In my opinion, the Free The Tone Future Factory FF-1Y is a great pedal and because I’m always interested in who are the creative people behind the devices that I like so much, I asked Yukihiro Hayashi 7 questions. How did he become the owner and president of Free The Tone, which pedal from another manufacturer he wished he had invented, and what if things had turned out completely differently? The friendly Yuki gives us answers to these and other questions in our interview.
DelayDude:
On the Free The Tone website we can find out, what you did before you started working for Free The Tone. But how did you get into music at all?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
When I was a university student, I worked part-time at an instrument import agency. At that time, I was deeply involved in a band, so I needed to earn money through part-time work to buy musical instruments. At this company, they were manufacturing rack systems for guitars and basses aimed at professional musicians, and I assisted in the production process. Through this work, I got to know Japanese musicians and guitar technicians, and it became the starting point for me to enter the music industry.
DelayDude:
After separating from Pacifix Ltd. Free The Tone became an independent company, and you became the owner and president of Free the Tone. Could you tell us something more about that?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
FREE THE TONE was established in 2002 as a subsidiary of Pacifix, Ltd., and I was in charge of it. Over the course of approximately 10 years, FREE THE Tone was engaged in product development for Providence, Pacifix’s in-house brand. However, in 2011, as the next step, we became financially independent with the aim of developing our own unique products through free thinking. This year, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary.
Eddie Van Halen and the Uni-Vibe
DelayDude:
So many famous musicians are using your devices – is there someone whom you wish he/she would play one of your pedals?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
Unfortunately, he has passed away, but I really wish Eddie Van Halen had the chance to try out the newly released OVERDRIVELAND. In fact, the sound of OVERDRIVELAND incorporates not only elements of the Dumble amplifier but also the EVH Brown Sound.
DelayDude:
If you would have to choose one single pedal or device, you will have to use for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? And what does your recent rig look like?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
If I had to choose just one, it would be OVERDRIVELAND. It’s designed to change its tone based on how you play, so it never gets boring to play with. Currently, my pedalboard includes the ARC-53M (audio routing system), which allows me to save and switch between combinations of connected effects. It’s also capable of MIDI transmission, making it convenient for switching presets on the effects. The connected effects are the Free The Tone / HEAT BLASTER, Marshall / Guv’nor, Free The Tone / TRI AVATAR, COSMIC WAVE, and AMBI SPACE. With the completion of OVERDRIVELAND, the combination of HEAT BLASTER and Guv’nor will be replaced by OVERDRIVELAND and another drive pedal in the future.
DelayDude:
Is there a pedal of another manufacturer of which you wish, you would have invented it?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
I would have loved to invent the Uni-Vibe myself. It’s such a fantastic pedal, and I agree that it’s a remarkable invention.
DelayDude:
Is there a question regarding your work, you would really love to answer to but that nobody asks?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
When it comes to adjusting the sound of our products, it’s not a question that’s often asked. Free The Tone’s products are rarely used in isolation and are primarily incorporated into a band’s sound. That’s why, before finalizing a product, it’s crucial to have multiple musicians actually use it within a band ensemble. I always participate in confirming the sound quality during these sessions. We engage in discussions and make improvements on the spot. It can be considered a more practical approach.
What if…?
DelayDude:
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Yukihiro Hayashi:
The question may be slightly different in nature, but if I were born overseas, for example, in Germany, I believe I would have pursued a different style of sound production than what I do now. In reality, it’s impossible, but I would be curious to hear what kind of sound I would create.
At this point the Team DelayDude and would like to thank Yuki for answering our 7 questions.
If you are looking for a detailed review of the Free The Tone Future Factory FF-1Y click here. And everything else about Free The Tone you will find here.
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