【Toru】How to Recreate ONE OK ROCK’s Guitar Sound – Complete Gear & Tone Setup Guide (Amps, Effects, Settings)

Introduction: The Essence of Toru’s Sound in ONE OK ROCK

Toru Yamashita, guitarist of the internationally acclaimed band ONE OK ROCK, plays a pivotal role in crafting the band’s powerful, immersive guitar tones. Known for his razor-sharp riffs, expressive distortion, and ambient clean tones, Toru’s style is dynamic, emotional, and precise.

In iconic tracks like “The Beginning,” “Mighty Long Fall,” and “Stand Out Fit In,” Toru’s tonal craftsmanship shines through. From bone-crushing high-gain riffs to delicate arpeggios and warm, semi-dirty cleans, his control over texture and feel brings depth to both studio recordings and live performances.

One key reason his sound garners attention is its sophisticated, internationally compatible design—refined through countless sessions with top U.S. producers. His sonic vision is not just modern but multidimensional, carefully built to translate well on global stages and massive sound systems alike.

Toru’s approach to tone creation is layered and deliberate. He selects guitars based on their tonal character and blends them with amps and effects for a highly nuanced result. His versatility shines as he switches between Strat-style, PRS, Telecasters, and even Jazzmasters depending on the song’s feel and visual aesthetic.

This article breaks down Toru’s guitar sound through five lenses: amplifiers, guitars, effects, EQ & settings, and budget-friendly alternatives. Whether you’re aiming to replicate his tones or simply admire the architecture behind them, this guide offers actionable insights and gear specifics.

Before diving in, we recommend checking out Toru’s tones firsthand through official ONE OK ROCK videos:

▶ Search ONE OK ROCK official YouTube videos

Amplifiers Used by Toru – The Core of His Massive Tone

For Toru, amplifier selection is a fundamental aspect of tone design. Whether on stage or in the studio, he consistently uses high-gain amps that deliver both clarity and sonic depth, reflecting a clear philosophy behind his choices.

One of the most iconic amps in his arsenal is the Friedman BE-100. This boutique, hand-wired flagship amp is celebrated for its tight low-end, sparkling highs, and rich midrange—often associated with the coveted “Brown Sound.” Toru brings this amp to live performances and overseas sessions, using it primarily for aggressive riffs and rhythm parts that demand punch and precision.

Another staple in his rig is a modified Marshall JVM410H. Custom-tuned with capacitor upgrades and EQ tweaks, this amp delivers a smoother, tighter response tailored to Toru’s taste. It’s one of his main live amps, and for particularly heavy tracks, he occasionally pairs it with a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier to achieve a deeper, more saturated wall of sound.

For compact setups or rehearsals, Toru also utilizes the Orange Micro Terror, a surprisingly powerful mini amp head with a characteristic British-style midrange growl. In earlier years, he was also seen using the Marshall JCM2000 DSL, giving a nod to his foundational British rock roots.

As for speaker cabinets, Toru frequently matches his heads with the Orange PPC212. This 2×12 cabinet is known for its tight projection and thick low end—ideal for outdoor festivals and large venues where sonic presence is critical.

Below is a detailed list of amplifiers and cabs Toru has used over the years:

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Notes
BE-100	Friedman	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Flagship 3-channel high-gain amp, used in live/studio.
Micro Terror	Orange	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Compact amp head for small venues and rehearsals.
JCM2000 DSL	Marshall	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Used in early days; classic British overdrive tone.
Dual Rectifier	Mesa Boogie	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	High-gain beast with massive distortion, also used live.
JVM410H (Modded)	Marshall	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Modified with enhanced EQ; a primary live amp.
PPC212 Black	Orange	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	2×12 cab, great low-end punch; often paired with Orange heads.

Guitars Used by Toru – A Versatile Arsenal for Diverse Expression

A close up of a guitar with a black background

Toru’s guitar selection plays a critical role in shaping his sonic identity—visually striking, sonically versatile, and tailored to each musical setting. Whether on stage or in the studio, he chooses models that not only sound great but also complement the emotional tone of each song.

