[Masahiro Andoh] – How to Recreate the T-SQUARE Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Masahiro Andoh, guitarist of T-SQUARE, is widely recognized in the Japanese fusion scene for his uniquely refined sound. Since joining THE SQUARE in 1978, he has consistently provided the band’s music with sophisticated guitar tones that balance both technical precision and emotional depth.

His playing style is characterized by its technical brilliance combined with melodic expressiveness. Even within the complex harmonies typical of fusion, Andoh has an unmatched ability to create phrases that resonate with listeners. Notable songs such as “TRUTH,” “OMENS OF LOVE,” and “MEGALITH” showcase his full musicality and guitar technique.

Tonally, Andoh’s guitar work ranges from pristine cleans to crunchy textures and soaring lead tones. In recent years, he has built a digital system centered around the Kemper Profiling Amplifier, achieving both stability and high-quality sound in live settings. His choice of guitars has also evolved over time: starting with a Gibson Les Paul in the early years, moving toward modern instruments such as Novo Guitars and the PRS Silver Sky in recent performances.

Within T-SQUARE’s music, his guitar sometimes takes the spotlight as a lead voice, while at other times it provides the crucial foundation that supports the band’s sound. This sense of balance is the essence of Andoh’s guitar artistry.

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List of Amplifiers and Features [T-SQUARE · Masahiro Andoh]

Masahiro Andoh’s amplifier system has gone through major transformations over the course of his long career. In the early days, he relied on Marshall amplifiers, but as the band’s sound evolved, he moved toward more refined systems capable of offering consistency and tonal flexibility.

His current main setup is a digital profiling system centered around the Kemper Profiler Powerrack. During the April 2021 “THE SQUARE Reunion” performance at Blue Note Tokyo, this rig served as the backbone of his sound. The Kemper’s greatest strength is its ability to capture the tonal characteristics of legendary amps as profiles, allowing him to reproduce them reliably in both studio and live environments.

The profiles Andoh uses on his Kemper are based on rigs sourced online. For clean tones, he prefers the Carr Slant 6V; for chorus sounds, the same Carr Slant 6V combined with Kemper’s onboard effects; for crunch, the Suhr Badger; and for lead tones, the Custom Audio Amplifiers OD100. Each profile is finely adjusted depending on the song, including delay times and modulation parameters like phaser depth.

During the “IMPRESSIVE” era, his main rig consisted of the CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS 3+ preamp paired with a VHT power amp—a combination that laid the foundation for Andoh’s core sound. Later, around 2014, he also adopted the FRACTAL AUDIO SYSTEMS Axe-FX in combination with a Matrix power amp, gradually transitioning toward modern digital modeling technology.

For his solo project ANDY’S, Andoh often prefers a more organic setup, using tube amplifiers such as the CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS OD-100, Carr, and Magnatone. These choices were influenced by Michael Landau, reflecting Andoh’s pursuit of more natural and expressive tones outside of the band setting.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Profiler Powerrack	Kemper	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Main rig at the 2021 Blue Note performance. Used profiles of Carr Slant 6V, Suhr Badger, and CAE OD100
Profiler Stage	Kemper	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Used for acoustic guitar setups, with line output to prevent feedback
3+ Preamp	Custom Audio Electronics	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Core system during the “IMPRESSIVE” era, paired with a VHT power amp
Axe-FX	Fractal Audio Systems	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Adopted in late 2014, combined with a Matrix power amp
OD-100	Custom Audio Electronics	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Used in solo project ANDY’S. Strongly influenced by Michael Landau
Slant 6V	Carr	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Used in both solo work and Kemper profiles. Known for its warm tube tone
Magnatone Amp	Magnatone	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Used in solo settings, appreciated for vintage-inspired tonal character

Types of Guitars Used and Features [T-SQUARE · Masahiro Andoh]

Masahiro Andoh’s guitar choices have continuously evolved throughout his career. From his early days in THE SQUARE up through the debut album “MAGIC,” he mainly played a Gibson Les Paul Standard and a Schecter Custom Shop ST. Over time, however, his setup matured into a versatile collection of guitars that he selects according to the demands of each song or era.

