A guide to Tokyo, Japan for music nerds.

Heaven on earth, Five G Music Technology ファイブ・ジー

One of the most exciting music stores I have ever been in, period. Full to the brim with the most exciting second hand music equipment. Everything from the most rare and hard to find synthesizers, keyboards and effect units, to a dedicated team of repair technicians with attention to detail.

I had always known that Japan was an exciting place, and contained within these photos is what blew me away x1000. I am very thankful that I have a girlfriend that is willing to follow me around while I completely nerded out in every music shop I could find.

Having a small budget myself, can you guess which two pieces of equipment I bought that are in this photo?

If you like live music equipment like I do, Japan is the place to go.

I have my own complement of live gear, but like any music nerd with a case of gear lust (the want and need for more music equipment). I love checking out things I can add to my live rig. Anyone who has looked into live electronic music for even a brief moment knows Elektron has a good hold over the game.

Coming from Australia, we don't have the biggest or best selection and all equipment is new in shops and touching or trying out is usually forbidden. In Japan they have no problem selling second hand (in pristine condition I must add) equipment, all equipment can be tested and tried in shop, and the sales people are more than helpful.

Moog.

I think this picture speaks for itself, enough analogue pathways to keep any music nerd happy.

Techno starter kit? Anyone?

As someone who loves techno, early house and other similar genres, encased in this photo is two of the machines that I wanted since I heard those squelchy basslines and four to the floor beats.

I don't think I will ever have enough spare money to afford the originals seen in this photo, but I was more than happy to try and experiment with the equipment on display.... Did it match up to what I had in my mind? Yes... and I had a few thoughts on selling everything to procure one or more of these machines.

So, the question, what did I buy?

• A korg ms-20 mini, the korg retails for over $800AUD and extra for bag, cables etc.
  as the korg factory is in Japan, I was able to get it for a steal at $400AUD, with bag, cables and some other extras all thrown in for free! (Shout out to Jason Macnamara at Ishibashi music for helping me out).

• A arturia beatstep, for controlling the ms-20 mini through the MIDI port, I was able to find a MIDI cable at a local shop near our hotel (sorry, as an Australian, shops that carry obscure items excites me).

If you have any other gems in Tokyo or near by, Comment below!

P.s. this was first posted on imgur by me! See my profile here: http://imgur.com/user/benthejackal