🎸 HISASHI (GLAY) Guitar Sound Design Guide — Amps, Effects & Gear Settings

Introduction

HISASHI (Takahiro Kubo), the guitarist of GLAY, is renowned in the Japanese rock scene for his innovative and highly expressive approach to sound design.

What sets HISASHI apart is his fearless experimentation and stylistic range—effortlessly blending elements of hard rock, pop, and electronica. Songs like “HOWEVER,” “Yuuwaku (Temptation),” and “BELOVED” showcase his signature melodic yet weighty guitar tone, rich in character and depth.

One of the core pillars of HISASHI’s tone lies in his unique instrument choices, especially his use of ZEMAITIS guitars, as well as his embrace of modern digital solutions like the Fractal Audio Axe-FX series. He skillfully blends traditional amp tones—often Marshall-based—with cutting-edge digital processing to produce high-fidelity tones both live and in studio recordings.

HISASHI’s playing style balances technical precision with expressive phrasing. His melodic lead work and solid rhythm guitar parts show versatility, while his solos combine emotional power and technical control—helping him stand out as one of Japan’s most distinctive rock guitarists.

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Amplifiers Used by HISASHI (GLAY) – Models & Characteristics

HISASHI’s amp choices have evolved over time but always remain central to his guitar sound. Today, his rig is a sophisticated hybrid of analog warmth and digital versatility.

At the core of his setup is the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III, used in both main and backup configurations. This ensures not only consistency and quality in live shows but also system redundancy in case of failure. The Axe-FX III is a world-class amp modeler capable of reproducing iconic sounds from various legendary amp brands, making it a perfect match for HISASHI’s dynamic tonal needs.

Among physical amplifiers, the VHT TWENTY ONE HUNDRED-2100 stands out as a primary unit. It delivers pristine clean tones as well as powerful high-gain distortion—essential for GLAY’s broad sonic palette. The FRYETTE Classics XXX adds a more aggressive edge, making it a go-to option for heavier tracks.

Notably, HISASHI incorporates rare and high-end heads like the FRIEDMAN NAKED 100W and Bogner Ecstasy (1990s model), typically reserved for recording sessions or specific songs requiring exceptional tone character. Also present in his setup is the classic Marshall 1960A Late ’60s cabinet, anchoring his sound in rock tradition while allowing his modern elements to shine.

Model	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Notes
Axe-FX III (Main)	Fractal Audio Systems	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Main modeling processor for both live and studio. Reproduces a wide array of amp tones in one unit.
Axe-FX III (Backup)	Fractal Audio Systems	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Secondary unit used for redundancy in live settings to ensure seamless performance.
TWENTY ONE HUNDRED-2100	VHT	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Main tube amp. Handles everything from glassy cleans to roaring high-gain tones.
Classics XXX	Fryette	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Designed for heavier songs. Offers aggressive, hard rock character with authority.
NAKED 100W HEAD	Friedman	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Used primarily in studio sessions. Known for its articulate and modern high-gain tone.
Ecstasy HEAD (’90s)	Bogner	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Vintage tone icon. Produces rich, sweet distortion with excellent sustain and character.
1960A (Late ’60s)	Marshall	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Classic cabinet used for decades in rock music. Delivers raw, punchy power with warmth.

Guitars Used by HISASHI – Models & Tone Characteristics

HISASHI’s guitar collection reflects both his bold musical vision and deep commitment to originality. His most iconic guitar is the ZEMAITIS ’94 Metal Front—an instrument that blends visual art and sonic individuality. The engraved metal top is not just for aesthetics; it also imparts a unique tonal signature.

Another standout is the Tokai Armored TALBO Hand Engraved, a Japanese original that features a lightweight aluminum body and ornate hand-engraving. Its crisp sustain and clear tone have become a staple in many of GLAY’s melodic leads. HISASHI also utilizes the TALBO Evoke FRT-Sustainer model, capable of creating infinite sustain for ambient or ballad-driven textures.

From Zodiacworks, HISASHI owns multiple custom guitars such as the X Bone JUSTICE-01, Justice, Guilty, and Blacken. These are often chosen to match a song’s theme or concept, emphasizing his dedication to musical storytelling. For more experimental tones, he uses a rare g’7 Special DAMNED MAESTRO.

On the tech-forward side, he wields the Roland G-707 Guitar Synth Controller—an innovative tool that allows synth-like textures to blend into GLAY’s arrangements. Likewise, the Jerry Jones Electric Sitar adds an exotic flavor that appears occasionally in his more exploratory compositions.

