[Daisuke Ozasa] – How to Recreate the Official HIGE DANDism Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Daisuke Ozasa, the guitarist of Official HIGE DANDism (commonly known as HigeDan), plays a crucial role in shaping the modern J-POP sound. His guitar work combines shimmering, crystal-clear arpeggios with powerful rock tones, giving the band an impressive dynamic range. Songs like “Pretender,” “Shukumei,” and “I LOVE…” showcase his ability to create tones that not only fill out the arrangement but also highlight the melodies and emotional depth of each track.

One of Ozasa’s defining characteristics is his transparent and articulate tone. His playing supports rather than competes with vocalist Satoshi Fujihara (often called Fujikun), allowing the vocals to shine while subtly enhancing the overall band sound. His approach is the opposite of flashy: it’s balanced, intentional, and always in service of the song.

He skillfully switches between electric and acoustic guitars depending on the song, adjusting his tone to match the emotional flow of live performances. This adaptability has made his gear and tone approach a frequent reference point for guitarists across Japan.

What makes his tone appealing is that, while rooted in traditional guitar sounds, it is polished with a modern sensibility. This blend of classic and contemporary is why Ozasa’s sound resonates so strongly with fans and why many guitarists see it as an accessible model for their own setups.

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List of Amplifiers and Features [Official HIGE DANDism · Daisuke Ozasa]

Daisuke Ozasa’s amplifier choices are both practical and versatile, designed to meet the demands of live shows as well as studio recording. His approach reflects a balance between reliability on stage and tonal flexibility in production.

For live performances, his main workhorse is often the Marshall JCM800 series. This legendary amp has been favored since the 1980s for its ability to cover everything from sparkling cleans to crunchy rhythm tones and soaring high-gain leads. In HigeDan’s live settings, it provides the punch and authority required for their rock-driven numbers, while still allowing space for the vocals and keyboards to shine.

For cleaner tones, especially in ballads like “115-man Kilo no Film,” Fender-style amplifiers are likely used. The Fender Twin Reverb, in particular, is known for its warm, glassy clean sound that perfectly suits arpeggiated guitar lines and emotional passages. It’s a natural complement to Ozasa’s Stratocaster tones.

In addition to Marshall and Fender, a VOX AC30 is often assumed to be part of his setup in studio contexts. The AC30’s rich, chimey voice adds vintage character and blends seamlessly with modern production, making it an ideal choice when layering guitars during recording sessions.

It’s also believed that Ozasa incorporates amp simulators or DAW-based amp emulations when recording. This is common in contemporary music production, as it ensures consistent tone and flexibility during the mixing process while reducing the logistical challenges of miking physical amps.

From this, we can assume that his amp selection is carefully tailored to match the mood and purpose of each song — heavy Marshalls for power, Fenders for clarity, and VOX for texture. These choices give him the ability to cover a wide tonal spectrum, from tender ballads to anthemic rock choruses.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JCM800 2203	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Main live amp. Provides powerful rock tones and dynamic crunch.
Twin Reverb	Fender	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Likely used for ballads and clean passages. Essential for warm, glassy cleans.
AC30	VOX	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Assumed for studio recording. Adds vintage chime and depth to layered guitars.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [Official HIGE DANDism · Daisuke Ozasa]

Daisuke Ozasa’s guitar lineup is carefully chosen to handle the wide stylistic range of Official HIGE DANDism. His mainstay instrument is the Fender Stratocaster, which provides the clarity and expressive single-coil tones that define much of HigeDan’s sound. Live, the Stratocaster’s versatility allows him to cover everything from clean arpeggios to crunch-driven rock chords.

The Fender Stratocaster plays a central role in tracks like “Pretender,” where the intro and verse arpeggios shimmer with its signature glassy tone. The single-coil pickups cut through the mix while leaving plenty of space for vocals and keyboards, making it essential to the band’s balance of sound.

For acoustic textures, Ozasa is often associated with iconic models such as the Martin D-28 and Taylor 814ce. These guitars are especially suited for ballads like “115-man Kilo no Film” and “Kinou,” where their warm, resonant character enhances the emotional atmosphere. The Taylor, with its electro-acoustic versatility, also appears in live settings where quick switching between acoustic and electric tones is required.

For heavier songs, Ozasa employs Les Paul-style guitars. The Gibson Les Paul Standard, or its more affordable sibling the Epiphone Les Paul Standard, delivers the thick humbucker-driven tones needed for powerful rock choruses. These guitars provide the sustain and punch that balance out HigeDan’s pop-oriented arrangements with raw energy on stage.

