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Anybody in Japan? Got a few questions...

A

a2k

Jun 28, 2014
9
12
52
#1
Hi there,

My family is a few weeks away from relocating from Seattle to the Tokyo suburbs. We're very restricted on how much weight we can bring and I'm trying to figure out what bass gear will come with me. There are two specific items I've got some questions about and I'm hoping that someone in Japan can help me out.

First, bring and sell my 1939 Kay Maestro, or keep it here in a safe place? It's in *okay* shape and honestly it's been about 5 years since I've played it regularly. My initial thought is to leave it in the states (my dad is a pianist and has gracefully offered to let it live in his music room). I'm wondering if it might have significantly more value in Japan and be worth bringing it there and selling it. Anybody have any idea what the going price for this bass might be in Tokyo? And if so, how hard it would be to sell?

Second, if I sell my amp here, will I be able to find a decent combo at a reasonable price? I've got a heavy Eden 4x10 and head. It's more amp than I need and I've been meaning to downsize for a while. My plan is to sell it in the states and then buy a smaller combo once I'm in Japan. Last time I was in Tokyo, I remember seeing stores *packed* with basses but no amps in sight. Are amps harder to come by or more expensive in Japan? Or would I have no problem finding something that will work pretty easily?

I do appreciate any help any of you Japan or Tokyo locals can provide.

Thanks!
 
#2
I lived in Tokyo for 3 years, 3 years ago.

I'd leave it in the states. If you're not gigging on it, you won't likely have the room for it, and I would doubt there'd be much call for it used. On the amp thing, you might want to go with buying an amp there, just because of the power. You'd need a transformer to use your current amp on Japanese power, and those are never quite right.
 
#5
One thing to note with your move to Japan? There is a THRIVING vintage instrument market there. I go to a few guitar shows, and like clockwork there are always Japanese dealers at those shows who do nothing but buy vintage instruments for the express purpose of reselling them on the Japanese market. At the show last week there were easily 6 Japanese dealers who were there just to buy instruments that were headed back to Japan.
 
#6
Wish I could be more help other than this bump.

I know what you mean about amps. Stores are chocked full of guitars and basses but only a few small practice amps. Prices seem a little, but not terribly higher than America. You have been in Japan so I'm probably not telling you anything more than you already know.
 
#7
Pacman said:
No problem!

You said Tokyo suburbs - where will you be?
Click to expand...

We'll be in Sagamihara - my wife works for the Army and they're sending her to Camp Zama.

ShoeManiac said:
One thing to note with your move to Japan? There is a THRIVING vintage instrument market there.
Click to expand...

I believe it! I'm sure there's a significant number of collectors of electric basses and guitars. I think my Kay probably isn't the right instrument to attract a big collector market though. I'm guessing that uprights are just too big for there to be a significant collector population in Tokyo any while mine is vintage, honestly it's neither in pristine condition nor an exceptional sounding or playing bass. I'm going to take Pacman's advice and put it somewhere safe while I'm away.

fishwhacked said:
I know what you mean about amps. Stores are chocked full of guitars and basses but only a few small practice amps. Prices seem a little, but not terribly higher than America. You have been in Japan so I'm probably not telling you anything more than you already know.
Click to expand...

Seems like it's a space thing. You can pack a lot of basses into a small space but amps take up too much room. Here's a picture of me at The Bass Center in Shibuya (ignore the glazed over jet lagged eyes). You can see how many basses they're able to pack into a space hardly wide enough to stand in, but there's no room for amps.

5kkrv8.jpg
 
#8
The other reason is that players don't need more than practice amps in Tokyo. You're not going to be hauling a rig to a gig. "Live Houses" as they're called, all have backline provided.
 

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