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

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Masasucks, the guitarist for the HIATUS (also a member of FULLSCRATCH), is known in the Japanese post-rock and alternative rock scene for his wide range of tones and aggressive playing style. His presence has helped shape the modern Japanese rock sound.

His guitar work spans from heavy distortion-driven riffs to delicate clean tones, as well as atmospheric and effect-heavy soundscapes. Within the HIATUS, his subtle tone-shaping and sense of balance stand out, contributing not only as accompaniment but also as a key factor that defines the overall sonic character of their songs.

Tracks such as “Insomnia,” “Lone Train Running,” and “Storm Racers” showcase his approach vividly. These songs highlight the powerful drive of the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier combined with multiple overdrive pedals to create nuanced layers of distortion. This dynamic switching between tones gives each song its dramatic feel and emotional depth.

On stage, his meticulously designed pedalboard allows him to achieve precise tone changes. Each sound switch emphasizes the drama within a track, turning live performances into immersive experiences. Rather than functioning only as backing, his guitar often controls the emotional atmosphere of the entire piece.

Because of this, fans and fellow guitarists often ask: “How does he achieve such a wide range of sounds?” His sound has become a point of fascination and a reference for musicians seeking versatile tones.

Below, we’ll take a detailed look at the amps, guitars, and pedals he actually uses, along with his tone settings and approaches to building his signature sound.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of the HIATUS

List of Amplifiers and Features [the HIATUS・masasucks]

The amplifier most strongly associated with masasucks in the HIATUS is the legendary high-gain American powerhouse, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. Known for its overwhelming power and thick midrange, the Dual Rectifier can handle everything from aggressive riffs and heavy rhythm playing to crystal-clean arpeggios. This versatility aligns perfectly with his dynamic style. In live photos and stage setups, his rig clearly shows the Dual Rectifier head, often paired with a customized cabinet labeled “MASA,” highlighting his personal attention to detail.

The Dual Rectifier’s multi-channel system allows him to switch between pristine cleans, crunchy drive, and saturated high-gain distortion with ease. Masasucks typically uses the Rectifier as his tonal foundation while layering overdrive pedals to fine-tune the texture and gain. This approach enables him to dynamically adapt during songs, adding depth and intensity to different sections without losing balance in the mix.

Alongside the Mesa/Boogie, his rack has included the KORG DTR-1 tuner for precision tuning stability during live shows, and a SAMSON wireless system for freedom of movement on stage. Interestingly, he has also been seen using an AER amplifier. AER is best known for its high-quality acoustic amps, and its presence in his setup suggests that it is used to handle clean, delicate passages and the band’s more ambient, experimental tracks. This demonstrates his sensitivity to dynamic contrasts within the HIATUS’s catalog.

Though the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier remains his centerpiece, there have been suggestions that Fender amps or even Marshall models may have been used in recording sessions or side projects, though clear photographic or interview evidence is limited. These alternatives would serve to expand tonal variety—Fender amps for sparkling cleans or Marshall for British midrange punch—depending on the song’s requirements. Such choices likely reflect his commitment to tailoring the guitar tone to match the mood and arrangement of each track.

In essence, masasucks’s amp choices revolve around achieving a sound that is both loud and powerful yet refined enough to capture subtle nuances. His reliance on the Rectifier ensures a thick and commanding tone, while supplementary amps and tools allow him to explore the atmospheric and detailed side of the HIATUS’s music. Overall, his selection suggests an approach where heaviness and delicacy are not in opposition but instead carefully balanced to create dynamic contrast. It can be assumed that this intentional versatility is a cornerstone of his live and studio sound.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier	Mesa/Boogie	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Main amplifier. Custom cabinet with “MASA” logo is used live.
KORG DTR-1	KORG	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Rack-mounted tuner for stable live tuning control.
SAMSON Wireless System	SAMSON	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Provides performance freedom on stage without cables.
AER Amp	AER	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Presumed to be used for clean tones and acoustic-style passages.

