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Misc Rants:

I want to change the layout of this website and host it on my own but I don't want to spend a lot of $$$

How?

Anyone wanna help? I'm providing YUI goodies =D

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CLICK HERE

Don't get heart attack.

As usual, I'm neutral on this. This is what ah Mel and me think few minutes ago...

ah Mel: She can be nana now, with this hairstyle. Where is the choker and the wrist band etc
Teo: Haha. Yeah time to do another movie
ah Mel: Movie! would be great! I wonder what are her plans. Someone interview her quicklyyyy
Teo: You go stalk her at Shibuya then
ah Mel: Haha. must pick up some stalking tips. Hmm end of summer then she cut it short. 干脆 cut it in summer.. more refreshing
Teo: Maybe for the upcoming promotions of new single. Might as well image change.

(Changes topic)

What do you guys think of this image change?


In the meantime, check out this awesome video by our beloved Tsun Vun~



He has tabbed out It's all too much, as usual.

And Kikino rocks.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.



Check out YouTube before the video is gone ;)

YUI must have spent quite some time 'touching' all the guitars.

No wonder the Fender Staff said that this PV is a must watch.

Wait, DON'T tell me that they are all Fenders????
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=.=

Marketing gimmick.

I bet these are Sony earphones too.


Cyborg YUI.

So the drummer is SHIHO, though I have no idea how she looks like. The director is the same person who directed My Generation, jam, Laugh away, SUMMER SONG, I'll be.

Time to change another director =x

According to Mezamashi TV, the singing scenes are taken in one shot without NGs.



We see that she got herself a RED pedal now, besides her usual KORG volume pedal (VP-10 or XVP-10). Her guitar skills must have been improved tremendously with that amount of free time during the holidays.

Btw, I have the same guitar strap and same Red Tele. My Tele doesn't make the same sound YUI played in the beginning though *obviously*, and no yui signature on it.

Recently I was listening to this book called Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, he said that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to reach success.

Since I'm a relatively lazy person, I guess, I'll need more time. Since YUI started playing guitar at around 15 years old, she needs to catch up a lot too.

That's why we love her. She showed us it isn't too late to start anything if we put on hard work and passion. The problem is that, I'm still yet to find something that I'm really passionate about, besides stalking her. I love to play guitar, but I can't imagine myself practising more than 3 hours everyday. I love to learn languages, but I'm no good at any of it. Hmm...

Someone in mixi saw her sitting at the VIP seat at EARTH DAY LIVE!!! 2009, chatting with Bianco nero and stuff. Stereopony performed as well.

I missed the chance to bump into her again.

As I was browsing on random YUI blogs in my Google Reader, I stumbled on this blog. I still check out YUI stuff, even though not that frequent =x

Someone made this announcement in yesterday School of Lock. You guys can check it yourself in the YUI 掲示板 of YUI LINES.

Can't wait to listen to it on April 6 =D Not really a fan of I do it.

YUI's birthday is coming soon, I have nothing to give her because of travelling, sleep and stuff, but I will come up of something.

YUI Collaboration 3 anyone?? I've been neglecting my red Telecaster these days......so I will just organise and not participating.

Are you guys prepared to rock out with your guitars, again??


This is YUI's Fender GDC-200SCE muahaha. I like the sound of this guitar =3

That guitar is not mine, I was just posing with it. And I have to admit that I'm getting fat when my mom said so after one month didn't see me on Skype ><

To complete my Japan tour, I will be going to Ishikawa and Toyama prefecture on March 27, might be alone again.

YUI IS BACK!!!!!

Since I last splurged on so many things. Or should I say, I have never done that before. Not with my own money.

My guitar finally arrived~ I thought I might have to wait for another week.

After one year of part timing + waiting, my first ever electric guitar.


The cable is too short ><

I bought all of them from this online store: SOUNDHOUSE, because they offer the lowest price haha.

Fender Japan Standard Telecaster Candy Apple Red - 45,800 yen
Roland Micro Cube Red - 13,500 yen
Foldable Guitar Stand - 800 yen
30 cm long cable - 300 yen (That's the consequence you will get if buying things online and try to be cheap)
Earphone adapter - 80 yen
Free soft case

Plus shipping 2,100 yen, it was total 62,580 yen (RM 2,177).

I shopped for around 2 weeks before I decided which one to buy.

First I went to Ishibashi's store in Ochanomizu with depyon.

