Packed with useful information about musical instruments!
TCGAKKIMagazine
It's embarrassing to be caught not knowing something.
You don't want to feel embarrassed.
Have you ever felt embarrassed during conversations about instruments or music because of a small knowledge gap?
On social media these days, it's commonplace to see people trying to outdo each other by flaunting their knowledge amidst a sea of information. It's not uncommon to get called out for a minor mistake or be criticized for what you don't know. What's more, this information is often unreliable, lacking proper sources.
I totally get that feeling.
Information is instantly searchable, but you can't even be sure if what you find is correct. In the end, you become afraid to speak up at all...
It's frustrating, isn't it? You just want to talk about your beloved instrument, but feeling insecure about your knowledge makes you feel like you don't belong.
For you, the TCGAKKI Group staff, who love instruments, have prepared the [TCGAKKI Magazine], compiled with real experience and solid knowledge!Packed with real, useful information for all instrument fans, pro or amateur!
This "TCGAKKI Magazine" covers a wide range of topics: beginner-friendly HOWTO articles, the history of legendary instruments, noteworthy guitars, wood trends, and more. Created based on our staff's hands-on experience with the instruments themselves and reliable information, it's exceptionally trustworthy.
Especially our guitar feature articles, which delve into instruments that have made history or are truly one-of-a-kind, offer deep insights only possible from a shop that has owned those very instruments.
Your music life is guaranteed to become richer from the very day you read it!
Don't miss this opportunity to learn while enjoying!
You're sure to find articles perfect for you!
Impress your bandmates and music friends in conversation!
Check it out now!
- Latest Articles -
The History of the ARTIST SERIES: Walking with Hoshino Gakki and Fujigen
Uncovering the History and Full Scope of Rare Colors
What kind of brand was Epiphone originally, and what sound did it idealize?
▶︎Epiphone: The Craftsmen and Legendary Instruments That Built Its Golden Age
{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-42f7f762-6bd1-4f9e-8404-e62edb9bd851" } }
The Unstoppable Innovation of the Man Who Left Fender
▶︎Leo Fender and the Birth of MUSIC MAN
Is it just a guitar for distortion? Absolutely not!
▶︎Breaking the Mold: B.C. Rich
A Journey Through the History of Tuners with Famous Brands
Focusing on electric guitar tuners, we'll explore their history.
Tokyo's Shin-Okubo New Landmark:
~D-45 no Mori~
xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal
: The Legend Still Told Today "YAMAHA L Four Heavenly Kings"
The Charm of Antique Parlor Guitars
~Sounds from the 19th Century~
Electric Guitar
Why did Aria Pro II create PE?
Tracing the untold history of Japan Vintage
We'll explore the history of electric guitar pickups and the pickup brands.
Since Gretsch already owned the trademark "Broadkaster" for drums, Fender was forced to quickly change the name...
▶︎1951 Fender Nocaster "PROTO"
Uncovered a nearly unused 1961 Fender Stratocaster!
▶︎Real Closet Classic
Our No.1 Popular Project"Modified Guitar Contest"
▶︎5th Modified Guitar Contest 2024
▶︎4th Modified Guitar Contest 2022
▶︎ 3rd
▶︎2nd Custom Guitar Contest 2018
▶︎1st Custom Guitar Contest 2014
Highlighting Fender Japan, which stands out as particularly popular among Japan Vintage guitars
▶︎FENDER JAPAN Dream Top-of-the-Line Models
▶︎Fender Japan JV Models
▶︎Fender Japan EXTRAD Models
▶︎Fender Japan Custom Edition
In the history of vintage guitars, models produced by era are explained, along with disassembly guides illustrating era-specific characteristics and differences through photographs.
▶︎Chapter 1: FENDER STRATOCASTER
▶︎Chapter 2: Gibson LES PAUL
Inheriting Leo's genes!? The stubborn craftsman's obsession.
▶︎About T.S factory
Introducing our original instrument series, "packed with playfulness" !
▶︎ TCGAKKI and Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. – A miraculous collaboration!
▶︎Original Instrument Series Part 2: Cocoa Cigarette Electric Guitar
▶︎Original Instrument Series Part 3: ATD-GT (Fighter Jet)
▶︎But Still,the Galette Guitar
▶︎SAN’O’FACE
A new endeavor to embody the player's dreams and free concepts.
▶︎ReFINE Project
The legendary ES-175, a super long-selling masterpiece. Let's explore the charm of the "Ichinanago"—its dry yet rich, lustrous tone!!
▶︎The ES-175, a full-hollow body beloved by masters
What is GRECO's History & GO Series?