Based on these amplifier choices, it can be assumed that masasucks builds his heavy foundation with Mesa/Boogie while complementing it with additional amps like AER for cleaner, more subtle tones. This layered approach allows him to fully express the wide range of emotions embedded in the HIATUS’s music.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [the HIATUS・masasucks]

The guitars that masasucks uses with the HIATUS form the core of his distinctive sound. Perhaps the most iconic is the blue Les Paul–style model by Navigator. This guitar is fitted with Gibson humbuckers and features replica Bumble Bee capacitors, showing his attention to fine tonal detail. It is primarily used in drop D tuning, making it ideal for heavy riffs and dense backing parts. Songs such as “Insomnia” and “Storm Racers” showcase this guitar’s raw power and weight.

He also plays a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster in blue, a team-built model confirmed in live performances. Used in standard tuning, the Stratocaster delivers the sparkling, quick-response single-coil tone that cuts through the mix. Its clarity is particularly effective in crisp rhythm parts and clean melodic passages. This guitar represents the lighter, more transparent side of his sound, balancing the intensity of his Les Paul–style guitar with articulation and brightness.

Another key instrument in his arsenal is the Fender Jazzmaster, a guitar he has said he purchased out of admiration for Wilco’s Nels Cline. Masasucks uses a current-production model, and its unique tonal character—emphasized low-mids and jangly resonance—fits perfectly into the HIATUS’s ambient and experimental tracks. It excels in shoegaze-like textures, swirling delays, and atmospheric chord work, allowing him to stretch beyond traditional rock tones into sonic exploration.

Each of these guitars serves a distinct role. The Navigator Les Paul is reserved for heavy, aggressive songs; the Fender Stratocaster provides a clean, fast-attack sound; and the Jazzmaster is chosen when more experimental or ambient textures are needed. By switching between these guitars according to the demands of the song, masasucks ensures that live performances and recordings maintain tonal variety and balance.

What makes this selection particularly notable is that all three guitars are confirmed through live photos, interviews, and first-hand accounts. These are not speculative choices but instruments personally relied on by him. This shows a professional approach where guitars are not collected for prestige but carefully chosen to serve the music. His guitar selection demonstrates the philosophy of using multiple instruments, each with its own voice, to broaden the sonic palette of the band.

In conclusion, rather than relying on a single all-purpose guitar, masasucks embraces the idea of situational versatility. His choice of instruments reflects a deep awareness of the HIATUS’s musical diversity, proving that his sound is as much about precision in gear selection as it is about performance. It can be assumed that this methodical approach to guitar choice plays a critical role in shaping the unique identity of the HIATUS’s sound.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Guitar	Notes
Navigator Blue Les Paul Model	Navigator	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Les Paul–style	Used in drop D tuning. Equipped with Gibson humbuckers and Bumble Bee replica capacitors.
Fender Stratocaster (Blue, Custom Shop)	Fender	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Stratocaster	Team-built model. Used in standard tuning for clear, bright cleans and cutting tones.
Fender Jazzmaster (Current Model)	Fender	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Jazzmaster	Bought due to admiration for Nels Cline of Wilco. Used in ambient and experimental tracks.

From this combination, it can be assumed that masasucks strategically uses each guitar’s individual character to support the wide-ranging musical identity of the HIATUS.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [the HIATUS・masasucks]

A key part of masasucks’s sound is his massive, carefully constructed pedalboard. His setup spans multiple tiers, beginning with a junction box and branching into a wide variety of drives, fuzzes, delays, modulation units, and switching systems. This elaborate configuration allows him to execute subtle tonal changes live, ensuring each song has the dynamic expression it requires.

On the top rear row, you’ll typically find a junction box, the Catalinbread Manx Loaghtan (fuzz), the legendary Klon Centaur (overdrive), a Sonic Research ST-200 tuner, and the Electro-Harmonix Micro POG (octaver). The Centaur is particularly vital for tightening up the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier sound, offering a clear and articulate boost. Meanwhile, the Micro POG adds both upper and lower octaves, enriching riffs with thick, three-dimensional character.

The middle row includes Shin’s Music Perfect Volume (volume pedal), the Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive, Line6 M9 (multi-effects unit), the Strymon TimeLine (digital delay), and the MXR Carbon Copy (analog delay). By pairing the TimeLine with the Carbon Copy, he gains both pristine, tempo-locked repeats and warm, organic echoes. The M9 covers a wide range of modulation and spatial effects, giving him instant flexibility for songs that demand atmospheric textures.