Meiji University (YamaPi!! graduated =/) is there, a lot of guitar stores are there as well. Example 1:



Example 2:


This is for ah Vun. I promise to take pictures of real Zemaitissss next time...

I went to try out MIJ Tele and Strat, together with Micro Cube amp (cheap people). Luckily at that time they didn't have Red Tele in stock, so I told them I'll go to Shinjuku's Ishibashi and check it out myself instead XD I actually kinda like the Blue Tele too...and tempted to buy Strat... I wanted to have Chrome Red instead of Candy Apple Red but only made in Mexico (or USA *pukes*) Teles are in Chrome Red..........

Even after one year, I still couldn't really decide which one I want.

So in the end, it is still Telecaster. Because Eriko chan from Chatmonchy uses it, GO!GO!7188's Yuu uses it haha.



Maple neck because YUI likes maple neck. Red because...


monobright concert ticket, Nintendo DS Crimson Red with Red case and the only original 'game' I have (dictionary), Red Hand phone, MPIO mp3 player, I listen to radio, podcasts with this little thing.

I think I've had enough of red.

This is how a guitar beginner buys her first ever electric guitar. It took her one year to get one. I wonder when is she going to get her next guitar.

I need to buy a LONGER cable. Any recommendation? Because I bought the cheapest available and the amp will produce feedback/make sounds if the volume is set a little bit high =/ Is it a cable problem or my electric guitar is too close to the amp, since the cable is damn short.

And and, the earphone/headphone adapter/plug thingy, I can only hear one side of my earphone, did I buy the wrong thing?? No fun if I can only listen to one side...

Right now, I'm trying to love this guitar, still figuring which is the best tone and all, every tone seems to sound a bit weird. I wanted to cover this song, and I think I'm able to watch them in next month =D

Gotta apply for work permit soon, if this continues.

I kinda miss acoustic guitar. Hopefully the French girl in my dorm will get acoustic.

A very big thanks to Darren for all the guitar advices and lending me his guitarsss, Miss Kok for lending her amp, ah Vun for always tabbing stuff so fast, Dennis for accompanying me to Ochanomizu, ah Mel and other guitar mates out there. ROCK ON~!!

Note: My parents paid zero yen for all the stuff mentioned above. They sent me food and Nutella though =3

According to Tokyograph (Thanks Rob!) and Natalie J-Pop News, a new compilation (title unknown) is coming out on November 12.

This new album will contain all the B-side singles plus something new, which YUI mentioned in her diary, I guess.

I read on somewhere that YUI is taking a year off instead of 'a while'. half-banana dot com is so gonna be less lively, without YUI, if it is really one year =/

Maybe from now onwards, I should post something else instead =3

EDIT: It is either a few months or up to one year, I was exaggerating. You know, because of the rain.


Fender Blog has revealed that Fender Jaguar YUI used in Matsuri~na live. It was YUI who actually requested to play that Jaguar Special HH.

I guess she's sick of Tele and Strat hahah.


Yeah, I'm back from Singapore. I'll write about it since no one bothered to blog our secret mission even though I gave them presents T.T

Maybe I should 自我反省. I must have done something wrong. I shouldn't speak Malay or Cantonese in front of my beloved SGYLs.

Enough ranting. Nobody's at home now, plus raining. And I'm a little crazy.

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Misc YUI Info:

YUI daisuki! san has posted something interesting again.

New album = BEST album?! MY SHORT STORIES??!! (<- reminds me of My Story by Ayumi)

Rumoured FC tour = Best album tour?!

Gotta join the YUI member club soon.

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Discovery 1:

Remember this thread about 10 things you might not know of YUI? I mentioned that YUI never wears anything skirt/ pants above her kneecap on public.

That was partially true. YUI accidentally revealed her legs in YUI Radio special. Check.these.out.

Nice leg there.

Gotta praise those people in 2ch for being so observant XD

Pictures were taken from YUI Radio #14 (2006.09.28).


Discovery 2:

From the same video,



is




Discovery 3:

I was listening to this online radio show between Kondo Hisashi aka Shigezou san and Norihiro Koizumi, the director of Taiyou no Uta, Koizumi san said that the birds flying around in I remember you PV were specially trained (he is the director for this PV as well). It wasn't a coincidence that the birds happened to fly by.


The birds are too good to be true. If you look closely, they always fly in the same direction, then do a circle and return back.

