We have compiled frequently asked questions from our customers. If you
have any questions, please feel free to ask via our Inquiry and Quote Request Form, or email.
[ Quotation-related ]
Can you accurately transcribe even if the quality of the audio recording
is poor?
We can provide accurate transcriptions as long as there are no significant
issues with the recording quality. However, if the requested song has a
high transcription difficulty, the recording quality may have some impact
on the cost and delivery date. We would appreciate it if you could provide
us with the highest quality audio source possible. |
Can I request quotations for multiple songs and then only order one of
them?
Yes, you can. If you are considering requesting multiple songs, you can
first submit all of them for a quotation and then choose the one you would
like to request afterward. |
I want to request a quote for the creation of sheet music for 20 pieces
of music. Is that possible?
We regret to inform you that due to our policy, we offer quotes for up to 5 pieces of music for new customers and up to 10 pieces of music for repeat customers. As such, we are unable to accept a simultaneous quote request for 20 pieces of music.
However, for instance, if you initially request a quote for 5 pieces of
music and proceed to order sheet music creation for those pieces, your
quota for quotes will be updated to 10 pieces. This means you can then
request a quote for 10 more pieces from the remaining 15. Once you order
sheet music creation for 5 or more pieces from this set of quotes, your
quota will be updated to accommodate 5 more pieces. This will allow us
to provide a quote for the final 5 pieces from your original set of 20. |
Another company said they couldn't transcribe the piece I want, can you
do it?
Since our establishment, we have never declined a project due to the difficulty
being too high. We have received great satisfaction from our customers
for the many sheet music and MIDI productions we have undertaken, and we
rarely receive requests for revisions. However, to provide peace of mind
for our customers, we offer a 5-year free warranty period after delivery.
We would be grateful if you could trust us with your project. |
Which should I choose, Regular Quotation Order or Price & Delivery
Date Specified Order?
We generally recommend the "Regular Quotation Order." With a
regular quotation, you can freely reduce the number of pieces or change
the requested parts after receiving the quotation, allowing for more flexible
consideration.
On the other hand, with the "Price & Delivery Date Specified Order,"
you will receive a 10% discount on each song's production cost and additional
discounts, but you only have two options: "established" or "not
established." Therefore, you cannot change the content after receiving
the quotation like you can with a regular quotation. If the conditions
specified for the cost and delivery date are met, the order will be "established,"
and the difference between the provisional payment and the actual cost
will be held by our company until the next request. If the order is "not
established," the full provisional payment will be held by our company
until the next request.
The "Price & Delivery Date Specified Order" may be a better
option if your request details are already clearly decided, you are determined
to request if the conditions are met, and you plan to make further requests
to our company in the future. In that case, you can first place an order
using the "Price & Delivery Date Specified Order," and if
it becomes "not established," you can switch to a regular quotation
for consideration. Also, if you need your order urgently and are considering
the "Urgent Order" option, the "Price & Delivery Date
Specified Order" will allow you to speed up the contract date (in
the case of a "Regular Quotation Order," the application is established
after the quotation, whereas for a "Price & Delivery Date Specified
Order," the application date is the day of the provisional payment)
and either reduce the additional fees for the Urgent Order or expedite
the delivery date compared to a regular quotation.
Please note that you cannot submit a "Price & Delivery Date Specified
Order" after receiving a "Regular Quotation" for the same
content. |
[ Pricing-related ]
What can I do to keep the cost as low as possible?
One option is to narrow down the part of the piece you'd like to have transcribed
or arranged, rather than having the entire piece done from beginning to
end. If you want only a portion of the piece transcribed or arranged, please
specify the relevant section in terms of track seconds, such as "01:00-02:30."
Please note that dividing the piece too finely may actually increase the
cost. For example, specifying "01:00-02:30 and 02:33-02:40" will
often be more expensive than specifying "01:00-02:40."
Another option is to simplify or omit certain aspects of the production:
- Copy the performance content from the first repeat of a section
- Simplify fast solo passages by appropriately thinning out rhythms
- Omit ornamentation or notation for pitch changes, etc.
We will accommodate your requests in these cases.
Furthermore, the recording quality of the audio source you provide may
also slightly affect the cost. The more difficult the transcription, the
greater the impact of recording quality on the price. When creating audio
files from audio CDs, uncompressed WAV files or high bitrate compressed
formats (320kbps for MP3) are ideal. |
Can the price be reduced if the transcription accuracy is slightly lowered?