One of his current main instruments is the Novo Guitars Serus J, of which he owns two. Since acquiring them around 2019, they have been used frequently. The most distinctive feature of this guitar is its lightweight pine body, making it highly comfortable for long performances. Designed in Nashville by Dennis Fano (founder of Fano Guitars), the Serus J has unique bending response due to its scale length and string tension. It played a key role in the recording of T-SQUARE’s album “FLY! FLY! FLY!”.

Another primary instrument is the Fender Custom Shop Michael Landau 1957 Stratocaster, built by master luthier Jason Smith. Featuring a vintage-style 7.25-inch fingerboard radius, this Stratocaster embodies classic playability. Andoh owns two of them, with one being his main instrument for the past few years. He even customized it himself by removing the finish on the back of the neck. However, he has noted fret buzz issues around the 14th fret on the first string, and is considering fingerboard correction or a neck replacement.

The Paul Reed Smith Silver Sky, co-developed with John Mayer, is also one of his main guitars today. Andoh discovered it through Toshiki Soejima’s YouTube channel and particularly appreciated its excellent note clarity. He further customized it by replacing the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan Little ’59 Strat, tailoring the tone to suit his preference for strong, articulate lead sounds.

Andoh also owns a vintage Gibson 1962 ES-335, purchased around the year 2000. This guitar is a rare “dot-neck” era model, still featuring original specs such as metal-top knobs and double-ring Kluson tuners. It was used on albums such as “FRIENDSHIP” (2000), “BRASIL” (2001), and most recently on “Daylight” from the 2020 album “AI Factory.” It is also frequently used in acoustic-oriented concerts, such as at Karuizawa’s Ohga Hall, where its semi-hollow character shines.

Throughout his career, Andoh has also experimented with many unique guitars. These include high-end Japanese models like the Moon Custom ST and Aircraft AC-5, as well as the Valley Arts Larry Carlton model. These choices reflect not only his broad curiosity but also his constant search for the most suitable instrument for each musical context.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Model Serus J	Novo Guitars	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Electric Guitar	Owns two. Lightweight pine body. Featured in “FLY! FLY! FLY!” recordings
Michael Landau 1957 Stratocaster	Fender Custom Shop	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Stratocaster	Owns two. 7.25-inch radius. One customized by removing neck finish
Silver Sky	Paul Reed Smith	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Electric Guitar	Main guitar. Customized with Seymour Duncan Little ’59 Strat bridge pickup
1962 ES-335	Gibson	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Semi-Hollow	Vintage dot-neck. Used on “FRIENDSHIP,” “BRASIL,” and “AI Factory”
Pete Thorn Signature Model	Suhr	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Strat-style	Bought in 2018. Features Thornbucker pickups and Even C Slim neck
Telecaster Thinline	Fender Custom Shop	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Telecaster	Acquired impulsively, mainly used at home. Front pickup cover removed
Stratocaster 1961	Fender	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Stratocaster	Sunburst. Used from “Wonderful Days” through “FLY! FLY! FLY!”
Stratocaster 1960	Fender	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Stratocaster	White finish. Also used from “Wonderful Days” through “FLY! FLY! FLY!”

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [T-SQUARE · Masahiro Andoh]

Masahiro Andoh’s pedalboard is a refined hybrid system, combining the versatility of the Kemper Profiling Amplifier with carefully chosen analog pedals. Over his long career, he has developed a setup that balances the convenience of digital processing with the organic qualities of analog gear.

During the 2021 “THE SQUARE Reunion” concert at Blue Note Tokyo, the Kemper Profiler Remote served as the central control hub. Presets were named after specific songs, allowing precise adjustment of delay times, phaser depth, and other effects depending on the performance. His base sounds were built around four core tones: clean, chorus, crunch, and lead — each adapted to match the flow of the setlist.

In front of the Kemper Powerrack sits the Lee Custom Amplifier 12AU7 Buffer + Booster, a small pedal loaded with a JJ Electronic 12AU7 tube. This pedal adds warmth and body before the signal enters the digital domain, providing the subtle touch of tube character that keeps his tone lively and organic.

