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

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

As the guitarist of FACT, Kazuki has made a strong mark on the scene with a unique guitar sound that combines overwhelming heaviness with a clear ensemble. His tone can be described in one phrase as “the coexistence of weight and clarity.” By weaving sharp-cutting riffs and precise melodic lines into high-gain foundations, his style has been praised across a wide range of genres, from metalcore to post-hardcore.

FACT has pursued English lyrics and global recognition, with Kazuki’s guitar tone functioning as the band’s “core.” In standout songs such as “A Fact of Life” and “Slip of the Lip,” the aggressive breakdowns and contrasting clean sections highlight his guitar as the backbone of their sound.

Kazuki’s guitars are equipped with Seymour Duncan SH-6 (Distortion) pickups, ensuring thick low-end power and strong midrange. At the same time, he combines the Marshall JVM 410H with the LINE6 POD X3 LIVE, allowing him to switch among diverse tones in real time, injecting dynamic motion into FACT’s music.

FACT also became known for their striking masked visual performances, but Kazuki’s guitar tone provided the “substance” behind the visuals. His attention even extends to wiring and soldering techniques, reflecting his craftsmanship as a tone creator.

This article will thoroughly explain the guitars, amps, effects, EQ settings, and even affordable alternatives used by Kazuki, based on verified usage. Use this as a reference guide for approaching his sound.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of FACT

List of Amplifiers and Features [FACT・Kazuki]

When discussing Kazuki’s (FACT) sound, one cannot overlook the amplifiers he used both live and in recording. His setup mainly revolved around two brands: “Orange” and “Marshall.” This choice appears to have been aimed at balancing explosive heaviness with articulate picking nuances.

Regarding Orange, photos taken by fans and blog posts from associates confirm that both Kazuki and Tomohiro used these heads. The characteristic fat midrange of Orange amps accentuates the contour of Kazuki’s heavy riffs, forming the foundation of the band’s groove. Songs like “in the blink of an eye” and “Attack Me If You Dare” showcase a tight, percussive tone likely supported by Orange’s natural compression.

On the other hand, the Marshall JVM410H was frequently paired with the POD X3 LIVE, as explicitly stated in the official score of “in the blink of an eye.” This amp provides four channels, each with three modes (clean, crunch, high gain). Kazuki controlled these with the footswitch of the LINE6 POD X3 LIVE, enabling seamless tone transitions between solos, breakdowns, leads, and rhythm parts.

This dual-amp strategy was designed to tune tones according to the setting—live or studio. Orange offers an immediate thickness right out of the box, while Marshall allows aggressive sculpting depending on the configuration. By selectively using them, Kazuki balanced adaptability with tonal precision in every context.

The signal coming from these amps was likely further processed through the POD X3 LIVE, adding cabinet simulation and spatial effects. This hybrid method resulted in a modern sound capable of standing up in dense mixes.

Gear	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JVM410H	Marshall	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Listed in the official score. Used with POD X3 LIVE for diverse tones.
Unknown Head	Orange	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Confirmed in live photos. Heavy sound with a focus on raw power.

From these observations, his amplifier use can be summarized as a strategic combination of Orange and Marshall, tailored to the performance context, or so it is assumed.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [FACT・Kazuki]

A crucial element supporting Kazuki’s (FACT) playing is the carefully selected guitars he used. Based on live footage and official blog photos, at least two main guitars have been confirmed, each serving a different role depending on the situation.

The primary guitar confirmed is a Jaguar-shaped original custom model built specifically for Kazuki. Its strap pin placement near the neck joint, shorter horn, and unique pickguard design indicate custom modifications. This guitar is equipped with a Seymour Duncan SH-6 (Distortion) pickup, delivering strong compression and a powerful attack optimized for riff-heavy playing.

The SH-6 appears across Kazuki’s other guitars as well, demonstrating his consistent pursuit of strong output and clarity within the band’s dense mix. This pickup shines when driven with distortion, producing a tone rich in harmonics that remains clear even in FACT’s low-end-heavy arrangements.

The second notable guitar is the Schecter Diamond Series HELLRAISER C-1. Available as a commercial model, it has been spotted in stage photos positioned prominently in live shows. Featuring active pickups, a thru-neck structure, and a kill switch, it excels in sustaining notes and resisting feedback in high-gain environments. Its heavy body and dense midrange contribute to Kazuki’s pursuit of both clarity and heaviness in his sound.

Kazuki’s choices went far beyond simply picking brand names—he studied and modified parts and wiring methods himself. Reports suggest he even experimented with solder types and pot connections to fine-tune subtle tonal shifts, reflecting his intense dedication to detail.

Whether live or in the studio, his guitar selection consistently emphasized “sharp riff definition” and “positioning within the mix,” forming the foundation of his tone philosophy.