Of course, HISASHI’s collection also includes traditional classics like the Gibson Flying V, Les Paul Custom, Fender Stratocaster (including a vintage ’54), and Telecaster Custom. These familiar models are used when a more conventional tone or appearance is required. He also employs modern rock staples such as the Ibanez RG Series and Steinberger GM2-S to cover GLAY’s expansive sonic territory.

Model	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
’94 Metal Front	ZEMAITIS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	HISASHI’s signature axe. Known for its striking metal top and unique resonance.
Armored TALBO Hand Engraved	Tokai	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Aluminum body. Known for clear sustain and artistic engraved design.
X Bone JUSTICE-01	Zodiacworks	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Custom-built for thematic tracks. Emphasizes originality in tone and appearance.
DAMNED MAESTRO	g’7 Special	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Used for experimental tones. Rare and unconventional in both design and application.
G-707 Guitar Synth Controller	Roland	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Synth Guitar	Provides synth-style textures. Supports futuristic and electronic-inspired sound design.
Electric Sitar	Jerry Jones	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Sitar-style Electric	For ethnic textures. Brings a distinctive timbre to ambient or exotic tracks.
’54 STRATOCASTER	Fender	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Vintage Strat used in clean or bluesy sections. Warm, articulate tone.
TALBO evoke FRT-Sustainer	TALBO	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Equipped with a sustainer system for endless sustain—ideal for ballads and ambient pieces.
Flying V	Gibson	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Rock staple. Edgy tone and bold visual presence.
Les Paul Custom	Gibson	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Electric Guitar	Classic humbucker tone. Rich and powerful—perfect for thick rhythm parts.

Effects & Pedalboard Setup – HISASHI’s Signal Chain

HISASHI’s pedalboard blends modern footswitch systems with advanced rack-mounted gear to enable both flexibility and precision. At the heart of his live control is the Fractal Audio FC-12 Foot Controller, giving him full control over the Axe-FX III’s deep parameter set right from the stage floor.

Among time-based effects, the BOSS DD-20 Digital Delay is a staple for HISASHI. Known for its wide range of delay textures, it supports everything from lush ballads to tight rhythmic passages. The Electro-Harmonix Mel9, a tape replay emulator, adds Mellotron-style ambiance—giving GLAY songs a nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere.

Pitch effects also play a major role. HISASHI uses multiple versions of the Digitech Whammy, including the original WH-1 (’89), a fan-favorite among expressive soloists. For modulation, the MXR Phase 90 (early ’90s) is used to bring a retro, swirling phase sound into the mix—especially effective for 70s-inspired tones.

His wah setup includes two pedals: the Ernie Ball Wah and the Crybaby BB-535Q (late ’90s), switching between them depending on the track and desired attack. The Crybaby in particular brings out the rawness of late-90s alt-rock.

On the overdrive front, HISASHI famously uses the KLON Centaur (original ’90s model)—a now-legendary pedal known for its natural breakup and tonal clarity. He also uses a Sobbat PB2, a high-quality Japanese-made booster that adds warmth and presence to his tone.

In the rack section of his rig, the dual Axe-FX III units remain dominant. Supporting hardware includes the FURMAN PL-PLUS power conditioner, KORG DTR-1 rack tuner, CAJ Wireless Input Selector, and the SHURE AD4D wireless receiver system—creating a professional-grade, tour-ready signal chain.

Effect	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
FC-12 Foot Controller	Fractal Audio Systems	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Switching System	Main controller for Axe-FX III. Allows for complex, on-the-fly tone changes.
DD-20 Digital Delay	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Delay	Versatile delay pedal. Covers ambient textures to rhythmic echoes.
Whammy	Digitech	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Pitch Shifter	Used for dramatic pitch bends and solo effects.
WAH Pedal	Ernie Ball	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Wah	Modern wah sound with smooth sweep and definition.
EV-1 Expression Volume Pedal	Fractal Audio Systems	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Volume/Expression	Controls volume and FX parameters simultaneously.
POLY TUNE	tc electronic	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Tuner	Polyphonic tuning. Allows full-string tuning in one strum.
M5 (Stomp Box Modeler)	Line 6	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Multi-Effect	Compact multi-FX with a wide range of modeled stompboxes.
Mel9 (Tape Replay Machine)	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Modulation	Simulates Mellotron sounds. Adds retro atmosphere to tracks.
DTR-1 Rack Tuner	KORG	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Tuner	Reliable rack-mount tuner for live precision.
Centaur (’90s)	KLON	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Overdrive	Rare and legendary overdrive. Transparent, musical tone.
WAH BB-535Q (Late ’90s)	Crybaby (Dunlop)	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Wah	Mid-boosted, alt-rock flavored wah from the late ’90s era.
FUZZ (unknown model)	Unknown	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Fuzz	Used selectively for vintage-sounding fuzz textures.
Phase90 (’90s)	MXR	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Phaser	Classic swirling phaser sound. Works well with clean or driven tones.
PB2	Sobbat	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Booster	Japanese boutique pedal. Adds punch and harmonic clarity.
Whammy WH-1 (’89~)	Digitech	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Pitch Shifter	Vintage first-gen Whammy. Essential for expressive solo phrasing.

