TCGAKKI Nihei
The feelings entrusted to Kawai MoonSault
Once you see it, you'll never forget it.
Kawai Moonsault: A "bundle of originality"
TCGAKKIThis is Nihei, and this time I'd like to talk about the history of original Japanese guitars.1With a design and name that you'll never forget once you see it,KAWAI Moon Sault I would like to explore its appeal.。
KAWAI and electric guitar
1927Kawai Musical Instruments Research Institute, which began manufacturing and selling pianos in [year],1929The company was renamed Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in that year, and from there29Years later1958YearMaking classical guitarsStarted.
1963In yearManufacturing electric guitars for export.We take our first steps towards that.1967In year63They had been in a partnership since [year].TeiscoWe will absorb these resources and aim to increase production and expand our manufacturing capabilities.
after that1969The group sounds boom continued until around that time, followed by the flower power movement, and KawaiFor domestic useTeiscoThey manufactured copy models of guitars such as the VOX Teardrop and Martin GT-75 for export overseas.1974In yearDomestic electric guitarsOEMproductionStarting now.
And finally1977yearKAWAIteethOriginal electric guitar XseriesandMseriesWe will be releasing it.
XThe series features a dual sound switch that allows it to produce both humbucker and single-coil sounds.MThe series features various characteristics, including a phase switch.
With newfound confidence and momentum, Kawai approached his next original guitar with a specific theme in mind.
The theme is”A story of space”is!!
The background of that theme is1970There have been times when humanity's interest has been directed toward space, such as the Apollo moon landing in 1986.
And the original guitar that was created wasMoon SaultThat's right!!
The secret hidden in the crescent-shaped body
When considering the theme of a story set in space, the first thing that came to Kawai's mind wassolarSo, the bodyRound,Headcrescent moon shape, position markersstar shapeThis results in a groundbreaking design.
This is laterMoon SaultThis is the prototype.
However, while the above design did leave an unforgettable impression,Because it was big and heavyIt was determined that it would be difficult to use as a tool, and several other designs were explored.
Among them, the development team had long been interested in "humanengineeringDesigns incorporating this concept are created.
When designing based on ergonomics,Average height, weight, and center of gravity of Japanese peopleNaWe thoroughly researched these aspects and built the design based on that data.
And it was the first design.The rounded shape has been modified by cutting the part where the elbow rests based on ergonomic measurements.As a result of doing so,Crescent moon-shaped bodyThis is what happened.
The body design looks like a beautiful crescent moon at first glance, but this shape is based on "ergonomics," so if you look closely, it differs from the phases of the real moon, and when the body is cut in half, the neck side and the body end side are different.RThat's incorrect.
The biggest challenge in the creation of Moon Sault
Just when we thought the body shape had been decided and development would proceed smoothly from there, furtherhardshipThis will attack the development team.
The body itself was developed based on ergonomics, but when you hold the guitar...The overall balance will not become extremely unbalanced.and,Matching the body designHead designIt was a challenge that we had to overcome.
The head designMore time than body shapingSpending time, and as a resultstarThe tip of the head is designed to resemble3The design ended up protruding in that direction.
The body ismonthThe head isstarAnd the headCrescent Moon and First StarAnd around it, an inlay resembling numerous shining stars was embedded.
FurthermoreTruss rod coveris Apollo11The number is based on the image of a numberRocket typeThis is exactly the theme of the development.”A story of space”ofA design embodied in the entire guitar.This is what happened.
And finally, the specifications were decided as follows:neckis.
The neck isGibsonPeople who have the systemFenderIt was made with the concept of "so that it doesn't feel out of place even when switching to a different system," and has a moderate thickness and width.CIt has taken shape.
The fretboard inlays start from the last fret.1Towards the fretsThe moon is waxing.It has a stylish design.
This one is all you need! A sound concept aiming for "all-around" performance.
The sound concept was considered in parallel with the overall design. And the resulting sound concept was:All-rounderThat was it.
So77Patent application filed in [year]DSUHumbucking pickupIt is equipped with this pickup. This pickup has aluminum foil wrapped around the outer circumference of each coil to reduce noise.
Furthermore, it features a three-magnet structure to prevent a decrease in volume when switching to single-coil mode.
And alreadyX・MSeriesRecruitIt wasDual Sound SwitchandPhase out switch,andPreamplifiertoPower BoosteranddistortionEquipped with, it can do anything,All-rounderThis resulted in a controllable state.
Parts selection that prioritizes the theme.
The parts areBadassbridge orFloverpegRecruitThis isRockets, spacesuits=SilverSince that was the established market price, they deliberately chose silver parts instead of luxurious gold parts.RecruitIt was done.
The final challenge to complete the "story of the universe"
The final consideration in the design was,coloris.
If you get the color wrong, it ruins the theme.I might make a mess of it.Therefore, it was carefully considered.
As a result,Silver Sunburst」「Cosmo"2Two color schemes were created.
The Silver Sunburst design features a silver-to-black burst that evokes the image of the moon and stars shining in the pitch-black expanse of space.
Cosmo, on the other hand, has a black center and a blue burst on the outside, which represents the fact that the further away you are in space, the slower light travels.The three-dimensional feel of spaceThis recreates "[the scene]".
Its name is "Moon Sault"
Once all the designs are complete, the name is finally inscribed on the original guitar, a piece of work that the owner poured their heart and soul into.
When naming the model, the development team was reminded of the "Ultra" horizontal bar technique devised by Mitsuo Tsukahara, who was a member of the Kawai Gymnastics Club at the time.CA difficult and challenging techniqueMoonsaultThat was it.