The front row holds some of the most characteristic pieces: the early version of the Judder (a noise-based effects pedal), the OC10 switching system (custom-colored for him), and the Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive. The Judder brings chaotic, avant-garde textures, while the Sweet Honey offers responsive light gain and crunch. The OC10 consolidates the complex board into programmable loops, enabling instant tonal shifts mid-performance.

Outside the main board, there are additional pedals like the Slash Signature Wah (right side), Electro-Harmonix Freeze (left side), and a Roland EV-5 expression pedal. The Freeze pedal sustains notes and chords to create lush, ambient backdrops, while the EV-5 is often used to control delay or modulation depth in real time. These tools expand his palette for improvisation and atmospheric layering.

For power management, he uses a custom-colored Free The Tone Distro along with the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus. This ensures reliable, noise-free operation across the large pedal chain. The attention to noise reduction and stable current supply highlights the professionalism behind his setup.

Overall, his pedalboard demonstrates a philosophy of “stacking overdrives for layered drive tones, employing multiple delays for depth, and integrating ambient sustain effects like the Freeze.” The result is a versatile rig capable of adapting to the HIATUS’s wide-ranging sonic landscapes. It can be assumed that the careful combination of boutique pedals and reliable standards is central to the individuality of his sound.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
Catalinbread Manx Loaghtan	Catalinbread	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Fuzz	Thick, midrange-rich fuzz for heavy riffs.
Klon Centaur	Klon	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Overdrive	Transparent boost-style drive, paired with Mesa/Boogie for articulation.
Sonic Research ST-200	Sonic Research	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Tuner	High-precision tuner ensuring stable live intonation.
Electro-Harmonix Micro POG	Electro-Harmonix	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Octaver	Provides octave up/down layering for depth and texture.
Shin’s Music Perfect Volume	Shin’s Music	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Volume Pedal	Used for dynamic swells and precise volume control.
Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive	Mad Professor	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Overdrive	Transparent overdrive adding nuanced harmonic color.
Line6 M9	Line6	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Multi-Effects	Covers modulation and spatial effects for live versatility.
Strymon TimeLine	Strymon	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Delay	High-quality digital delay, accurate for rhythmic playing.
MXR Carbon Copy	MXR	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Delay	Warm, analog delay used alongside TimeLine for contrast.
Judder	Judder	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Noise Effect	Early version. Produces experimental noise-based textures.
OC10 (masasucks custom color)	One Control	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Switching System	Streamlines complex board, enables instant patch switching.
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive	Mad Professor	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Overdrive	Highly responsive low-gain overdrive, used at the front of the chain.
Slash Signature Wah	Dunlop	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Wah Pedal	Right side placement. Adds expressive filter sweeps to riffs and solos.
Electro-Harmonix Freeze	Electro-Harmonix	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Sustainer	Sustains chords/notes to create ambient backdrops.
Roland EV-5	Roland	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Expression Pedal	Controls delay or modulation parameters in real time.
Distro (masasucks custom color)	Free The Tone	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Power Supply	Custom finish. Provides stable power with minimal noise.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus	Voodoo Lab	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Power Supply	Global standard. Helps maintain low-noise operation in complex rigs.

This setup makes it clear that his pedalboard philosophy revolves around “layered drive, multi-delay depth, and ambient sustain.” It can be assumed that these choices are deliberately made to adapt to the HIATUS’s broad spectrum of songs, from aggressive rock to atmospheric experiments.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [the HIATUS・masasucks]

Masasucks’s tone philosophy lies in blending the raw power of loud rock with the refinement and spaciousness of post-rock. At its foundation is the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, known for its thick low end and aggressive drive. From there, he uses overdrives and modulation pedals to add shape, space, and dimension to his sound. This balance allows him to transition seamlessly between heavy riffs and atmospheric textures, a hallmark of the HIATUS’s dynamic arrangements.

His amp EQ setup typically avoids boosting the midrange too heavily. Instead, he tightens the low end to stay punchy without clashing with the bass guitar or kick drum, ensures the mids remain present but not overwhelming, and emphasizes the high frequencies to preserve picking attack and clarity. This “V-shaped with balance” EQ ensures that his guitar cuts through in dense mixes while retaining body and depth. By leaving space in the low-mids, his sound integrates more cohesively with other instruments, avoiding frequency clutter.