HISASHI’s Tone Settings: EQ, Mix, and Soundcraft

HISASHI’s approach to tone crafting is centered around a seamless blend of analog warmth and digital control. By making the Axe-FX III his central rig component, he’s able to achieve sophisticated routing options and surgical EQ precision that traditional amp setups simply can’t match.
🎚️ EQ Philosophy

One of HISASHI’s core strategies lies in careful midrange sculpting to ensure the guitar doesn’t clash with GLAY’s vocals. Typically, he reduces frequencies in the 500Hz–1kHz range to leave space for vocals, while slightly boosting 2kHz–4kHz to highlight guitar presence. Below 100Hz, a low cut ensures tight low-end control, and frequencies above 8kHz are gently boosted to add brilliance and airiness to the tone.

🌊 Clean Tone Setup

For clean tones, HISASHI favors transparency and definition. He uses short, plate-style reverbs to add subtle ambience without muddying dynamics. Modulation effects like chorus or tremolo are used sparingly, maintaining a natural tone. Delay settings are typically synced to the song’s tempo, often set to dotted eighth or quarter notes with 20–30% feedback to preserve clarity while enriching depth.

⚡ Distortion Tone Control

In his distorted tones, HISASHI carefully controls gain levels to preserve picking dynamics. Rather than overwhelming the tone with saturation, he sets the gain just high enough to support expressive phrasing. In songs like “HOWEVER” and “Yuuwaku,” he emphasizes attack response while employing moderate compression to enhance sustain and definition.

🔄 Live vs. Studio Adjustments

HISASHI adapts his setup depending on whether he’s playing live or recording. For concerts, he prepares multiple presets optimized for venue acoustics—boosting lows in larger halls and enhancing upper mids in smaller clubs. Using the FC-12 foot controller, he switches tones instantly to suit each section of a song. In the studio, he performs finer EQ tweaks on a per-track basis, allowing every song to get a customized treatment.

🎛️ Mixing Considerations

In the mixing stage, HISASHI works closely with mastering engineers to finalize the guitar’s place in the sonic landscape. To balance with the bass, he adjusts EQ in the 100Hz–200Hz range. For vocal clarity and lead presence, he focuses on fine-tuning between 3kHz and 5kHz—pushing the guitar forward during solos, and subtly pulling it back during rhythm sections.

🌌 Creative Use of Space

HISASHI also pays special attention to spatial effects. For intros and outros, he often employs longer reverbs to set a cinematic mood. During choruses and solos, he switches to shorter, tempo-synced delays to emphasize rhythm and keep the energy tight. For emotionally intense tracks like “BELOVED,” he calculates even the tail of the reverb to contribute to the overall flow and expression.

Affordable Gear to Recreate HISASHI’s Tone

If you’re looking to capture the essence of HISASHI’s sound without investing in boutique gear, there are several budget-friendly options that still offer outstanding tonal character. While the exact gear he uses is often high-end, these alternatives can get you surprisingly close when used thoughtfully.

🎛️ Amplifiers

For amp modeling, the BOSS KATANA-100 MkII stands out as one of the best cost-performance choices. Like the Axe-FX III that HISASHI uses, the KATANA supports versatile amp simulations—from Marshall-inspired crunch to Fender-style cleans. The BROWN channel in particular excels at delivering high-gain tones similar to HISASHI’s modern rock edge. A 50W version is also available for home use or small gigs.

🎸 Guitars

To emulate HISASHI’s Les Paul tone, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard is a solid pick. While it’s a more affordable cousin of the Gibson Custom model, its humbucker pickups still deliver the warmth and punch needed for GLAY’s heavier riffs and leads. For Strat-style tones, the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster gives a vintage-inspired sound that echoes HISASHI’s use of Fender models—especially clean and expressive sections.

🎛️ Multi-FX Units

If you prefer an all-in-one solution, the BOSS GT-1000 is a powerful multi-effects processor that covers most of HISASHI’s tonal territory. It doesn’t quite match the Axe-FX III in depth, but its AIRD amp technology provides impressively realistic modeling. With USB support, it’s also ideal for home recording and integration into DAW setups.