During his performances with Akasaka Trio, Andoh’s effects chain was revealed in greater detail. The Dry Bell Vibe-Machine was patched into the Kemper Profiler Stage’s send/return loop and used primarily in vibrato mode. While the pedal offers both chorus and vibrato, Andoh favored the vibrato setting to add a distinctive shimmer to his sound.

Another important component is the AMATERAS JAPAN LINE TRANS (nicknamed “Neve-kun”), placed after the Vibe-Machine. Its purpose is to smooth out the digital harshness of the Kemper, adding a more natural analog texture. This thoughtful addition demonstrates Andoh’s commitment to combining the best of both worlds — the consistency of digital gear with the warmth of analog circuits.

Shin’s Music Perfect Volume Hybrid is connected after the LINE TRANS, functioning as his volume pedal. Compared to Kemper’s built-in expression pedal, the Perfect Volume Hybrid provides a smoother taper, allowing finer control over dynamics and swells.

Finally, two Mission Engineering expression pedals are used alongside the Profiler Remote. The left pedal is configured for volume, while the right acts as a wah pedal. This ergonomic layout makes onstage operation intuitive, letting Andoh seamlessly transition between roles within a performance. Although he once used larger boards filled with many stompboxes, his current streamlined rig represents a mature, efficient approach where every piece of gear has a clear purpose.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
Profiler Remote	Kemper	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Switching System	Presets named after songs. Used to fine-tune delay times and phaser depth per track
12AU7 Buffer + Booster	Lee Custom Amplifier	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Buffer	JJ Electronic 12AU7 tube. Adds warmth before Kemper input
Vibe-Machine	Dry Bell	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Vibrato	Used in Akasaka Trio shows. Connected via Kemper Stage loop
LINE TRANS (“Neve-kun”)	AMATERAS JAPAN	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Preamp/Simulator	Smooths Kemper’s digital edge. Placed after Vibe-Machine
Perfect Volume Hybrid	Shin’s Music	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Volume Pedal	Offers smoother taper than Kemper’s built-in pedal
Expression Pedals	Mission Engineering	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Expression Pedal	Two units: left for volume, right for wah, linked to Profiler Remote

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [T-SQUARE · Masahiro Andoh]

The hallmark of Masahiro Andoh’s tone lies in how he merges the convenience of digital systems with the warmth and nuance of analog sound. His current rig, built around the Kemper Profiling Amplifier, is not merely a digital simulator — it is a carefully profiled recreation of actual amps, enriched by his own unique adjustments to suit different musical contexts.

His tonal foundation is built on four core sounds: clean, chorus, crunch, and lead. Each sound has its own EQ and dynamic considerations, carefully tuned to blend seamlessly with T-SQUARE’s complex band arrangements.

Clean tones: For his clean setup, Andoh uses a Carr Slant 6V profile, with the midrange slightly boosted to ensure presence in the mix. The lows are kept under control to avoid clashing with the bass, while the highs are adjusted per song — softer and rounder for ballads, sharper and clearer for upbeat fusion tracks.

Chorus tones: The chorus sound also starts with the Carr Slant 6V profile, layered with Kemper’s built-in chorus effects. The depth and rate of modulation are fine-tuned to match the atmosphere of each piece. In T-SQUARE’s arrangements, chorus is not just decorative — it’s a structural element that adds dimension and width. During mixing, Andoh ensures that the chorus tone is given space with reverb and panning adjustments, creating an immersive stereo image.

Crunch tones: For crunch, Andoh relies on a Suhr Badger profile. The Badger’s naturally rich midrange provides body, while the harsher high frequencies are tamed to keep the tone musical and non-fatiguing. Gain levels vary by song, but the goal is always to sit between clean clarity and lead sustain, preserving touch sensitivity and articulation.

Lead tones: Lead sounds are built on the Custom Audio Amplifiers OD100 profile. EQ is shaped into a mid-focused “mountain peak” curve, emphasizing sustain and tonal character. Depending on the key and progression, small EQ adjustments are made to ensure the solos cut through. Attack response and compression are also dialed in so that notes bloom quickly and sustain naturally, giving his solos their soaring presence.

Time-based effects: Delay and reverb settings change dramatically depending on the song. For ballads, long delays with higher feedback and lush reverb create a spacious, floating atmosphere. In fast tracks, shorter delays and tighter reverb ensure precision and groove. One signature aspect of his approach is real-time adjustment of delay feedback, subtly shifting the tone throughout a solo to add motion and emotional impact.

