[HIROKAZ] – How to Recreate the 04 Limited Sazabys Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

HIROKAZ, the guitarist of 04 Limited Sazabys (often called “Forlimi”), is a player who brings a sharp outline to the band’s sound through his aggressive riffs and exceptional sense of ensemble.

The hallmark of HIROKAZ’s tone is the ability to maintain clarity and separation even under high-gain conditions, while also adapting his role seamlessly when performing alongside another guitar. On stage, he switches between two amplifiers to control the texture of distortion depending on the song or phrase.

In signature tracks such as “swim,” “fiction,” and “fade,” his vivid rhythm parts coexist with solid leads. This comes from not only his guitar and pedal choices but also his thoughtful EQ and mixing strategies.

One particularly striking element is his ESP “Leon” signature model, which was custom-built for real-world stage use. It is equipped with Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups, the tone knobs are completely bypassed, and the design emphasizes speed and control during live performance, including handling aggressive feedback. The structure is built entirely with practicality in mind, supporting his energetic playing style.

From recordings and live footage, one can feel the balance between raw speed and precise control in his sound. On his social media (@hirokaz04ls), HIROKAZ frequently mentions his gear choices and custom modifications, which has drawn strong attention from fellow guitarists.

This article is based on highly reliable sources such as Guitar Magazine’s official web features (Guitar / Amp / Pedalboard) and Mizumaru Blog’s 2022 summary, offering a detailed breakdown of HIROKAZ’s gear, settings, and sound-making approach.

In the next section, we will dive into his amplifier setup, which forms the very heart of his guitar tone.

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List of Amplifiers and Features [04 Limited Sazabys・HIROKAZ]

Amplifiers play an essential role in shaping HIROKAZ’s guitar sound. Both in live performances and studio recordings, he uses multiple high-gain amps, switching between them depending on the song and part to carefully control tonal character.

His main choices are the Soldano SLO-30 and the Bogner Ecstasy 3534. The Soldano, with its pronounced midrange and compact 30W output, provides enough volume to fully project even in live house venues. It is mainly used for rhythm parts, set to avoid excessive distortion while preserving clarity and core tone.

The Bogner Ecstasy 3534, on the other hand, delivers a thicker, more sustaining tone and serves as his solo amp. By adjusting the channel settings and keeping the bass dialed down, HIROKAZ secures a tone that cuts clearly through the mix without clashing with the band’s low-end frequencies.

His cabinet setup is also noteworthy. He often pairs a Bogner 212C cabinet with a vintage Marshall Model 2045 from 1975, using different brands above and below to create a layered, three-dimensional sound by blending harmonic overtones and directional characteristics. Mesa/Boogie Mark I Combo Blonde and Reissue models have also been spotted in studio work and on specific tracks.

HIROKAZ’s approach to EQ demonstrates his balance-oriented mindset: “don’t raise the bass too much,” “don’t scoop out the mids excessively,” and “blend seamlessly into the band as a whole.” This EQ philosophy results in tones favored by both live sound engineers and recording staff alike.

Below is a summary of his confirmed amplifier setup:

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
SLO-30	Soldano	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Midrange-focused, used for rhythm parts
Ecstasy 3534	Bogner	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Mainly for solos; bass kept moderate
Shiva	Bogner	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	White head version, confirmed in live use
1936V	Marshall	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Cabinet, often used with logo hidden
212OS	Bogner	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Red open-back cabinet
Mark I Combo Blonde	Mesa/Boogie	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Vintage model, used in studios
Mark I Reissue	Mesa/Boogie	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Reissue version, priced around mid-range
2045	Marshall	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	1975 vintage cabinet

This amplifier selection shows how HIROKAZ adapts his sound to both rhythm and lead contexts while blending seamlessly within the band. These choices reflect his balance-oriented tone philosophy, though some specific usage cases remain assumptions based on live and studio appearances.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [04 Limited Sazabys・HIROKAZ]

HIROKAZ’s guitar selection reflects a clear philosophy of “built for battle.” Most of his guitars are ESP originals or heavily modified models from ESP, Navigator, and Fender, chosen with stage practicality and tonal individuality in mind.