They found this experienced bird trainer who stays nearby and asked him to perform his 'trick' in the PV.

No wonder YUI didn't answer anything when Shigezou san was wondering whether the birds flew by naturally or not. It was still a SECRET when they were recording YUI Radio 14.


Discovery 4:

Not really a discovery but, the Fender Jaguar rumour was true~


Source: YUI Staff Diary Aug 26.

YUI's first electric guitar with tremolo attached I guess. She 'removed' tremolo of her Strats. Finally another electric with rosewood fretboard.


Kinda sad that Ueno Juri didn't have the chance to bump into YUI in MTV Student Voice Award 2008. Since YUI didn't attend the award ceremony.

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Misc YUI guitar Info:

Apparently YUI got herself a new electric again. This time is WHITE in colour.

According to YUI daisuki! san, YUI used this white electric in recent Matsuri~na 2008 live. She 'flashed' it during performance of No way.

No wonder it sounds different when I heard it. Slightly louder.

Then YUI daisuki! san discovered something in Fender Blog. It was about some new Fender Jaguar.

○○○もジャガーを…弾いちゃうよ。
ooo plays Jaguar...too.

OOO?!

The new model is JAGUAR SPECIAL HH, it has Olympic White version too.

I'm gonna faint.

Special thanks to YUI daisuki! san. His/her blog is my recent favourite.

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I'm sure you guys are wondering who is the host with that annoying voice every time tuning into YUI RADIO. But then, when YUI turns into Yuppie using the same sound distortion technique, everybody thinks she is cute haha.

The identity of Shigezou san has been a mystery ever since the first episode (6 February 2006).

NOT ANY MORE now. I think.

Before I reveal his identity, let me give you some hint.

• His name is printed in almost every YUI CD.
• He appeared in Thank you My teens documentary.
• He has a blog.

Still no clue...??
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Kondo Hisashi.

He is YUI's music director. That guy in the studio, talking to YUI in the TYMT documentary. They've been working together since feel my soul, or maybe earlier.

How did I know? From this website. YUI fans were discussing about this online radio show by Mr. Kondo. Apparently his first guest is, Taiyou no Uta's director Koizumi Norihiro.

Talking about coincidence. They mentioned YUI too, I haven't listen to the whole thing though. Gotta check it out soon.

You can listen/download yourself and compare between these Kondo san and Shigezou san's voice.

THEN,

Hisashi Kondo's new blog entry revealed his association with YUI RADIO. I cannot remember which episode but YUI and Shigezou san were talking about drinks vending machine which has Welch outside recording studio.

Welch occupied two rows of the machine, and always sold out, thanks to the influence from our dear YUI. I bought one too for the very first time.

Now Kondo san blogs about Welch occupying four rows of the vending machine.

Is this a coincidence? Or he happens to be an avid listener of YUI Radio??

I wonder will YUI be one of the guest of his radio show.

PS: I have mailed two books the other day, the shipping costs more than the book itself. To *sky* and xanimefreak13x, please email your addresses before I change my mind xD

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Misc SUMMER SONG News:

SUMMER SONG Limited Edition is currently sold out at HMV, Amazon Japan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Tower Records, and Sony Music Shop.

Except CD Japan. Grab it fast!

No wonder HMV, Amazon Japan and Play-Asia set this policy on limiting one person to one copy, for YUI's SUMMER SONG Limited Edition. Namie Amuro, ayaka, no limitations.

Since when YUI becomes so famous??

Or maybe Sony reduced the amount of first press. Or they just don't like YUI fans, because we like to buy her CDs.

Special thanks to CCDDSS for bringing up such interesting phenomenon.

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So uchihamel received the latest All Song Score book, together with SUMMER SONG CD. She told me that in the YUI guitars page, it stated that YUI has two Martin acoustics.

I asked her to show me that page, because I don't have the book. Obviously.


We know that YUI has more than five guitars. They are just showing her newer, more expensive ones.

Ooo Martin 1977 D-28 and 2007 HD-28V.

Then uchihamel told me that the guitar pickguard in SUMMER SONG PV is black.

I thought her Martin acoustic should be a D-28, with tortoise pickguard. In All Song Score, they have noted that the D-28 model in the pictures might be different from a 1977 model.

Why black??? Another Martin? Both D-28 1977 and HD-28V's pickguard suppose to be tortoise.

