Fender Special Interview | SCANDAL -Part 1-"The Haruna Telecaster Boost gives me so much confidence"
Since their formation in 2006, SCANDAL has continued to lead the Japanese rock scene with their outstanding pop sensibilities and spectacular live performances along with four iconic personalities. These ladies that became the first Japanese female artists to sign an endorsement with Fender in 2017 have released new signature models that were "instruments they really wanted right now." In part one of this interview, we asked HARUNA, MAMI, and TOMOMI about the thoughts put into their signature models."It's amazing that it's even more intense than expected during concerts"
―First, please tell us about the concepts of your new signature models. HARUNA, yours is called the "Haruna Telecaster Boost," right?
HARUNA: I really like my previous signature "Haruna Telecaster" model; it's perfect for the songs on albums we've released in the last 2-3 years, enough to make me go, "This is all I need." But on the other hand, I wanted a new one that could be used for previously released songs that are staples at our concerts, such as "Shunkan Sentimental" and "Flashback No.5." That's how this Haruna Telecaster Boost came to be.
―What things did you focus on in order to materialize this concept?
HARUNA: It has to be the humbucker pickups that are equipped for a more powerful sound. It's completely different because the sound pressure and the range of sound are really filled out! Also, the body's made of mahogany, which is rare for Fender. The combination of mahogany and humbuckers adds to the weight of the sound. I'm really satisfied with it.
―You've been using its prototype since your performance at Osaka-Jo Hall in 2021. Did you also use it during your North American tour this past July?
HARUNA: I used it depending on the song, and it's amazing that it's even more intense than expected during concerts.
―When your guitar is leveled up, your vocals also sound pumped up, don't they?
HARUNA: That's right. On our NA tour, not only did we play songs from our latest album MIRROR but also staple live songs and songs that likely helped people learn about SCANDAL. The Haruna Telecaster Boost played a huge role in the performances, so I think the sound of this guitar left a strong impression on the audiences.
―What was important appearance-wise?
HARUNA: Since the previous Haruna Telecaster is the basis of this signature model, I didn't want to change that image too much. Even if I were to make a powerful model, I wanted it to look stylish when being held. That's why I went with a simple-yet-classy design. I think it now has a more mature look to it also due to the hardware being changed from gold to silver.
―MAMI and TOMOMI, what do you think about the Haruna Telecaster Boost?
MAMI: It's extremely powerful and very reliable. It also gives stability when HARUNA sings and plays by herself. As I listened to it, I thought it would be easy to pick up the melody because it has such a strong sound.
TOMOMI: I think it has a lot of presence. It also has a great aura to it and feels like a guitar for meant for guitarists.
―Who do you recommend this model to?
HARUNA: I think it's a very playable guitar, so I'd like to recommend it to beginners. Even if you haven't had that much experience on the guitar yet, I think this is an instrument that'll give you plenty of confidence."I felt all emotional when I found out it fits any of SCANDAL's 16 years' worth of songs"
―MAMI, your model is called "Mami Stratocaster Omochi." What did you try to create this time compared to your previous signature model?
MAMI: I made my previous one (Mami Stratocaster) since I really wanted a standard Strat, but when I thought, "What's the most necessary thing right now?", I realized that I needed a guitar I could use as my main one from here on out. It has humbucker pickups like HARUNA's, and there's only one tone control knob to make it easier to use. I thought the top knob would get in the way when playing while moving, so I removed it. It's easy to use for live performances, and it has a very simple design so that I'll want to use it for a long time.
―Why did you choose the name "Omochi"?
MAMI: I named it "Omochi" from its color and design. It looks like mochi flour and the pickups have a geometric pattern that I designed myself—or rather, a motif that looks like a Japanese pattern.
―You said that ease of use is important. What are the specs for the neck?
MAMI: The neck shape combines a compound back shape that changes from Modern C to D from the low frets to the high ones, and a compound radius fingerboard. It's rounded near the headstock, but it is designed to flatten as you go to higher frets. As a result, the sound does not become shortened even if the string height is lowered, and a highlight is that you can play the lead guitar without stress. It fits very well with the songs we've done so far, so I feel like the more I try things out, the more I'll improve.
―Who do you recommend the Mami Stratocaster Omochi to?
MAMI: Since this guitar can do it all, I'd be happy to have beginners play it as well as people who already have several guitars; I think you'll get a sound that'll fit perfectly into any gaps.
―HARUNA, what do you think of the Mami Stratocaster Omochi?
HARUNA: I've seen a lot of guitars in my life, but I thought that with this guitar you could easily produce sounds.
―Despite having the same humbuckers, MAMI's is more powerful than HARUNA's.
MAMI: I think it has a really cool distortion that has the spirit of us when we first started out.
HARUNA: Did you play "DOLL" with this?
MAMI: Yeah. That's why this guitar really suits the effects pedals I used in our early days, and the fuzz-like rough sound we had. That's why I felt all emotional when I found out it fits any of SCANDAL's 16 years' worth of songs. It's like, "This is what I wanted!"
―TOMOM, your model is the "Tomomi Jazz Bass."
TOMOMI: My previous one (Tomomi Precision Bass) was a Precision Bass, so I thought I'd try a Jazz Bass this time. Since I had used a Jazz Bass all the time when we first started out, I was happy to be able to make a new one. I had a longing for stack knobs (knobs found on very early Jazz Basses from 1960-61) and decided on those first.
―That's pretty hardcore (laughs). Were you particular about the color as well?
TOMOMI: Yes. It's called Clear Fiesta, and although the color is Fiesta Red, you can see the wood grain through it. We finally arrived at that point after several meetings. During the North American tour I used the Tomomi Jazz Bass almost exclusively. It felt like it could handle anything. I also got hooked on playing our early songs, and got used to the songs I had played on my Precision Bass. Because the heel is cut, the higher frets are very easy to play.
―Please give a message to those who are considering purchasing these instruments.
TOMOMI: This is a stylish color only available with the Tomomi Jazz Bass. Also, I would definitely recommend it to those who haven't found a sound they like yet.
MAMI: I think these are really great guitars and basses. If you're wondering which one to play, I'd like for you to try them out once. If you get this guitar first, you may not think "I want another guitar!"
―There will also be signature models of guitar straps.
MAMI: I also used this strap throughout the North American tour. It was really great.
TOMOMI: We decided on the colors and placement of the logo ourselves.
HARUNA: We chose three colors—Black, White, and Brown—to match each signature model.
MAMI: When making the straps, I personally wanted to make them non-slip. I'm very grateful that they're non-slip leather.
TOMOMI: It doesn't make you feel the weight of the instrument too much; it disperses it nicely and doesn't make you feel tired. I recommend these.
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