His most iconic instrument is the ESP Leon (HIROKAZ Signature Model). Built with a Honduran mahogany body, hard maple top, and ebony fingerboard, it is equipped with Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups. The tone knobs are bypassed, leaving only a single volume control. This minimalist design ensures quick handling during live shows, avoiding unnecessary adjustments and prioritizing immediate usability.

Following that concept is the ESP Leon No.2 (Sparkle), finished in black sparkle with orange binding. While visually flashy, it is designed for a brighter, cutting tone compared to the original Leon. This prototype may eventually be released as a commercial model.

Custom creations also appear on stage, such as an ESP Custom Offset Model and a so-called “Modified Monster Guitar”, rebuilt from a second-hand body with entirely swapped hardware. These are used for mellower tones in mid-tempo songs or edgy rhythm parts, demonstrating clear tonal variation across tracks.

Navigator Les Paul–style models also see regular use. The N-LP-STD/P, equipped with P90 pickups, has been spotted on songs like “Letter” and “milk.” Another model, the N-LP-CTM, comes in black (with Bigsby) and white versions, switched between depending on live setlists.

Other instruments include a Fender hybrid—visually a Stratocaster but with a Telecaster-style headstock—plus a green ESP Jaguar-inspired guitar. He even uses a Gretsch-style Jazzmaster, which looks Gretsch-like but is internally an ESP build. These unconventional designs blend playful looks with serious sonic purpose.

Across his collection, HIROKAZ balances visual flair with strict criteria: the guitars must be ready for professional use, have a distinct tonal character, and feel comfortable in hand. Whether signature models or radical customizations, each instrument is chosen and modified with clear intent.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Guitar Type	Notes
Leon	ESP	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Les Paul–style	Aftermath pickups, tone bypass, signature model
Leon No.2 (Sparkle)	ESP	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Les Paul–style	Brighter sound, prototype in development
Custom Model	ESP	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Offset	Custom order, suited for mellow tones
Modified Monster Guitar	ESP	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Custom/Modified	Built from a second-hand guitar, dual humbuckers
N-LP-CTM	Navigator	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Les Paul	Bigsby-equipped, black and white versions
N-LP-STD/P	Navigator	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Les Paul	Equipped with P90 pickups, used at Budokan 2019
Gretsch-style Jazzmaster	ESP	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Jazzmaster	Fitted with Gretsch pickups, ESP-built body
N-JM-ALR	Navigator	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Jazzmaster	Simple stock version
70s Telecaster Custom	Fender	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Telecaster	Seen in the “knife” PV, black body

Overall, HIROKAZ’s guitar lineup showcases both his pragmatic approach and playful creativity. While some models are confirmed through photos and interviews, others are assumed based on appearances in live shows and videos.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [04 Limited Sazabys・HIROKAZ]

At HIROKAZ’s feet lies an arsenal of more than 20 pedals, split across two main pedalboards: a primary board and a secondary board. While the setup looks complex, it is meticulously organized with clear roles assigned to distortion, modulation, and ambient effects, as well as amp channel switching.

The right-hand main board gathers his drive pedals. The Bondi Effects Sick As Overdrive provides sticky, sustaining tones for solos, while the Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive delivers lighter drive for rhythm parts. For heavier riffs, the FRIEDMAN BE-OD is the go-to, offering aggressive and chunky distortion. This variety allows him to match pedal choice to the dynamics of each song and section.

Pitch-shifting effects such as the DigiTech Whammy 5 and DigiTech Drop also appear, giving him instant access to key changes and creative, unusual arrangements. The Xotic EP Booster serves as a solo boost, adding volume and presence at critical moments.