After comparing both D-28 and HD-28V closely, and watching all YUI videos I have with Martin acoustics, I came up with a theory.

Basically both D-28 and HD-28V look almost the same, the more obvious differences are fingerboard inlays and the lines along front body.

Let us solve the mystery of the Martin with black pickguard in SUMMER SONG PV first.


Why black???

If you look closely enough, the pickguard is actually thicker than usual. This screenie below confirms my theory.



Don't ask me why they put a black patch on top of the original pick guard, I wonder why too. Both are Martin D-28 (1977), same guitar. Mystery one solved.

So where is the HD-28V??

Lets check out the latest Mezamashi clip with footages from the 3rd tour in Tokyo.

YUI uses D-28 in Laugh away and CHE.R.RY. Looks closely at the guitar strap holder, it is at the side of heel.



Then in SUMMER SONG, YUI uses another Martin guitar. The guitar strap holder is on the heel/ at the back. That should be the '07 HD-28V, I think.



Or you can look at the guitar nut. 1977 one should be yellow-ish while 2007 model is still very white. Of course, YUI can change it if she wants to.

According to All Song Score, YUI got both guitars around October 2007.

Another Martin. USD 3,899, RM 12,476. Oh My God.

What about the other Martin in YUI LOCKS?!

PS: The purpose of this post is to show that, don't mess with my YUI guitars expert title lol.

PS 2: YUI used Martin D-28 in CDTV.

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Misc YUI Rants:

For me being all depressed after reading peoples' encounters with YUI, to summarise everything in brief, here's what they said:

- More beautiful/ kawaii in person than on TV, pictures. Like a doll.
- Nice person.
- Wears casually.
- Talked back to them politely. Very nice personality.
- No pictures, shake hands and signatures are ok.
- Sometimes wears spectacles.

Basically no one have said negatives things, except for those commented on her live performances. Some of the fans even said that they've seen YUI for more than 5 times.

Now, should I be depressed? Being stuck in Malaysia at all. I don't wanna read them anymore >.<

Maybe 'depressed' is not a good word choice. I was jussssst a little bit sad after reading it. Actually it's fun to read their encounters, since I'm a stalker. Getting confirmation from others that YUI is a very down to earth person, on and off screen, proves that mass media can be very manipulative, only shows things such as sleeping in TV shows.

I wonder what will I do if I bumped into YUI. What will you do?

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GA-45SCE was once The YUI-guitar before YUI switched to Martin.



Being a YUI fan, of course I have a thing with it. Some fans even bought it.

Now we can touch it, in Malaysia!! Is in the new Bentley Music store at The Courts, near The Curve.

I went to play with it yesterday and fondle with some Squier Tele and Strat lol. The price of GA-45SCE is RM 2790. I agree that the string was setted slightly higher, maybe YUI mastered barre chords through this and playing LIFE, CHE.R.RY?

Since I'm still a noob when it comes to comparing guitars, I think a Takamine sounds good enough to me. Right now I'm saving up for electric guitar, Squier or Fender? My guitar playing skills are still too limited to unleash the potential of these electrics. Better do more research before splurging my hard earned cash because unlike YUI, who owns so many guitars, I'm quite a loyal person. Or should I say, stingy?

Maybe I should get over my shyness and start trying out all the guitars displayed in Bentley. I wonder if they will chase me away or not. I'll bring along my camera in my next trip, to take pictures of that YUI-guitar. Hopefully they'll allow pictures.

They should give me something as return because I'm promoting their shop xD

PS: I confirm going to Malacca this week!! Email me if you want to show me around and meet other Malaccan fans, I still wonder if I should bring along guitar or not, anyone wish to donate theirs?

This is supposed to be my next misc YUI gossip, but it got too long.

Seen this interview before?


Source: Behind the scenes of MC GOW's Live Talk blog

It was an interview for Yahoo Live Talk, around June 2006, to promote Good-bye days and Taiyou no Uta. Well, obviously.

I just read this from the host, MC GOW's blog.

Guess what YUI said when she first saw her?
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What's up?

LOL. The conversation went on like this,

(first meeting)

YUI: Wassup?
Gow: *surprised* What's up girl?
YUI: honmonoda~! (It's the real thing!!)

Note: This was just a meet up session before interview, not included in the video.

So cute. In the interview YUI tried to show her English vocabulary during interview such as 'Thank you', 'Good', haha.

