Recreating you’s Janne Da Arc Sound: Guitar Gear, Amp & Effect Settings

Introduction: Melodic Precision Meets Heavy Edge

Known for his signature blend of melodic beauty and crushing distortion, you, the guitarist of Janne Da Arc, captured listeners with expressive tone and elite-level technical skills. His playing seamlessly incorporates shred techniques like legato, sweep picking, and speed picking, while also showcasing exceptional control over clean-to-dirty transitions.

Tracks such as “Vampire,” “Messiah,” and “Diamond Virgin” reveal his ability to carve out a distinct sonic space — sharp-edged but always melodic — perfectly balanced against synths and vocals in the mix.

Notably, you has adjusted his rig over time to match the demands of live performances and studio sessions. While he has recently shifted toward a modern digital rig centered around the Kemper Profiling Amplifier, his use of vintage tube amps and pedals still reflects a deep connection to analog tone shaping.

This article breaks down his amp choices, guitar collection, effects setup, and detailed EQ strategies — providing a blueprint for recreating his sound. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist aiming for that Janne Da Arc tone, this guide is designed to help you approach it from both practical and artistic angles.

▶ Watch Janne Da Arc official videos on YouTube

Amplifier Choices & Tonal Characteristics [you – Janne Da Arc]

Throughout his career with Janne Da Arc, you used a wide range of amplifiers to craft his dynamic guitar tones — from searing high-gain distortion to crisp, shimmering cleans. Each amp choice reflected the diverse musical styles within the band’s catalog, as well as his meticulous attention to tonal balance, harmonic detail, and expressiveness.

Here’s a breakdown of his main amplifier selections, categorized by tone purpose and notable track usage:

🎸 Main Amp Models Used by you
Kemper Profiling Amplifier Power Rack
His current go-to system. It allows profiling and recalling exact amp tones from his traditional tube amp collection. This setup has significantly reduced the complexity and weight of his touring rig, while offering high consistency in live and studio settings.

MESA/BOOGIE Dual Rectifier
Known for its aggressive and tight distortion, this amp was frequently used in heavier tracks like “Z-HARD.” Its mid-scooped punch and saturated gain make it perfect for metal-style riffing and powerful leads.

Soldano SLO-100
Featured heavily during the “JOKER” era. With its smooth high-gain response and articulate note separation, it became a defining amp in studio sessions for lead and rhythm parts alike.

Hughes & Kettner TRIAMP MkII
Adopted mainly for live performance flexibility. The multi-channel design allowed seamless switching between clean, crunch, and lead tones, effectively replacing multiple heads in one streamlined setup.

Marshall 1959 (Plexi)
Used during the “GAIA” album sessions. Delivers vintage British-style crunch with harmonic richness. It provided edge-of-breakup tone ideal for expressive clean passages and light overdrive.

Marshall JCM900
Commonly employed during songs like “ANOTHER STORY” for high-cutting lead lines. Known for tight mid-gain drive and stage reliability.

PEAVEY 5150
Used for its tight low-end and razor-sharp gain. Perfect for rhythm-heavy sections and palm-muted riffs in songs requiring modern metal voicing.

Fender Vibro-King
This amp was selected for pristine clean tones, especially when you used his Gretsch hollow-body guitars during acoustic numbers and melodic clean segments.

Orange PPC212 (Black Tolex)
A consistent choice for speaker cabinet pairing. Whether powered by a Kemper or a tube amp, it provides punchy midrange and great projection.