His go-to guitar is the PRS Custom 24, which offers shimmering highs, broad dynamic range, and stable tuning—perfect for his modern rock playing style. For fatter tones, Toru often switches to the PRS McCarty (Artist Package), known for its fuller mids and rounder attack.

More recently, the PRS Silver Sky—John Mayer’s signature model—has appeared in Toru’s live setups. Its bell-like cleans and articulate response make it a great fit for rhythm or clean ambient sections.

In earlier performances and music videos, Toru also favored Gibson Les Pauls, including a 1989 Custom and a 1995 Standard equipped with a Seymour Duncan JB (SH-4) pickup. These guitars shine when thick, punchy power chords are needed.

Fender fans will notice models like the American Elite Stratocaster and a pink Jazzmaster in his collection—both contributing crisp articulation and chimey cleans ideal for emotional phrasing, such as in “We are” or “Stand Out Fit In.”

Toru also employs unique builds like the PGM Telecaster Deluxe and a semi-hollow Dragonfly custom, tailoring his tone and aesthetic to the vibe of each song.

For acoustic settings, he uses premium models like the Gibson J-45 (1964) and Taylor 914ce, delivering clarity, warmth, and finesse during unplugged or studio sessions.

Here’s a comprehensive list of guitars in Toru’s rotation:

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Custom 24	PRS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Main live guitar; well-suited for modern rock tones.
McCarty (Artist Package)	PRS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Full-bodied tone; used live for mid-heavy sound.
Silver Sky	PRS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Great for clean/rhythm sections; John Mayer signature model.
Les Paul Custom (1989)	Gibson	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Classic heavy tones; often used for rhythm parts.
Les Paul Standard (1995, SH-4 JB)	Gibson	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	With Seymour Duncan JB pickup; lead-ready tone.
American Elite Stratocaster	Fender	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Modern Strat tone; used in studios and on stage.
Jazzmaster	Fender	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Unique midrange color; pink finish also seen live.
Telecaster Deluxe	PGM	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Electric	Bright and punchy; often used for rhythm work.
Dragonfly Custom	Dragonfly	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Semi-Hollow	Custom build with distinctive looks and tone.
J-45 (1964)	Gibson	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Acoustic	Vintage warmth; main acoustic for unplugged sessions.
914ce	Taylor	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Acoustic	Hi-fi acoustic tone; premium performance-level model.

Effects and Pedalboard Layout – Building Toru’s Dimensional Tone

Toru’s massive and dimensional guitar sound is built on a meticulously selected range of effects pedals—blending boutique units with trusted industry standards. His pedalboard is a toolkit for expression, delivering everything from brutal distortion to lush ambient textures.

In the distortion category, German boutique brand OKKO plays a leading role. Toru uses the OKKO Twin Sonic (a hybrid clean boost + low-gain overdrive), the OKKO DiABLO (responsive OD with dynamic range), and the OKKO DOMINATOR (a saturated high-gain distortion). These pedals provide flexible tonal layering based on the musical context.

For heavier distortion needs, he incorporates the MI AUDIO MEGALITH DELTA V2 and Providence HEAT BLASTER HBL-4—modern high-gain stompboxes that add cut and density, especially in rhythm tracks. Toru is known to stack multiple drives to sculpt a layered gain structure.

His boost section includes the Xotic AC Booster and strymon OB.1, which not only raise volume for solos but also add subtle compression for a more stable, even tone.

For spatial effects, Toru relies on high-end digital processors like the strymon BigSky (studio-grade reverb), TIMELINE (multi-algorithm delay), and FLINT (tremolo/reverb hybrid). These deliver the ambience and spaciousness heard in his clean passages and melodic breakdowns.

Modulation duties are handled by the STRYMON Mobius and vintage units like the BOSS PN-2—used live to add rhythmic motion and depth. These effects contribute to a 3D stereo field that surrounds the listener on stage.

For pitch-shifting, Toru uses both the DigiTech Whammy 5 for dramatic octave jumps and harmonies, and the Electro-Harmonix POG2 for rich chordal octave layering—essential for enhancing the band’s sonic thickness in high-energy moments.

