with the latest releases more so than US online and retail stores. 2) Ang dami nilang stock of this same variant in the same color. 3) Lower than USA Street Pricing
* PRS I would have included except on the day before I left; they were going to do a price increase across the whole line. That being said, their tops rival or exceed the tops in Tom Lee Hong Kong only on a more grander scale in terms of number.
That being said, maski na Japan, marami pa rin panget na Made in USA.
On the other hand, some USA made effects are cheaper by about US$30-50 versus USA pricing. I bought my Plush Noxious recently and all in all it was cheaper by US$30 so was my Lehle Looper. And the variety of pedals as already pointed out here is astonishing.
However, I would like to point out that one weakness Japan has that we should capitalize on is amps. Though they have expensive and exclusive amps, they are few. There is a japanese law that allows a neighbor to complain of excess noise. For the japanese, silence is important and a sign of courtesy. I suggest we take advantage of this and continue to bring in and buy more boutique amps to gain an advantage over Japan.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on June 05, 2013, 06:42:49 AM
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: dirk on June 05, 2013, 12:10:46 PM
Wow sarap nman dyan :drool: kunan ko nga din kaya ng picture yung biggest shop dito minsan :)
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: jepbueno on June 05, 2013, 12:44:29 PM
Gitaa o tameshtemo ii desu ka? (May I try [out] the guitar?) Takai desu ne. (It's expensive.) ^two most important japanese words I learned. ahahaha
Ang gogondo... ang swerte ng mga taga doon, parang yung sa beck (anime/manga) totoo pa la yun. Isasama ko na pala sa "savings target" ang biyahe to japan.. haha.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: tonwins11 on June 05, 2013, 12:45:40 PM
dalawa lang ang kalalabasan nyan.. either uuwi kang brokenhearted or bankrupt. lol
+1 :-D
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Kusanagi on June 05, 2013, 04:56:29 PM
Nice thread!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gnarly on June 05, 2013, 05:06:46 PM
darn!look at those pretty les pauls!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: vorg147 on June 05, 2013, 05:08:05 PM
ung mga pedals para ka lang nasa ace hardware :drool:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: neicon27 on June 05, 2013, 07:06:03 PM
nice thing about buying in Ochanomizu is if you have your passport just present it to them and your purchase will be tax free.
I bought an Ibanez there about 5 years back.. I was able to haggle for 3 additional strings, 5 picks. Plus they fixed the intonation and the action to my preference before I left the shop.
definitely worth going back to.
side trip na lang yung schools sa paligid na may naggagandahang japanese babes :wink:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: neicon27 on June 05, 2013, 07:10:47 PM
aside from Ochanomizu, other places in japan where I found clusters of music stores were in Shibuya, Akihabara, and Shinjuku. Still I would say Ochanomizu is the best among them.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: vorg147 on June 05, 2013, 09:06:17 PM
nice thing about buying in Ochanomizu is if you have your passport just present it to them and your purchase will be tax free.
I bought an Ibanez there about 5 years back.. I was able to haggle for 3 additional strings, 5 picks. Plus they fixed the intonation and the action to my preference before I left the shop.
definitely worth going back to.
side trip na lang yung schools sa paligid na may naggagandahang japanese babes :wink:
japanese babes + gears = :razz:
AHAHAHAHAH!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Fret_warrior on June 05, 2013, 11:33:15 PM
Wag kayong mag alala , may Raon naman tayo, may Sta Mesa, at kung gusto nyo ng secondhand , punta kayo sa Pier sa manila. :-D
Btw. Nice Thread!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: kawayan_strat on June 06, 2013, 02:21:27 PM
Ok, just clarifying. I was just pointing out that it is practice in japan to display the used products along with the new products BECAUSE the stores only accept used products that are close to unblemished condition.
I know Alex, my ex wife lives in Japan, she use to send me pictures before when we were still an item.hehehe
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Bart on June 06, 2013, 02:33:58 PM
Hiyaw ba yun o meow? Parang mga naglalampong na pusa o gobble gobble ng turkey sa pandining ko ang mga AV actresses nila eh.
hehehe! meow muna sir tapos hiyaw na sa gitna at dulo, hehehe!!!
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: kym005 on June 07, 2013, 02:21:59 PM
Pag Japan talaga topic kung saan saan napupunta usapan. hahaha :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: 22frets on January 07, 2015, 05:36:16 AM
Planning to Visit this place soon. :razz:
I've visited hong kong last 3 months ago. Nagpunta ako sa shop ng Tom Lee music malapit sa Chungking Mansions and Parsons music store.... sa dami ng display nila ng electrics and acoustic guitars nalula na ako. pano pa kaya dito sa Japan? sa nakita ko dun. mas mura ang mga branded amps and guitars nila compared sa pricing dito sa pilipinas.. example na lang yung Marshall Dsl40c which is priced at 4500 - 5000 hkd. samantalang dito sa pinas is 50kphp ang brand new. malaki talaga ang difference ng price....
