Kanami choose 85/15's because that's what she has on all her other PRS guitars. She explained that she wanted a guitar that would sound just about the same as her other guitars, making the switch from one to another as painless as possible. She knows exactly how to get "Her" tone out of 85/15s with her amp and pedal rig. She had recently purchased a very similar PRS Private Stock with a yellow/black tiger stripe maple top. To Kanami, the signature edition was more of a reward honoring her for her dedication to PRS and her contribution to Band-Maid's success. The "Limited Run" applies mostly to the fact that they had her sign all 200 of the backplates. When I first saw the guitar posted, I looked over the specs, and realized that it wasn't anything new or special. It was just a relatively "standard" high end PRS guitar, but with a high end custom finish and custom "Kanami / Band-Maid" touches that she had picked out to make it special. Her fans snapped up this run of 200 within a day. You'll have a hard time locating one for sale. She's a nice, kind hearted lady, a skilled and expressive guitarist, and a devoted spokesperson for PRS Guitars, she has earned this.
If the Japanese market was the reason, they wouldn't have picked Kanami because Band-Maid is still relatively unknown in Japan and there are more well known Japanese PRS guitarists. They picked her because of her sheer talent as a guitarist and a composer, imho. Also the fact that Band-Maid is the most popular Japanese female band abroad might have helped it.
I think choosing Kanami Tono was a brilliant move by PRS, not only for business reasons - more international recognition for the brand, more appeal to aspiring female musicians - but also for PRS's reputation among the professional community for attracting and recognizing elite musical talent to represent them (because their stuff is that good). Band-Maid is not that well known in the West, but they have a remarkably strong, diverse and international fanbase that continues to grow. Over the last 8-ish years and unknown to many Western music lovers, the band has arguably been creating the best rock music on the planet - and Kanami is not only the monster axe wielder in the band, she is the band's workaholic songwriter. She's a perfect fit for PRS's reputation for rewarding the elite professionals in the field.
@@mr.sorenzoearlier music with banger solo.... their song ALONE. But for an updated solo watch their live performance for the Song Hate. They also have instrumentals called: -FROM NOW ON (MV) - ONSET ( live performance)
@@mr.sorenzo If you're mainly in guitars, the instrumental "From Now On", is a good starting point, or any of their instrumentals really. More generally, their music is very diverse and different people will recommend different things, but Puzzle, Dice, Blooming, Manners/Black Hole, Hate? and Forbidden Tale are all well-loved (and I suggest listening to official live versions where they exist). Btw, Band-Maid tend to be introduced to Japanese audiences as a band that's big internationally, so I think this was most likely a gesture of personal respect from PRS. There are much bigger bands domestically (e.g. One OK Rock, Maximum the Hormone) with PRS players that would have been chosen if this was mainly about targeting the Japanese market.
@@mr.sorenzo Sure, to highlight Kanami in particular as a guitarist (not just her songwriting), I'd recommend "From now on" like others have. Random recommendations by me are: for mid-tempo, Daydreaming MV (also on their YT channel); for recent hard rock, Shambles MV; for the band's crazy diversity, "Gion-cho." All of these are posted on their YT channel. I discovered the band during the Covid times by accident, and it's not much of an exaggeration to say I literally haven't gone a day since then without listening to a song of theirs. Btw, Band-Maid excels very much as a live band, and most of their music is written for their live performances. So you might have fun checking out fan favorite Domination live from their YT channel, altho I'd suggest listening to the MV as well to really hear the incredible songwriting, with a special shout out to the fabulous drumming in that song (the instruments get washed out a bit in the live mix). Band-Maid's catalog is large and deep and you'll probably find hours of pleasure in it!
Not only is Kanami an incredible guitarist.....she is a phenomenal composer and writes all the Band Maid music with input from her band mates !!!!!! If you want to see her shred,,,,From Now ON is an absolute must !!!!! She's is extremely melodic guitar player that never overplays and fits the song perfectly !!!! She always leaves you wanting more !!!!!!! LoL
@@TomRussell-cy6ll dude everyone in the comments knew her and has been praising her too. Making me feel like I’ve been living in a cave this whole time 😂 how long have you known her and her band for?
@@mr.sorenzo Its been a couple of years now !!!!! I play drums and this band is off the charts...they are genre less and can play anything !! Kanami is the most musical current guitarist I have ever heard and once you get to know this band it is so easy to fall in love with them...happy listening !!!!
Known the band since 2014 but started the journey since 2017 till now and maybe forever and ever… and one more thing.. Kanami Tono deserves to have that signature model..she can make her PRS sings…😂😊
It’s actually kind of funny. I think Band-Maid is more popular internationally than they are domestically in Japan. They have a nostalgic sound that’s really appealing to like middle aged and older rock fans, but with some progressive writing and poppier vocals to make it more accessible. They’re all team players, and it’s very telling that she got the band’s logo on the headstock, rather than something specific to her for her signature guitar, but if you want to see Kanami shine, check out From Now On, which is an instrumental. Blooming is another good one, where she does a lot of tapping. And Warning, which probably has my favorite solo, possibly just from the visuals from the music video.