Here’s a categorized overview of Toru’s core effects pedals:

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Twin Sonic	OKKO	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Overdrive	Dual-function OD with clean boost.
DiABLO	OKKO	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Overdrive	Highly responsive and dynamic tone shaping.
DOMINATOR	OKKO	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Distortion	Ultra high-gain with a thick, wet tone.
MEGALITH DELTA V2	MI AUDIO	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Distortion	Heavy distortion with 3-band EQ.
HEAT BLASTER HBL-4	Providence	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Distortion	Boosted pick attack and harmonic clarity.
AC Booster	Xotic	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Booster	Covers clean boost to light OD range.
OB.1	strymon	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Booster	Optical compressor and clean boost hybrid.
BigSky	strymon	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Reverb	Studio-grade reverb with 12 modes.
TIMELINE	strymon	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Delay	Multi-algorithm digital delay engine.
FLINT	strymon	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Tremolo	Vintage tremolo + reverb combo pedal.
Mobius	strymon	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Modulation	12-mode high-end modulation pedal.
Whammy 5	DigiTech	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Pitch Shifter	Octave and harmony shift with real-time control.
POG2	Electro-Harmonix	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Octave Generator	Polyphonic octave effects for chords and solos.
PN-2	BOSS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Tremolo	Rare stereo tremolo/slicer effect; live favorite.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Techniques – How Toru Shapes His Sound

Toru’s tone is not just the result of premium gear—it’s the outcome of meticulous fine-tuning. His approach to EQ, gain structure, and mixing is as deliberate as his playing, creating a guitar tone that is bold yet refined, heavy but clear.

Starting with his amp settings, Toru typically emphasizes the midrange while slightly rolling off the presence and treble. This applies to amps like the Friedman BE-100, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, and his modded Marshall JVM410H. The goal: a dense, center-focused tone that cuts through in a mix without overpowering the full band arrangement.

On his pedalboard, a MXR 10-Band EQ (M108SE) allows for real-time tonal adjustments per venue. Toru often tweaks frequencies in the 100–250Hz (low end) and 5–6kHz (high presence) ranges, balancing warmth with articulation depending on the space and mix requirements.

His use of distortion also shows tonal awareness. Each drive pedal has its own character—some tight and percussive, others smooth and saturated. For example, “Taking Off” features a more controlled, mid-focused distortion, while “Stand Out Fit In” showcases a soft, low-gain crunch with enhanced clarity.

Clean tones in Toru’s setup benefit greatly from studio-quality ambience. Strymon BigSky, blueSky, and FLINT provide lush reverb algorithms (especially Hall and Chamber types) that add a sense of space and depth even in dry stage environments.

In live contexts, Toru further utilizes modulations like BOSS PN-2 and Strymon Mobius to introduce movement and stereo width. These effects contribute to the immersive, cinematic feel of his sound, filling concert halls with swirling textures.

Even pickup selection and height adjustments are fine-tuned. For instance, guitars with a Seymour Duncan JB (SH-4) in the bridge position give him tight mids and upper-end sparkle—great for punchy leads and focused rhythms.

From a recording and mixing standpoint, Toru’s tracks are often hard-panned left and right for width, with complementary “center fills” using ambient or secondary rhythm tracks. This method results in both spaciousness and clarity—allowing lead parts to shine without clashing with vocals or synths.

He also strategically carves EQ at 2–4kHz to make space for vocals and pads, especially in songs with rich layering. This ensures that his guitar tone supports the overall mix rather than competing with other instruments.

All of these decisions combine to produce a sound that is at once aggressive and articulate, heavy and refined—a perfect representation of ONE OK ROCK’s modern rock ethos.

Budget-Friendly Gear Alternatives – Recreating Toru’s Sound Affordably

While Toru’s rig features top-tier gear like the Friedman BE-100 and boutique effects from OKKO and Strymon, it’s absolutely possible to get close to his tone without breaking the bank. By focusing on the characteristics of his sound—tight mids, wide spatial effects, and expressive distortion—you can approximate his setup using more accessible gear.

For amplifiers, if you’re seeking the high-gain, mid-focused tone of the BE-100, consider the BOSS Katana Artist MkII or Marshall DSL20HR. Both deliver excellent gain structure and are versatile enough for practice, studio, and small-stage use—at a fraction of the price.