▶︎GRECO's History and Detailed Feature
Most players have at least some dissatisfaction or issues with their instrument's sound. Since replacing it isn't easy, let's tweak the small parts to customize your guitar to your liking!
▶︎Pickup Replacement Beginner's Guide
▶︎Basic Maintenance Guide
▶︎Deep Bass Ranking! Down Tuning Lesson!
▶︎Synchronized Tremolo Bridge!! Floating Adjustment Lesson!! Edition
Being the same as everyone else is boring!TCGAKKIOriginal Control Knob Customization
▶︎A knob that lights up according to the selector switch position
TCGAKKI proudly buys Japan Vintage as a beloved brand Japan cherishes
▶︎Domestic guitars "Japan Vintage" - We buy them!!
A miraculous guitar, with only 98 made worldwide. The lucky few who own one represent just 1.26 in 100 million people globally. Gibson 1958 FLYING V
▶︎Only 98 made worldwide! 1958 Gibson FLYING V
Introducing the ultimate masterpiece, renowned for its artisan spirit, exceptional craftsmanship, and original design born from rich creativity.
▶︎Vol.1 Abe Rivera ‘80s SEPTER ECLIPSE
▶︎Vol.3 MOSSMAN SUPER CUSTOM by Baxendale
▶︎Vol.4 ZEMAITIS 1996 METAL FRONT
The secret to improvement starts with a healthy instrument! Our pro repairmen diagnose and check all problem areas!
Luxury-grade! We create our store's original "Instrument Health Check Report". Simple fixes can be done on the spot!
▶︎Instrument Health Check
What adjustments have been made to the instrument you're purchasing?
We'll give you a straight answer!!
▶︎Electric Guitar Edition
We explain string replacement and adjustment methods, which are surprisingly often asked about in-store. We break down special and slightly complicated replacement techniques in a way beginners can understand.
▶︎I'd like to write about various things concerning how to string a guitar
From Zaimokuza Beach in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, comes the new guitar brand "NOBUWORKS". Inspired by the vast ocean and utilizing techniques honed through windsurf board manufacturing, it achieves an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship and radiates a unique, one-of-a-kind character.
▶︎ The supreme guitar brand nurtured by the sea: NOBUWORKS
First, we provide fascinating explanations about guitar strings from various perspectives, covering everything from gauge and tension to stringing techniques and maintenance. Aim to become a string enthusiast!
▶︎Volume 1: The Story of Guitar Strings
Comparisons will reveal new aspects you never noticed before! I'm learning daily and posting whatever strikes my fancy!
▶︎First Installment: Fender Precision Bass (1961 & 1992)
▶︎Second Installment: Gibson Les Paul Gold Top (1956 & 2000)
Starting something new brings great expectations and a little anxiety. For those feeling this way, 'Choosing Your First Instrument' is here to help!
▶︎Choosing Your First Instrument
▶︎Electric Guitar
▶︎ElectricBass
▶︎Acoustic Guitar
▶︎Guitar Amplifier
▶︎Effector
▶︎Drums
▶︎How to Choose a Music Store
A beginner-friendly rock lecture featuring YouTube and fun artist anecdotes!
▶︎The Great Eccentrics Who Shaped Rock's Dawn
Staff member Karibe's completely subjective and biased picks spotlighting one "intriguing" piece
▶︎First Installment: "heerby" – Known only to those in the know? Japan Vintage
▶︎Second Installment: "Fresher" – A surprising guitar with built-in effects
▶︎Third Installment: "Ibanez" – From Japan! Overseas Artist Models!
▶︎Fourth Installment :KAWAI "Moonsault" – Captivated by the Romance of Space
▶︎Fifth Installment :Sting Ray "100th Anniversary" NAMM Anniversary Model!!
▶︎Special Feature :"TC GAKKI × SPIN GEAR × YOYOJAM" – Create Your Original Yo-Yo!!
▶︎Sixth Installment: Atlantica
A monster replica recreated with astonishing attention to detail. Thoroughly verified down to the finest details!!
▶︎Transcending the replica's boundaries, its spirit is recreated with a bombastic sound right here!
B, W&R has done it again!!
Custom Engraved Aluminum Pickguard featuring meticulous hand-crafted engraving on corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy!
Exclusively available at TCGAKKI!!
▶︎ The ultra-cool pickguard from B, W&R is here!
A man named "Forbis" who lived in Columbia, Missouri, USA at the time...
▶︎1956 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM
Miraculously, several limited edition YAMAHA SG models arrived at once! We'll thoroughly investigate each model and report back...
▶︎YAMAHA SG Limited Edition Models
We've compiled everything from basic knowledge to fun facts that'll make you go "Huh!" all in one place!
