JESSE – How to Recreate the RIZE Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

JESSE, the guitarist of RIZE, is known in Japan’s nu-metal and mixture rock scene for his distinctive approach to sound creation. His playing style uniquely blends the heaviness of hard rock with the groove-oriented aspects of funk, resulting in riffs that feel both aggressive and rhythmically compelling. The clarity of his distorted tones is particularly striking, with each note remaining articulate despite the overall heaviness of the sound.

In signature songs such as “ZERO” and “Why I’m Me,” JESSE’s riff-oriented guitar work fully showcases his style. The distortion is thick and powerful, but the clarity of individual notes creates a refined balance that highlights the groove of each track. Rather than distortion for its own sake, his guitar tone functions as a foundation for the band’s groove, giving RIZE’s ensemble its power and definition.

One of the most notable aspects of JESSE’s setup is his use of a Washburn N4 with the neck pickup removed, as well as his combination of the Roland JC-120 (renowned for its pristine clean tones) with modeling amplifiers. This unconventional approach, compared to the typical gear choices of hard rock guitarists, allows JESSE to shape a sound character that sets him apart from others in the scene.

🎵 Check out RIZE’s tracks!

If you want to fully experience JESSE’s guitar tone, watch the official RIZE videos. Tracks like “ZERO” and “Kaminari” clearly demonstrate his unique approach to both sound design and performance style.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of RIZE

List of Amplifiers and Features

Amplifier selection is a crucial element of JESSE’s sound in RIZE. One of his most frequently used amplifiers is the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. This choice is quite unconventional compared to most hard rock guitarists who typically rely on Marshall or Mesa/Boogie amps. The JC-120 is widely recognized for its crystal-clear clean tones, yet JESSE takes advantage of its transparent nature by pairing it with distortion pedals to craft his signature heavy but articulate tones.

The JC-120’s hallmark features include its high-fidelity cleans and stereo spread from the dual speakers. JESSE utilizes these characteristics to project the pure sound of his distortion pedals, creating a unique distortion tone that other guitarists cannot easily replicate. The tight low-end response and the cutting presence in the highs make the JC-120 a solid foundation for the heavy riff-driven songs of RIZE.

In addition to the JC-120, JESSE has also relied on the Line 6 Flextone II, a modeling amplifier with 32 built-in amp simulations. This unit is particularly valued for its versatility, enabling JESSE to adapt his sound according to the demands of the song or live performance setting. The Flextone II excels at reproducing high-gain tones, making it a practical choice for more aggressive tracks, while the JC-120 supports cleaner or pedal-driven sounds. By alternating between these two amps depending on context, JESSE ensures his guitar tone always matches the band’s dynamic style.

This combination of clean transparency from the JC-120 and modeling flexibility from the Flextone II demonstrates JESSE’s experimental approach. Rather than being locked into the standard “Marshall stack” archetype, he crafts his sound palette by balancing clarity with aggression, which ultimately contributes to RIZE’s distinctive sonic identity. It can be assumed that these amplifiers, either individually or in combination, form the backbone of his tone in both studio and live contexts.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JC-120	ROLAND	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Renowned for its clean sound; paired with pedals to achieve unique distortion. A fundamental part of RIZE’s guitar tone.
Flextone II	Line 6	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Contains 32 amp models. Provides flexibility for live performance and excels at high-gain tones when aggression is required.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

One of the most distinctive choices in JESSE’s guitar lineup is the Washburn N4, which he plays with the neck pickup removed. The N4 is the signature model of Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, designed for high playability and versatile tones. By removing the neck pickup, JESSE emphasizes a tighter, more aggressive sound, tailoring the instrument to his personal sonic identity and giving RIZE its sharp and focused riff tones.

The Fender Stratocaster is another key guitar in his collection. Known as one of the most versatile electric guitars in history, the Strat provides bright, clear single-coil tones that JESSE often employs in clean and crunch passages. In RIZE’s repertoire, the Stratocaster shines in arpeggiated clean parts and melodic passages, where its clarity cuts through the band mix without sacrificing warmth.