It is possible to lower the cost by omitting small changes in repeated
sections, among other methods. However, we cannot reduce the price by lowering
the transcription accuracy.
Lowering accuracy means intentionally making mistakes, which ultimately
requires the same amount of effort as transcribing correctly. This may
be similar to responding to a request to "knock down 9 pins, leaving
1 pin standing" in bowling, or "writing in slightly poor handwriting."
The accuracy of a transcription is directly linked to the transcriber's
skill level and cannot be higher or lower than that skill. An "inaccurate
transcription" is not something that can be done by cutting corners;
on the contrary, when someone with insufficient transcription skills attempts
a transcription, it will inevitably result in a "low-accuracy transcription,"
no matter how hard they try. |
What factors affect the cost?
We estimate the cost of transcription based on two factors:
Transcription difficulty
Input workload
Additionally, the cost of arrangement is estimated based on two factors:
the "arrangement difficulty," which takes into account the transcription
difficulty needed as the foundation for the arrangement and the specified
instrumentation and performance difficulty, and the "input workload."
For a piece with high transcription difficulty but low input workload,
the cost will be lower than for a piece with both high transcription difficulty
and high input workload. Conversely, for a piece with low transcription
difficulty but high input workload, the cost will be higher than for a
piece with both low transcription difficulty and low input workload.
The main factors that contribute to "transcription difficulty"
and "input workload" are as follows:
| Transcription Difficulty |
| Price |
Low |
High |
| Element |
Total number of instruments/parts in the piece |
Few |
Many |
| Chords |
Few |
Many |
| Hand proximity / crossing (e.g., piano) |
Few |
Many |
| Tone effects |
Weak |
Strong |
| Tempo changes |
Few |
Many |
| Mixed meters (changing meters) |
Few |
Many |
| Improvisation |
Low |
High |
| Performance mistakes |
Few |
Many |
| Pitch / rhythm discrepancies |
Small |
Large |
| Reference pitch discrepancies |
Small |
Large |
| Digital correction |
Few |
Many |
| Multitrack recording |
Few |
Many |
| Recording quality |
Good |
Bad |
| Input workload |
| Price |
Low |
High |
| Elements |
Performance duration |
Short |
Long |
| Song structure |
Simple |
Complex |
| Number of notes, ornaments, and rests |
Few |
Many |
| Rhythm variations |
Few |
Many |
| Performance markings |
Few |
Many |
| Key changes |
Few |
Many |
| Time signature changes |
Few |
Many |
● The total number of instruments and parts in the entire piece
For example, transcribing the cello part of a string quintet will have
a lower transcription difficulty than transcribing the cello part of an
orchestral piece, even if the performance is similar. It is relatively
easy to extract the cello part from the five instruments in the string
quintet, but for an orchestral piece, you must identify only the notes
played by the cello among many different types of instruments, which increases
the transcription difficulty.
● Tempo changes
Performances with inconsistent tempos can increase the workload of tasks
such as analyzing beat divisions and cueing the audio source, which may
result in a slightly higher cost.
● Mixed meters (changing meters)
pieces with unusual meters, such as 5/8 time, or songs with frequent meter
changes may increase the difficulty of analyzing beat divisions, which
can result in a slightly higher cost.
● Pitch and rhythm discrepancies / performance mistakes
If there are many performance mistakes, such as missed notes, in the audio
source, it may be necessary to infer the intended notes of the performer,
which can increase the difficulty and result in a slightly higher cost.
Additionally, if the pitch or rhythm is not very accurate, the cost may
be slightly higher.
● Deviation in the reference pitch
Usually, modern music is tuned to A4=440-442Hz. However, in older audio
sources, repeated dubbing can cause slight pitch deviations to amplify,
and some audio sources may be off by about half a semitone from the original
pitch. For individuals with absolute pitch, the notes "C," "D,"
and "C♯/D♭" are heard as "C," "D," and "(muddy) C"
or "(muddy) D" depending on the key, respectively. However, if
a note exactly halfway between "C" and "C♯" is played in a source with a deviated pitch, the sound can be heard
as either "C" or "(muddy) C or (muddy) D," making instantaneous
judgment difficult. Transcribing from such sources may result in a higher
cost.
● Digital correction
In audio sources with digitally corrected vocal and chorus pitch and rhythm,
the difficulty of identifying voice parts using subtle pitch discrepancies
and fluctuations as clues increases, and the cost may be slightly higher.