Gear	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Original Jaguar-type	Unknown (Custom)	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Jaguar-style	Main guitar. Equipped with SH-6. Custom-designed by Kazuki.
HELLRAISER C-1	Schecter	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Solid-body	Confirmed in live use. Known for heavy sustain and active pickups.
SH-6 Distortion (Pickup)	Seymour Duncan	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Pickup	High output, midrange focus. Used across all of Kazuki’s guitars.

From these observations, Kazuki’s guitar selection can be summarized as custom-tailored for riff clarity and ensemble presence, or so it is assumed.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [FACT・Kazuki]

Kazuki’s pedalboard was designed to balance immediacy and versatility—two essential traits for high-gain band performances. At the center of his rig stood the LINE6 multi-effects unit, the POD X3 LIVE. This model is explicitly listed in the official score for “in the blink of an eye,” confirming that it was paired with the Marshall JVM410H.

The POD X3 LIVE contains amp simulators, cabinet emulations, spatial effects, and dynamics processors all in one. For a player like Kazuki, who needs to switch quickly between clean passages, leads, and breakdown tones in live settings, this device was ideal. He used the footswitch to change presets linked to the JVM410H’s channels, allowing smooth tonal transitions mid-performance without interrupting his playing.

This approach provided far more stability and reproducibility than assembling individual pedals. The POD X3 LIVE’s amp modeling likely blended with real amp output, creating a hybrid tone that maintained modern clarity in dense mixes. Its built-in EQ and noise gate further simplified his board, reducing the need for extra stompboxes.

Importantly, the Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickups in his guitars complemented the POD X3 LIVE perfectly. Even when routed through digital modeling, the pickups preserved their sharp attack and harmonic richness, ensuring Kazuki’s tone remained consistent and distinct.

No detailed evidence has surfaced regarding additional pedals outside the POD X3 LIVE, suggesting his board relied almost entirely on this unit. Given that the POD included essentials such as noise reduction and EQ, it is highly likely he kept his setup streamlined and efficient.

Kazuki’s sound design demonstrates a philosophy of consistency: using one robust multi-effects unit to manage all tonal shifts while maintaining a clear sonic identity across live shows and recordings. This integration of analog power with digital flexibility stands as a model of modern pedalboard efficiency.

Gear	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
POD X3 LIVE	LINE6	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Guitar Multi-Effects	Listed in the score for “in the blink of an eye.” Paired with JVM410H.

From these insights, Kazuki’s pedalboard setup was centered almost entirely around the POD X3 LIVE, designed for practicality and tonal consistency, or so it is assumed.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [FACT・Kazuki]

Kazuki’s (FACT) guitar sound is built on a balance of “defined distortion” and “clear chord articulation.” Within FACT’s twin-guitar formation, his tone blends with Tomohiro’s guitar while retaining a distinct placement and presence in the overall mix.

The foundation of his sound lies in the high-output Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickups, combined with the flexibility of the Marshall JVM410H’s multi-channel design. Using the LINE6 POD X3 LIVE as a controller, Kazuki was able to switch channels smoothly, moving between rhythm and lead tones seamlessly. For breakdowns, he would likely keep gain moderate while maintaining low-end punch, whereas choruses and solos would emphasize the mid-high range for aggression and cut.

No official EQ values have been published, but based on recordings and live tone, the following settings are likely examples of how his EQ might have been adjusted:

• Clean Parts (Intros, Arpeggios)
  Treble: 7–8 / Mid: 6 / Bass: 4–5
  → Bright, sparkling highs with enough mids to prevent the guitar from being buried.
• Rhythm/Backing (Riff Sections)
  Treble: 6 / Mid: 7–8 / Bass: 6–7
  → Mid-focused. Even under heavy distortion, chord shapes stay intact, with both punch and clarity.
• Lead (Solos)
  Treble: 8–9 / Mid: 6–7 / Bass: 4–5
  → Enhanced treble to stand out, while reducing mid and low frequencies for sharper definition.

He likely used the cabinet simulations in the POD X3 LIVE during recording, selecting specific frequency ranges to avoid overlapping with other instruments. A hybrid method—blending miked amp sound with the POD’s direct line output—was also possible, creating a rich yet controlled tone.

In live settings, Kazuki needed consistency across venues, including overseas shows. This likely required additional adjustments with noise gates and compressors to maintain stability. Modern metalcore and post-hardcore mixes often face low-end conflicts with kick drums and bass guitars; Kazuki’s tone may have incorporated high-pass filtering around 50–80 Hz and midrange boosts between 400–800 Hz to avoid masking.

FACT’s arrangement demanded not just a “good solo tone” but one that excelled within an ensemble. Engineers appreciated his ability to provide a guitar tone that projected clearly without overpowering other instruments. His EQ strategies reflect a broader philosophy: designing tones to “fit into the band” rather than dominate it.

