Introduction (Overview of Tone)
AOI, the guitarist of the GazettE, is renowned for his delicate yet powerful sound design that supports the band’s entire musical framework. His guitar tone possesses remarkable versatility, capable of handling everything from melodious leads to aggressive riffs, earning particular acclaim within the Visual Kei rock scene.
AOI’s playing style is characterized by rhythmic tightness and spacious tones achieved through extensive use of spatial effects. While he delivers melodious guitar phrases with delicate resonance, he also commands intense high-gain sounds during live performances to support thick backing arrangements.
Representative tracks like “Filth in the beauty,” “Hyena,” and “UGLY” showcase impressive contrasts between sharp riffs and spatially-aware tones. Additionally, recent GazettE compositions feature the introduction of 7-string guitars and modern distortion techniques, pursuing an even lower center of gravity in their sound.
What makes AOI’s tone creation particularly noteworthy is that rather than simply pursuing high-gain sounds, he also pays careful attention to clear clean tones and beautiful arpeggios. The unique sense of balance achieved through combinations of amplifiers and effects serves as a significant reference point for guitarists within the same genre.
Particularly during live performances and international tours, his meticulous selection of board configurations and power supplies adapted to varying voltages and venue environments demonstrates his pursuit of stable tone creation. AOI’s gear selection appears to be based on the consistent theme of “maximizing the breadth of sound expression.”
Below, we will provide detailed explanations of the amplifiers, guitars, effects, and tone-shaping techniques that AOI actually uses.
▶ Search official YouTube videos of the GazettE
List of Amplifiers and Features【the GazettE・AOI】
The amplifiers used by AOI, guitarist of the GazettE, encompass a diverse range of models that have evolved alongside the band’s musical progression, with each one significantly influencing his tone creation. AOI employs a style of using multiple amplifiers according to live environments, enabling a wide range of expression from sparkling cleans to heavy high-gain tones.
Most notably is the Bogner Ecstasy. This 3-channel amplifier features transparent clean tones and brilliant crunch characteristics. It’s particularly appealing for its ability to reproduce AOI’s arpeggios and backing nuances without compromise, supporting the delicate tones that blend seamlessly with the band’s overall sound.
For situations requiring more aggressive sounds, he utilizes the Bogner Überschall. Known as a legendary high-gain amplifier, it produces heavy and thick distortion. This amplifier demonstrates its substantial presence in the GazettE’s heavier compositions and down-tuned riffs.
AOI has also incorporated the Diezel VH-4, which offers switchable distortion characters across four channels. Its ability to achieve modern metal-oriented separated sounds makes it particularly valuable when using 7-string guitars.
Additionally, he has confirmed usage of the handmade Divided by 13. This amplifier excels in unique clean tones and midrange expression, with excellent compatibility with effects. It’s understandable that AOI frequently chooses this for delicate playing and clean passages.
These amplifier collections are utilized differently according to individual songs, with different selections presumed for studio recordings versus live performances. During international tours, models with high stability are often prioritized due to voltage and environmental adaptations, ensuring tonal flexibility is maintained.
Comprehensively viewed, AOI’s amplifier selection appears to converge on the goal of “balancing brilliant clean tones with heavy distortion.” Specifically, it’s assumed that he centers around Bogner’s diverse sound characters while combining Diezel and Divided by 13 according to situations to accommodate the GazettE’s musicality.
| Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Best Price URL | Artist | Guitarist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogner Ecstasy | Bogner | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Used for clean and crunch, essential live gear |
| Bogner Überschall | Bogner | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | High-gain use, perfect for heavy riffs |
| Diezel VH-4 | Diezel | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Modern high-gain, versatile channel switching |
| Divided by 13 | Divided by 13 | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Clean use, focuses on delicate tone |
Types of Guitars Used and Features【the GazettE・AOI】
AOI’s guitar history is remarkably diverse, reflecting the sound evolution of the GazettE like a mirror. From the early days to present, he has primarily used ESP signature models while recently introducing Strictly 7 Guitars (S7G) 7-string headless guitars to achieve more modern and heavy sounds.
A representative instrument is the Strictly 7 Guitars Raven HL JS7F. This Japanese-made headless 7-string features multi-scale specifications (27.5″-25.5″), providing exceptional stability in the low-end register. Equipped with Seymour Duncan Blackouts pickups, it delivers noiseless and powerful output even during down-tuning. This guitar is frequently used as a main instrument during international tours, particularly demonstrating its presence in modern compositions.
The USA-made version from S7G, the Raven HL Std+7 HT/T, has also been introduced as a signature model. While sharing basic design elements with the JS7F, this version is said to reflect more custom specifications and is considered the main instrument for the GazettE’s heavy compositions.
