【Karukan】How to Recreate the Signature Sound of Onmyo-za’s Guitarist – Gear, Effects, and Amp Setup

Introduction: The Mystique and Power of Karukan’s Tone

Karukan, the guitarist of the Japanese metal band Onmyo-za, is celebrated for crafting a sonic world that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with the power and precision of modern metal.

Onmyo-za’s musical identity revolves around the fusion of “Wa” (Japanese spirit) and heavy metal, demanding a guitar approach that is both expressive and technically refined.

Karukan’s playing style is known for its articulate and heavy phrasing—particularly through the use of 7-string guitars, nuanced picking techniques, and richly atmospheric effects. His sound captures both the ethereal and aggressive aspects of the band’s compositions.

Notable songs such as “Kuroki no Tennyo” and the suite “Kishimojin” showcase his dynamic range—shifting seamlessly between speed-driven riffs and hauntingly beautiful arpeggios.

He utilizes a sophisticated rack setup centered around the Marshall JMP-1 preamp, enabling versatile tone crafting for both live performances and studio work.

His signature guitar, the ESP “Shiei,” perfectly encapsulates Onmyo-za’s aesthetics—visually striking and sonically powerful, making it a coveted model among fans.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Karukan’s gear: from guitars and amps to effect units and EQ techniques, as well as budget-friendly alternatives to help replicate his sound. Whether you’re a fan of Onmyo-za or an aspiring 7-string metal guitarist, Karukan’s rig offers an insightful blueprint for achieving epic, narrative-rich tones.

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Amplifiers Used by Karukan (Onmyo-za): Signature Sound Foundation

At the heart of Karukan’s tone lies a classic yet powerful rack configuration built around the Marshall JMP-1 programmable preamp and the EL34 100/100 stereo tube power amp.

This setup was widely favored by professional guitarists during the late ’90s and early 2000s for its blend of tube warmth, reliability, and MIDI programmability. The JMP-1 allows for seamless preset switching mid-performance, enabling Karukan to tailor his clean, lead, and rhythm tones per song.

Separating the preamp and power amp also grants him granular control over where effects and EQ are applied in the signal chain, enabling highly detailed soundscaping.

The EL34 100/100 power amp delivers 100 watts per channel using EL34 tubes, offering rich midrange and headroom suitable for aggressive yet articulate metal tones. It’s one of the key reasons why Karukan’s distortion remains tight and defined, even under high gain settings.

While this rack system may seem dated to younger players, it remains highly respected for its tonal fidelity and flexibility in live or studio environments.

For home practice or compact setups, modeling processors or software-based replicas of this system (such as Line 6 HX Stomp or Helix) provide viable alternatives.

The following table summarizes Karukan’s known amp setup and affordable gear that can replicate its essence.

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Notes
JMP-1	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Programmable tube preamp. Used for both live and studio settings.
EL34 100/100	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Dual 100W stereo power amp. Known for its powerful EL34-driven midrange.
PowerStage 700	Seymour Duncan	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Compact power amp. Rack-free alternative suitable for live use.
HX Stomp XL	Line 6	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Modeler capable of replicating JMP-1 and EL34 setups. Ideal for home/studio use.

Guitars Used by Karukan: Models and Features

Karukan’s guitar choices are a direct reflection of Onmyo-za’s heavy yet mystical soundscape. His main instrument is the ESP “Shiei” (紫影), a signature 7-string guitar that perfectly represents the band’s unique visual and sonic identity.

The Shiei features an archtop body made of flamed maple and mahogany, with a 25-inch scale length and Hipshot hardware. This setup delivers the tight low-end punch required for his down-tuned metal phrasing, especially on the 7th string.

The pickup configuration is optimized for versatility and clarity: a Seymour Duncan 7-string Nazgûl in the bridge for aggressive leads, and a Sentient in the neck for warm, articulate cleans. Combined with a Hipshot Grip Lock tuner and fixed bridge, this guitar maintains tuning stability and strong sustain under demanding conditions.

While Shiei sits in the high-end price range, its sound quality and reliability are fully geared for professional performance and recording sessions.

Karukan has also been seen using several Ibanez RG-series guitars in the early 2000s, such as the RG2120K-KB and RG3271. Though 6-string models, these guitars were well-suited for his fast alternate picking, tapping, and other technical playing styles.

Additionally, he has performed ballads live using a Gretsch acoustic guitar, offering warm and soft tones suitable for Onmyo-za’s more emotional pieces.

The following table summarizes the guitars confirmed to be used by Karukan, along with key specifications and notes.