Additionally, for MIDI performances, the rhythm is often 100% quantized
(corrected) with high accuracy, and the velocity (volume) is often set
to a fixed value. In such cases, the difficulty of identifying parts using
subtle rhythm and volume discrepancies and changes increases, and the cost
may be slightly higher.
● Punch-in (overdubbing)
During the recording of a piece, it is common to add sounds partially after
the initial recording. In such cases, the transcription difficulty may
increase slightly due to the need to take the presence of overdubbing into
account during the analysis based on playing techniques, and the cost may
be slightly higher.
● Recording conditions
Especially in the case of pieces with a high transcription difficulty,
the recording conditions of the audio source can have some influence on
the cost. The best option is an audio source imported from an audio CD
in an uncompressed format (WAV, AIFF).
● Song structure
Medley-format pieces often have higher costs compared to regular pieces
with the same playing time and instrument arrangement. Also, impromptu
performances, especially of original compositions, often result in higher
costs. |
Is it possible to purchase a previously created sheet music at a lower
price?
The sheet music we create upon receiving orders from our customers is provided
exclusively to that particular customer. Our sheet music creation service
is not about "selling" to an unspecified number of people, but
rather "contracting" to create sheet music for individual customers
based on their specific orders. Due to the nature of contract agreements
and constraints such as copyright laws, we do not sell completed sheet
music.
Even if we receive a new request for the same production content from the
same audio source as a previously created sheet music, the production fee
will be the same as the original customer's fee. We kindly ask for your
understanding in this matter.
In other words, we do not sell the sheet music created upon a customer's
request to another person at a lower price afterwards. |
[ Production-related ]
Is it possible to create transposed notation for transposing instruments?
It is possible. If you prefer, we can also create notation in concert pitch
(in C). There is no price difference between transposed and concert pitch
notation.
Typically, sheet music for transposing instruments, such as wind instruments,
is transposed according to the specific instrument. However, when substituted
with DTM, piano, guitar, or other non-transposing instruments, we recommend
notating in concert pitch (in C).
Furthermore, when adding chord names to sheet music for transposing instruments,
both transposed and concert pitch chord names are possible. A combination
of concert pitch chord names and transposed staff notation according to
the instrument is also possible.
If you have any questions about the notation method for transposing instruments,
please let us know the purpose of the sheet music, and we will propose
the most suitable notation method. |
Is it possible to create sheet music or arrangements in a different key
that makes it easier to play the original piece?
If you specify the key when requesting a quote, we will create the sheet
music based on that information. You can also specify in a form like "easier
to play key" or "half-step lower than the original". If
you wish, we can propose an appropriate key for transposition when discussing
the quote. The additional fee for transposition is generally JPY 1,000-1,500
per part for a 4-minute piece. |
What is the difference between Transcription, Transcription for Chord chart,
and Arrangement?
"Transcription" involves listening to the source material and faithfully transcribing
the performance into sheet music.
"Transcription for Chord chart" is the creation of chord charts by ear. Chord charts represent the
sequence of chord progressions in a piece of music using chord names.
"Arrangement" is the process of reconstructing a piece based on the transcription
of the source material, according to its purpose, specified instrument
lineup, and performance difficulty. It can be categorized as "Solo
Arrangement", "Singing & Playing Arrangement", "Accompaniment
Arrangement", and "Session (Ensemble) Arrangement".
"Solo Arrangement" is intended for solo performances. It consolidates
the entire performance of a piece while adapting it to the characteristics
and features of each instrument.
"Singing & Playing Arrangement" is designed for a performer
who sings while playing an instrument. It restructures the entire performance
of a song to suit this style of performance.
"Accompaniment Arrangement" is intended for a performance style
where one performer sings or plays the melody while another performer accompanies
them. Unlike Singing & Playing Arrangement, the accompanist can focus
solely on their accompaniment, allowing for more intricate and advanced
performance content when compared at the same difficulty level.
"Session (Ensemble) Arrangement" is designed for performances
involving three or more performers, such as band performances, a cappella,
trios, and quartets. It is possible to arrange for all specified instrument
parts or just selected parts. |
Is it possible to combine Transcription and Arrangement?
It is possible. For example, you can request to have the vocals transcribed
as they are, while arranging the accompaniment for piano. You can specify
a combination of transcription and arrangement as desired. |
Can I specify the notation font?