▶︎Learn with Oda♪ Fender Trivia
A legendary instrument with a design and name you'll never forget, even once seen, in the history of domestic original guitars.
▶︎The Passion Entrusted to Moon Sault
Since Gretsch already held the trademark "Broadkaster" for drums, Fender was forced to quickly change the name..
▶︎1951 Fender Nocaster "PROTO"
Acoustic Guitar
~Always by the musician's side~
The History of the J-50, "The Good Companion"
"The Workhorse"
~The History of the Gibson J-45~
History of Gibson Dove
It all began when Len Ferguson's son happened to find an article we had previously produced and sent us a message.
▶︎Gibson's Former Master Luthier "Ren Ferguson"
Peter Fonda's guitar, famously featured in Easy Rider and Outlaw Blues, has arrived!
▶︎Peter Fonda's 1944 Martin D-18
The only one in the world, a one-of-a-kind Martin inspired by Old America, the "Great Train Robbery SPECIAL"
▶︎1967 Martin D-28 "TRAIN"
Ovation's pinnacle = Adamas Now is the time to deeply explore the 'Ideal Acoustic' Ovation pursued!
▶︎The Journey of Ovation Adamas
Handcrafted guitars showcasing Warner Bros.' vision and masterful craftsmanship throughout
▶︎ MOSSMAN SUPER CUSTOM by Baxendale
Ultra-rare! Unraveling the history and features from a first-year Hummingbird model
▶︎Early '60s HUMMINGBIRD Gallery
Introducing Japan's world-renowned "YAMAHA" acoustic guitars
▶︎YAMAHA LEGEND HISTORY
World's first reference book on pre-war to 1960s Gibson SJ-200 based on actual measurements
▶︎KING OF THE FLAT-TOPS
A luthier who seems to converse with the guitar rather than merely crafting it is truly rare.
▶︎Metaphysical Techniques and Philosophical Pursuit
A Deep Dive into the History of Japanese-Made Acoustic Guitars!
▶︎Part 1: YAMAHA "Original Guitars Created by Pioneers"
We dissect the much-discussed rosewood alongside Martin Guitars, who built the history of acoustic guitars!
▶︎Part 1: Untold Secrets
▶︎Part 2: The Premium Rosewood "New Jacaranda"
▶︎Part 3 :Rare Rosewoods Working Behind the Scenes of New Jacaranda
▶︎Part 4: Post-Rosewood
The greatest contributor to the development of Japan's acoustic guitar culture!
▶︎The Lonely Guitar Designer Terry Nakamoto
A column spotlighting folk songs that defined their era and the guitars played by the artists who performed them!
▶︎Folk Song Jamboree
Introducing the ultimate masterpiece, renowned for its artisan spirit, exceptional craftsmanship, and original designs born from rich creativity .
▶︎Vol.3 MOSSMAN SUPER CUSTOM by Baxendale
The pinnacle of Martin guitars, the ultimate "Tree of Life" adorned "D-50 Deluxe". Enjoy this truly artistic masterpiece alongside the other three pieces displayed in our store.
▶︎Martin Guitar's Pinnacle: The Ultimate "Tree of Life"
The supreme masterpiece, the Pre-War Martin and its history. Marvel at its historical value and sound from another dimension!
▶︎A miraculous gathering of supreme masterpieces, the Pre-War Martin!
A masterpiece boasting intense impact, originality, and luxury!! Welcome to the magnificent world of the Gibson 100th Anniversary Model SJ-200!
▶︎Welcome to the magnificent world of the SJ-200!
▶︎SJ-200 Custom Line and more
This column features eight Martin guitars boasting the legendary Shaded Top finish—not modern reissues, but original instruments representing their era.
▶︎Martin Shaded Top
Want to play that iconic phrase from that song?!
We want to support you in that!!
▶︎Acoustic Guitar: Phrases Passed Down Through the Ages
The sheer volume of pages and images seems to have plunged the web manager into the depths of despair (wry smile), but all that hard work paid off—this feature article was a hit! As a huge Gibson fan myself! I'm already brainstorming even more powerful projects for the future, so brace yourselves!
▶︎J-45 & J-50
Southern Jumbo & Country Western
▶︎J-200 & J-160E
▶︎Dove & Hummingbird
▶︎Small Body
▶︎Others
A pickup for acoustic guitars that amplifies the raw sound as-is... simple in concept, yet surprisingly tricky to pull off. I'm tackling this project partly for my own learning! Stay tuned for more!