Overdrive pedals are not just used for gain staging but also for contouring the Rectifier’s natural voice. For instance, when playing crunch sections, he dials back pedal gain to let the amp’s saturation take center stage, while using pedals mainly to sharpen edges and focus the attack. On the other hand, for solos or intense climaxes, stacked drives create a layered wall of sound. This stacking approach adds dimension without losing definition—a key feature in his live sound.

Spatial effects like delay and reverb play an equally important role. Delays are often set in stereo or layered in multiple types: the Strymon TimeLine providing precise digital echoes and the MXR Carbon Copy adding analog warmth. He employs reverb not just for depth but for “blending phrases into the atmosphere,” creating floating textures in ambient songs. In tracks where contrast between quiet and loud is essential, reverb is set deeper, almost transforming the guitar into a background instrument that merges with synths and soundscapes.

From a mixing perspective, his tone emphasizes positioning and balance within the band. The HIATUS rarely features a single guitar dominating the entire track—multiple guitars often interweave. Therefore, his sound is tailored to sit clearly but not excessively forward. Engineers often apply low-cut filters to avoid muddiness, keep the mids articulate, and tame harsh highs with gentle shelving EQ. This makes his tone both powerful and polished, avoiding fatigue for the listener even during long, aggressive passages.

In live environments, stereo imaging is a key strategy. By using stereo delay or pairing different drive tones left and right, his parts create a wide soundstage. This not only enhances the immersive quality of the performance but also maintains clarity when layered with the band’s other instruments. At times, he emphasizes contrasting textures, such as one side clean and reverbed while the other side delivers heavy distortion, a technique that gives songs dramatic dimension.

Another aspect is his dynamic control. With volume pedals, he swells chords for cinematic intros and drops volume instantly for silent breakdowns. Pedals like the Freeze allow him to sustain a harmonic pad, giving the mix a floating bed over which the band can build. These techniques ensure his guitar is not just another instrument but an architect of space within the HIATUS’s arrangements.

Summing up, his tone settings reveal a clear philosophy: maximize the amp’s natural character, refine it with carefully chosen overdrives, and shape space with delays and reverbs. EQ and mixing choices reflect a band-oriented mindset, ensuring his sound integrates while still retaining individuality. It can be assumed that this balance between heaviness, clarity, and space is what makes masasucks’s guitar tone an essential part of the HIATUS’s identity.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [the HIATUS・masasucks]

While masasucks’s sound is built around high-end gear like the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier and boutique pedals, it’s entirely possible to approximate his tone using more affordable, widely available equipment. The goal is to capture the essence of his sound: heavy yet articulate distortion, tight low end, clarity in cleans, and rich spatial effects. Below are some practical alternatives that can help players achieve a HIATUS-inspired sound without breaking the bank.

Amp Simulators / Preamps

Joyo Uzi High Gain Distortion This pedal recreates the Rectifier-style heavy gain in a compact and affordable format. By reducing the gain and pairing it with a boost pedal, you can achieve tight, cutting tones similar to those heard in tracks like “Insomnia.” Search on Amazon

Mooer 005 Brown Sound 3 A small amp simulator pedal capable of producing modern high-gain sounds. It works well for home recording or small gigs, providing a surprisingly convincing tone for its size and cost. Search on Amazon

Overdrive / Boost

BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive A classic overdrive used worldwide. Setting gain low and level high helps tighten the sound of any high-gain amp or simulator, replicating the way masasucks uses pedals to sculpt the Rectifier’s tone. Search on Amazon

Maxon OD808 (or clones) Known for its smooth mid-push and transparent boost qualities. It helps refine muddy distortion and adds presence, echoing the layering approach in his rig. Search on Amazon

Delay / Reverb

BOSS DD-8 Digital Delay Compact, versatile, and stereo-capable. Perfect for replicating the wide soundscapes heard in the HIATUS’s music. Its crisp repeats fit songs requiring precision. Search on Amazon

TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Provides lush ambient tones and shimmering modulation options. This pedal makes it easy to create the floating textures central to the HIATUS’s post-rock side. Search on Amazon

Affordable Guitar Options

Epiphone Les Paul Standard A cost-effective alternative to the Navigator Les Paul. It delivers thick humbucker tones and, with pickup upgrades, can approach the heaviness of his drop-D riffs. Search on Amazon