Electro-acoustic hybrids like the Taylor T5z or Yamaha APX1200II are also thought to be part of his live setup. These instruments bridge the gap between acoustic warmth and electric playability, making them ideal for a band whose setlist spans soft ballads, funky grooves, and high-energy rock anthems.

Altogether, Ozasa’s guitar arsenal shows his attention to tonal versatility. By switching between Strats, Les Pauls, and acoustics depending on the song, he ensures that each performance captures the emotional intent of the music. These guitars are not merely chosen for prestige — they are tools that directly serve the expressive range of Official HIGE DANDism’s catalog, or so it is assumed.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Stratocaster	Fender	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Electric Guitar	Main guitar. Delivers clean, transparent tones ideal for arpeggios and versatile live use.
Les Paul Standard	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Electric Guitar	Used for heavier rock songs. Thick humbucker tones for choruses and live power.
D-28	Martin	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Acoustic Guitar	Provides warm, resonant tones for ballads like “115-man Kilo no Film.”
814ce	Taylor	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Electro-Acoustic	Used live for acoustic passages with amplified flexibility.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [Official HIGE DANDism · Daisuke Ozasa]

Daisuke Ozasa’s pedalboard is designed with live practicality in mind. Instead of loading it with boutique pedals, his choices focus on trusted, versatile gear that can deliver consistency across HigeDan’s wide range of songs. The goal is always to serve the music, adding depth and texture without overwhelming the band’s polished pop-rock arrangements.

As his core overdrive, Ozasa is believed to use the Ibanez Tube Screamer (TS-9 or TS808). This classic pedal is valued by countless professionals for its smooth gain boost and mid-focused punch, perfect for tightening up rhythm parts and driving solos without losing clarity. In energetic tracks like “Shukumei,” this pedal likely plays a central role in shaping the band’s driving guitar sound.

For heavier distortion needs, staples like the Boss DS-1 and ProCo RAT 2 are thought to be part of his rig. These pedals provide more aggressive tones, essential for balancing out the band’s pop elements with rock energy in live performances. The DS-1’s sharp attack and the RAT’s gritty character would both fit comfortably in Ozasa’s sonic palette.

Spatial effects are also key to his setup. Reverbs such as the Boss RV-6 and delays like the TC Electronic Flashback or Strymon Timeline help him add depth and atmosphere. In songs like “115-man Kilo no Film,” subtle reverb gives a sense of openness, while tasteful delay enhances arpeggiated lines without cluttering the mix.

Chorus pedals play an important role in adding shimmer to clean tones. The Boss CE-2W and TC Electronic Corona Chorus are popular choices associated with his sound. These provide lush modulation that enriches simple arpeggios, especially in softer ballads where texture matters more than raw power.

For dynamic control, compressors like the Keeley Compressor Plus or Xotic EP Booster are thought to help him maintain balance and sustain. In live contexts, they ensure consistent volume across his parts, while in the studio, lighter compression would preserve natural playing dynamics.

Tuner pedals are an indispensable part of his board. Models such as the Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner or TC Electronic PolyTune 3 guarantee accurate tuning under stage pressure, ensuring reliability for every performance.

Overall, Ozasa’s pedalboard is not about flashy gear but about building a reliable foundation that supports HigeDan’s mix of pop sophistication and rock power. Each effect serves a distinct purpose, from adding subtle texture to driving choruses with energy — or so it is assumed.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
Tube Screamer TS-9	Ibanez	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Overdrive	Main overdrive pedal. Adds natural gain boost and midrange punch.
DS-1	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Distortion	Used for heavier, rock-driven tracks. Provides sharp, cutting distortion.
RV-6 Reverb	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Reverb	Adds spaciousness and depth. Especially important in ballads.
Flashback Delay	TC Electronic	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Delay	Used for solos and arpeggios to create depth and rhythmic layering.
CE-2W Chorus	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Chorus	Enhances clean tones with shimmer and width. Great for ballads.
TU-3 Chromatic Tuner	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Tuner	Essential for live tuning stability and accuracy.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [Official HIGE DANDism · Daisuke Ozasa]

Daisuke Ozasa’s tone crafting stands out for its balance. Rather than focusing on flashy, cutting guitar sounds, his EQ and mixing approach ensures the guitar sits neatly in the arrangement without clashing with vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s voice. This requires not only careful gear choices but also precision in EQ and dynamics.