The development team felt that the name "Moonsault" was a perfect fit for the guitar they created, and the playerSoaring into spaceWith the hope that you will play the guitar with this kind of image in mind,Moon SaultIt will be named "".
Thus, with originality and creativity,Moon SaultIt will be released in 1978!Moon Saultteeth1985Production will cease once a year,87Year10Anniversary Model(Equipped with a Floyd Rose-type tremolo.)Appears,90In the year of the acrylic bodyMS-80It will be released.
OriginalMoon SaultMany users wanted a reissue, and a completely reissued model was released.1997It has been released for many years and has maintained its strong popularity for a long time!
[Actual Machine Review] A Comparison of Past Kawai Moonsault Models
Moon Sault Silver Sunburst/Cosmo
As explained above, the originalMoonSault
The model name isMS-1000。
1978Year3From the month1985Year2It was sold until the moon.
PUThe fact that the bobbins, escutcheons, and binding have discolored to a creamy color due to sun exposure is a common characteristic of Japanese-made guitars from that era, giving it a charming, historical feel.
( CosmoThe pegs on this particular unit areGOTOHIt has been replaced with this.)
Moon Sault Moon Light Yellow
78When it was first released that yearSilver SunburstandCosmoof2We initially offered a range of colors, but gradually the number of requests for custom colors increased.KAWAIAmong these, color variations will be considered.
And so1981YearRedAnd hereMoon Light YellowThis will be added as a color variation.
Moon Light YellowThe yellow burst is sprinkled with gold and silver glitter, giving it a look reminiscent of the moon and the stars shining around it.
Because the gold and silver glitter was sprinkled on by hand, each nail has a unique appearance.
AlsoMoon Light YellowIt was popular among young people at the time, partly because Yoshio Nomura of the Hatanokin Trio used it.
Moon Sault MS-140CC Green
1993A model with a colored acrylic body, created for the annual instrument fair.
The acrylic body itself was released in the same yearMS-130CThis model is available from [company name] and has the same parts and specifications, but with a colored acrylic body.From the body, see hereGreenapart fromOrange, Pink、Flavor SmokeA range of color variations were available.
OriginalMoon SaultUnlike other features, it has a bolt-on structure and the controls are1 Volume, 1 ToneIt features a simple style with a pickup selector.
Moon Sault MS-40 Cosmo
Kawai Musical Instruments Founded70anniversary,Moon SaultRelease20The anniversary, and since Kawai started making guitars40Anniversary1997This model was released in [year].
90AgeMoon SaultSpeaking of the aboveMS-140It has simple controls like thisMS-80It was released as a regular model, but it has original controls.Moon SaultMany users were eagerly awaiting this, and in response to that demand, this product was released.MS-80is.
OriginalMoon SaultIt was manufactured using the same jig and parts.The colors are the same as they were back then.Cosmo. Silver Sunburst. Red. Moon Light Yellowof4It is a color,”Complete reproduction”This is a model worthy of being called a model.
Let's compare the original MoonSault with the MS-40!
MS-40is originalMoon SaultThey've completely reproduced it, but the question arose: how does it actually compare to the original?
Original andMS-40It's rare to see them together! I can't miss this opportunity, so let's compare them!
The shape, control specifications, and functions are, of course, the same. However, if you look closely, you can find differences!
As expected, the originalMoonSaultThe entire item is discolored. In particular, the white parts such as the binding and escutcheons have turned a creamy color.
on the other handMS-40The color shows almost no signs of fading. This is likely due to advancements in technology, which have resulted in the use of paints and parts that are less prone to fading.
If you look at the bridge...BadassChanges were also observed in the bridge studs compared to the original.MS-40The studs are larger. This is due to a change in the specifications of the part itself, but it is a valuable change that allows you to distinguish between the original and the reissue model.
MS-40Since it was made using the same manufacturing methods, tools, and parts as the original, it looked almost identical. The only differences were unavoidable changes in the specifications of the parts, and since its release...20I am truly impressed by the effort and dedication of Kawai's engineers in recreating it so perfectly, even after all these years.
Afterword
first timeMoon SaultWhen I first saw it, the visual impact was so strong that, to be honest, I didn't take the time to carefully examine the details, like how each part was constructed.
However, in order to write this articleMoon SaultBy delving deeper into the subject, one can feel the thoughts, sensibilities, and efforts of the craftsmen of that time, as well as their efforts to realize their dreams, throughout the experience.Moon SaultI came to love everything about it, not just its appearance.
It's so meticulously crafted that it would be harder to find a part that *isn't* done with care.Moon SaultI really want everyone to know the full picture.
（TCGAKKI Nihei)
reference
Rittor Music Guitar Graphic The7issue
Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Homepage
one thing:When I first saw Moon Sault, the visual impact was so strong that, to be honest, I didn't take the time to carefully examine the details, like how each part was constructed.
However, in order to write this article, I delved deeper into Moon Sault and was able to feel the thoughts, sensibilities, and efforts of the craftsmen of that time, as well as their efforts to realize their dreams, in every detail. I came to love everything about Moon Sault, not just its appearance.
I think it would be harder to find a part that wasn't meticulously crafted, so I really want everyone to see the full scope of Moon Sault.
Author of this article:Nihei (TCGAKKI (Electric guitarist)
I learned about the guitar through the manga "BECK" when I was in junior high school, and was influenced by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, which awakened my passion for rock music.
I graduated from a vocational school specializing in guitar making.TCGAKKIAcoustic floor,TCGAKKIShe previously worked as a staff member at Premium Guitar Lounge. Currently, she is in charge of electric guitars, actively spreading her love for the instrument through column writing, YouTube appearances, and other means.
Qualifications and experience: 8 years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser
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