Vol.3
MAS HINO
Born in Japan, raised in America.
The identity of a luthier/bass and guitar builder living as a Japan-US hybrid.
It is said that his mentor, John Suhr, favored Japanese individuals who were dexterous and serious. In this regard, Hino, who was Japanese and had a passion for guitars and basses, was seen as a young man worth nurturing.
"But for the first two years of my apprenticeship, I wasn't allowed to make even one guitar."
The days were filled with cleaning up, taking orders, painting, and other menial tasks. However, Hino says he thought it was a good idea. "I wanted to know everything about guitars and basses before making one myself," he says. "After spending two years getting to know everything, I was finally allowed to make one. To my delight, I received very positive feedback."
John Suhr has also crafted guitars for renowned musicians, and one guitar that Hino helped create ended up in the hands of a world-famous guitarist.
"The guitar belonged to Eric Clapton, but I was more of a jazz enthusiast, so I wasn't particularly interested in him. However, when I went to deliver it, I had the opportunity to meet him in person. He bought me a beer, and as we talked, I was very impressed by him. When I returned home that day, I listened to his music again, and wow! I was pleasantly surprised (laughs)."
Reference：
"Discovering Our True Calling: Exploring Beyond Japan's Borders"
『日本を飛び出して、世界で見つけた僕らが本当にやりたかったこと』Michinori Mori