To replace his boutique distortion pedals, BOSS MT-2W (Waza Craft) and JHS Angry Charlie V3 are solid options. The MT-2W offers tight, modern gain with responsive EQ, while the Angry Charlie nails that British-style high-gain crunch that mimics the Friedman sound.

For ambient effects, NUX Atlantic (a delay + reverb combo) and TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 provide high-quality reverbs and delays at budget-friendly prices—perfect substitutes for Strymon’s BigSky or Timeline in smaller rigs.

If you’re after pitch effects or modulation options without investing in multiple pedals, multi-FX units like the Zoom G3n or Line 6 POD GO offer a wide range of effects blocks and amp simulations. These all-in-one solutions are ideal for covering Toru’s layered board setup while keeping things compact and affordable.

Here’s a list of recommended alternatives to replicate Toru’s sound on a budget:

Category	Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Notes
Amp	Katana Artist MkII	BOSS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Great midrange and gain for Friedman-style tones; stage-ready.
Amp	DSL20HR	Marshall	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Classic JCM-style overdrive; compact and powerful.
Distortion	MT-2W (Waza Craft)	BOSS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Modern high-gain tone with versatile EQ for DOMINATOR-style distortion.
Distortion	Angry Charlie V3	JHS	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	British-style high-gain; great Friedman-inspired tone.
Delay/Reverb	Atlantic Delay & Reverb	NUX	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Compact ambient unit with delay/reverb combo.
Reverb	Hall of Fame 2	TC Electronic	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Versatile reverb with TonePrint; ideal Strymon substitute.
Multi-FX	G3n	Zoom	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	All-in-one unit with wah, delay, modulation, and more.
Multi-FX	POD GO	Line 6	Search on Amazon	ONE OK ROCK	Toru	Loaded with amp & effects modeling; excellent for live or home use.

Final Thoughts – What We Can Learn from Toru’s Approach

Toru’s guitar sound isn’t just “loud and cool”—it’s a sonic architecture, crafted with the precision of a producer. Every part of his rig, from guitar to amp to post-processing, is carefully selected to serve the song and the band as a whole.

His tone philosophy hinges on tight mids, clarity in distortion, flexible guitar choices, and a pedalboard that balances ambience, modulation, and drive. Despite the complexity, it never feels cluttered—because every sound has a purpose.

In the studio, Toru applies a production-level mindset: EQ sculpting, stereo panning, track layering, and frequency management to avoid clashes with vocals or synths. These skills reflect his extensive collaboration with overseas producers and his embrace of global rock standards.

Live, his sound becomes the backbone of the band—combining physical impact with subtle movement. Whether commanding center stage or supporting an emotional chorus, his guitar always fills space intentionally, never by accident.

For players aspiring to achieve a sound like Toru’s, copying his gear is only one part of the journey. Understanding why he chose certain tones—what role each sound plays in the musical context—is far more valuable.

Use this guide as a foundation. Try out the gear, emulate the tone, but more importantly, develop the mindset: “What kind of sound does my band need right now?” That question will bring you closer not only to Toru’s sound—but to your own voice as a guitarist.

We hope this guide helps you craft a live or recorded tone that captures the spirit of ONE OK ROCK. Good luck on your journey, and keep pushing the limits of your sound!

Full Gear List – Toru’s Presumed Equipment Collection

Below is a comprehensive list of equipment that Toru is believed to use or own, compiled from interviews, live footage, and public sources. This catalog includes his main amplifiers, effects pedals, guitars, and studio gear—offering valuable insight into the professional-level setup behind ONE OK ROCK’s guitar sound.

■ Amplifiers

FRIEDMAN BE-100: 100W tube amp head. A hand-wired, 3-channel high-gain flagship known for its “Brown Sound” characteristics.
ORANGE Micro Terror: Compact tube hybrid head with strong midrange bite.
Marshall JCM 2000 DSL: Dual-channel amp with classic British crunch and gain.
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier: Iconic modern high-gain amp, used widely in rock and metal.
Marshall JVM410H (Modded): Modified version with upgraded capacitors, custom resonance, and EQ response.

■ Cabinet

ORANGE PPC212 Black: 2×12 cab providing thick low-end response; often paired with high-gain heads.