Mixing considerations: In the studio, Andoh and his engineers place guitars thoughtfully in the stereo field. Lead guitars are typically kept near the center for focus, while rhythm guitars may be spread left and right for width. EQ is carefully balanced against keyboards and bass — particularly in the midrange, where overlapping frequencies can muddy the mix. His mixes demonstrate a deliberate strategy of “carving out space,” ensuring each instrument has its own sonic territory.

Analog coloration: Outboard pedals like the Lee Custom Amplifier 12AU7 Buffer + Booster add subtle tube harmonics before the digital signal path, making the Kemper sound fuller and more three-dimensional. Similarly, the AMATERAS JAPAN LINE TRANS helps smooth out the digital character of the profiler, restoring an organic quality to the tone. These choices show Andoh’s deep understanding that guitar sound is not just about EQ curves, but also about feel, dynamics, and texture.

Altogether, his tone strategy can be summarized as a balance of precision and warmth. By anchoring his sounds in real amp profiles, carefully sculpting EQ for each role, and using analog gear to breathe life into digital rigs, Andoh achieves a guitar sound that is at once modern, organic, and unmistakably his own. This approach defines the essence of the T-SQUARE guitar tone — a blend of clarity, depth, and emotional expression that continues to inspire fusion players worldwide. These tonal methods are considered representative, though they may vary by performance and recording session.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [T-SQUARE · Masahiro Andoh]

Reproducing Masahiro Andoh’s polished tone on a budget is possible if you focus on the essence of his sound rather than the exact rare or high-end equipment. By understanding his tonal philosophy — clarity, warmth, and expressive modulation — you can achieve a surprisingly close approximation with widely available gear.

Multi-effects processors: The BOSS GT-1000 is one of the most effective substitutes for Andoh’s Kemper rig. Its amp simulations cover Fender-style cleans and Marshall-inspired crunch, which form the backbone of Andoh’s tones. The GT-1000 also offers studio-grade delay and reverb, making it capable of producing the spacious textures heard in T-SQUARE’s ballads and the tight, rhythmic delays used in faster tracks. Importantly, its interface allows real-time parameter tweaking, mirroring Andoh’s approach of tailoring effects per song.

Affordable Stratocaster-style guitars: A practical option is the Fender Player Stratocaster. Equipped with Player Series single-coil pickups, it balances vintage-style warmth with modern output, ideal for fusion tones. This model captures much of the tonal character Andoh draws from his Strat-based instruments like the Silver Sky and Custom Shop Stratocasters. For players seeking a closer match to his lead tones, replacing the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails or Little ’59 adds extra sustain and thickness.

Essential chorus: The BOSS CE-2W Waza Craft chorus pedal authentically recreates the lush modulation central to Andoh’s sound. Modeled after the iconic 1980s CE-2, it delivers a smooth, musical chorus that blends beautifully in fusion arrangements. Switching between Standard and Custom modes allows tonal flexibility, useful for adapting to different songs as Andoh himself does.

Overdrive choice: The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 is an excellent tool for recreating his crunch tones. Its natural midrange boost ensures the guitar cuts through the mix, much like Andoh’s Suhr Badger profiles. When used with low gain, the TS9 doubles as a clean booster, ideal for solos where extra volume and sustain are needed without changing the core tone.

Delay and ambience: For delay, the BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay is highly versatile, offering analog-inspired and vintage modes similar to the spacious yet controlled repeats in Andoh’s recordings. By syncing delay time to the song’s tempo, you can capture the groove and phrasing typical of T-SQUARE tracks. For reverb, the TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 provides spring and hall algorithms that replicate the atmospheric depth of his live and studio tones, especially in ballads.

Additional support gear: A BOSS FV-500H volume pedal offers smooth dynamic control, serving as a practical stand-in for Shin’s Music Perfect Volume Hybrid. Likewise, an Electro-Harmonix Buffer Bay can help maintain signal integrity in place of Andoh’s tube buffer pedals, preventing tone loss across long pedal chains.