🔧 Amplifier Equipment Summary Table

Device	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Performer	Notes
Kemper Profiling Amplifier Power Rack	Kemper	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Modern solution for replicating all his favorite analog amp tones.
Dual Rectifier	MESA/BOOGIE	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Used on “Z-HARD.” Delivers high-gain punch for aggressive tone.
SLO-100	Soldano	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Recording favorite for smooth, articulate gain — especially during “JOKER.”
TRIAMP MkII	Hughes & Kettner	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Live workhorse with multi-channel flexibility.
1959 (Plexi)	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Vintage tone used for dynamic clean and mild crunch on “GAIA.”
JCM 900	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Lead tone in “ANOTHER STORY.” Classic mid-gain tube amp.
5150	PEAVEY	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Modern metal tone with tight low-end and focused highs.
Vibro-King	Fender	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	High-headroom clean tone for Gretsch-based acoustic parts.
PPC212 (Black)	Orange	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Reliable cab with punchy mids and tight low end. Paired with many heads.

Guitar Collection & Signature Models [you – Janne Da Arc]

From high-output shred machines to elegant semi-hollow bodies, you’s guitar arsenal has always reflected his need for tonal variety, stage presence, and expressive playing. Whether dialing in precise lead tones or exploring lush clean passages, his guitars served as creative extensions of his playing style.

Let’s explore the key instruments that defined his sound across Janne Da Arc’s discography:

🎸 ESP you Signature Models

At the core of his rig is the ESP you model, his custom signature line based on the ESP Viper body shape. These guitars feature EMG pickups (81/85 or 89), 24 frets, thin U-shaped necks, and Floyd Rose tremolos. Built for modern rock and metal, they offer tight attack, strong sustain, and easy upper fret access — all crucial for his fast legato and precise tapping techniques.

Several variations of this model exist, including:

ESP Viper you Custom (Silver Sparkle or Red Mirror Finish)
Used heavily during tours from “ANOTHER STORY” through “JOKER.”

ESP Viper you Custom – Yellow Tiger
A flamboyant finish version often seen in PVs and live DVDs.

ESP you Bass VI model (baritone)
Tuned down for specific arrangements and used in studio layering.

Each of these guitars is loaded with high-output pickups and tone-preserving hardware like Gotoh locking tuners and low-friction pots.

🎸 Gretsch Guitars for Clean Passages

For clean and jazzy tones, you also turned to Gretsch hollow-body and semi-hollow guitars — most notably a white Falcon-style model during ballads like “ANOTHER STORY.” These guitars produce shimmering top-end and warm low-mid response, providing a striking contrast to his high-gain ESPs.

He often paired them with Fender Vibro-King or Marshall JCM900 amps, applying delay and chorus to further enhance the lushness of the tone.

🎸 ESP Horizon & Standard Viper Models

Outside his signature line, you occasionally used standard ESP Horizon and Viper models, especially in the early 2000s. These were equipped with Seymour Duncan or EMG pickups and shared similar hardware specs to his later signature guitars.

🗂️ Guitar Gear Summary Table

Guitar	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Performer	Notes
ESP you Signature (Viper base)	ESP	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Main guitar with EMG pickups, Floyd Rose, and 24 frets. Multiple finishes exist.
ESP Viper you Custom (Silver/Red)	ESP	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Used heavily in “JOKER” era. Notable for eye-catching finishes.
Gretsch Hollow Body	Gretsch	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Used for clean tones in “ANOTHER STORY.” Paired with Fender amps.
ESP Horizon (early years)	ESP	Search on Amazon	Janne Da Arc	you	Used before custom models. Still featured on early albums.

Effects Pedals & Tone Crafting Techniques [you – Janne Da Arc]

To achieve his wide-ranging tones — from ambient cleans to razor-sharp leads — you made strategic use of effects pedals. His pedalboard, while evolving over time, has consistently included a balance of high-quality drive units, modulation effects, and spatial processors designed to enhance his already expressive playing.

Let’s take a closer look at the pedals that shaped his sound and how he used them in both studio and live contexts.

🔊 Drive & Distortion Section
Ibanez TS9 Tubescreamer
Used primarily to boost his amp’s gain stage. you often stacked this in front of high-gain heads (like the Dual Rectifier) to tighten low-end and sharpen attack. Also employed to smoothen leads in songs like “Kiss Me”.

Pro Co RAT
This fuzz-like distortion added grit and aggression for industrial-style crunch on certain tracks from the ANOTHER STORY era.