@@daaaaaave From Now, Blooming and Warning. Got it! Thanks heaps for the suggestions my guy. I’m actually writing them down to listen to them shortly. This was the first time I’m hearing about them
People in the west like to say they're more popular outside Japan, but that's not just true. They sell out venues with thousands of seats there and tour almost constantly. Not so in the west.
@@ericifune5543 I think the claim is based on stuff like how Unseen World hit #2 globally on iTunes, but was only #4 in Japan. They have a more concentrated fanbase in Japan, and people willing to make the trip to see them there, but concert attendance isn’t the only way to measure it.
@@mr.sorenzo That's, From Now On, not just From Now, which is a very good instrumental, and I see it has been mentioned several times. Another great one imo is, "Giovanni" the instrumental version, which is listed in, Instrumental Maid on UA-cam. Kanami's guitar sings the vocals with her guitar, It's quite amazing. There are 8 instrumentals only played in a white room without their lead vocalist where this is found. These are my favorites just for listening to their brilliant instrumental ability. Nothing at all wrong with their vocals though, as they are also great.
This is a Kanami SIGNATURE PRS guitar that is not available as a custom in dealer stores. Like the other nine signature guitars they had produced in PRS’s history, the artist selects the configuration based on their aesthetic, wood, and hardware perferences. More importantly, it is a limited run, and the artist signs each. Carlos Santana's signatures were some of the first produced by PRS. Signature artists are not selected to influence sales since each signature is limited to a small volume. It is awarded to an artist not only for their technical skill and writing but for the innovations and techniques they have contributed to music. Plus, Band-Maid is well-known and followed throughout the world. Band-Maid’s first US tour after COVID-19 sold out all 12 of their original concerts, with 2 more dates added (not sold out) while the tour was in progress. They were only the second Japanese band to play at Lollapalooza in Chicago in 2023, 13 years after Japan X was invited to play. All four musicians have signature models. Miku, the founder, rhythm guitarist, and backup vocalist, has her signature Zemaitis. Misa, the bassist, has her signature Black Clould bass, and Akane, the drummer, has her signature Wincent drumsticks. All five Band-Maid members are among the best female artists not only in Japan but worldwide.
@@tonysanchez1137 thank you for the detailed and well written comment sir! I agree with most of the points. However signature artists even on limited runs can influence the sales from brand marketing. Either way, I really appreciate you taking the time for this well thought comment and want to invite you to engage in my other videos. Myself and the small community here can certainly learn from your knowledge and experience
Band-Maid has become very well known. I saw them in 2022 in Seattle, they were amazing. Kanami deserves this honor, she has earned it. Yes, you can order something like it from PRS, but this is special.
Love Band-Maid, they have been my favorite band for many years and I'm thrilled that Kanami achieved this recognition from PRS... well deserved, she is awesome!!
@@mr.sorenzo A lot of the fanbase (me included) are some level of musicians that really appreciate all the little things that Band-Maid does ... they are required, but if you pay attention you are gifted with special nuances that heighten the listening experience. Glad you have listened to more.
There are many renowned PRS guitarists, but they also play other guitars. She, however, has been exclusively devoted to PRS for over a decade, consistently advocating for their excellence with remarkable dedication. Her commitment is truly unique.
@@mr.sorenzo I don't think it's just loyalty to the brand that she was awarded this guitar; I think it's also her ability to make her guitar sing with emotions and a style that is only Kanami. She is truly special.
I am an older American who is crazy about Band-Maid, they are my absolute favorite band today and the only one I listen to every day. Kanami is a brilliant guitarist and composer who is down to earth and works very hard for all she has achieved. I can't afford this guitar, it is expensive but it is interesting that it sold out in just a day or two. And those 85/15 pickups are fantastic, they don't get thin in single-coil mode like everyday humbuckers, they stay rich and full with little volume drop but still sound like single coils.
@@randallcl9925 totally agree! The 85/15s sound super good! You can still buy the 2024 S2s by the way! They are also equipped with 85/15. A friend of mine got the 2023 S2 Custom24 and missed out😂
I doubt it has too much to do with entering the Japanese market. PRS is actually pretty popular in Japan. They got some great names using it. Besides Kanami, the biggest rock act atm One Ok Rock and their guitarist Toru uses PRS. Also Ryo of Maximum the hormone who got this cult following all over the world. In their market usually ESP is very popular, Ibanez too.... So in many ways a Japanese signature was expected. Though: don't believe many thought that Tono would get a LE, though she got a priceless PRS private Stock half a year ago. But who knows. Mr PRS himself went to Japan to hand it to her personally, so for all we know, he could as well be a fan of her. Just as Kanami is a fan of Santana, who was the first big artist to endorse the guitars nearly 40 years back.
@@andreaspedersen3952 good points. And Ryo is a great player! Tbh if Paul himself is there, it likely has to do with their plans on expanding in Japan. Don’t you think?
Paul has been talking up Kanami for the past several years. Muscians in Japan don't tend to compete with one another, on the contrary, they support one another.
@@mr.sorenzo There are several great guitarists in Japan that are in bands that have more followers than Band Maid does, but I think Paul recognized just how good Kanami is as a player and as a person as well as a supporter of PRS guitars. He picked Kanami for a reason.