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Shiei (紫影)	ESP	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	7-string electric guitar	Signature model. Equipped with Nazgûl/Sentient pickups. Used live and in studio.
RGA121H	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	6-string electric guitar	Main guitar used in earlier periods. Features a dark wood finish.
RG2771 FM-VV	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	6-string electric guitar	Bright yellow finish. Typically used as a backup guitar.
RG2120K-KB	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	6-string electric guitar	Main guitar around 2004. Known for its striking wood grain and balanced tone.
RG3271	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	6-string electric guitar	Used as a sub guitar in 2004. Features a maple fretboard and sharp tone.
Acoustic Guitar (unknown model)	Gretsch	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Acoustic guitar	Used live for ballad-style songs. Provides warm and mellow textures.

Effect Pedals and Rack Setup: Karukan’s Sonic Sculpting Tools

Karukan’s effect setup plays a crucial role in shaping the depth, clarity, and drama of his guitar tone. Rather than relying on a sprawling pedalboard, he opts for a compact and high-quality rack-based system, designed for precision and reliability.

Central to his tone is the Marshall JMP-1 preamp, but his full signal chain includes a selection of spatial effects, noise suppression tools, and utility processors. These elements work together to deliver the rich ambient layers and surgical clarity needed for Onmyo-za’s complex arrangements.

Spatial effects such as delay and reverb are likely handled by high-end rack units like the Lexicon or TC Electronic G-Major, offering stereo depth and programmable modulation. These add a sense of mystique and grandeur that perfectly aligns with Onmyo-za’s theatrical aesthetic.

Because of the challenges presented by 7-string guitars and high-gain settings, noise suppression is vital. Units such as the ISP Decimator are often employed to tame unwanted hiss while preserving sustain and dynamics.

Karukan’s tone also benefits from EQ and boost pedals for precise frequency shaping and gain control. Compressors and buffer pedals help translate his nuanced picking into consistent output, whether for arpeggios or palm-muted riffs.

Below is a detailed list of effects and processors either confirmed or strongly inferred to be part of Karukan’s rig. These selections reflect a balance between tonal richness and performance-grade utility.

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
G-Major 2	TC Electronic	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Multi-effects (spatial)	Combines chorus, reverb, and delay in one unit. Ideal for rack-based setups.
Decimator II	ISP Technologies	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Noise reduction	Highly effective at cutting noise without choking sustain. Excellent for 7-string/high-gain use.
GE-7	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Graphic EQ	Used for precise frequency sculpting—especially preamp boosts and tonal shaping.
NS-2	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Noise suppression	A more accessible alternative to the Decimator. Offers solid basic noise control.
GSC-4	G-LAB	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Loop/MIDI switcher	Allows full control of rack gear and effects from the stage. Essential for live performance fluidity.
CompIQ Mini	Becos	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Compressor	Compact, responsive compressor for articulate clean tones and controlled dynamics.

Tone Settings, EQ Strategy, and Mixing Techniques

Karukan’s guitar tone stands out for being both crushingly heavy and sonically clear—a rare balance made possible through carefully engineered EQ and dynamic processing.

His Marshall JMP-1 preamp is likely programmed with dedicated patches for clean, rhythm, and lead tones. Each preset is fine-tuned to suit the arrangement: lead tones emphasize midrange presence, while rhythm patches tighten the lows for percussive clarity.

For distorted tones, Karukan often reduces low-end frequencies around 80–150Hz to prevent muddiness, while boosting midrange frequencies between 800Hz and 1.2kHz to ensure note definition—particularly for his low B string on the 7-string guitar.

High-end frequencies are carefully tamed above 4kHz to avoid harshness, especially in a live mix where excessive presence can fatigue listeners.

Stereo delay and reverb effects (likely managed through the G-Major or similar rack units) add a dimensional spread that enriches the atmospheric feel of Onmyo-za’s stage performances. This spatial layering helps express the band’s mystical and theatrical themes.

Compressors are used subtly—especially for clean arpeggios—providing stable output without squashing dynamics. Karukan relies on these settings to ensure his nuanced picking remains expressive, yet balanced across registers.

Noise gates such as the ISP Decimator remove unwanted hiss in high-gain environments without compromising tone. This is essential when transitioning between silence and explosive riff passages, preserving clarity and control.

In a live context, Karukan’s guitar mix avoids clashing with the bass by attenuating frequencies around 200Hz. Instead, he boosts the low-mids (400–600Hz) to reinforce weight and presence while maintaining separation from other instruments.

Front-of-house engineers may also center his guitar in the stereo field to enhance articulation without overwhelming the vocals or rhythm section—achieving a powerful yet polished tone in the full band mix.

During studio recordings, double-tracking techniques are likely used, with left and right guitar layers adding width and intensity to the final mix.