The left-hand sub board focuses on ambient and modulation. Key pedals include the BOSS DD-500 digital delay, strymon FLINT (tremolo/reverb), Mu-Tron Micro-Tron III for auto-wah filtering, and the Maxon CS9 Pro chorus. Separating these pedals onto a dedicated board reduces noise and improves control.

Signal routing is managed by switching systems like the Providence PEC-2 and PEC-4, allowing him to recall precise pedal combinations instantly during live shows. Additional junction boxes such as the JCB-4SM and VA-ST1 ensure consistent signal quality and stable connectivity throughout the chain.

For power, the pedalboards rely on the VooDoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus and the Eventide Power Max, both of which guarantee reliable, noise-free operation across various venues. The result is a pedalboard system that is both powerful and practical, built to withstand the demands of professional touring.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
Sick As Overdrive	Bondi Effects	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Overdrive	Used for solos, delivers thick sustaining drive
Sweet Honey Overdrive	Mad Professor	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Overdrive	Ideal for light backing parts with clean edge
BE-OD	FRIEDMAN	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Distortion	Used for heavy riffs and low-end focused rhythm
Whammy 5	DigiTech	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Pitch Shifter	For tricky pitch changes and expressive effects
EP Booster	Xotic	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Booster	Boosts lead tones with added presence
PS-5	BOSS	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Pitch Shifter	For special effects and drop-tuning emulation
FLINT	strymon	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Reverb / Tremolo	Creates lush reverb and gentle modulation
Micro-Tron III	Mu-Tron	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Auto-Wah / Envelope Filter	Used for funky cutting accents

This pedalboard demonstrates HIROKAZ’s practical yet adventurous approach: a wide array of high-quality pedals chosen not just for sound but for reliability and flexibility. While some combinations are confirmed through official photos and magazines, others are inferred from live performances, so exact setups may vary.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [04 Limited Sazabys・HIROKAZ]

HIROKAZ’s approach to tone is always focused on two principles: maintaining a strong sonic contour in live performance and ensuring presence within the ensemble mix. His setup reflects careful attention to amp channel choices, EQ shaping, and effect integration, all calculated to achieve clarity without losing power.

His main amp heads are the Soldano SLO-30 and Bogner Ecstasy 3534. The SLO-30 is often used for rhythm sections, particularly because of its excellent midrange clarity. Interestingly, HIROKAZ often dials the MIDDLE control slightly lower than expected, then compensates with BASS and TREBLE to balance the spectrum. This prevents muddiness while allowing his riffs to remain distinct against the band’s bass and drums.

The Bogner Ecstasy 3534 serves as his solo and lead amp. By engaging channel switching, he can transition between nuanced gain levels and volume boosts. He typically reduces the bass response on this amp to avoid overwhelming the low end, instead focusing on punchy mid-to-high frequencies. PRESENCE is kept relatively low, emphasizing sustain and articulation rather than sharp brightness. This configuration ensures his leads rise above the band mix without sounding harsh.

Cabinet pairing is another part of his tonal strategy. He frequently blends a Bogner 212C with a Marshall Model 2045 (a vintage cabinet from 1975). In some cases, the Soldano head is routed through the Bogner cab while the Bogner head runs through the Marshall cab, creating a hybrid setup where each amp complements the other’s tonal profile. This mix adds depth, low-end definition, and harmonic richness, providing a wide and three-dimensional live sound.

His ambient palette also plays a vital role. The strymon FLINT offers lush plate reverb and tremolo, expanding the stereo field without drowning the dry guitar signal. Combined with the BOSS DD-500, he achieves delay sounds ranging from modulated echoes to tape-style repeats. Each delay setting is carefully matched to the atmosphere of the track: subtle repeats for rhythmic clarity or more spacious echoes for dramatic solos.

On the mixing side, HIROKAZ is known to collaborate closely with sound engineers. He insists that guitars should not merely act as a “wall of sound” but as dynamic, rhythmically active instruments. This translates into specific mixing decisions: careful panning to preserve interplay with the second guitar, EQ adjustments to avoid overlapping with vocals and bass, and thoughtful use of reverb levels to maintain balance between presence and depth.