You really have to listen to band-maid because yes they are known everywhere in all countries, in the United States for example when they come they do sold out all night, and Kanami is an exceptional guitarist and composer she fully deserves to have a signature PRS
@@MrLawave11 You’re right! I actually did listen to them yesterday for the first time. Check this out! ua-cam.com/video/fpBWRmC2hEA/v-deo.htmlsi=DgDymdLk7GBEiXbF
"Who the hell is Kanami??" All 200 guitars sold out in days...... not even "within a week." Check out some Band-Maid. May I suggest Blooming or Daydreaming...... Killer Kanami guitar playing. Along with From Now On, Domination, Rinne, Puzzle, Honkai, Manners, Warning, Giovanni, ....... and the other 130+ songs from Band-Maid.....
@@mr.sorenzowith all bands there some toxicity. I'm from the Wesst and a big Band-Maid fan. I agree with everything you said. While they are fairly known they are not as big as other fans. Hopefully this helps the band get more visibility at the same time PRS in Japan.
A signature guitar doesn't mean you get PRS to develop new technology. It means that you get to mix and match from what they have to suite your particular styles, combined with a different finish, which going to be the most unique element of the guitar.
Maybe he was expecting laser lights and fireworks to shoot out of it? I wouldn't expect this guy to understand anyway. He knows diddly squat about Kanami and BAND-MAID. It's worth the hype for BAND-MAID and their fans and that's all that matters.
@@billb.5183 Now don't be rude, what he said about the guitar is largely accurate. Limited edition models typically don’t have significant upgrades over existing versions in terms of technical specs. Kanami herself admitted that she’s not very well-known, which is why she chose to feature the band’s logo on the guitar instead of her own name. The reactor isn’t familiar with Kanami or Band-Maid, so let’s not invalidate his opinion.
@@mafreeen Correct- It's a pretty regular guitar, but basically she gets to choose the detailing. So we agree. I always go out of my way to be polite in the comments re Band-Maid, because it ultimately reflects on them and fans as a whole. I'm pretty sure that sometimes rude comments are left by fans of other band trying to get us a bad name.
Japan is the second largest music market in the world in terms of size and finances, after the United States; in 2012 it was even first. Rock and metal music here has not disappeared, but is developing very successfully, so this is a more interesting market for guitar manufacturers than the country of US hip-hop
@@Olkam-w5u it’s a massive market, with great culture and skills, both artistically and luthier wise. I don’t think it’s more attractive than the US, considering the market size, US being the entertainment capital of the world and just the population of the US. But it’s certainly one of the attractive markets. The US is the country of hiphop, but also blues, pop, rock and metal
I felt it's not really about any cutting edge new design, but a big recognition for a kickass musician that many would've not heard of. I'd take this vs that fender hello kitty any time of day.
@@jasono1361 I agree. And not many guitars can match a US made PRS. But speaking about Hello Kitty…I mean it’s not a bad guitar at all 😁😂 I can prove it: ua-cam.com/video/x1F2LIysCns/v-deo.htmlsi=skDRJhxPREs2PPnl
Kanami is a great brand ambassador for PRS, no matter how big Band-Maid are. But doesn't the pickup control switch versatility make this model more special (I think that's a point that Kanami is very pleased by)?
I don't think it's because of the Japanese market, Kanami and Band Maid are popular in Japan but not at the level of other bands, on the contrary, it seems to me that they are more popular outside their country. For example, I am from Argentina and just to say Latin America, they are widely heard in the rock scene, especially in Mexico. They have been making music for ten years and have more and more followers. Saludos capo.
These sold out in the first day, so Paul made 1.2 million USD in just a few hours. I'd say Kanami and Band Maid are more well known than you realise. People in the US frequently assume they are the center of the music world, so that level of awareness is not totally unexpected.
You have a good point. They certainly were more known than I knew of at the time of making this video. I have had a change of heart on that given what I’ve learn in the past few days
Miku, the rhythm guitarist, has a signature Zemaitis. MISA, the bassist, has a signature Black Cloud and Akane, the drummer has signature Wincent sticks. Saiki, the vocalist, designs some of the merch and is a model for her friends clothing line.
Out of the nine signature artists featured on PRS Guitars web site, i know only one for sure, Carlos Santana, while i have hardly heard of the other eight ones and their respective group. With the rather recent spreading of music over social networks, i think some recent, even minor artists and groups, are better known to the public than artists established over the previous 30 years.
It's pointless to discuss hype when all 200 are already sold out. If one watched the Kanami video she discusses why she chose the 81/85 pickups. It's because it was what she has in her first two PRS guitars and she did not want to have to adjust when switching between guitars on stage due to different pickups. As for the birds, I think she likes the brush stroke birds since she has those inlays on the Private stock she got in the summer.
@@rickychau7687 I saw the video and her comments regarding the 85/15. Regarding being pointless to discuss it, tbh I love guitars and specially PRS. So I really enjoy analyzing and talking about new guitars and evaluating them. Teaches me stuff about guitars and it is really fun…not sure what else to say.