JESSE has also made use of the Fender Mustang. Originally released in 1964 as a student model, the Mustang became popular among professional guitarists due to its unique tonal character. Its short scale length and dynamic vibrato system lend it a distinctive sustain and percussive attack. JESSE has harnessed these qualities in breakdowns and riff-heavy sections, where the Mustang’s punchy voice adds energy and texture to RIZE’s sound.

The Peavey Wolfgang, designed as Eddie Van Halen’s signature model, provides JESSE with raw power and reliability. Known for its aggressive pickups and ability to handle high-gain distortion without muddiness, the Wolfgang is a natural choice for live performances where volume and clarity are equally essential. JESSE leverages this guitar’s strength to maintain definition on stage, even in the most intense sections of a set.

Another guitar in his arsenal is the Paul Reed Smith Custom 24, a high-end model celebrated for its 24 frets and exceptional tonal balance. This guitar offers shimmering sustain and outstanding note separation, making it particularly useful in recording environments. JESSE often turns to the Custom 24 for complex arrangements and solos, where its refined tonal qualities enrich RIZE’s studio soundscapes.

Through this combination of guitars, JESSE demonstrates a pragmatic yet creative approach: selecting instruments not only for their reputation but also for their ability to reinforce his aggressive yet clear tone. It can be assumed that his choices vary depending on live versus studio settings, allowing him to explore a wide spectrum of tones while maintaining the essence of the RIZE sound.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
N4	Washburn	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Electric Guitar	Nuno Bettencourt’s signature model. JESSE removes the neck pickup to achieve a tighter, more aggressive sound.
Stratocaster	Fender	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Electric Guitar	A classic versatile model. JESSE uses it mainly for clean and crunch tones, highlighting clarity in RIZE’s music.
Mustang	Fender	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Electric Guitar	Short-scale with dynamic vibrato. Provides punchy sustain and attack, often used in riffs and breakdowns.
Wolfgang	Peavey	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Electric Guitar	Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar. Powerful pickups for high-gain tones, frequently used in live settings.
Custom 24	Paul Reed Smith	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Electric Guitar	24 frets with refined sustain and separation. Favored for recording, especially complex arrangements and solos.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

JESSE’s pedalboard setup is characterized by simplicity and efficiency, revolving mainly around multi-effects units while still integrating a few essential standalone pedals. The centerpiece is the Line 6 POD HD400, a versatile multi-effects processor that combines amp simulations and a wide range of effects in one compact unit. This allows JESSE to shape a diverse palette of tones with minimal gear, a practical choice for both live and studio environments. The POD HD400 is particularly useful because it enables JESSE to emulate high-gain amps while still keeping clarity in chord-heavy passages, matching the heavy yet articulate identity of RIZE’s music.

A critical tool in JESSE’s rig is the MXR 10 Band Graphic EQ. This powerful equalizer provides ±12dB of boost and cut across ten frequency bands, enabling extremely precise tone-shaping. JESSE uses this pedal to fine-tune his sound according to the guitar and the context of each track, often tightening the low end and boosting mids for presence in the band mix. During live shows, he is known to adjust the EQ in real time to adapt to the acoustic properties of different venues, demonstrating his meticulous approach to tone control.

For time-based and atmospheric effects, JESSE incorporates the Eventide TimeFactor. This professional-grade delay pedal comes with 100 presets and multiple delay types, including reverse delay and pitch-shifted echoes. JESSE uses it to enhance RIZE’s slower or mid-tempo tracks with spacious, high-fidelity echoes, while also employing its experimental functions for creative sound textures. The result is not just added ambience but a significant role in shaping the depth of the band’s overall sound.

Another essential element is the Jim Dunlop Crybaby Wah pedal, a staple in funk and rock guitar. JESSE integrates the Crybaby into his rhythm playing, adding dynamic sweeps that heighten the groove. Particularly in RIZE’s funk-infused tracks, the wah pedal becomes central to the band’s rhythmic feel, turning simple chord work into expressive, syncopated patterns that support the band’s unique energy.