🎚️ Individual Pedals

• Overdrive: The BOSS OD-3 is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to the KLON Centaur. It balances warmth and gain in a way that works for both rhythm and lead tones.
• Delay: The BOSS DD-8 offers modern delay versatility and acts as a successor to the DD-20 HISASHI uses. It supports multiple delay types and tap tempo for live adaptability.
• Wah: The DUNLOP GCB95 Cry Baby gives you classic wah tones and serves as a practical alternative to HISASHI’s Crybaby BB-535Q.
• Phaser: The BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter can replicate the swirling effects of HISASHI’s MXR Phase 90. Its 4-stage mode emulates vintage-style phasing especially well.
• Pitch Shifter: While it won’t match the extreme expression of a Digitech Whammy, the BOSS PS-6 Harmonist can handle most pitch-bending and harmony duties effectively and affordably.

🧠 Pro Tip

The key to replicating HISASHI’s tone isn’t just about the gear—it’s about how it’s used. He emphasizes subtlety and musical awareness. Avoid overusing effects, and focus on your EQ, delay timing, and gain staging. Understanding the context of each song and HISASHI’s musical choices will get you much closer than hardware alone.

Type	Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Amp	KATANA-100 MkII	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Affordable amp modeling. “Brown” channel simulates high-gain tones close to Axe-FX III.
Guitar	Les Paul Standard	Epiphone	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Thick humbucker tone. Budget-friendly alternative to Gibson Custom models.
Guitar	Classic Vibe Stratocaster	Squier	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Vintage-style tone. Emulates Fender Strat clean tones for less.
Multi-FX	GT-1000	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	High-performance processor with AIRD modeling. Great Axe-FX alternative for live & studio.
Overdrive	OD-3 OverDrive	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Natural, punchy overdrive. Ideal alternative to the KLON Centaur.
Delay	DD-8 Digital Delay	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Versatile delay pedal. Successor to the DD-20 with more options.
Wah	GCB95 Cry Baby	DUNLOP	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Classic wah tones. Solid and affordable alternative.
Phaser	PH-3 Phase Shifter	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Offers vintage-style phasing. Suitable for modern and retro tones.
Pitch Shifter	PS-6 Harmonist	BOSS	Amazon Search	GLAY	HISASHI	Budget-friendly pitch effect. Good for harmonies and mild pitch bends.

Final Thoughts: The Essence of HISASHI’s Sound

After thoroughly analyzing HISASHI’s gear and sound strategy, one truth becomes clear: his tone is not just about technology or vintage gear—it’s about the perfect fusion of skill and musical vision.

He isn’t simply a collector of expensive equipment. Every choice—be it a unique guitar, a custom amp, or a cutting-edge digital processor—is made with purpose. HISASHI uses tools as instruments of expression, not status. His embrace of technology, especially the Fractal Audio Axe-FX III, showcases a forward-thinking mindset. Where many players stay loyal to analog roots, HISASHI has forged a hybrid system that delivers consistency, versatility, and superior tone across live and studio environments.

Equally significant is his passion for non-traditional instruments like ZEMAITIS or TALBO guitars. These aren’t just visually striking—they offer tonal characteristics that help define GLAY’s unique sonic identity. HISASHI’s preference for rare and specialized guitars is a testament to his desire to carve out a signature sound that’s unmistakably his own.

At the heart of HISASHI’s sound philosophy is what could be called a “song-first mentality.” No matter how powerful the gear, it’s always the music that dictates the setup. His tone serves the emotion, structure, and character of each song. This balance between self-expression and collaborative musicality shows his deep understanding of both solo and ensemble dynamics.

His ability to adapt his tone for different environments—from large concert halls to studio control rooms—demonstrates his professional experience. Using tools like the FC-12 foot controller, he can transition smoothly between preset tones, ensuring a coherent yet dynamic live performance. His attention to sonic detail ensures that the audience always hears his guitar in its best possible form.

If you’re aspiring to replicate HISASHI’s tone, remember this: it’s not about chasing gear—it’s about understanding the music. Gear can help you get closer, but the real key lies in studying GLAY’s arrangements, phrasing, dynamics, and emotional shifts. HISASHI’s sound is ultimately an extension of his dedication to musical storytelling.

Above all, what stands out is HISASHI’s devotion to his craft. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, choosing bold instruments, or refining EQ curves down to the smallest detail, his commitment never wavers. His sound is special not just because of what he plays, but because of how deeply he believes in the power of music itself.