▶︎Prologue
▶︎Chapter 1
▶︎Chapter 2
Starting something new brings great expectations and a little anxiety. For those feeling this way, 'Choosing Your First Instrument' is here to help!
▶︎Choosing Your First Instrument
▶︎Electric Guitar
ElectricBass
▶︎ Acoustic Guitar
▶︎ Guitar Amp
▶︎Effector
▶︎ Drums
▶︎ How to Choose a Music Store
We've squeezed out 50 little stories about acoustic guitars [Martin] and [Gibson]!
▶︎Acoustic Guitar: 50 Little Stories That'll Make You Say "Huh?!!"
Effector・Amps
The Miracle of Deadstock!
Ace Tone FM-2 Awakens from a 50-Year Slumber
Dream collaboration realized! That Rockman sound in a compact Effector!
▶︎New Effector Project " SUSTAINOR "
The legendary pedal Sano first encountered: "TONE BENDER MkI"
▶︎TONEBENDER MK1
Contest held for the first time in two years! Theme: "How to Enjoy the Effector"
▶︎2nd Modified Effector Contest
▶︎1st Modified Effector Contest
Introducing the Legendary Wah Pedal: VOX Clyde McCoy Wah-Wah Pedal
▶︎Legendary Wah Pedal: VOX Clyde McCoy Wah-Wah Pedal
Guitarists listening to CDs or tapes often think, "I want to create that sound myself!" But achieving it is surprisingly difficult—something every guitarist has likely experienced. Our ROCKMANN-loving staff provides simple explanations for each model.
▶︎Create distinctive sounds with Effector
The dream collaboration is here! That classic Mega Man sound in a compact Effector!
▶︎ TCGAKKI New Effector project
Starting something new brings great expectations and a little anxiety. For those feeling this way, 'Choosing Your First Instrument' is here to help!
▶︎Choosing Your First Instrument
▶︎Electric Guitar
▶︎ElectricBass
▶︎Acoustic Guitar
▶︎Guitar Amp
▶︎Effector
▶︎Drums
▶︎How to Choose a Music Store
This is a whimsical update, but it's a column related to Compact and Effector.Lately, I've been thinking about cutting back on alcohol and high-calorie foods to live healthier (^o^)/
Episode 1: A/B Boxes, Loop Selectors, and Paraboxes Edition
Episode 2: Distortion Pedals Edition
Episode 3: Distortion Pedals Part 2 - Amplifiers Edition
Episode 4: Introducing Cool, Unique Gear Edition
Episode 5: Analog DelaySpecial Feature
Episode 6: Recent Musings...
Episode 7: Loop Box Revisited!
Episode 8: A Slightly Core Pedal Effector Special
Episode 9: Electro-Harmonix BIG MUFF π Special
Episode 10: Oga-chan's "Magic Box"
Episode 11: "Ibanez TS-808" vs "BOSS OD-1"
A serious column passionately, intensely, and deeply exploring the sounds of various amps like Marshall, Boogie, and Fender. Must-see!
▶︎First Installment! Marshall JCM800
▶︎Second Installment! Marshall JCM900
▶︎Third Installment! Fender Amp.
Fourth Installment! Mesa/Boogie
▶︎ Fifth Installment! Speakers
▶︎ Sixth Installment! How to Find Your Ideal Sound!
A sister project to our wildly popular "Modified Guitar Contest"! This year's theme is Effector.
▶︎First Modified Effector Contest Now Open!
Bass・Drums
"Video" Playing Revealed: Energy, Presence, Attack Power!
▶︎Want to become the owner of a Fender "VintageBass"?
Comparisons will surely lead to new discoveries in previously unseen areas! I'm posting daily while learning myself, completely self-indulgent!
▶︎First Installment: Fender Precision Bass '61 & '92
I'm researching and reporting on RICKENBACKER from various angles, partly for my own studies. You'll find surprising history and structural secrets worth reading.
▶Lab
Ludwig, the drum brand revered by countless drummers and beloved by star players. Let's delve into this giant of the drum world.
▶︎Ludwig Edition
▶︎Ludwig Special Edition
▶︎Ludwig Emergency Interview
▶︎Ludwig Revived Vintage Sound
Historical Explanation from Ken Smith and Meeting His Son Jon
▶Ken Smith and the Development of the Electric Bass
Starting something new brings great expectations and a little anxiety. For those feeling this way, 'Choosing Your First Instrument' is here to help!
▶︎Choosing Your First Instrument
▶︎Electric Guitar
▶︎ElectricBass
▶︎Acoustic Guitar
▶︎Guitar Amp
▶︎Effector
▶︎Drums
▶︎How to Choose a Music Store
Introducing the esteemed domestic Bass that spanned the ages!