MXR Distortion+
Occasionally used in solos for its warm, mid-focused saturation. Paired with Soldano amps to enhance sustain and vintage character.

🌈 Modulation & Filter Effects
BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus
Applied generously to clean tones, especially with Gretsch guitars. This chorus added width and shimmer, contributing to his distinctive ambient intros.

BOSS PH-2 Super Phaser
you used phaser subtly on rhythm parts to create movement without over-coloring the tone.

Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress (Flanger/Filter Matrix)
Used selectively in intros or build-ups to create swirling textures. Heard in experimental or layered studio work.

🌊 Delay, Reverb & Spatial Tools
BOSS DD-6 / DD-20 Digital Delay
Central to you’s lead tone architecture. He used precise digital delays for synchronized rhythmic echoes in tracks like “Shining Ray” and “Dry?”

Eventide TimeFactor
In later years, replaced his traditional delay units for higher control and programmable settings. Used to shape dynamic space during solos.

TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb
Added plate and modulated reverb textures for clean passages, particularly in ballads and instrumental interludes.

🧠 Tone Crafting Insights

you’s approach to effects wasn’t about excess — he used them as “emotional amplifiers” rather than decorative tools. Here are key strategies he applied:

Stacking drives for clarity and weight instead of distortion overload.

Stereo delays to create dimension while maintaining center presence.

Modulation use mostly restricted to clean parts for contrast and spaciousness.

Amp gain + transparent overdrive pairing to ensure picking nuance stays intact.

🗂️ Pedalboard Summary Table

Pedal	Brand	Amazon Link	Used for	Notes
TS9 Tubescreamer	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Drive boost	Tightens low-end and sharpens high-gain amp response.
RAT Distortion	Pro Co	Search on Amazon	Crunch tones	Used in gritty rhythm tones; aggressive and raw.
DD-6 / DD-20	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Delay	Synchronized delays for solos and ambient layering.
Hall of Fame	TC Electronic	Search on Amazon	Reverb	Rich and modulated reverbs for clean textures.
TimeFactor	Eventide	Search on Amazon	Advanced delay	Programmable digital delay with wide control.
CH-1	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Chorus	Clean tone modulation with stereo image.

EQ Techniques & Mix Strategies – Shaping you’s Signature Tone

Behind you’s impressive guitar tone lies a careful mix of EQ shaping, spatial positioning, and tone layering. His sound is not just about the gear — it’s about how each frequency sits in the band mix, how each phrase cuts or blends, and how effects are placed for maximum emotional impact.

Here’s how you achieved a clean, powerful, and emotional tone in both studio and live contexts:

🎚️ Key EQ Approaches
Low Cut (HPF at ~80–100 Hz)
Always applied during mixing or in preamp sections to clear out muddy bass frequencies and avoid conflict with kick drums and bass guitars.

High-End Presence Boost (4–6 kHz)
Boosted using parametric EQ or pedal tone knobs to emphasize pick attack and articulation — especially for fast legato and tapping runs.

Midrange Focus (800 Hz–1.2 kHz)
Slight boost in upper mids to cut through dense synth arrangements and vocal layers. This also helped you’s solos stay emotionally expressive without harshness.

Avoiding Harshness (>6.5 kHz)
you often rolled off excessive high-end to avoid digital harshness — particularly important when using digital delays or Kemper profiles live.

🌀 Mix Positioning & Panning Tricks
Double-Tracking Rhythm Guitars
Hard-panned left and right, often using slightly different amp settings to create a fuller stereo image. Maintains clarity even during dense arrangements.

Lead Guitar Centered with Delay
Solos and melodies were kept center in the mix but paired with short stereo delays (60–80ms) to add width without losing focus.

Clean Guitars with Chorus/Delay in Stereo
Clean intro sections used stereo modulation (e.g., BOSS CH-1) and delay to create cinematic textures without overpowering the main mix.