Reliability in live performance is also reinforced by the inclusion of the Korg DT-10 tuner pedal. Known for its fast response, rugged build, and bright display, this tuner ensures accurate and quick tuning even in the middle of energetic live sets. For a guitarist like JESSE, whose playing is as physical as it is precise, a dependable tuner is indispensable for keeping the performance seamless.

Together, this pedalboard demonstrates JESSE’s philosophy: fewer pedals, carefully chosen, each serving a clear purpose. By relying on a multi-effects processor complemented by a handful of specialized pedals, he achieves both versatility and efficiency, while ensuring that his unique tone remains consistent across songs and settings. It can be assumed that his rig adapts depending on tour needs, but always retains this balance of practicality and creativity.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
POD HD400	Line 6	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Multi-Effects	Main multi-effects unit combining amp simulation and effects. Provides wide tonal flexibility with a compact setup.
10 Band Graphic EQ	MXR	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Equalizer	10-band graphic EQ with ±12dB range. Essential for fine-tuning tone in both studio and live environments.
TimeFactor	Eventide	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Delay	Professional delay pedal with 100 presets and advanced features like reverse and pitch-shift delay.
Crybaby	Jim Dunlop	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Wah Pedal	Classic wah pedal. Used in rhythm parts to add groove and expressiveness, especially in funk-influenced tracks.
DT-10	Korg	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Tuner	Durable tuner pedal with high visibility and fast response. Ensures stable tuning during live performances.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

The most defining aspect of JESSE’s tone philosophy is that he builds distortion in a way different from most hard rock guitarists. Instead of relying on a high-gain amp like a Marshall stack, he uses the Roland JC-120 as his main amplifier, allowing his distortion pedals and processors to shape the gain character directly. This approach amplifies the pure voice of his effects, producing a tone that is simultaneously heavy and transparent.

His JC-120 EQ settings typically start flat, with only subtle adjustments. JESSE often raises the mids slightly between 500Hz and 2kHz to ensure his guitar remains present in the mix. This tweak prevents the guitar from being buried under bass and drums while reinforcing clarity in riff-driven sections. It is a strategic choice that reflects his awareness of how guitar should sit within the full ensemble.

On the Line 6 POD HD400, JESSE tends to use Marshall-style high-gain amp models but keeps the gain at moderate levels. This preserves note clarity, especially for chords, avoiding the overly saturated muddiness common in higher gain settings. Typical EQ on the POD might look like: Bass around 6, Mid around 7, Treble around 5. For heavy songs like “ZERO,” mids are often centered at 800Hz to emphasize attack and definition.

With the MXR 10 Band Graphic EQ, JESSE fine-tunes every frequency band: cutting extreme lows (31.25Hz: -2dB), boosting weight at 62.5Hz (+1dB), warming the tone at 250Hz (+2dB), adding presence at 500Hz (+3dB) and 1kHz (+4dB), and lifting clarity at 2kHz (+2dB). Higher frequencies such as 4kHz (+1dB) sharpen attack, while extreme highs like 16kHz are slightly reduced (-1dB) to avoid harshness. This precision EQing balances heaviness and articulation, giving RIZE its distinct “heavy yet clear” guitar sound.

Song-by-song adjustments also highlight his flexibility. For ballads or slower tracks, JESSE reduces gain and increases delay and reverb. Using the Eventide TimeFactor, he matches delay times to tempo: for BPM 120, settings include eighth-note delay (250ms) or dotted eighths (375ms), with feedback between 15–25% to create natural space. For faster rock tracks, shorter delay times and lower feedback (<10%) prevent muddiness while keeping enough ambience to fill space.

In live setups, JESSE takes advantage of the JC-120’s dual channels: channel 1 reserved for cleans, and channel 2 routed through effects for distortion. Clean settings might hover around Bass 4, Mid 5, Treble 6, preserving guitar’s natural tone. Distorted settings lean toward Bass 3, Mid 6, Treble 5, boosting midrange presence to enhance pedal-driven gain textures. This dual-channel method allows seamless transitions between crystalline cleans and saturated tones mid-performance.