@@mr.sorenzo It's not pointless to discuss the guitar or why she was chosen for a signature guitar. It's pointless to mention 'hype'. Why she was chosen is an interesting question. PRS has been making rather big strides in Japan. So many PRS players both men and women old an young alike. This is a great move for the Japanese market. There were really only three choices for PRS if they wanted to give a Japanese artists a signature. They are Kanami, Tomo-zo, and Toru. Kanami is probably the best choice although I prefer Tomo-zo over Kanami. Toru is in the biggest band out of the three, One OK Rock. One OK Rock is a arena/stadium act around the world but I don't think of PRS when I think of One OK Rock.
@@Bekka_Noyb It was more than 6 hours. More like 36 in the US and Japan. The Kurosawa store in Machida had one up for sale about 36 hours in before it sold. That was the last one I saw for sale in Japan.
You didn't mention anything about the switches. How Kanami has switches to split the coils giving 8 different options. I'm no PRS expert but I don't think that's standard, from what I understand.
@@JayDavisAtHome Thanks for bringing this up Jay! This setup also exists in Custom 24-08 and Paul’s guitar. But you’re 100% correct about the 8 different tone options
I would be very interested in hearing your honest reaction to Band Maid, and in particular, to Kanami with her PRS. I can guarantee that if you post your reaction, you will get a heck of a lot of comments. 😁
Thanks again for the suggestion. I really liked "From Now On"! Made a reaction video for it if you wanna watch my eyes popping out hearing them for the first time ua-cam.com/video/fpBWRmC2hEA/v-deo.htmlsi=YOudNwyV-WPS1JA_
@@mr.sorenzo You're very welcome! I enjoyed your reaction video on Band Maid. You've only barely scratched the surface of enormous talent of this band. As I expected, you've been bombarded with many comments from the "Maidiacs", and I'd only be repeating myself with what everyone else has been saying about them. You really hit the three conditions of writing a good/great song. Kanami is a master of composing the music and allowing/challenging her band mates to put their own interpretation in them. Anyway, thanks for looking into Band Maid and understanding why PRS made a custom guitar for Kanami.
I don't know why everyone keeps saying that all 200 were sold in a day when there are still some in stock at a few suppliers in Europe. The US stock seems to have sold out on day 1 though. I put a deposit down for one and I'm probably going to get it, the price is pretty crazy here in the UK though.
When something is distributed through many suppliers, it's very hard to know for certain when it's truly sold out everywhere. I imagine people started saying it once every supplier they thought of was sold out, which ironically probably kept the last few on the market a little longer because people are less likely to look for something if they think it's already too late.
@@kicorse The funny thing is I'm looking at 3 different suppliers right now that still have them in stock and they all ship to the US. So if any American still wants one, they are still available.
@@BenAndHisGuitars Can you name the three suppliers? I've found one (Guitar Guitar, UK) but not the others, and I think it's probably worth making a post about it because I've comments from several people who are sad that they missed out.
@@stevekane4922 You’re on the money my friend! They pulled in about $29.5m in 23. And $1.2m for the 200 guitars…4% of last years total rev was caught in a few hours. It is something special, isn’t it?
Thanks for the suggestions! I really liked "From Now On"! Even made a reaction video for it if you wanna watch my eyes popping out hearing them for the first time ua-cam.com/video/fpBWRmC2hEA/v-deo.htmlsi=YOudNwyV-WPS1JA_
Kanami choose 85/15's because that's what she has on all her other PRS guitars. She explained that she wanted a guitar that would sound just about the same as her other guitars, making the switch from one to another as painless as possible. She knows exactly how to get "Her" tone out of 85/15s with her amp and pedal rig. She had recently purchased a very similar PRS Private Stock with a yellow/black tiger stripe maple top. To Kanami, the signature edition was more of a reward honoring her for her dedication to PRS and her contribution to Band-Maid's success. The "Limited Run" applies mostly to the fact that they had her sign all 200 of the backplates.
When I first saw the guitar posted, I looked over the specs, and realized that it wasn't anything new or special. It was just a relatively "standard" high end PRS guitar, but with a high end custom finish and custom "Kanami / Band-Maid" touches that she had picked out to make it special. Her fans snapped up this run of 200 within a day. You'll have a hard time locating one for sale.
She's a nice, kind hearted lady, a skilled and expressive guitarist, and a devoted spokesperson for PRS Guitars, she has earned this.
If the Japanese market was the reason, they wouldn't have picked Kanami because Band-Maid is still relatively unknown in Japan and there are more well known Japanese PRS guitarists. They picked her because of her sheer talent as a guitarist and a composer, imho. Also the fact that Band-Maid is the most popular Japanese female band abroad might have helped it.
@@K.H.D710 that’s a great point. Thanks for sharing!
I think choosing Kanami Tono was a brilliant move by PRS, not only for business reasons - more international recognition for the brand, more appeal to aspiring female musicians - but also for PRS's reputation among the professional community for attracting and recognizing elite musical talent to represent them (because their stuff is that good). Band-Maid is not that well known in the West, but they have a remarkably strong, diverse and international fanbase that continues to grow. Over the last 8-ish years and unknown to many Western music lovers, the band has arguably been creating the best rock music on the planet - and Kanami is not only the monster axe wielder in the band, she is the band's workaholic songwriter. She's a perfect fit for PRS's reputation for rewarding the elite professionals in the field.