💡 Pro Tips for Recreating you’s Sound
Start with a clean amp profile (Kemper/Fender) and build gain gradually.
Let drive pedals do the tone shaping rather than relying solely on amp saturation.

Use EQ pedal or amp EQ to carefully craft midrange.
Avoid scooping the mids too much — you’s tone lives in the vocal-friendly midrange zone.

Stereo delay is essential.
Especially for solos or emotional clean parts — even a subtle stereo spread adds enormous dimension.

Layer carefully.
For studio-style tone, layer two different guitar takes (one brighter, one warmer) and pan hard left/right. This replicates you’s signature width.

Avoid reverb stacking.
Apply modulation and delay before heavy reverb. Too much ambient layering muddies you’s clean articulation.

<h2>Budget-Friendly Alternatives for Reproducing you’s Tone</h2>

<p>Recreating <strong>you</strong>’s sound doesn’t require thousands of dollars in boutique amps and custom guitars. With today’s gear market, there are many affordable ways to capture the essence of his tone — whether you’re after his tight rhythm drive or his ambient clean passages.</p> <p>Here’s a list of cost-effective gear that approximates you’s setup, broken down by category:</p>

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🎸 <strong>Guitar Alternatives</strong>

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Notes
LTD Viper Series	ESP	Search on Amazon	Affordable version of you’s ESP Viper signature. Equipped with similar body shape and active pickups (EMG or EMG-style).
Ibanez RG550	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Great for fast playing, with similar shred-ready specs (24 frets, flat radius, locking tremolo).
Harley Benton SC-Custom II EMG	Harley Benton	Search on Amazon	Budget single-cut with EMG-style pickups and punchy tone. Great for modern metal voicing.

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🔊 <strong>Amp & Preamp Alternatives</strong>

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Notes
Mooer Preamp Live	Mooer	Search on Amazon	Compact unit with amp modeling. Includes Soldano/Mesa-style profiles.
BOSS Katana 50 MkII	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Affordable all-in-one amp with versatile voicings (clean/high-gain), onboard effects, and EQ controls.
NUX MG-400	NUX	Search on Amazon	Budget multi-effects processor with solid amp modeling and stereo effects. Great entry-level rig.

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🎛️ <strong>Essential Effects on a Budget</strong>

Pedal	Brand	Amazon Link	Notes
Joyo Vintage Overdrive	Joyo	Search on Amazon	Tubescreamer-style drive at a fraction of the cost. Ideal for boost or mid-gain leads.
Biyang Time Machine	Biyang	Search on Amazon	Analog/digital hybrid delay. Excellent value for solo echo effects.
Donner Tutti Love Chorus	Donner	Search on Amazon	Simple, warm chorus effect. Works well with clean tones.

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✅ <strong>Setup Tips for Beginners</strong>

1. Start with a mid-gain amp setting, then add a low-gain overdrive for solos or boosted rhythm parts.
2. Use a digital delay in stereo mode for solo parts. Even affordable delays can add depth when placed in stereo.
3. For modulation, limit use to clean parts. Use chorus at low depth/rate to replicate you’s ambient tone.
4. EQ Tip: Reduce bass slightly and boost mids around 1 kHz to help your guitar stand out like you’s mixes.

Conclusion: Capturing the Spirit of you’s Guitar Sound

Reproducing you’s tone isn’t just about having the right pedals or pickups — it’s about understanding intention, control, and balance.

From his smooth legato leads to his articulate rhythm work, you’s playing reflects a thoughtful blend of gear mastery and musical sensitivity. Every delay repeat, EQ curve, or modulation effect he uses is in service of emotion — not just tone.

Whether you’re playing on a high-end Kemper rig or a budget-friendly Katana combo amp, the following principles will get you closer to his sound:

🎯 Key Takeaways
Prioritize clarity over gain. Keep distortion controlled and let dynamics shine.

Use delay and chorus as spatial tools. Especially for clean passages, these effects add character and width.

