Vol.5
MAS HINO
Born in Japan, raised in America.
The identity of a luthier/bass and guitar builder living as a Japan-US hybrid.
After seven and a half years of living in Japan, my wife was finally in the process of getting her green card. With that, I decided to return to New York, my hometown. The time lag of seven and a half years exceeded Hino's expectations. The aftermath of September 11 had a notable impact, especially in New York. Most of Hino's former clients there had relocated to other states, forcing him to rebuild his network almost entirely from scratch due to the diminished connections he had anticipated.
"It was a tough time. I started my own brand, but orders for guitars and basses didn't come in immediately. I managed to make ends meet with repair work, but it was tough for about five years. I even considered getting a part-time job at McDonald's. I thought flipping hamburger patties might be kind of fun (laughs)."
Despite these circumstances, he made no compromises in his creations. His pride and desire for creativity, which he felt in Japan, fueled his passion for making guitars and basses.
"Instruments are designed to withstand the test of time, often lasting for many years, sometimes even a century or more. For a luthier building these instruments, what's crucial is a form of muscle memory or tactile sensation that's ingrained through years of varied experiences. This kind of expertise isn't acquired overnight; while anyone can develop technical proficiency through practice, infusing one's taste and creativity into their work requires a deeper understanding."
The balance between technique, personal style, and creative flair defines the instrument's value and essence. That's why it holds such significance in the building."
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