@@drogonr9318 Great points! Can you recommend me some songs of theirs?
@@mr.sorenzoearlier music with banger solo.... their song ALONE.
But for an updated solo watch their live performance for the Song Hate.
They also have instrumentals called:
-FROM NOW ON (MV)
- ONSET ( live performance)
@@mr.sorenzo If you're mainly in guitars, the instrumental "From Now On", is a good starting point, or any of their instrumentals really. More generally, their music is very diverse and different people will recommend different things, but Puzzle, Dice, Blooming, Manners/Black Hole, Hate? and Forbidden Tale are all well-loved (and I suggest listening to official live versions where they exist). Btw, Band-Maid tend to be introduced to Japanese audiences as a band that's big internationally, so I think this was most likely a gesture of personal respect from PRS. There are much bigger bands domestically (e.g. One OK Rock, Maximum the Hormone) with PRS players that would have been chosen if this was mainly about targeting the Japanese market.
@@mr.sorenzo Sure, to highlight Kanami in particular as a guitarist (not just her songwriting), I'd recommend "From now on" like others have. Random recommendations by me are: for mid-tempo, Daydreaming MV (also on their YT channel); for recent hard rock, Shambles MV; for the band's crazy diversity, "Gion-cho." All of these are posted on their YT channel.
I discovered the band during the Covid times by accident, and it's not much of an exaggeration to say I literally haven't gone a day since then without listening to a song of theirs. Btw, Band-Maid excels very much as a live band, and most of their music is written for their live performances. So you might have fun checking out fan favorite Domination live from their YT channel, altho I'd suggest listening to the MV as well to really hear the incredible songwriting, with a special shout out to the fabulous drumming in that song (the instruments get washed out a bit in the live mix). Band-Maid's catalog is large and deep and you'll probably find hours of pleasure in it!
I see a lot of people have recommended Band Maid music, have you checked any of it out? What did you think?
Not only is Kanami an incredible guitarist.....she is a phenomenal composer and writes all the Band Maid music with input from her
band mates !!!!!! If you want to see her shred,,,,From Now ON is an absolute must !!!!! She's is extremely melodic guitar player that never
overplays and fits the song perfectly !!!! She always leaves you wanting more !!!!!!! LoL
@@TomRussell-cy6ll dude everyone in the comments knew her and has been praising her too. Making me feel like I’ve been living in a cave this whole time 😂 how long have you known her and her band for?
@@mr.sorenzo BAND-Maid is one of the best bands out there today
@@mr.sorenzo Its been a couple of years now !!!!! I play drums and this band is off the charts...they are genre less and can play
anything !! Kanami is the most musical
current guitarist I have ever heard and
once you get to know this band it is so
easy to fall in love with them...happy listening !!!!
Known the band since 2014 but started the journey since 2017 till now and maybe forever and ever… and one more thing.. Kanami Tono deserves to have that signature model..she can make her PRS sings…😂😊
@@mr.sorenzo By the way, are you familiar with Japanese bands? There are a lot of interesting things happening there.
It’s actually kind of funny. I think Band-Maid is more popular internationally than they are domestically in Japan. They have a nostalgic sound that’s really appealing to like middle aged and older rock fans, but with some progressive writing and poppier vocals to make it more accessible.
They’re all team players, and it’s very telling that she got the band’s logo on the headstock, rather than something specific to her for her signature guitar, but if you want to see Kanami shine, check out From Now On, which is an instrumental. Blooming is another good one, where she does a lot of tapping. And Warning, which probably has my favorite solo, possibly just from the visuals from the music video.
@@daaaaaave From Now, Blooming and Warning. Got it! Thanks heaps for the suggestions my guy. I’m actually writing them down to listen to them shortly. This was the first time I’m hearing about them
@@mr.sorenzo Wow, are you in for a treat! I've seen Band Maid live three times in the States and they are incredible IMHO.
People in the west like to say they're more popular outside Japan, but that's not just true. They sell out venues with thousands of seats there and tour almost constantly. Not so in the west.
@@ericifune5543 I think the claim is based on stuff like how Unseen World hit #2 globally on iTunes, but was only #4 in Japan. They have a more concentrated fanbase in Japan, and people willing to make the trip to see them there, but concert attendance isn’t the only way to measure it.
@@mr.sorenzo That's, From Now On, not just From Now, which is a very good instrumental, and I see it has been mentioned several times. Another great one imo is, "Giovanni" the instrumental version, which is listed in, Instrumental Maid on UA-cam. Kanami's guitar sings the vocals with her guitar, It's quite amazing. There are 8 instrumentals only played in a white room without their lead vocalist where this is found. These are my favorites just for listening to their brilliant instrumental ability. Nothing at all wrong with their vocals though, as they are also great.
This is a Kanami SIGNATURE PRS guitar that is not available as a custom in dealer stores. Like the other nine signature guitars they had produced in PRS’s history, the artist selects the configuration based on their aesthetic, wood, and hardware perferences. More importantly, it is a limited run, and the artist signs each. Carlos Santana's signatures were some of the first produced by PRS. Signature artists are not selected to influence sales since each signature is limited to a small volume. It is awarded to an artist not only for their technical skill and writing but for the innovations and techniques they have contributed to music.