Shape mids carefully. The heart of you’s tone sits in the upper midrange — don’t scoop too much.

Double-track rhythm parts and use stereo delays for leads to simulate his studio presence.

Practice with control. Even with perfect gear, expressive phrasing and timing are what bring his tone to life.

Ultimately, you’s tone is a reflection of emotional precision. With the right tools — and the right mindset — you can channel his spirit through your own playing, regardless of budget or experience level.

▶ Ready to explore more? Check out our other artist tone guides and build your personal rig step-by-step!

 

<h2>🎸 Gear List: you (Janne Da Arc) – Full Equipment Breakdown</h2>

<p>This is a comprehensive list of <strong>you</strong>’s known guitars, amplifiers, effect units, and additional equipment — used throughout his career both live and in studio. A great reference if you’re a gear nerd or aiming to replicate his exact rig.</p>

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🎸 Electric Guitars

• Fernandes Signature Models (you Model)

  • REGULUS (Maple fretboard, dual humbuckers, Strat-style)

  • JDA CUSTOM

  • 7-string versions with EMG pickups
    Main guitars during Janne Da Arc years

• Kanji Custom Stratocaster

• Fender Stratocaster (1974 Vintage)
  Mainly used in “GAIA” sessions for clean tones

• Steinberger (Unknown Model)
  Used for legato-focused solos in recording

• G-Life Guitars

  • G-Phoenix Custom VII (Jungle Green Flare, 7-string)

  • DSG Life Ash (Deep Royal Blue Turquoise)

• Legator Ninja (8-string)

• Suhr Modern

• PRS Custom 24
  (Plus many other PRS models)

• Gibson Les Paul Custom

• Other Brands with Multiple Models Owned

  • Ibanez

  • Strandberg

  • Caparison

  • MUSICMAN

  • Kiesel

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🎵 Acoustic & Electro-Acoustic Guitars

• Taylor GS-MINI

• Gibson Acoustic
  Recently acquired

• Gretsch Electro-Acoustic

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🔊 Amplifiers

• Kemper Profiling Amplifier Power Rack
  Current main amp and effects controller

• MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier
  Main amp during “Z-HARD” recordings

• Soldano SLO100
  Used post-debut for “JOKER” and live shows — known for tight and articulate gain

• Hughes & Kettner TriAmp MkII
  Extensively used during “GAIA” and “ANOTHER STORY”

• Marshall 1959 Plexi
  Main amp for “GAIA” recordings

• Marshall JCM900
  Main amp during “ANOTHER STORY,” often paired with Bogner cabs

• Fender Vibro-King
  Used with Gretsch guitars in “ANOTHER STORY”

• Peavey 5150
  High-gain amp for “GAIA,” “JOKER,” and live shows

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📦 Speaker Cabinet

• Orange PPC212 (Black Tolex)
  Currently used with Kemper

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🎚️ Effects Pedals & Controllers

• Kemper Profiler Remote
  Foot controller for Kemper system

• KORG XVP-20
  Expression pedal

• BOSS BD-2
  Used as a booster in “GAIA” — known for its gritty high-end

• KLON Centaur
  Used in “ANOTHER STORY” for transparent boost

• Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor
  Tube-driven booster/OD used in “ANOTHER STORY”

• Guyatone WR-2 Wah Rocker
  Auto-wah

• Fulltone Wah (Previously Morley)
  Used for expressive live solos

• Digitech Whammy
  Pitch effects (often 1 octave up), used live

• Pro Co RAT
  Always-on distortion – core of his driven tone

• MXR Dyna Comp
  Classic compressor

• Crybaby Wah

• DOD OCTOPLUS FX35

• BOSS AD-10
  Preamp/DI for acoustic guitars

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🧳 Rack & Other Gear

• SAMSON Wireless System

• Digitech Multi-Effects Rack

• Marshall Preamp (Backup Unit)

• SHURE GLXD6
  Wireless receiver

• Picks

  • Event-specific printed picks

  • DAVA Picks