It is possible. While we select the most suitable notation font for each
piece from a variety of fonts included in the latest version of the music
notation software Finale, we can create the sheet music using the font
of your choice if you have a specific preference. For more details on notation
fonts, please refer to the "Easy-to-Read and Consistent Sheet Music Creation" section on our "Our Philosophy on Music Transcription"
page. Feel free to check it out.
In addition, you can also specify the font for text, such as the title
of the piece, if you wish. |
[ Cancellation, Post-completion Revisions, and Warranty-related ]
Is it possible to cancel after applying?
If you cancel before the midpoint between the contract date (payment date)
and the scheduled completion date, you can cancel by paying a 10% cancellation
fee of the total amount. For more details, please see here. |
If there is a mistake in the sheet music content, can it be corrected for
free?
We strive to ensure the accuracy of the sheet music we provide, but if
you feel there is an error in the transcription, please contact us within
five years from the sheet music delivery date, specifying the relevant
section. We will promptly review the content and, if necessary, create
a corrected sheet music free of charge.
If the product is defective due to missing pages, typographical errors,
or damage, we will promptly send a replacement at no charge if you contact
us within five years from the completion date. |
If I don't like the arrangement, can it be revised for free?
| In the case of an arrangement request, we will create the arrangement based
on your specified desired performance difficulty and musical feel. However,
if you judge that the content deviates from your specifications, please
contact us within five years from the sheet music delivery date, and we
will review the content and, if necessary, create a revised arrangement
free of charge. If more than five years have passed since the sheet music
delivery date, or if you request a new arrangement with different performance
difficulty or musical feel, we will unfortunately need to provide a new
quote as a separate request. |
What happens if the deadline is delayed?
We do our utmost to adhere to deadlines, but in the unlikely event that
we cannot complete your request by the promised completion date, you can
choose to cancel the contract by receiving a full refund plus 10% of the
payment as liquidated damages. If you can wait for the completion, we will
offer a 10% discount on the payment as an apology for the delay and process
a refund after delivery.
For more information on our deadline guarantee, please see here. |
I lost my sheet music. Can you send it again?
Within five years from the sheet music completion date, we can resend the
sheet music for a reissuance fee of JPY 1,000 (tax included) per copy.
After five years from the sheet music completion date, we will only reissue
the sheet music if the data is still saved. |
[ Copyright and Sheet Music Usage Related ]
Can I post a video of a performance using the sheet music I ordered on
social media or video-sharing website?
As a general rule, it is possible if you have the permission from the copyright
holder of the music, such as the composer and arranger. On video sites
like YouTube, if there is a licensing agreement with the rights holder
for the use of the music, no individual procedures are required on your
part for publishing the performance. Additionally, there is no need to
contact us when you post your work on those sites.
While not mandatory, we would appreciate it if you could credit us as the
arranger, for example, "Arranged by WINDS SHEET MUSIC," when
publishing performances based on the sheet music you requested for arrangement. |
Can I post the sheet music I ordered on SNS or video-sharing website?
If you wish to post the sheet music created by us, please apply for an
"Extra License." For more details on the Extra License, please
see here.
Additionally, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holder
of the music, such as the composer and arranger to post the sheet music.
Please note that there may be cases where the application for sheet music
publication is rejected by the rights holder. With that in mind, we recommend
applying for permission from the music rights holder before applying for
an Extra License with us. Since our transcription scores are highly accurate,
publishing them may threaten the exclusive advantage (publicity rights)
held by the music rights holder. Therefore, we kindly ask you to inform
the music rights holder that the sheet music was created by us when applying
for permission.
If you copy or edit the provided sheet music using sheet music software,
the content of the sheet music itself has rights, so both the "Extra
License" and permission from the music rights holder are required
for publication. |
Does requesting transcription or arrangement from your company violate
copyright law?
You can rest assured that it does not violate copyright law. We provide
sheet music creation services, such as transcription and arrangement, through
one-to-one contract agreements between customers and our company. Under
those conditions, neither the customer nor our company violates copyright
law.
To establish this "one-to-one contract agreement" between the
customer and our company, we collect personal information from the customer
(name, address, phone number). If a customer cannot provide their address
or contact phone number, we cannot safely establish a one-to-one contract
agreement, as we cannot identify the customer, and we will not be able
to accept their request. We kindly ask for your understanding. Please be
assured that we strictly manage your personal information and do not disclose
or provide it to any third parties.
Handling of Personal Information |
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