Plus, Band-Maid is well-known and followed throughout the world. Band-Maid’s first US tour after COVID-19 sold out all 12 of their original concerts, with 2 more dates added (not sold out) while the tour was in progress. They were only the second Japanese band to play at Lollapalooza in Chicago in 2023, 13 years after Japan X was invited to play. All four musicians have signature models. Miku, the founder, rhythm guitarist, and backup vocalist, has her signature Zemaitis. Misa, the bassist, has her signature Black Clould bass, and Akane, the drummer, has her signature Wincent drumsticks. All five Band-Maid members are among the best female artists not only in Japan but worldwide.
@@tonysanchez1137 thank you for the detailed and well written comment sir! I agree with most of the points. However signature artists even on limited runs can influence the sales from brand marketing.
Either way, I really appreciate you taking the time for this well thought comment and want to invite you to engage in my other videos. Myself and the small community here can certainly learn from your knowledge and experience
Band-Maid has become very well known. I saw them in 2022 in Seattle, they were amazing. Kanami deserves this honor, she has earned it. Yes, you can order something like it from PRS, but this is special.
It's so special. Specially getting it from Paul himself.
Hey, thanks for your mini review!
Well-deserved recognition for Kanami, an amazing composer and guitarist. I'm really glad that PRS is aware of her.
@@rx32555 Thanks for hanging out here friend!🤝🏼 I totally agree! We need more good guitarists getting recognized
Love Band-Maid, they have been my favorite band for many years and I'm thrilled that Kanami achieved this recognition from PRS... well deserved, she is awesome!!
I can see why now. Been listening to them today for the first time! You got a good taste in music
@@mr.sorenzo A lot of the fanbase (me included) are some level of musicians that really appreciate all the little things that Band-Maid does ... they are required, but if you pay attention you are gifted with special nuances that heighten the listening experience. Glad you have listened to more.
There are many renowned PRS guitarists, but they also play other guitars. She, however, has been exclusively devoted to PRS for over a decade, consistently advocating for their excellence with remarkable dedication. Her commitment is truly unique.
Interesting insight. Nice to see that loyalty pays off. Doesn’t happen always, don’t you think?
@@mr.sorenzo I don't think it's just loyalty to the brand that she was awarded this guitar; I think it's also her ability to make her guitar sing with emotions and a style that is only Kanami. She is truly special.
I am an older American who is crazy about Band-Maid, they are my absolute favorite band today and the only one I listen to every day. Kanami is a brilliant guitarist and composer who is down to earth and works very hard for all she has achieved. I can't afford this guitar, it is expensive but it is interesting that it sold out in just a day or two. And those 85/15 pickups are fantastic, they don't get thin in single-coil mode like everyday humbuckers, they stay rich and full with little volume drop but still sound like single coils.
@@randallcl9925 totally agree! The 85/15s sound super good!
You can still buy the 2024 S2s by the way! They are also equipped with 85/15. A friend of mine got the 2023 S2 Custom24 and missed out😂
I doubt it has too much to do with entering the Japanese market.
PRS is actually pretty popular in Japan. They got some great names using it. Besides Kanami, the biggest rock act atm One Ok Rock and their guitarist Toru uses PRS. Also Ryo of Maximum the hormone who got this cult following all over the world.
In their market usually ESP is very popular, Ibanez too.... So in many ways a Japanese signature was expected. Though: don't believe many thought that Tono would get a LE, though she got a priceless PRS private Stock half a year ago.
But who knows. Mr PRS himself went to Japan to hand it to her personally, so for all we know, he could as well be a fan of her. Just as Kanami is a fan of Santana, who was the first big artist to endorse the guitars nearly 40 years back.
@@andreaspedersen3952 good points. And Ryo is a great player!
Tbh if Paul himself is there, it likely has to do with their plans on expanding in Japan. Don’t you think?
Paul has been talking up Kanami for the past several years. Muscians in Japan don't tend to compete with one another, on the contrary, they support one another.
@@ericifune5543 I didn't know Paul had been doing this. My respect for him just rose even more.
@@mr.sorenzo There are several great guitarists in Japan that are in bands that have more followers than Band Maid does, but I think Paul recognized just how good Kanami is as a player and as a person as well as a supporter of PRS guitars. He picked Kanami for a reason.
You really have to listen to band-maid because yes they are known everywhere in all countries, in the United States for example when they come they do sold out all night, and Kanami is an exceptional guitarist and composer she fully deserves to have a signature PRS
@@MrLawave11 You’re right! I actually did listen to them yesterday for the first time. Check this out! ua-cam.com/video/fpBWRmC2hEA/v-deo.htmlsi=DgDymdLk7GBEiXbF
"Who the hell is Kanami??" All 200 guitars sold out in days...... not even "within a week." Check out some Band-Maid. May I suggest Blooming or Daydreaming...... Killer Kanami guitar playing. Along with From Now On, Domination, Rinne, Puzzle, Honkai, Manners, Warning, Giovanni, ....... and the other 130+ songs from Band-Maid.....
@@stealthcabbie1336 Thanks for the suggestions. Did you see the end of the video when I congratulated her and said more power to her?
It wasn't in days. It was in 6 hours.