According to Mc Gow, YUI was the one who first start the conversation. She's not that shy as people as tend to think, maybe because Gow is a non-Japanese? (Father Scottish, Mother Filipino) In the interview, YUI performed Good-bye days, and after that she showed her Alanis Morissette cover to Gow san (privately), Mc Gow was really surprised as YUI remembered all the lyrics perfectly. They even sang Time after Time together *envies*

Me wanna see it too T.T

I shall make an assumption that the easiest way to make friends with people who plays guitar is either be their vocalist or jam songs with them, it doesn't matter if your guitar skill sucked or can't really sing, main point is to have fun.

Provided that both of you have similar taste in music, or both know certain songs lol. Don't criticise or spread negative energy, if you know what I mean. Unless you wanna go pro such as participate in the Second YUI-Lover Collaboration.

My song list is pretty limited, I shall go and learn more party songs instead of YUI's. Sometimes people don't really care if you play exactly like the CD, as long as it sounds close enough, it'll be fine. Kinda sad though, especially when you've spent so much time on that particular song, yet the first comment you received was 'it sounds different'.

Well us humans like to receive compliments more than criticism, that's the nature. Don't worry, we'll recover after a while LOL.

This Yahoo Live Talk interview is one of my favourite, the atmosphere was almost same as YUI Radio, hence it was more relaxed, dear YUI even sat crossed leg on sofa (normally she sits very the straight, especially in Music Station). And as usual, YUI tried to avoid answering certain questions from fans, if my memory serves me correctly.

Check out the grey socks YUI was wearing =P

I shall rewatch this some other day.

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Misc YUI Facts:

As I was saying that we don't miss out that much if we don't listen to YUI Locks' jyugyou no hitokoto, I was DAMN WRONG.

In November 8 Jyugyou, YUI said that recently she watched 300 (DVD) and Resident Evil (on TV, 2nd time).

300?!!!!! O.M.G...

She described 300 as: "Simply a movie featuring lots and lots of macho guys with ripped abs, battling!"
This video fits her description perfectly LOL. Of course she said that the movie conveys different messages as well, deep stuff.

I wonder what made her watch this movie (Sexy men??). And why she doesn't watch Devil's Prada, Mean Girls, err...those girly movies?? Lol.

YUI said that even though she's not very used to watching horror movies (because it's scary), but she thinks that she can endure it. In ROCKIN' ON JAPAN interview, YUI said that she's not those screaming type although she's scared.

I don't watch horror movies. It makes me feel insecure. Luckily I am Legend is not so scary, zombies are creepy though >.< Dear YUI, watch I am Legend! Much better than Resident Evil (according to my brother).

Maybe I should watch 300 too. then drool all over in front of TV, just like YUI did.

It's Raining MEN, ohhhhh~!!!

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Misc facts is getting longer *swt*

I can tell you that YUI really likes her Martin guitar. This will be number 7 or 8 (I think) in her acoustic guitar collection.


Music Station Special Super Live (21/12/2007)

She loves her Martin so much and dedicated one diary post and mentioned about it in November 15 YUI Locks' Jyugyou no Hitokoto (A word or two after class) segment.

Being a crazy YUI Guitar freak, of course I have to dedicate one post for her new Martin D-28 (1977). Source: Go!Go!Guitar February 2008.

First, YUI mentioned that she found some nice looking guitar in second hand music instrument shop.


Source: YUI Diary (23/10/2007)

Then, in November 15 Jyugyou, she 'showed off' her Martin and kept saying how much she likes it, finally discovered such a nice guitar.

As you guys know, back then YUI used some unknown Martin in It's happy line and feel my soul PV (btw her name should be in caps). YUI said that the sound lasts longer, the quality of sound is different too. She has always liked the sound of it (Martin's unique sound I suppose).

Which means: Maybe back then she couldn't afford Martin, since they are famous being expensive, finally she can have one (even though it's second hand). Her true love is Martin guitars?? (For acoustics)

And she said that the light finishing (painting) has a different kind of feel, it's wonderful.

All these showed that YUI treats this guitar slightly differently lol. Maybe because this one is not sponsored by Fender haha.


This Martin guitar first appeared in YUI's Budoukan live, then in latest Music Station SP.


Budoukan Live (19/11/2007)

I guess that we might see it quite often in the future.

The former owner should be very glad that YUI picked up his/ her guitar. I shall go and play with my Yamaha then.