I am planning to buy a Les Paul when I get there in Japan. is there anyone here has an idea kung kelan ang sale sa ochanomizu? parang himig handog sale dito sa pilipinas or yung parang month long sale nila? thanks.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: bakit? on January 07, 2015, 10:57:56 AM
So after around 17 years of dreaming about going to the land of the Rising Sun, we were finally able to scrape up enough dough to make the trip :-)
I first heard about Ochanomizu in the jemsite.com forums, and boy, did it get me excited as frack then :lol: It's a station within Tokyo where a lot of musicians hang out, primarily because there are tons of music stores in the area.
Pretty much everything music- and especially guitar-related can be bought here: rare picks, all sorts of parts complete and in stock, awesome high-end models from companies such as Suhr and Anderson, vintage instruments dating as far back as the 1950's, esoteric boutique and out-of-production effect pedals, etc. I'd literally run out of breath talking about this in person :x
One really amazing realization I had when testing out some equipment was this: pretty much every store attendant knows how to set up the guitars (and perhaps even other kinds of instruments as well) for optimum playability. I'd imagine each and every one of the instruments on display are constantly maintained, and for good reason: given sir Perf de Castro's experience with our local music stores and their poorly setup floor models, how would one expect to sell any units? Of course the Japanese are more well-off than we are, but this is something I believe our local retailers should at least consider.
Anyways, enough talk. Here are the pics to prove sh*t actually went down!:
okay this isn't a guitar, but it's a cool out-of-production Mesa, so I took a picture anyway: (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970839_10151623563607822_146208874_n.jpg)
to be continued...
I think before we prescribe a solution let us first identify THE significant problem: THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PINOY/LOCAL GUITARISTS WITH ENOUGH MONEY TO SPEND ON GUITARS AND MUSICAL EQUIPMENT THAT WILL JUSTIFY TOP NOTCH SERVICE
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: bakit? on January 07, 2015, 03:36:31 PM
I think before we prescribe a solution let us first identify THE significant problem: THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PINOY/LOCAL GUITARISTS WITH ENOUGH MONEY TO SPEND ON GUITARS AND MUSICAL EQUIPMENT THAT WILL JUSTIFY TOP NOTCH SERVICE
because we are in a third world country perhaps?
or we could put it this way:
mas madami kasi mahihirap na gitaristang pinoy kesa mayayaman. there I just simplified it. Haha.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Ralph_Petrucci on January 07, 2015, 04:53:06 PM
Oi jolo, update mo na tong thread na to! for 2014! :D
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: lolwat on January 07, 2015, 09:52:15 PM
FM55 chimes in with a pretty good point as always - there's no reason to set up any of the guitars if nobody would even consider buying anything. A good solution, although time-consuming, is having a competent guitar tech in-house to set up a guitar which has just been purchased by a customer and then have the customer come back to claim it afterwards - in fact, this is how I got my first electric, and also how I met my long-time friend and suki at the Alabang Lazer Music branch.
Ralph_Petrucci: medyo nagsawa din ako sa gear sa Ochanomizu eventually haha, ngayon puro Akihabara ako, naghahalughog ng electronics shops para humanap ng parts for my DIY pedal hobby :) I might make a separate thread for that.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: firemodel55 on January 08, 2015, 10:24:23 AM
mas madami kasi mahihirap na gitaristang pinoy kesa mayayaman. there I just simplified it. Haha.
Wrong simplification.
I don't want to even say because we are in a third world country its because.... the majority of Pinoys -- our countrymen -- do not want to pay for local musical talent whether in terms of CD sales, gigs, merchandise or events KAYA mas maraming mahirap ng gitaristang Pinoy kaysa mayaman.
Kaya huwag na sisihin ang mga mayaman o may pera dahil kaunti lang kami para suportahan ang lahat ng musikero sa Pinas. Ang sisihin niyo ay mga bakyang musikero at entertainer na gustong gusto ng masa.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on January 08, 2015, 10:44:45 AM
Quote
Ang sisihin niyo ay mga bakyang musikero at entertainer na gustong gusto ng masa.
true
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Ralph_Petrucci on January 08, 2015, 11:00:57 AM
I don't want to even say because we are in a third world country its because.... the majority of Pinoys -- our countrymen -- do not want to pay for local musical talent whether in terms of CD sales, gigs, merchandise or events KAYA mas maraming mahirap ng gitaristang Pinoy kaysa mayaman.
Kaya huwag na sisihin ang mga mayaman o may pera dahil kaunti lang kami para suportahan ang lahat ng musikero sa Pinas. Ang sisihin niyo ay mga bakyang musikero at entertainer na gustong gusto ng masa.
Wrong. Its not that they do not want. Its that they cannot pay for it.