In recording and mixing, JESSE works closely with PA engineers to maintain dynamics. Compression is applied lightly—ratios around 2:1 to 3:1 with medium attack (10–20ms)—ensuring that picking nuances remain intact while evening out volume peaks. Rather than crushing the guitar with heavy compression, he values expressive dynamics that let the instrument breathe.

EQ in mixing often includes a high-pass filter around 80Hz to clean up unnecessary low-end rumble, plus a small cut near 200Hz (-2 to -3dB) to avoid clashing with bass guitar. JESSE’s guitar presence is emphasized by boosting around 1kHz (+1–2dB), while an additional lift near 3kHz (+1dB) enhances pick attack. High frequencies above 8kHz are rolled off with a low-pass filter, keeping the sound smooth without piercing brightness. These refinements ensure RIZE’s overall mix remains balanced, with guitar clearly defined yet integrated with the band.

Altogether, JESSE’s tone strategy reveals a strong awareness of both artistic expression and technical precision. His EQ and mixing choices are less about showing off isolated guitar sounds and more about crafting a collective band identity. It can be assumed that his EQ and mix approach changes slightly across venues, songs, and studio contexts, but always reflects his philosophy: clarity, groove, and aggression working together.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

For players who want to approximate JESSE’s tone without investing in high-end gear, there are several cost-effective options that capture the essence of his sound. The key is to balance versatility, clarity, and aggression—traits that define RIZE’s heavy yet articulate guitar tone.

First, when it comes to multi-effects processors, the BOSS GT-1 is a powerful yet affordable choice. Compact in size but loaded with high-quality amp models and effects, it mirrors much of what JESSE achieves with his Line 6 POD HD400. In particular, its Marshall-style amp models can replicate the biting high-gain tones while keeping note definition intact. At around $200, the GT-1 is not only budget-friendly but also user-friendly, with deep editing options via computer or smartphone, making it ideal for players who want to experiment with detailed setups similar to JESSE’s.

On the guitar front, the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster stands out as an affordable substitute for JESSE’s Fender Stratocaster. Costing roughly one-third of the Fender model, it delivers the same bright and chime-like single-coil tones that excel in clean passages. Its three-pickup configuration allows players to replicate RIZE’s jangly clean sections and slightly overdriven crunch parts. With a price point around $350–$400, it is a beginner-friendly guitar with serious performance capabilities.

For those inspired by JESSE’s use of the Washburn N4, the Yamaha Pacifica 612VII offers a similar tonal palette at a fraction of the cost. Featuring a humbucker-single-single pickup configuration, it covers everything from fat, aggressive tones to crisp cleans. The humbucker in the bridge provides thick, defined distortion, similar to JESSE’s modified N4 where the neck pickup was removed. Priced around $600–$700, it is one of the most versatile and affordable professional-level guitars for players seeking a comparable sonic character.

Among distortion pedals, the BOSS DS-1 Distortion is a classic that closely matches JESSE’s pedal-driven approach. Famous for its aggressive yet musical distortion, the DS-1 delivers the kind of midrange punch that helps a guitar cut through a band mix—just like JESSE’s tone. At under $70, it is one of the most affordable professional-quality distortion pedals available worldwide. Please explain in English why this affordable gear can achieve a similar tone: the DS-1 accentuates mid frequencies and maintains clarity in chords, much like JESSE’s signature distorted sound.

For wah effects, the VOX V847A serves as an excellent alternative to the Jim Dunlop Crybaby. It offers the same expressive sweep but with a slightly warmer, vintage-inspired voice. At around $100–$120, it is well within reach for beginners and captures the funk-inspired groove that JESSE integrates into RIZE’s rhythm guitar work.

Finally, for delay sounds, the BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay is an accessible option compared to the Eventide TimeFactor. While less complex, it provides all essential delay types—standard digital, reverse, shimmer, and even looper functionality. Its tap tempo feature ensures synchronization with song tempo, just as JESSE fine-tunes his delay to each track. At around $180, the DD-8 provides studio-quality delay effects without breaking the bank, and it is more than capable of reproducing the atmospheric layers found in RIZE’s music.