Midrange frequencies are his focal point. By protecting this band of the spectrum from excessive scooping, HIROKAZ ensures the guitar’s identity stays intact. Engineers often highlight his sense of restraint—his tones are heavy and loud but never overpower other instruments. Instead, they enhance the band’s ensemble energy by leaving space for drums, bass, and vocals to breathe.

Switching systems like the Providence PEC-2 and PEC-4 allow him to restructure his sound instantly mid-song. In live performances, he often shifts from crunchy rhythm to clean tones or from heavy distortion to soaring solos within seconds, a maneuver impossible without precise switching. This flexibility is a hallmark of his tone architecture, bridging technical reliability with expressive artistry.

Ultimately, HIROKAZ’s tone settings go beyond raw equipment specs. They reflect a holistic design that considers live acoustics, band interaction, and studio requirements. By combining clever EQ choices, hybrid cabinet pairings, and seamless pedalboard integration, he achieves a sound that is both powerful and refined—balancing speed with control, aggression with clarity. Some exact knob settings remain undisclosed, but his overall philosophy points toward practicality and ensemble awareness, rather than chasing extreme gain or artificial coloration. His tone is best understood as a finely tuned system rather than just a list of gear.

Thus, HIROKAZ’s sound is not only the product of boutique amps and pedals but also of an engineering mindset that keeps the band mix in focus. This thoughtful balance is what sets his tone apart, though specific settings may vary depending on venue, song, or recording context.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [04 Limited Sazabys・HIROKAZ]

HIROKAZ’s sound relies heavily on signature models, boutique amps, and high-end pedals, which naturally require significant investment. However, there are realistic options for beginners and intermediate players to approximate his tone at a fraction of the cost. In this section, we explore cost-effective alternatives, typically priced between $100 and $1,000, that capture the essence of his setup without breaking the bank.

Starting with guitars: HIROKAZ’s ESP Leon signature is a Les Paul–style model equipped with Bare Knuckle Aftermath pickups. A highly recommended alternative is the Epiphone Les Paul Studio. While more affordable, it delivers thick midrange response and pairs well with overdrive pedals. This makes it a reliable substitute for achieving that “Leon-like” presence and sustain.

When it comes to amps, replacing his Soldano SLO-30 and Bogner Ecstasy 3534 is no easy task. But the BOSS Katana-100 MkII provides an excellent budget-friendly option. Its versatile amp models cover crunch, lead, and clean tones, and onboard effects offer reverb, delay, and modulation. With power-scaling options and USB recording functionality, it doubles as both a practice amp and a gigging workhorse.

For distortion and drive tones, HIROKAZ relies on boutique pedals like the BE-OD or Bondi Sick As. In the affordable range, the BOSS DS-1X and JHS AT+ are excellent options. The DS-1X extends the classic DS-1 with added clarity and dynamic response, while the JHS AT+ produces articulate crunch and sustaining leads, making it a great stand-in for BE-OD–style tones. For players seeking more extreme high-gain sounds, the Amptweaker Tight Metal offers tight, focused distortion at a lower price point than Bogner or Friedman pedals.

Pitch effects are a key part of HIROKAZ’s style, especially with DigiTech’s Drop and Whammy. The MOOER Pitch Box is a compact and affordable substitute. Although it lacks the ultra-fast tracking of pro units, it still handles octave shifts and harmonies well enough for practice and live use at smaller venues.

For ambient effects, HIROKAZ uses the strymon FLINT and BOSS DD-500. More accessible options include the BOSS RV-6 (reverb) and BOSS DD-3T (delay). The RV-6 offers versatile plate, hall, and spring reverbs, making it a solid replacement for the FLINT’s atmospheric capabilities. Meanwhile, the DD-3T delivers reliable delay tones with tap-tempo support, giving players control over rhythmic echoes similar to DD-500 patches.

