Hello, this is Tanaka from TC-TUNE.
It's been a while since the last "How Does a Repairman Live?"
This time's theme is
The Repairman and the GuitarBassDo I have to be able to play the piano?
There's a question I'm sometimes asked.
"Don't repairmen not need to be able to play instruments?"
Certainly, understanding the structure and mechanics of an instrument and mastering the tools will allow you to do the job to a certain extent. However, if you aim to become a "good repairman"—the conclusion is clear.
"You have to be able to play it."
The reason is simple: what we handle are tools for performance.
- Customers bring their instruments "to play."
The repairman handles issues with guitars andBassis the "person who performs."
In other words, our job is not only to "repair instruments so they play correctly," but also to "ensure they are in a condition that allows for comfortable playing."
In fact, many customers visit our store with intuitive concerns like "It's hard to play" or "The sound is somehow off," and the nature of these issues is extremely diverse.
These kinds of struggles are difficult to truly grasp unless you can play to a certain degree yourself. Conversely, there are also many hints for improvement that can only be seen by actually playing.
- If you don't know how to play it, you won't know the correct way to adjust it.
Guitar andBassis an instrument whose sound is determined by how it is played.
The force applied to the strings, the picking technique—there are numerous factors that affect the sound. To accurately judge the results of adjustments, one must be able to replicate the player's movements to a certain degree.
If you cannot produce the sound yourself to verify it, you cannot determine "what improved" or "why it didn't work," making it difficult to accumulate and develop your skills.
- You don't need professional-level skill. What you need is to know how to play.
By this point,
"So I need professional-level skills, huh..."
Some people may feel uneasy about this.
But rest assured. There's absolutely no need for that.
You don't have to be able to play fast or perform artistic solos.
What matters is whether you know how to produce the same sound as someone who can play.
Understanding the fundamental movements involved in playing and being able to reproduce them with your own hands—that alone makes a huge difference in the quality of your adjustments.
- On the Argument That "Leo Fender Couldn't Play"
Occasionally, the story comes up that "Leo Fender couldn't play guitar, yet he created numerous legendary instruments."
It's true that Leo Fender couldn't play the guitar, but that's the story of a historical genius.
If you realize you're not a genius on par with Leo Fender, you should at least strive to become proficient enough to play, understand the instruments he created, and be able to adjust them properly.
Moreover, like Ken Smith, he is a professional bassist who is also an amazingBassExamples of "creating" also exist, but they are not often cited.
Relying solely on the story that "a person who couldn't play made a legendary instrument" to avoid putting in the effort to play yourself is still unreasonable.
- Adopting the perspective of someone who plays an instrument
What is required of a repair technician is not merely knowledge of the structure. Whether they possess the perspective of a performer is also a crucial point.
If you can play reasonably well yourself, you'll find it easier to empathize with your customers' concerns, and the direction for adjustments will become clearer.
The effort put into playing ultimately contributes to the quality of repairs.
- Summary
Guitar andBassFor repairmen who handle instruments, being able to play them is a major advantage.
・Can empathize with the performer's sensibilities
・Be able to judge the results of adjustments yourself
・Verify and develop technology
You don't need to play like a pro. But you must understand and be able to reproduce the steps that produce sound, just like the performer. Whether you can do this will undoubtedly change the quality and depth of your repairs.