Majority ba sinasabi mo? Think. If majority of us have the same money as you, you might be in for a competition.
We still get it Alex, and its not against you at all, YOU simply have the means that most of us doesnt have.
I think thats clear enough. Cant, Want, Wouldnt, Couldnt.
Access. Means.
BTw bakit naman natin sisihin ang bakyang musikero? I dont get it. May mga musikerong magaganda ang gamit pero bakya ang tugtugan. Just saying. This is not a your gear against mine, skills vs gears debate. Its just what it is.
You cant simply put down a huge cross section of the guitar playing demographic by that comment.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on January 08, 2015, 11:49:00 AM
Wrong. Its not that they do not want. Its that they cannot pay for it.
Majority ba sinasabi mo? Think. If majority of us have the same money as you, you might be in for a competition.
We still get it Alex, and its not against you at all, YOU simply have the means that most of us doesnt have.
I think thats clear enough. Cant, Want, Wouldnt, Couldnt.
Access. Means.
BTw bakit naman natin sisihin ang bakyang musikero? I dont get it. May mga musikerong magaganda ang gamit pero bakya ang tugtugan. Just saying. This is not a your gear against mine, skills vs gears debate. Its just what it is.
You cant simply put down a huge cross section of the guitar playing demographic by that comment.
parang yung bilibid boys...haha
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: Ralph_Petrucci on January 08, 2015, 12:41:15 PM
Wrong. Its not that they do not want. Its that they cannot pay for it.
di rin paps. maraming mga nagpapaevent na marmaing budget but are not willing to pay for talent kasi they think "a lot of people will do it for free, why will I pay for someone who wants to play for a fee".
in these cases, which is most of the time, its a DO NOT WANT.
wag na tayong lumayo pa, marami nang avenues for cheap legit music (spotify, deezer) pero andami paring tumatangkilik sa torrent or audio rip via youtube. bakit? kasi ayaw nga nilang magbayad.
pero teka, sobrang layo na natin sa TOPIC na JAPAN Pilgramage ni paps lolwat. wag na nating paliguyin ang argumentong ito. parehas kayong may point ni fm55. mejo di lang siguro maganda yung dating ng point ni fm55 sayo.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: bakit? on January 08, 2015, 12:51:42 PM
parang mag kaiba naman ang topic ng acquisition of gears vs wanting to pay for live shows/albums.
kung yan ang logic mo.
parang ganito yan, people dont go to shows since its not practical and not in their priorities. hence they wont go unless free. di naman basic need e. which is still boils down to not having enough means or money.
i will not debate on you that, masyado lang malayo punto mo. and yes i dont go to concerts and shows often since i find it pricey and not my priority. case in point, di pa ako nakakapanuod ng mga major acts sa summer slam kahit na ilan sa kanila idol ko. wala e, makikinig na lang ako or manunuod ng local acts na magaling din.
ditto with not buying an artists album, kasi may cheaper alternative.
hmm. may pattern di ba? pinoys go for cheaper alternatives. bakit kaya?
kasi wala masyadong purchasing power.
kaya nga pag may mga clones, jap copies which are of the same quality like the original, we buy it. kasi nga its the only way we can get better instruments.
simply put, kung may kaya lang ang pinoy, makakabili sya ng gamit nya na maganda. gitara man yan o wala. hanggat hindi, we are stuck with just buying whatever our means can get us. bow.
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: ryechua on April 07, 2015, 03:11:47 PM
saw this video from pete thorn...
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: iyzburg on April 07, 2015, 03:52:11 PM
Hmmm.. So, sa Japan kaya, people would pay prime to go the show of their musicians? Or pati Singapore..
I had the hang of checking out Lee Kuan Yew a couple of days ago, how he managed to get his country from "Third World to First", and I've seen how many see him as a successful and pragmatic leader, while some see him as a Machiavellian, Iron-willed Honcho who pulverized those who stood against his way and purpose (which still is, a successful Singapore)..
Though I know that google free stuff is sort of myopic, searches show Mr. Lee molded, refocused, controlled, and led the thinking of most of his people. From education to what not, his government had its way.. Kaya ayun daw, citizens are really focused on the improvement of the country, kaya largely weeded out ang corruption, etc. Some google result says Mr. Lee did not believe that individual rights has precedence over national welfare..
So, back to discussion trend. So, people in rich countries do support their artist? Would paying for their shows and albums go along their priorites (I'm borrowing bakit?'s terms), personal and national?
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: gandydancer123 on October 12, 2019, 04:33:15 PM
finally did my pilgrimage as well...
wuhoo! lots of choices...prices ..well..same same with prices anywhere... just had fun looking around..
Title: Re: Ochanomizu, Tokyo - My Personal "Pilgrimage" (WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES)
Post by: guitaricci on October 21, 2019, 02:36:40 PM
Will be going there end of the month. Subukan ko magbenta ng pedals doon. :))