PS: I have mailed all the prizes for half-banana dot com Christmas Giveaway contest (Helixius, address??).

Album: QUEEN - JEWELS

This post is dedicated to someone who owns a overheat easily computer and some other person who left me offline message the other day.

I guess most of you people have noticed, dear YUI got herself another electric guitar again.

American Series American Telecaster : 2-Color Sunburst/ Maple Neck



According to Fender Japan, dear YUI picked this as the sub-electric guitar in her 2007 Spring & Jump tour.

Direct Translation:



This model has mounted with Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Pickups. Even though there are other pickups such as Vintage Noiseless (on Eric Clapton model) which produces distinguishable edgy tone using Alvino (magnet), or Hot Noiseless (on Jeff Beck model) which produces this vibe middle range tone using Ceramic (magnet), dear YUI seems more interested in Samarium Cobalt's (magnet) classical devilish tone.

For Strat, YUI will use Super-Sonic amp, and for Tele, she'll make it sound using Twin Amp '01 (at home will be G-DEC). Right now instead of humbucker's distorted rough tone, perhaps she's more into single coil's overdrived bright tone? As expected, able to tell the difference (girl!). But it's the sound of classic rock which YUI likes.

The last part me don't really get it. I have updated YUI's Electric Guitars post too.

PS: My holiday starts today. Technically. Must fully 'utilise' it.

Part 1: Intro
Part 2: Acoustics

Electric Guitars

Warning: Pictures overload. I might get sued for putting up so many pictures =.= The specs are taken from Fender Japan website. The prices are just for references, if you wanna buy it in Japan.

The pictures are the 'evidence' that YUI actually uses these guitars, not just posing with it. Hence, mostly are screencaps. Another purpose is to refresh your memory hee, I'll try to put captures from different videos.

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ALL Fender/ Squier

1. American Series American Telecaster : Chrome Red



From 160,000 yen = RM 4,847 = USD 1,383

This telecaster became one of YUI's favourite after she test played it for some music magazine. At first it was selected as sub-electric for YUI's Squier Standard Fat Tele, and then became YUI's main electric on her 1st concert tour. Specifications are the same as the original model, just the neck was modified to match YUI's hand. This guitar is used in Rolling star (PV, cover) and My Generation (PV). YUI used this guitar to record the solo in My Generation as well.

Extra: According to this Hong Kong magazine, YUI said that her favourite model is Telecaster. However, since I believe in the possibility of 'Lost in translation', I chose to be neutral about it, unless YUI 'said' it in Japanese =x

2. Classic Series '50 s Stratocaster : 2-Color Sunburst

From 105,000 yen = RM 3,145 = USD 904



YUI's first Stratocaster and she has a 'secret' history with this sunburst Strat. According to Fender's staff, one day YUI paid a visit to Fender's showroom for a magazine interview. After the interview, as usual, dear YUI had some chat with people around while strumming along her guitar. Suddenly YUI begin to run, then stopped in front of a Stratocaster, gazing upon it. "Ah, it's been a while", YUI recalled. This 2-color sunburst Stratocaster is the colour she longed for ever since she stepped in the music instrument store for the first time. Apparently she used to stand in the store, and kept on staring at this Strat back then. However after debut she became busy and forgotten about that long yearned Stratocaster. "Ah, it's been while, this is the one I want...." That Fender staff still vividly remembers YUI's expression when she said that while holding on that Stratocaster tight (lol).

Direct translations: This Strat was modified to suit YUI's taste. The neck of the guitar was changed to an original '57 V shape neck. The base of the neck was also re-coated with another layer of lacquer satin finish. In order to reproduce the classical tone, pick up was changed to Vintage type Texas Special. Bridge was also switched to USA Vintage type. Guitar body is alder with polyurethane finish, just like the original version (hope my translations sounded 'geek' enough =x if not please correct me, to make as if I'm a guitar geek lol).

This Strat was used in Rolling Star (the guitar YUI 'threw') and My Generation PV, and the cover of CAN'T BUY MY LOVE album.

3. Classic Series '50 s Stratocaster : Black



From 105,000 yen = RM 3,145 = USD 904

Same model with no.2. This guitar was picked as YUI's sub-electric for her sunburst Strat in School Festival Tour 2006. Pick-up was changed CUSTOM SHOP Texas Special, and the neck was reshaped to match YUI's hand size. The rest is the same as original model. YUI will be using this guitar in LOVE & TRUTH performances.

