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I am Hiro Miura from Xotic Guitars.
Xotic Guitars started in 1996...
...in Van Nuys, California.
Originally, we were building bass guitars.
This was a time when most basses were made with EMG and Bartolini.
But we wanted to create an original sound and chose to use Kent Armstrong.
We also created our original preamps.
And this is how Xotic came to be.
When I moved to the US...
...my main job was importing vintage guitars to Japan.
And eventually, I started importing new guitars as well.
We were selling guitars to Japan as contracted distributor.
It was these crews who encouraged me to start my own brand.
And this is was the begining of Xotic.
Our goal was to implement modern technologies...
...and revolutionize the instruments.
Versatile basses that we create now, were born from this concept.
At that time, all custom basses had original shapes...
...using maple, quilted maple or figured maple for the top.
Various wood was used including cocobolo.
We were doing the same thing.
And this is when we acquired different types of wood...
...including the exotic wood.
Of course it's spelled "EXOTIC".
Since this was a popular wood, we wanted to use this name.
So we took the "E" out, and spelled it "XOTIC".
This name sat very well with me.
By deleting the "E", it now had this feeling of "possibility"...
...that our doors were open to more possibilities.
It was such a simple idea.
Although I was the only builder, to enable quantity production...
...we outsourced some of the work.
And while keeping the cost down...
...we wanted to build high quality guitars and basses.
Our goal was to create instrument that professional musicians will use.
From the time we acquire the wood, before the production process can start...
...its water content ratio has to drop to the level we have set as standard.
If the ratio doesn't drop enough, we won't use that wood.
And during the production process...
...for both guitar and bass, I focus on the finish of the fret edges.
This area causes the most sound inconsistencies.
And obviously, when you are playing...
...these edges are constantly in contact with the hands.
So it should never bother the player and cause stress while playing.
This is why I spend quite a bit of time for this process.
And when they are finished...
...we wait to ship it out so it has time to settle.
When we started Xotic, Mr. Abe was working with us.
And he was capable of making preamps.
So with his help, we were able to create our original preamps.
We are fortunate to have players like John Pena using our bass.
And although the noise is relatively low for Jazz bass...
...he asked if we could improve them for studio use.
We wanted to do this without altering the tone.
And this is why HRI was invented.
This unit has received high remarks amongst professional musicians.
We are getting many requests to implement this unit.
As many of you know, we have the Raw Vintage Series.
We use this saddle which is as soft as the vintage.
This iron has less carbon and is closer to the vintage saddle.
The thickness of the strings has changed over time as well.
So we use springs that was recreated to match the vintage.
And where the tremolo is attached...
...I would smoothe the edges out with sand paper.
Because when you use the tremolo, some movements are inevitable.
So I want to make sure that it doesn't create unwanted noise.
Also, where the springs are hooked to the tremolo...
...the springs are simply cut.
Just by smoothing out this raw edge, we can minimize the noise.
Basically, just by taking care of small details in each parts...
...we believe we can customize and tune-up the instrument.
Blues player, Chris Duarte.
He has been using our guitar as his main instrument.
He brings his guitars in for tune-up few times a year.
Although his frets are thick 6000s, he wears them out rather quickly.
I see his guitar at least once every 6 months.
I always level the fret and attach the crown.
Everytime he brings in his guitar, they are pretty beaten up.
But it's not becuase he treats it rough.
I can see that they are just wear and tear from his playing.
So working on his guitar is actually rewarding for me.
For Yuya Komoguchi...
...he wanted to improve the neck on his previous guitar.
So we made some adjustments.
He seems to like the sound as well.
His feedbacks were also reflected into the new 24 fret guitar.
I look forward to creating more new guitars with him.
It's rewarding to see my instruments being used by my favorite players.
That brings me most joy.
Let's see...
Since I started Xotic Guitars in 1996, it has always been just myself.
Last summer, we were finally able to welcome a new staff.
And we have been working together for the last 6 months.
This is our new staff, Mr. Takahashi.
Hi, my name is Takahashi.
I've been freelancing for over 10 years doing repairs and building guitars.
I was receiving work from PCI's staff, Mr. Kurokawa.
And some were for Xotic.
I was eventually introduced to Mr. Miura.
About 3 years ago...
...Mr. Miura invited me to come to the US.
So I made arrangement so I can relocate here.
I am not exactly good at numbers or drawing proper plans.
I like to design as I shave the wood.
I guess I'm old school and more about the feeling.
He is better at numbers and able to calculate acurate lines.
In this sense, he is a big help.
We are almost 20 years apart in age as well.
He gives me new ideas and we are able to inspire each other.
I hope this will reflect in our products.
During various procedures...
...we do find differences in our methods.
And we are enjoy discovering new things from each other.
I hope my skills can be mixed into the process and improve over time.
I am greatful that our instruments are being used all over the world.
And I hope we can spread it even further.
I want our basses and guitars to be all-round...
...and not limited to certain genre.
This has always been my goal.
And I want to be able to appeal to rock musicians as well.
I wish to create basses and guitars that I can be satisfied with.
And now, please enjoy the little tour of our factory.
Subtitle by Yumi Adachi