@@mr.sorenzowith all bands there some toxicity. I'm from the Wesst and a big Band-Maid fan. I agree with everything you said. While they are fairly known they are not as big as other fans. Hopefully this helps the band get more visibility at the same time PRS in Japan.
@@Puyax01 it was days. About three to be exact. The big outlets sold out in about six hours.
@@sjnix7044 good to know. Based on other channels they said hours. Still is big deal.
A signature guitar doesn't mean you get PRS to develop new technology. It means that you get to mix and match from what they have to suite your particular styles, combined with a different finish, which going to be the most unique element of the guitar.
Maybe he was expecting laser lights and fireworks to shoot out of it? I wouldn't expect this guy to understand anyway. He knows diddly squat about Kanami and BAND-MAID. It's worth the hype for BAND-MAID and their fans and that's all that matters.
@@billb.5183 Now don't be rude, what he said about the guitar is largely accurate. Limited edition models typically don’t have significant upgrades over existing versions in terms of technical specs. Kanami herself admitted that she’s not very well-known, which is why she chose to feature the band’s logo on the guitar instead of her own name. The reactor isn’t familiar with Kanami or Band-Maid, so let’s not invalidate his opinion.
@@mafreeen Correct- It's a pretty regular guitar, but basically she gets to choose the detailing. So we agree. I always go out of my way to be polite in the comments re Band-Maid, because it ultimately reflects on them and fans as a whole. I'm pretty sure that sometimes rude comments are left by fans of other band trying to get us a bad name.
Japan is the second largest music market in the world in terms of size and finances, after the United States; in 2012 it was even first. Rock and metal music here has not disappeared, but is developing very successfully, so this is a more interesting market for guitar manufacturers than the country of US hip-hop
@@Olkam-w5u it’s a massive market, with great culture and skills, both artistically and luthier wise. I don’t think it’s more attractive than the US, considering the market size, US being the entertainment capital of the world and just the population of the US. But it’s certainly one of the attractive markets.
The US is the country of hiphop, but also blues, pop, rock and metal
Kanami is the best
@@relic1959 yeah sure sounds like she has so many fans here! Just evident from the comments
I felt it's not really about any cutting edge new design, but a big recognition for a kickass musician that many would've not heard of. I'd take this vs that fender hello kitty any time of day.
@@jasono1361 I agree. And not many guitars can match a US made PRS. But speaking about Hello Kitty…I mean it’s not a bad guitar at all 😁😂 I can prove it:
ua-cam.com/video/x1F2LIysCns/v-deo.htmlsi=skDRJhxPREs2PPnl
Kanami is a great brand ambassador for PRS, no matter how big Band-Maid are. But doesn't the pickup control switch versatility make this model more special (I think that's a point that Kanami is very pleased by)?
@@Glenner7 PRS core models are all special guitars😂 But yeah it’s basically like a 24-08 with 85/15 instead of TCI pickups.
I don't think it's because of the Japanese market, Kanami and Band Maid are popular in Japan but not at the level of other bands, on the contrary, it seems to me that they are more popular outside their country. For example, I am from Argentina and just to say Latin America, they are widely heard in the rock scene, especially in Mexico. They have been making music for ten years and have more and more followers. Saludos capo.
@@nahuelalvarez3171 Saludos! Thanks for sharing my guy!
These sold out in the first day, so Paul made 1.2 million USD in just a few hours. I'd say Kanami and Band Maid are more well known than you realise. People in the US frequently assume they are the center of the music world, so that level of awareness is not totally unexpected.
you still can buy it in Thomann
You have a good point. They certainly were more known than I knew of at the time of making this video. I have had a change of heart on that given what I’ve learn in the past few days
@@albertgogo It's not coming up on their site. Do you have a link?
@@technopsychobedlam it doesn't come up because it is sold. I was calling several vendors and it seems like every bigger guitar store got like only 1.
Miku, the rhythm guitarist, has a signature Zemaitis. MISA, the bassist, has a signature Black Cloud and Akane, the drummer has signature Wincent sticks. Saiki, the vocalist, designs some of the merch and is a model for her friends clothing line.
@@me262a1 Love Zemaitis’ metal front stuff
Kanami 🔥❤️ Most impressive musician of the 21st Century 🔥❤️
Yes, Po!❤😂🎉
@ Po!!! 🔥😅❤️🤘
The new birds are pure art.
Out of the nine signature artists featured on PRS Guitars web site, i know only one for sure, Carlos Santana, while i have hardly heard of the other eight ones and their respective group. With the rather recent spreading of music over social networks, i think some recent, even minor artists and groups, are better known to the public than artists established over the previous 30 years.
It's pointless to discuss hype when all 200 are already sold out. If one watched the Kanami video she discusses why she chose the 81/85 pickups. It's because it was what she has in her first two PRS guitars and she did not want to have to adjust when switching between guitars on stage due to different pickups. As for the birds, I think she likes the brush stroke birds since she has those inlays on the Private stock she got in the summer.
@@rickychau7687 I saw the video and her comments regarding the 85/15.
Regarding being pointless to discuss it, tbh I love guitars and specially PRS. So I really enjoy analyzing and talking about new guitars and evaluating them. Teaches me stuff about guitars and it is really fun…not sure what else to say.