4. Squier/Standard Fat Telecaster : Candy Apple Red



42,000 yen = RM 1,262 = USD 362

YUI's first electric guitar. She got it around 12 April 2005. I think this is the first guitar she bought using her own $$$ too. Featured in the cover of YUI's first album, FROM ME TO YOU.

5. American Series American Telecaster : 2-Color Sunburst/ Maple Neck



Used as sub-electric in her Spring and Jump tour. Same model with no.1, just different colour. Featured in Jam PV as well.

Direct translation: This model has mounted with Samarium Cobalt Noiseless Pickups. Even though there are other pickups such as Vintage Noiseless (on Eric Clapton model) which produces distinguishable edgy tone using Alvino (magnet), or Hot Noiseless (on Jeff Beck model) which produces this vibe middle range tone using Ceramic (magnet), dear YUI seems more interested in Samarium Cobalt's (magnet) classical devilish tone.

For Strat, YUI will use Super-Sonic amp, and for Tele, she'll make it sound using Twin Amp '01 (at home will be G-DEC). Right now instead of humbucker's distorted rough tone, perhaps she's more into single coil's overdrived bright tone? As expected, able to tell the difference (girl!). But it's the sound of classic rock which YUI likes.

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Looks like YUI modified her sunburst Stratocaster the most. Will YUI get something other than Fender next?? My bet is on Les Paul.

Me want Tele!!!

Happy early 50th birthday to my 'beloved' country Malaysia.

So many mega sales going around now =.=

Got a weekly part time job at Japan Airlines (technically lol)~ Means that I have to give up my elective class (entrepreneurship) trip to Seremban =(

Gotta stop ranting. This is an info post =x

Pictures were...either from Fender Blog, stole it from Channel 2, Jpopsuki, JPM, YUI Lover, or YUI-forum.

Special thanks to whoever edited this Japanese YUI's guitars wiki page (especially 沈黙の堕天使さん), and all the YUI Lovers (Natalie, JKDragoon etc) out there who keep on supporting my discoveries lol!! I will do accessories (strap, amp, pick, string, tuner etc) next =D

Till then.

Part 1: Intro

Acoustics

Warning: Pictures overload. I might get sued for putting up so many pictures =.= The specs are taken from Fender Japan website. The prices are just for references, if you wanna buy it at Japan.

The pictures are the 'evidence' that YUI actually uses these guitars, not just posing with it. Hence, mostly are screencaps. Another purpose is to refresh your memory hee, I'll try to put captures from different videos.

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1. Main Guitar: Martin D-28 (1977)



My rant on this guitar.

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2. Fender ESA-10CE (*Discontinued*)



157,500 yen = RM 4,428 = USD 1,287
ELECTRONICS: FISHMAN ELIPSE VT PREAMP
COLORS: NATURAL
FINISH: GLOSS (POLYESTER)
TOP: SOLID SPRUCE
SIDE & BACK: SOLID PALO ESCRITO ROSEWOOD
NECK: MAHOGANY
FINGERBOARD: EBONY
SCALE LENGTH: 648mm
WIDTH AT NUT: 43mm

YUI's entry in Fender Japan

YUI used this guitar as her main acoustic in 2nd Tour 2007 “Spring & Jump”. It's almost the same as GA-45 (the one she's using), but with a thinner C-shaped neck. For GA-45, it will be having fun with the band during lives. With ESA-10, it will be bringing back YUI to her origin, starting point, which is street performance. As what YUI said, 'Things that she won't give up by no means/ the unforgetable feeling'. Using 'sound' to represent what she felt about the 'things she won't easily give away' which matters the most.

Apparently when dear YUI first played this model, her eyes gone wide.

Previous Entries on this baby:
LINK 1 - LINK 2

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3. Fender GA-45SCE : Natural

YUI has a LONG history with this guitar, I bet she has more than one GA-45SCE. Lets start with the original model, which has black bridge pins embedded on the 'straight' bridge, and golden tuning pegs.