▶︎Part One
▶︎Part Two
▶︎Part Three
Wind Instruments・Japanese Instruments・String Instruments
Introducing the treasured instruments sleeping deep within TCGAKKI!?
For the first installment, we'll show you every detail of the Varitone electric saxophone system made by H.&A. Selmer Inc. (commonly known as Ame-Selmer) that debuted in 1965!!
▶︎Part 1 SELMER VALITONE
▶︎Part 2 SELMER VALITONE Search for a Master
Corno da caccia, cimbasso. Basset horn, oboe d'amore, contrabass flute, and more.
We offer cash purchases for any specialty wind instrument.
▶︎Sell your specialty wind instruments that see little use!
When buying a used wind instrument, doesn't it feel awkward to play because it's been broken in by the previous owner???
▶︎Used wind instruments are awkward to play because they're broken in?!
When we ask customers about their daily maintenance routines, less than half are doing it correctly. In fact, far more than expected were using their own methods that were actually wrong, so we urgently created this page.
▶︎First Installment -SAX-
▶︎Second Installment -Clarinet-
▶︎Third Installment -Flute-
"Sell your brass instruments, sell them again!"—this page loudly proclaims. Why is selling to our shop the most profitable option? One glance makes it crystal clear. When selling your brass instruments, please consult us. Our high-value appraisals boast the industry's No. 1 track record.
▶︎Cash Purchase Guide for Brass Instruments
What kind of adjustments have been made to the instrument you're purchasing?
We'll give you a straight answer!!
▶︎Wind Instruments Edition
When you feel like trying to play an instrument, who do you consult?
▶︎Part 1: Choosing an Instrument Amidst Anxiety
▶︎Part 2: The String Instrument Industry's Entanglements & Price Secrets
▶︎Part 3: In Pursuit of the Ideal Tone...
Explanation of the Traditional Japanese Musical Instrument. Played in very unique traditional performances "GAGAKU" and "KABUKI".
▶︎The Basics of Japanese Musical Instruments
We've compiled easy-to-digest facts to help beginners fall even more in love with string instruments.
▶︎20 Fun Facts About String Instruments
General & Non-Genre
A grand romance depicting a musician's inner turmoil!
▶︎Takashi's Money-Making Struggles
▶︎The Cute Girl Story
Behind the scenes of the captivating image ads featured in "Player" magazine, centered around vintage instruments. We present a year's worth of commentary on these ads (which apparently influenced various fields) and the untold stories surrounding their shoots. Packed with comedic moments like nearly falling off a cliff, using a real fighter jet, and impaling a guitar through the head on the beach.
▶︎Behind the Scenes of Magazine Ad Shoots
As part of disaster relief efforts, we donated guitars.
We sincerely hope this small contribution supports those working toward recovery.
▶︎Let's Resonate Together: Circle of Support
As a used specialist store that polishes instruments most often, we'll show you our obsession with cleaning cloths to the fullest!
▶︎They look the same, but they're so different! Care products you'll be glad you know about
A CD production story involving the entire staff, started with the idea, "Let's make our own theme song to raise donations for disaster victims!" Each staff member handled everything from lyrics and composition to performance and recording, resulting in a chaotic story leading up to the CD's completion. You can even watch the making-of video now!
▶︎TCGAKKIThis page introduces the process of the entire staff creating the store's theme song together.
MIL-Spec (U.S. Military Standard) Compliant, Ultra-Tough, Extremely Rare [Strap Ring] Now Available at Special Cash Price In-Store Only!!
▶︎ TCGAKKIOriginal Strap Ring
Back when we ran tons of ads in Player magazine , we ended up with all sorts of these
▶︎We ran ads like this💦
With around 3,000 used instruments gathering here, it feels like a botanical herbarium where materials of different ages have converged from all over the world.
▶︎Tree Planting Experience Notes: What Eco Actions Can I Do Myself?
Ukulele, Bluegrass, and More
Premium rare items only available to winners. Discover other scarce Kamaka ukuleles!
▶︎Kamaka Ukulele Custom Shop Collection
To support your recording projects, we're upgrading microphones and offering high-value buybacks for unwanted ones!
▶︎We Buy Microphones!
TCGAKKI流 Introducing mandolins and banjos related to bluegrass music, titled "How to Enjoy Bluegrass"!
▶︎TCGAKKI Ways to Enjoy Bluegrass
Introducing the appeal of Martin ukuleles, along with specs and model comparisons. With the return of ukulele genius Jake Shimabukuro, signs of a revival are showing.
▶︎The appeal of Martin ukuleles and model comparisons
- Open in a new window