EQ-wise, Ozasa’s amps are typically set around Bass: 4–5, Middle: 3–4, Treble: 6–7. This setting allows the Stratocaster’s single-coil clarity to shine through while avoiding excessive midrange that could interfere with vocals and keyboards. The boosted treble ensures articulation, while restrained mids prevent muddiness. These balanced EQ values are a recurring theme in HigeDan’s live and studio tones.

For songs like “Pretender,” the guitar shifts dramatically across sections: clean arpeggios in the intro, lightly overdriven chords in the verses, and full-bodied power in the choruses. To achieve this, Ozasa is believed to use channel switching on amps or strategic pedal engagement. Clean channels tend to remain close to flat EQ, while overdriven settings feature a slight mid cut to create space for vocals and piano.

Reverb and delay settings vary depending on song tempo and mood. Faster tracks usually employ short reverb tails to maintain clarity, while slower ballads are treated with longer, lush reverbs to evoke atmosphere. Delay times are kept subtle, often synchronized with song tempo, to create depth without clouding rhythmic precision. This restraint is what keeps his tones professional and musical rather than overly effect-heavy.

Compression also plays a dual role in his setup. Live, stronger compression helps control dynamic peaks and maintain a consistent level across varying playing styles. In the studio, however, compression is often dialed back to preserve the natural dynamics of his playing. This nuanced approach ensures that recordings remain expressive while live shows maintain stability.

Mixing engineers working with Ozasa’s tracks likely pan guitars slightly left or right, leaving the center open for Fujihara’s vocals. This spatial placement enhances clarity and creates a balanced stereo field. Layering techniques are also employed: multiple takes of clean arpeggios or rhythm guitars are stacked to add thickness while maintaining transparency.

Song sections are treated with distinct tonal strategies. For example, verses often feature delicate clean tones with chorus or light reverb, while pre-choruses may introduce mild overdrive for buildup. By the chorus, distortion pedals or driven amp channels add energy and weight. This dynamic progression mirrors the emotional journey of each song, keeping listeners engaged.

Importantly, Ozasa’s approach is less about aggressive soloing and more about building a supportive soundscape. The subtle changes in EQ, gain staging, and effect depth across a single performance demonstrate a producer-like mindset. His guitar never dominates unnecessarily; instead, it elevates the arrangement’s emotional flow.

From these practices, it is assumed that Ozasa’s sound relies as much on thoughtful arrangement and restraint as it does on gear. His guitar tone is engineered to complement the song — never to overshadow it. This is what makes his playing both approachable and sophisticated, a model for guitarists aiming to excel in ensemble contexts.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [Official HIGE DANDism · Daisuke Ozasa]

Recreating Daisuke Ozasa’s tone doesn’t necessarily require high-end boutique gear. Many of his signature sounds can be closely approximated with affordable, beginner-friendly options that capture the essence of his clean arpeggios, dynamic overdrives, and lush spatial effects. For guitarists starting out, this makes Ozasa’s style both inspiring and accessible.

A great entry point is the Boss GT-1 multi-effects processor. Compact, affordable, and versatile, it includes convincing amp models and effects like overdrive, chorus, delay, and reverb — essentially covering the entire palette Ozasa is known for. Similarly, the Zoom G1X FOUR is another excellent multi-effects unit that features an expression pedal, making it especially handy for live dynamics and wah-like effects.

For guitars, the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster is one of the best value-for-money instruments on the market. It offers the shimmering single-coil clarity that makes Ozasa’s clean tones so distinctive, but at a fraction of the cost of a Fender American Strat. The transparent tones and articulate response make it ideal for arpeggios and layered rhythm parts.

When it comes to amps, models like the Boss Katana-50 and the Fender Champion 40 are reliable, affordable choices. The Katana-50 excels in versatility, providing a wide variety of amp voicings (from Marshall-like crunch to Fender-inspired cleans) along with built-in effects. The Champion 40, on the other hand, delivers warm and sparkling cleans that pair beautifully with chorus and reverb — perfect for Ozasa-inspired ballad tones.

If you prefer individual pedals, the Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive is a budget-friendly option that emulates the mid-boosted feel of the Tube Screamer. It provides warm, natural breakup without overpowering the mix. Meanwhile, the Boss CH-1 Super Chorus is a classic for clean tones, giving arpeggios and chords a lush shimmer that captures much of Ozasa’s clean soundscapes.