@@mr.sorenzo It's not pointless to discuss the guitar or why she was chosen for a signature guitar. It's pointless to mention 'hype'.
Why she was chosen is an interesting question. PRS has been making rather big strides in Japan. So many PRS players both men and women old an young alike. This is a great move for the Japanese market.
There were really only three choices for PRS if they wanted to give a Japanese artists a signature. They are Kanami, Tomo-zo, and Toru. Kanami is probably the best choice although I prefer Tomo-zo over Kanami. Toru is in the biggest band out of the three, One OK Rock. One OK Rock is a arena/stadium act around the world but I don't think of PRS when I think of One OK Rock.
this limited edition guitar have 200..and it's sold out in 24 hour
I heard 6 hours!
@@chesterloh7060 That’s one heck of a wowzer
@@Bekka_Noyb It was more than 6 hours. More like 36 in the US and Japan. The Kurosawa store in Machida had one up for sale about 36 hours in before it sold. That was the last one I saw for sale in Japan.
I heard PRS allotted 100 for America, 50 for Japan and 50 for everywhere else.
@@rickychau7687 just what I heard. Wasn't exactly fact checking them 😃
A CU24 with an ebony fretboard? I’m in. Take my money.
@@pleasantlindsey33 It looks 🔥 not going to lie
I heard that guitar was sold out within few days. With the price at 6000usd for a guitar, it is sound super crazy they can be sold this quick.
@@อานนท์จอสูงเนิน less than 2 days actually. Yeah people love Kanami, and PRS
You didn't mention anything about the switches. How Kanami has switches to split the coils giving 8 different options. I'm no PRS expert but I don't think that's standard, from what I understand.
@@JayDavisAtHome Thanks for bringing this up Jay! This setup also exists in Custom 24-08 and Paul’s guitar.
But you’re 100% correct about the 8 different tone options
I would be very interested in hearing your honest reaction to Band Maid, and in particular, to Kanami with her PRS. I can guarantee that if you post your reaction, you will get a heck of a lot of comments. 😁
@@derekdangerfield187 What a great suggestion! Thanks heaps! I’ll make it the next video and put the link here!
Thanks again for the suggestion. I really liked "From Now On"! Made a reaction video for it if you wanna watch my eyes popping out hearing them for the first time ua-cam.com/video/fpBWRmC2hEA/v-deo.htmlsi=YOudNwyV-WPS1JA_
@@mr.sorenzo You're very welcome! I enjoyed your reaction video on Band Maid. You've only barely scratched the surface of enormous talent of this band. As I expected, you've been bombarded with many comments from the "Maidiacs", and I'd only be repeating myself with what everyone else has been saying about them. You really hit the three conditions of writing a good/great song. Kanami is a master of composing the music and allowing/challenging her band mates to put their own interpretation in them. Anyway, thanks for looking into Band Maid and understanding why PRS made a custom guitar for Kanami.
Worth the hy- Yes just give me the guitar
@@Jinroxxux 😂 me too as long as it is a core PRS I’ll take anything
I don't know why everyone keeps saying that all 200 were sold in a day when there are still some in stock at a few suppliers in Europe. The US stock seems to have sold out on day 1 though.
I put a deposit down for one and I'm probably going to get it, the price is pretty crazy here in the UK though.
When something is distributed through many suppliers, it's very hard to know for certain when it's truly sold out everywhere. I imagine people started saying it once every supplier they thought of was sold out, which ironically probably kept the last few on the market a little longer because people are less likely to look for something if they think it's already too late.
@@kicorse The funny thing is I'm looking at 3 different suppliers right now that still have them in stock and they all ship to the US. So if any American still wants one, they are still available.
@@BenAndHisGuitars Can you name the three suppliers? I've found one (Guitar Guitar, UK) but not the others, and I think it's probably worth making a post about it because I've comments from several people who are sad that they missed out.
@@kicorse That's the one I'm buying mine from. The others I've found that still show it available are Thomann and Musicstore (formerly DV247).
@@kicorse Looks like my reply got deleted. The others are Thomann and Musicstore.
By the way Band-maid is not the copywrite holder of the video you sampled. PRS is. Don't blame the band if you get a block or strike😂I doubt you will.
Only woman signature PRS guitar made.
All 200 sold out on the first day. 1.4million dollars says a lot. PRS only turn over 30m.
@@stevekane4922 You’re on the money my friend! They pulled in about $29.5m in 23. And $1.2m for the 200 guitars…4% of last years total rev was caught in a few hours. It is something special, isn’t it?
BAND-MAID / HATE? (Official Live Video)
BAND-MAID / Unleash!!!!! (Official Live Video)
BAND-MAID / from now on (Official Music Video) instrumental
Thanks for the suggestions! I really liked "From Now On"! Even made a reaction video for it if you wanna watch my eyes popping out hearing them for the first time ua-cam.com/video/fpBWRmC2hEA/v-deo.htmlsi=YOudNwyV-WPS1JA_
😁🕊👀❤😍🤩🥰🍻
@@Greish-esquire 🍻
The guitar sold out... Quickly. That's why.
bro think US is somebody 😂