With a thoughtful selection of these alternatives, you can approximate Andoh’s sound for under ¥150,000 (roughly $1,000–$1,200 USD). The key is not exact replication of settings, but learning to apply effects musically, balancing presence with warmth, and adapting modulation and delay to each song — just as Andoh does in his performances.

Category	Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Multi-Effects	GT-1000	BOSS	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Versatile substitute for Kemper. Fender-style cleans and Marshall crunch included
Electric Guitar	Player Stratocaster	Fender	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Closest affordable option to Andoh’s Strat-based tones. Pickup swap enhances versatility
Chorus	CE-2W Waza Craft	BOSS	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Authentic chorus sound central to fusion tones, modeled after the CE-2
Overdrive	Tube Screamer TS9	Ibanez	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Classic midrange boost for crunch tones; works as a boost for solos
Delay	DD-8 Digital Delay	BOSS	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Flexible delay with analog/vintage modes. Great for fusion phrasing
Reverb	Hall of Fame 2 Reverb	TC Electronic	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Spring and hall reverbs emulate Andoh’s ambient depth
Volume Pedal	FV-500H	BOSS	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	High-impedance pedal; a practical substitute for Shin’s Music Perfect Volume
Buffer	Buffer Bay	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon Search	T-SQUARE	Masahiro Andoh	Prevents tone loss across long chains, budget alternative to tube buffers

Summary and Conclusion [T-SQUARE · Masahiro Andoh]

Through our detailed exploration of Masahiro Andoh’s guitar sound and approach, it becomes clear that the essence of his artistry lies in the delicate balance between technical mastery and emotional sensitivity. His tone is not simply the result of a set of gear, but the product of decades of experience, musical intuition, and thoughtful sound design.

One of the most striking aspects of his philosophy is his use of digital technology without sacrificing analog warmth. By centering his rig around the Kemper Profiling Amplifier yet integrating analog tools like the Lee Custom Amplifier 12AU7 Buffer and the AMATERAS JAPAN LINE TRANS, Andoh has built a “hybrid system” that offsets digital weaknesses while retaining stability and flexibility. This mindset is highly relevant for modern guitarists searching for the best of both worlds.

Equally important is his pragmatic approach to instrument choice. From the Gibson Les Paul of his early years to today’s Novo Guitars and PRS Silver Sky, Andoh has always selected instruments that meet the needs of his evolving music rather than clinging to brand prestige or price. His recent adoption of Novo Guitars, sparked by watching a YouTube demo, shows his willingness to embrace new tools with curiosity and openness, even decades into his career.

In terms of effects, his philosophy of “necessary and sufficient” stands out. While earlier years saw him experimenting with larger boards and many pedals, his current streamlined rig allows him to focus on what truly matters: musical expression. This simplification reflects maturity and sends a strong message to younger players — tone is not about the quantity of pedals, but about understanding how and why you use them.

Within T-SQUARE, Andoh’s role as both a lead and rhythm guitarist has required tonal versatility. His four core sounds — clean, chorus, crunch, and lead — are a rational solution to the demands of fusion music, where guitars must provide both lyrical melodies and tight ensemble support. His EQ settings, mixing strategies, and time-based effects are all guided by this central philosophy of serving the song as a whole.

The most valuable lesson from Andoh’s approach is his constant awareness of the guitar’s place in the broader arrangement. He never treats the instrument in isolation, but always considers how it interacts with keys, bass, and drums. This holistic perspective is something many guitarists overlook, yet it is what makes T-SQUARE’s sound so timeless and balanced.

Ultimately, Masahiro Andoh’s tone is not just about replicating amp settings or buying specific pedals. It is about embracing a musical process — choosing tones with intention, adapting them to the band context, and always striving for clarity, depth, and emotion. Even with modest gear, players who adopt this mindset can achieve a sound that is not only close to Andoh’s but also uniquely their own.

The enduring appeal of the T-SQUARE sound lies in this fusion of technical excellence, emotional resonance, and fearless openness to new ideas. Andoh’s career demonstrates that tone is never static — it evolves with technology, with musical context, and with the player’s own growth. That is why his sound remains both distinctive and inspiring, even after decades of shaping the Japanese fusion landscape.