For recording setups, affordable audio interfaces like the Behringer U-Phoria UM2 or PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 allow beginners to start producing high-quality demos at home. Combined with free or inexpensive DAWs such as Reaper, GarageBand, or Studio One Prime, players can experiment with layering effects, EQ, and mixes just as Ozasa does in professional contexts.

Altogether, these alternatives enable guitarists to approximate Ozasa’s tones for between $100 and $500 per piece of gear. The key is not buying the exact models he uses, but understanding why his gear works — clarity in clean tones, smooth gain staging, and tasteful use of space. These affordable setups let you capture the same essence without breaking the bank.

Category	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Multi-Effects	GT-1	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Covers overdrive, chorus, delay, and reverb in one affordable unit.
Electric Guitar	Classic Vibe Stratocaster	Squier	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Affordable Strat-style guitar with single-coil clarity similar to Ozasa’s main tones.
Amp	Katana-50	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Versatile modeling amp with multiple characters and built-in effects.
Overdrive	SD-1 Super OverDrive	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Affordable Tube Screamer-style pedal with warm, mid-boosted drive.
Chorus	CH-1 Super Chorus	Boss	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Classic chorus pedal. Adds shimmer and depth to clean arpeggios.
Amp	Champion 40	Fender	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Strong clean tones with Fender character. Perfect for ballads.
Multi-Effects	G1X FOUR	Zoom	Search on Amazon	Official HIGE DANDism	Daisuke Ozasa	Affordable multi-effects with expression pedal and flexible amp models.

Summary and Conclusion [Official HIGE DANDism · Daisuke Ozasa]

When analyzing Daisuke Ozasa’s guitar tone, one clear truth emerges: his sound is always in service of the song. Rather than aiming to dominate the mix with flashy guitar lines, his playing is carefully crafted to elevate vocalist Satoshi Fujihara and support the emotional core of each track. This philosophy of restraint and balance is what makes his tone both sophisticated and approachable.

The defining characteristic of Ozasa’s sound is clarity. Transparent arpeggios, shimmering cleans, and tasteful modulation effects all contribute to a refined sonic palette. This clarity is not only the result of gear but also thoughtful EQ, dynamic control, and precise playing technique. His treatment of the midrange — often pulling it back to leave space for vocals — is an advanced lesson in band-oriented tone design.

His gear choices highlight a pragmatic approach. Instead of chasing rare boutique gear, Ozasa relies on dependable workhorses like the Marshall JCM800, Fender Stratocaster, and Boss pedals. These tools are accessible to many players and demonstrate that professional results can be achieved with widely available equipment. This practicality makes his setup an excellent model for amateurs and aspiring guitarists.

Equally important is his versatility. From ballads like “115-man Kilo no Film” that require warm acoustic textures, to energetic anthems like “Shukumei” that demand punch and grit, Ozasa adapts seamlessly by switching between Strats, Les Pauls, acoustics, and carefully chosen effects. His sound reflects an understanding that guitar should complement, not compete with, the diverse arrangements of Official HIGE DANDism.

Effects are used with taste rather than excess. Reverbs and delays add depth, while choruses provide shimmer to clean tones. Overdrives and distortions give weight when necessary but never overshadow the song. This discipline in effect usage keeps the band’s overall mix clean and professional.

For guitarists looking to emulate Ozasa’s style, the key takeaway is not to obsess over gear replicas but to understand the musical intent behind his sound. His tone is built on three pillars: clarity, balance, and service to the song. Whether through EQ tweaks, careful effect placement, or the choice of guitar for a particular section, Ozasa demonstrates that the guitar’s role in pop-rock is about enhancing the whole picture rather than standing apart from it.

Live stability is another important lesson. His setups are chosen not just for tone but for reliability across an entire setlist. A dependable rig that delivers consistent sound is just as valuable as tonal nuance. Amateur players who focus on consistency as much as creativity will find themselves better equipped for real-world performance.

Ultimately, Ozasa’s sound reminds us that great guitar tone is not about gear exclusivity but about musical understanding. His approach can be studied, adapted, and personalized by any guitarist willing to pay attention to arrangement and dynamics. For fans of Official HIGE DANDism, recreating his sound is not just about chasing a tone — it’s about embracing the philosophy that the guitar’s highest role is to serve the song and amplify emotion.

By following these principles, guitarists can get closer to capturing the essence of Ozasa’s style while also developing their own voice. In the end, the heart of his sound lies not in pedals or amplifiers, but in the balance between subtlety and impact — a balance that defines the artistry of Official HIGE DANDism.