Together, these alternatives provide an affordable toolkit for any guitarist aiming to explore JESSE’s unique sonic territory. By combining an accessible multi-effects processor, a mid-priced guitar with versatile pickups, and classic pedals like the DS-1 and VOX wah, players can get surprisingly close to JESSE’s heavy yet articulate tone. These options demonstrate that it is not always necessary to own the exact high-end gear—understanding why certain sounds work and choosing the right substitutes can get you remarkably close.

Category	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Multi-Effects	GT-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Affordable multi-effects with Marshall-style amp models. Compact, versatile, and beginner-friendly.
Electric Guitar	Classic Vibe Stratocaster	Squier	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Budget-friendly Stratocaster with clear single-coil tones. Perfect for clean and crunch passages.
Electric Guitar	Pacifica 612VII	Yamaha	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Versatile pickup configuration, capable of replicating JESSE’s aggressive tones at a moderate price.
Distortion	DS-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Classic distortion pedal. Strong mids and clarity make it ideal for RIZE-style riff-driven rock.
Wah Pedal	V847A	VOX	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Expressive wah pedal alternative with a warmer sound than the Crybaby. Great for funk-infused grooves.
Delay	DD-8 Digital Delay	BOSS	Amazon Search	RIZE	JESSE	Versatile digital delay with multiple modes and tap tempo. Affordable alternative to TimeFactor.

Summary and Conclusion

When analyzing JESSE’s sound in its entirety, the essence lies in his “unconventional and creative approach that transcends the boundaries of traditional hard rock.” While many guitarists rely on high-gain amps such as Marshall stacks, JESSE instead embraces the Roland JC-120, a clean amplifier, and uses pedals and processors to generate distortion. This choice grants his tone a unique combination of transparency and aggression, a character that has become a signature element of RIZE’s music.

Perhaps the most striking example of his dedication to tone is his modification of the Washburn N4, where he removes the neck pickup entirely. This is not merely a tonal tweak but a bold transformation of the guitar’s very resonance. The result is a tighter, more aggressive character that reinforces the heavy yet articulate riffs that define RIZE’s songs. It reflects JESSE’s willingness to challenge norms and reinvent tools to match his vision.

Another defining feature of JESSE’s sound philosophy is his view of the guitar not as a standalone element, but as part of a full-band ensemble. His tone shines most when it interacts with bass, drums, and vocals, rather than existing in isolation. The MXR 10 Band Graphic EQ exemplifies this mindset, as JESSE uses it to sculpt frequencies that complement the rest of the band, adjusting for each song or venue to achieve optimal balance. This adaptability underscores his professionalism and collaborative awareness.

His use of effects also reveals an emphasis on expression over decoration. The Jim Dunlop Crybaby wah pedal brings rhythmic groove and syncopated texture, while the Eventide TimeFactor adds atmospheric depth and spatial layering. These are not mere accessories—they are integral components of RIZE’s musical identity, expanding the expressive range of each track.

What guitarists can learn from JESSE is that his artistry goes beyond equipment lists. His sound is built on a philosophy that values musical expression, context, and individuality over simple technical perfection. Even if another player were to use the exact same gear, without adopting this mindset of clarity, groove, and purpose, the result would not fully capture JESSE’s essence.

His approach also teaches an important lesson in courage: the courage to question conventions. By rejecting the “safe” choice of traditional amps and modifying his guitar beyond its intended design, JESSE shows that true tone comes from pursuing what best serves the music, regardless of expectation. This mindset encourages other guitarists to break free from formula and shape their own sonic identities.

In the end, recreating JESSE’s tone is less about copying gear and more about embracing his philosophy. Understand his principles—clarity within heaviness, groove within distortion, expression within ensemble—and you will not only approximate his sound but also expand your own. JESSE’s sound is not just equipment; it is the product of vision, creativity, and relentless pursuit of individuality. By studying his methods, every guitarist can take inspiration to find their own unique voice while paying homage to the spirit of RIZE.