97,650 yen = RM2,737 = USD 795
Finish： Gloss (Polyurethane)
Top： "AA" Solid Spruce
Side & Back： Solid Rosewood Back, Laminated Rosewood Sides
Neck： Mahogany
Fingerboard： Rosewood
No of Frets： 20
Bridge： Rosewood
Electronics： Fender®/Fishman_Classic 4T
Scale Length： 643mm
Width at Nut： 43mm
Strings： Fender®60L (.012-.052)
Case： Hard Case
Unique Features： Abalone Inlay, Tortoise Shell Binding, Gold Hardware

I wonder why she had to manual tune it in Taiyou no Uta. Isn't it has a built in pre-amp?? Then, she changed the pins to white , and tuning pegs 'turned' silver. As shown below:



I had troubles selecting which screenie to upload LOL. In the end I choose the older ones since so many of you complaining that you miss the so-called old YUI. Put smaller pictures to avoid being sue haha. Anyway, during their 60th anniversary, Fender gave YUI another GA-45 with her name (silver inlay) on the 5th fret board.



I'm 100% sure that she has 2 GA-45s. Go and watch the Rock in Japan Fes video, she used GA-45 with yui sign in Good-bye days, in TOKYO she used GA-45 without sig xD I need someone to explain this picture below:



What is that black thing stuffed inside the sound hole?? Internal mic??

EDIT: It's a guitar sound hole cover.

I just realised that she used GA-45 without sig after watching it for so many times not noticing it =.=

Actually this model of GA-45 is discontinued. The latest version is with curved bridge. Since YUI is THE artist in Japan being associated with GA-45, Fender decided to let her use the new GA-45 (main difference is the rounded bridge):



Is this meant that she now has grand total of THREE GA-45SCEs?! (one with the 'yui' on the fretboard one without, plus the new version???)

For the new version of GA-45, as usual they added the silver 'yui' sign on the fifth fret.



AND, they added this silver thingy on the 19th fret....



It's a silver turtle inlay!! (as you know dear YUI has 3 turtles as pets) Made by some person (nabe chan) from YUI's equipment maintainance team. The original image was named 'nobita' fyi, which is one of her turtle's name. The other 2 are Suneo and Giant (sounds familiar? Hint: Doraemon).



I only saw YUI uses this new GA-45 in YUI LOCKS though (see the curved bridge):



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4. Fender GA-45SCE : Sunburst



Same model with the one she always uses (YUI said in Oricon style 061120), but different colour (and silver tuning peg). It seems that this colour is not available in Fender Japan website...limited version??

again, I wonder why YUI has to use tuner even though that guitar is embedded with this:



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5. Fender GDC-200SCE: Natural



60,900 yen = RM1,707 = USD 496
Finish： Gloss (Polyurethane)
Top： Solid Spruce
Side&Back： Laminated Ash
Neck： Nato
Fingerboard： Rosewood
No of Frets： 20
Bridge： Rosewood
Electronics： Fender®On-Board Active Preamp w/Piezo PU
Scale Length： 643mm
Width at Nut： 43mm
Strings： Fender®60L Phosphor Bronze (.012-.052)
Case： Soft Case
Unique Features： Venetian Cutaway,"F" Inlay at 12th Fret,Gold Hardware

I've never seen dear YUI performed using this guitar, normally this guitar appeared in magazines or interviews.

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The rest are non Fender guitars, during the early days before YUI 'picked up' by Fender. In a Hong Kong magazine interview (East tOUCH #624), YUI said that she has no contract with Fender but admitted that they sponsor her.

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6. Yamaha FG Series (either FG-402 or F-310 or whatever)



This Yamaha was used in the cover of It's happy line too. YUI used this guitar since debut after she switched it to Fender during Tomorrow's way period. I believe that this guitar was given by YUI's teacher (西尾芳彦, founder of Voice) back then in Voice music school. He said it in Oricon interview that when he first met YUI, she was still a real amateur when it comes to singing and instruments, he even had to buy a guitar for YUI (because she didn't have one, had to borrow from her friends).

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7. Unknown Martin (Martin D-35 or whatever)



It was used in feel my soul PV as well. Since Martin is famous for being freaking expensive, most probably it was borrowed for shooting purpose.

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Hopefully it is not too confusing to read =x

Next, electric guitar.

Special thanks to nobuさん, 沈黙の堕天使さん, crazyfcuk @ YUI-CN, Fumiko and all the YUI Lovers out there for providing valuable informations and helping me out to dig around lol. It was a really fun process =D

As for the pictures...either from Fender Japan, YUI LOCKS, or stole it from Channel 2, Jpopsuki, JPM, YUI Lover, YUI-CN, or YUI-forum. lol!!

Till then.