■ Effects – Distortion & Overdrive

OKKO Twin Sonic: Clean boost + low-gain overdrive hybrid.
OKKO DiABLO: Dynamic, mid-gain overdrive with rich touch sensitivity.
OKKO DOMINATOR: Saturated, wet-sounding high-gain distortion.
MI AUDIO MEGALITH DELTA V2: High-gain distortion with 3-band EQ.
Providence HEAT BLASTER HBL-4: Sharp and aggressive tone with pick sensitivity.
LANDGRAFF DYNAMIC OVERDRIVE: Boutique-style overdrive with wide tonal flexibility.
Xotic BB Plus: Dual-channel overdrive for layered tones.
Boorocks Leon MD1 Multi Driver: Versatile overdrive suitable for multiple genres.

■ Effects – Boost & Dynamics

Xotic AC-Booster: Clean boost through light overdrive range.
strymon OB.1: Optical compressor + clean boost hybrid pedal.
DigiTech Main Squeeze: Compressor with smooth sustain.
Yamaha CO10M: Analog compressor pedal.

■ Effects – Reverb, Delay, and Space

strymon BigSky: 12 studio-quality reverb algorithms.
strymon TIMELINE: Versatile delay with 12 modes and deep editing.
MXR M169 Carbon Copy: Classic analog delay with warm repeats.
strymon FLINT: Vintage tremolo + reverb combo based on amp circuits.
STRYMON blueSky Reverb: Studio-level rack-style reverb in a pedal.
TC Electronic G-Major 2: Multi-effects processor rack unit.
TC Electronic D2 Delay: Dual-engine delay with presets.

■ Effects – Filter, EQ, and Pitch

electro-harmonix POG2: Polyphonic octave generator capable of harmony shifts.
MXR 10-Band EQ (M108SE): Graphic EQ for precise frequency sculpting.
Ibanez WH10 / WH10V2: Wide-range wah pedal with fat tone.
BOSS PN-2: Tremolo/panner pedal with stereo slicing effects.
DigiTech Whammy 5: Smooth pitch shifting for both chords and leads.

■ Effects – Modulation & Others

BOSS CH-1: Chorus pedal with classic shimmer.
BOSS PH-2: Phaser with selectable stages.
STRYMON Mobius: High-end modulation pedal with 12 algorithms.
BOSS SL-20: Stereo slicer for rhythmic gating effects.
BOSS AC-2 / AC-3: Acoustic simulator pedals.
MASF PEDAL Phantom FX Sabbth: Fuzz pedal with a dark, saturated character.

■ Tuner

KORG DT-10: Pedal tuner with fast response and high visibility.

■ Electric Guitars

PRS Custom 24: Toru’s main guitar across most of his career.
PRS McCarty (Artist Package, Limited Edition): Vintage-style tone, used live.
PRS Silver Sky: John Mayer signature Strat-style guitar.
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1989): White finish, used during early years.
Gibson Les Paul Standard (1995, with Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB): Used for both rhythm and lead.
Fender American Elite Stratocaster: Sunburst model, often used in studio.
Fender Stratocaster: General-purpose electric guitar.
Fender Jazzmaster: Midrange-rich tones, including pink-colored model.
PGM Telecaster Deluxe: Bright, articulate tones for rhythm parts.
Dragonfly Custom: Semi-hollow body with a distinctive look and warm response.

■ Acoustic Guitars

Gibson J-45 (1964): Main acoustic guitar, used for years.
Taylor 914ce (-LTD): Brilliant highs and modern expression; used since the 2014 Yokohama Stadium show.

■ Microphones

NEUMANN U87ai: Studio standard for vocal and instrument recording.
AKG C414 XL II: High-end condenser mic, confirmed via social media.
audio-technica AT4050: Studio condenser microphone.
NEUMANN TLM 102 Studio Set: Compact large-diaphragm condenser mic.

■ Studio Gear

Audio Interface: PRISM SOUND Titan – Pro-grade audio conversion and monitoring.
Monitor Speakers: Musikelectronic RL904 – High-resolution reference monitors.
DAW: Logic Pro X – Digital Audio Workstation of choice.