Yamaha Revstar Series These guitars offer excellent midrange punch and a unique character that suits rock and alternative styles. Their design balances modern playability with a vintage vibe, making them versatile for HIATUS-like tones. Search on Amazon

Why These Alternatives Work

Masasucks’s tone isn’t just about expensive boutique gear—it’s about layering gain, shaping EQ carefully, and using space effectively. For players on a budget, the key is to mimic this philosophy: pair a high-gain pedal or amp sim with a solid overdrive, then add delay and reverb for depth. Affordable guitars like Epiphone or Yamaha can be easily modded with better pickups to push even closer to his professional tones. These setups ensure that players capture both the power and the subtlety of his style without investing in high-end boutique equipment.

Type	Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Preamp / Amp Simulator	Uzi High Gain Distortion	Joyo	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Affordable Rectifier-style tones, great for heavy riffs.
Preamp / Amp Simulator	005 Brown Sound 3	Mooer	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Compact amp sim, suitable for recording and practice.
Overdrive	SD-1 Super OverDrive	BOSS	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Classic boost pedal, tightens up high-gain tones.
Overdrive	OD808	Maxon	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Smooth boost, enhances midrange presence.
Delay	DD-8 Digital Delay	BOSS	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Stereo-capable, ideal for wide and clear repeats.
Reverb	Hall of Fame 2	TC Electronic	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Ambient-friendly reverb with shimmer effects.
Guitar	Les Paul Standard	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Budget alternative to Navigator Les Paul, mod-friendly.
Guitar	Revstar	Yamaha	Search on Amazon	the HIATUS	masasucks	Thick mids, strong presence in rock band mixes.

With these options, players can replicate the key aspects of masasucks’s sound—tight drive, layered space, and versatile guitars—at a fraction of the cost. It can be said that thoughtful gear pairing and careful EQ matter more than expensive boutique gear in capturing the HIATUS vibe.

Summary and Conclusion [the HIATUS・masasucks]

The guitar sound of masasucks in the HIATUS is defined not only by its heaviness but also by its finesse. His approach fuses the intensity of loud rock with the intricacy and expansiveness of post-rock. At its core is the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, delivering thick and aggressive drive. Stacked overdrives provide tightness and nuance, while delays and reverbs create depth and atmosphere. This synergy results in a sound that is both commanding and refined, capable of shifting seamlessly between raw power and ambient textures.

The essence of his tone lies in his restraint and awareness. Rather than overwhelming the mix with excessive distortion, he emphasizes clarity and dynamics. His EQ and pedal use aim to complement the ensemble, ensuring the guitar never gets lost but also never overshadows other instruments. This demonstrates a fundamental principle: great guitar tone is not only about the individual player’s sound but also about how it contributes to the band’s overall architecture. His methods show the importance of shaping tone with the entire mix in mind.

Another defining feature of his style is adaptability. By switching between guitars with unique tonal identities—the powerful Les Paul, the bright Stratocaster, and the jangly Jazzmaster—he ensures every song has its own distinct character. This versatility reflects a professional commitment to letting the song dictate the gear, not the other way around. In this sense, his choices are less about personal indulgence and more about serving the music’s narrative.

For players seeking to recreate his sound, the most crucial lesson is philosophical: think in terms of layering, space, and dynamics rather than simply collecting expensive pedals and amps. Even with affordable alternatives, one can achieve a HIATUS-inspired sound by carefully balancing gain, emphasizing clarity, and using spatial effects with intention. As his setup shows, subtle adjustments often make the difference between an ordinary tone and one that defines a band’s identity.

Ultimately, the guitar in the HIATUS is not just an instrument; it is a storyteller. Masasucks uses tone as a means to guide the emotional flow of the music. His sound embodies both weight and delicacy, proving that power and subtlety are not opposites but partners in expression. This balance serves as an invaluable lesson for any guitarist: the essence of great tone is not found in gear alone but in how thoughtfully that gear is used to shape and elevate the music.

If you are drawn to his sound, start by focusing less on chasing the exact pedals or amps and more on cultivating the mindset behind them: restraint, precision, and a deep respect for the ensemble. By doing so, you will not only approximate his tone but also uncover your own voice within it. It can be assumed that this philosophy—of balance, awareness, and creativity—is the true heart of masasucks’s sound in the HIATUS.