To replicate Karukan’s EQ philosophy, the following frequency adjustments offer a reliable starting point:

• Low (80–150Hz): –2 to –3dB (to prevent muddiness)
• Low Mid (400–600Hz): +2dB (adds warmth and body)
• Mid (800Hz–1.2kHz): +3dB (for articulation and punch)
• High Mid (2–4kHz): Flat to slightly reduced
• High (6kHz+): –1 to –2dB (softens harsh overtones)

This refined approach to tone design is key to achieving Karukan’s signature blend of heaviness, mystique, and clarity. It’s a masterclass in using tone as a narrative tool—conveying emotion, tension, and drama through sound.

Affordable Gear for Approximating Karukan’s Tone

While Karukan’s tone is built around high-end gear such as his ESP signature model and Marshall rack system, you don’t need a professional-level budget to get close. With smart gear selection and thoughtful EQ, even entry- to mid-level players can capture the essence of his sound.

First and foremost, a 7-string guitar is essential. Karukan’s primary guitar, the ESP Shiei, features a 7-string setup tailored for extended low-end and articulate leads. A more accessible option is the Ibanez GRG7221, which offers solid playability and tone for its price point.

Though its pickups may be more modest, you can compensate with external gear such as boost pedals or carefully dialed-in amp settings to achieve more defined distortion and sustain.

As for amps, the Marshall MG30GFX is a great affordable choice for those looking to emulate British-style distortion with responsive EQ controls. Another good option is the Blackstar ID:CORE 40 V3, a modeling amp with rich stereo effects and tube-like dynamics—excellent for practice and small gigs.

For distortion, the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone remains a versatile and budget-friendly pedal. With proper EQ adjustment, it can approximate the punchy and mid-focused character of Karukan’s overdriven sound.

Noise suppression is key in high-gain setups. The NUX Noise Gate is a cost-effective option that reduces hiss and feedback while maintaining your signal’s core integrity.

Finally, for spatial effects like reverb and delay, the Zoom MS-70CDR is a compact multi-effects unit that covers chorus, delay, and reverb—all in one pedal. It’s ideal for creating the expansive textures heard in Onmyo-za’s more atmospheric moments.

The following table outlines practical and budget-conscious gear choices to help you recreate Karukan’s core tones:

Type	Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Notes
7-String Electric Guitar	GRG7221	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Entry-level 7-string. Excellent starting point for low-end focused tones.
Combo Amp	MG30GFX	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Classic Marshall voicing. Great distortion and wide EQ flexibility.
Modeling Amp	ID:CORE 40 V3	Blackstar	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Tube-like feel with stereo spatial effects. Perfect for home or small stages.
Distortion	MT-2 Metal Zone	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Highly tunable distortion with a strong midrange voice. Good match for metal styles.
Noise Gate	Noise Gate	NUX	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Affordable solution to control hiss in high-gain environments.
Multi-Effects (Spatial)	MS-70CDR	Zoom	Search on Amazon	Onmyo-za	Karukan	Compact unit with chorus, delay, and reverb. Ideal for layered, ambient tones.

With smart gear choices and proper tone-shaping, you can approach Karukan’s mystical and powerful guitar voice without breaking the bank. Starting with affordable gear also helps you better understand the tonal foundations before investing in higher-end equipment.

Final Summary: Understanding the Philosophy Behind Karukan’s Sound

Karukan’s guitar tone is more than just heavy distortion or precise technique—it’s an integral pillar of Onmyo-za’s theatrical and immersive sonic world. His sound brings mythic narratives to life and supports the dramatic storytelling at the heart of the band’s identity.

His gear choices—like the Marshall JMP-1 preamp, EL34 100/100 power amp, and ESP’s 7-string “Shiei” signature guitar—are all carefully selected to reflect this artistic vision. They’re not just tools, but extensions of the themes and moods expressed in Onmyo-za’s music.

EQ plays a particularly critical role in Karukan’s tone design. By boosting the mids, softening harsh highs, and taming the low end, he achieves a tone that is both rich and clearly defined—even in dense mixes. This balance ensures that his guitar never overwhelms, yet never disappears.

His meticulous approach extends to noise control, spatial effects, and dynamic management. Every part of his setup—from compressors to MIDI switching systems—is selected to ensure performance-ready clarity and precision.

But more importantly, Karukan’s tone is the result of intent. It’s not simply about collecting expensive gear. It’s about understanding what a song demands—what kind of sound tells the story best in a given moment.

For guitarists looking to emulate his sound, the most vital step is not just mimicking his gear, but embracing the mindset behind it: “Why this tone here?” “What emotion am I trying to convey?”

If this guide has helped you gain a glimpse into the artistic and technical mastery behind Karukan’s guitar tone, then it has served its purpose. Let it inspire you not only to experiment with gear, but to craft tones that serve your own musical narrative—just as Karukan does in every performance.

May your sound be as powerful and poetic as the legends you aim to tell.