From these insights, it can be assumed that Kazuki’s EQ and settings were strategically refined to achieve clarity, punch, and adaptability in every context.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [FACT・Kazuki]

The gear used by Kazuki (FACT)—such as the Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickups, the Marshall JVM410H, and the LINE6 POD X3 LIVE—delivers high-quality tone but comes at a relatively high price point. For beginners or intermediate players seeking to approximate his sound, more accessible alternatives are available. Below we outline affordable options that capture the essence of his tone while being easier to obtain.

First, pickups are crucial in reproducing Kazuki’s signature midrange-heavy distortion. While the SH-6 remains the gold standard, comparable high-output passive models like the Seymour Duncan TB-6 (Trembucker version) or DiMarzio Super Distortion are strong candidates. For budget-friendly guitars that already include powerful humbuckers, models like the Epiphone Les Paul Studio can provide a tone with similar bite and weight, offering excellent value.

For amplifiers, the Marshall JVM410H is a professional multi-channel tube amp that can be prohibitively expensive. A practical substitute would be digital modeling amps such as the “Marshall CODE50” or the “BOSS Katana” series. These amps offer convincing Marshall-inspired tones, with the CODE50 granting access to official Marshall tone libraries, making JVM-like sounds achievable at a fraction of the cost.

In the area of multi-effects, the LINE6 POD X3 LIVE is discontinued and often pricey on the used market. Viable modern replacements include the LINE6 POD GO, ZOOM G6, and BOSS GX-100. Among these, the POD GO stands out for offering Helix-quality algorithms at a moderate price, making it ideal for pairing with a real amp just as Kazuki did.

If one prefers compact pedals over a multi-effects unit, distortion pedals such as the BOSS DS-1X or the MXR Super Badass Distortion provide the midrange emphasis and high-gain punch needed to approximate Kazuki’s sound. For entry-level solutions, multi-effects units like the BOSS GT-1 or NUX MG-400 deliver essential effects—EQ, delay, reverb—while remaining lightweight, affordable, and reliable.

Below is a summary of specific affordable alternatives to achieve Kazuki’s tone. These choices balance cost and performance, making it possible for players to recreate his sound without breaking the bank.

Type	Gear	Brand	Amazon URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar (Alternative)	Les Paul Studio	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Equipped with high-output pickups close to SH-6. Excellent cost-performance.
Amp (Alternative)	CODE50	Marshall	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Includes JVM modeling. Official Marshall presets accessible.
Multi-Effects (Alternative)	POD GO	LINE6	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Successor to POD X3. Compact with Helix-quality modeling.
Distortion Pedal	DS-1X	BOSS	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Strong midrange emphasis with clear distortion articulation.
Entry Multi-Effects	GT-1	BOSS	Search on Amazon	FACT	Kazuki	Lightweight, affordable, includes essential effects. Perfect for beginners.

These alternatives demonstrate that with thoughtful selection, one can approach Kazuki’s tone effectively without requiring professional-level investment.

Summary and Conclusion [FACT・Kazuki]

Kazuki’s (FACT) guitar tone may seem straightforward on the surface, but it is built on a philosophy that combines advanced design choices with practical performance needs. His setup—high-output pickups, multi-channel amplifiers, and the flexible management of presets through a multi-effects unit—was tailored to maximize both his personal playing style and the band’s ensemble dynamic. This balance of “battle-ready tone” and “reproducibility” defined his approach.

What stands out most is the consistency of his gear choices: Seymour Duncan SH-6 pickups across his guitars, the Marshall JVM410H at the core of his amp setup, and the POD X3 LIVE as his central controller. These tools ensured that his tone could be reproduced in any environment—whether on a local stage, in overseas venues, or in the studio. That consistency translated into live stability and recording clarity, both of which became hallmarks of FACT’s sound.

His use of Marshall and Orange amplifiers reflects his pursuit of both thickness and edge, while the multi-effects setup allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the demands of complex arrangements. By combining cabinet simulation, EQ shaping, and hybrid routing, Kazuki created tones that stood out in the mix without clashing with other instruments. This approach is highly relevant not only for band-oriented guitarists but also for modern home-studio musicians looking for professional results.

Kazuki’s philosophy also reveals a craftsman-like dedication. From wiring methods to solder types and pickup mounting, his attention to detail ensured that no element of his sound was left to chance. His pursuit was never just about “sounding cool” but about achieving a tone that could cut through a dense band arrangement and remain reliable across all performance contexts.

By following the gear insights, EQ strategies, and affordable alternatives presented in this article, players can get remarkably close to Kazuki’s iconic tone. For anyone inspired by FACT’s heavy yet clear guitar sound, his methods serve as both a technical guide and a source of creative inspiration.

Use this as a reference to incorporate elements of Kazuki’s approach into your own playing, and discover how a balance of clarity, weight, and consistency can elevate your sound.