Finally, for players who want an all-in-one solution, modern multi-effects units are extremely effective. The BOSS GT-1000CORE and Line 6 HX Stomp both feature high-quality amp modeling, IR loading for cabinet simulation, and flexible routing. These units allow beginners to explore HIROKAZ-inspired tones in a single compact package while also serving as a professional tool for recording or stage setups.

In short, while the authentic HIROKAZ rig is boutique-level, these budget-friendly alternatives enable players to capture much of his aggressive-yet-clear tonal signature. Careful EQ, thoughtful gain settings, and creative pedal use will take you close to his sound, even with affordable gear.

Type	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	Les Paul Studio	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Affordable substitute for ESP Leon; strong midrange tone
Amp	Katana-100 MkII	BOSS	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Versatile tones with built-in effects and channel switching
Distortion	DS-1X	BOSS	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Modern update of DS-1; clear, articulate drive
Reverb	RV-6	BOSS	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Replaces FLINT’s reverb capabilities; multiple modes
Pitch Shifter	Pitch Box	MOOER	Search on Amazon	04 Limited Sazabys	HIROKAZ	Budget alternative to DigiTech Drop; slightly less responsive

Summary and Conclusion [04 Limited Sazabys・HIROKAZ]

If we were to describe HIROKAZ’s sound in a single phrase, it would be “a craftsman-like guitar tone that balances discipline with playfulness.” His custom ESP Leon signature model, packed with battle-ready features such as bypassed tone controls and Bare Knuckle pickups, represents his pursuit of functionality. His amps, including the Soldano SLO-30 and Bogner Ecstasy 3534, highlight his dedication to achieving high-density loudness without unnecessary gain, focusing instead on midrange punch and clarity.

What makes HIROKAZ stand out in 04 Limited Sazabys is how his sound remains powerful yet never dominates the band. By running boutique high-gain amps at moderate wattages, he creates a tone that is loud, tight, and cutting without overwhelming the ensemble. This decision reflects not only his taste as a guitarist but also his awareness of the band’s overall balance and dynamics.

Equally impressive is his guitar collection, which blends practical innovation with playful aesthetics. From his main Leon signature to Jaguar-style and Gretsch-inspired models, his lineup shows a willingness to experiment while maintaining professional performance standards. This balance of utility and creativity makes his gear choices more than just aesthetic statements—they are functional tools shaped for both sonic identity and stage efficiency.

The essence of recreating HIROKAZ’s tone lies not simply in copying his gear but in understanding his philosophy: guitars must sit well in the mix, midrange frequencies should never be sacrificed, and flexibility between rhythm and lead roles is essential. His extensive use of switching systems and pedal combinations highlights a design approach that integrates live performance needs with engineering-level attention to detail.

Another defining trait is his insistence on guitars as rhythmically active instruments, not just a wall of distortion. This mindset leads to thoughtful EQ and mixing strategies, where each frequency band is carefully preserved to avoid clashes with bass, vocals, or drums. As a result, his guitar functions as both a melodic and percussive element, driving songs forward with clarity and aggression.

For fans and players inspired by HIROKAZ, the key takeaway is this: don’t just imitate the equipment—learn from the underlying design choices. Focus on midrange control, versatile channel switching, and practical gear layouts that enhance, not obstruct, live performance. By approaching tone as both an art and a system, you move closer to the core of HIROKAZ’s sound rather than just its surface.

His ethos, “a guitar must prove itself on stage,” resonates throughout his setup. This is why his sound not only carries weight in recordings but also thrives in live settings, pushing the band’s energy outward to the audience. For any guitarist seeking inspiration, HIROKAZ offers a blueprint: combine practicality with creativity, discipline with spontaneity, and let the guitar serve the music above all else.

To follow his latest updates and gear posts, check his official X (formerly Twitter): ▶ @hirokaz04ls

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