ESP signature models are also synonymous with AOI. The ESP A-I features single-sized humbuckers in the front position, specializing in clear tones and being frequently used for clean passages and melodious leads. The ESP A-II is characterized by its unique body shape, representing a choice that prioritizes visual impact during live performances.
Additionally, the ESP A-III combines a Les Paul-type design with Floyd Rose-style tremolo, enabling powerful riffs and diverse expression. This model incorporates unique design philosophy tailored to AOI’s playing style.
Furthermore, he uses the ESP FOREST with its beautiful black satin finish, whose aggressive appearance and modern sound expand AOI’s tonal range.
The background to using these various guitars appears to stem from AOI’s intention to “clearly express different sound images for each composition.” The sense of balance between supporting the low end with 7-strings while maintaining the band’s traditional character with ESP signatures represents a major characteristic of his sound design.
Overall, AOI’s guitar selection aims for “balancing modern low-end expression with clear high-end,” and it’s assumed that he introduces optimal models for each musical era, as evidenced by his choices.
| Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Best Price URL | Artist | Guitarist | Guitar Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly 7 Guitars Raven HL JS7F | Strictly 7 Guitars | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Headless 7-string | Japanese-made, Blackouts equipped, international tour use |
| Strictly 7 Guitars Raven HL Std+7 HT/T | Strictly 7 Guitars | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Headless 7-string | USA-made signature version, used for high-gain songs |
| ESP A-I | ESP | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Signature | Single-sized humbucker equipped, clean-oriented |
| ESP A-II | ESP | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Signature | Unique body shape, emphasizes live visual impact |
| ESP A-III | ESP | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Signature | Les Paul-style, Floyd Rose equipped |
| ESP FOREST | ESP | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Electric Guitar | Black Satin finish, modern aggressive sound |
Effects and Pedalboard Setup【the GazettE・AOI】
AOI’s effects pedalboard evolves with each live performance and tour while consistently being built around the principle of “noiseless and stable sound.” Particularly in recent international tour specifications, the board centers around FREE THE TONE switchers and power supplies, adopting systems compatible with 100-240V voltage ranges. This enables stable power supply across various countries worldwide, maintaining consistent sound quality.
For main routing, he employs the FREE THE TONE ARC-53M. This allows instantaneous switching of complex effect on/off combinations, dramatically improving operational efficiency during live performances. Additionally, he uses the FREE THE TONE JB-41 as a junction box and the FREE THE TONE PT-3D for power supply, constructing a noiseless and stable system.
The core of his distortion comes from the legendary overdrive KLON Centaur and the Japanese handmade Barbarossa GAEGOYLE. The Centaur produces glossy and present midrange tones, while the GAEGOYLE adds rawness and thickness, creating the powerful riffs characteristic of the GazettE.
Furthermore, he uses the toneczar effects Vault for boosting and sound reinforcement, achieving excellent note separation for solos and leads. For noise reduction, he employs the standard iSP Decimator II, eliminating unwanted feedback even with 7-strings and intense high-gain settings.
Additionally, he uses the BOSS OC-2 to thicken low frequencies, with some compositions featuring techniques to further lower the center of gravity. Past periods have confirmed the use of multi-effects units like Eventide Eclipse and TC Electronic G-Force, pitch shifter DigiTech Whammy, and wah pedals including Morley Bad Horsie and Real McCoy Wizard Wah.
As evident from this configuration, AOI’s board aims to achieve both “creating different distortion textures with multiple pedals” and “noiseless, stable control.” The latest board presumably features a hybrid configuration based on FREE THE TONE combined with analog classics, as assumed from his equipment choices.
| Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Best Price URL | Artist | Guitarist | Effect Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREE THE TONE ARC-53M | FREE THE TONE | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | スイッチングシステム | Main routing controller, essential for live performances |
| FREE THE TONE JB-41 | FREE THE TONE | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ジャンクションボックス | Enables stable signal distribution |
| FREE THE TONE PT-3D | FREE THE TONE | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | パワーサプライ | International tour compatible voltage specifications |
| iSP Decimator II | iSP | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ノイズリダクション | Cuts unwanted noise even with high-gain |
| BOSS OC-2 | BOSS | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | オクターブ | Low-end reinforcement, lowers center of gravity |
| Barbarossa GAEGOYLE | Barbarossa | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ディストーション | Fuzz-like raw distortion |
| toneczar effects Vault | toneczar effects | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ブースター | Reinforces lead tone separation |
| KLON Centaur | KLON | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | オーバードライブ | Main distortion, glossy tone character |
| Eventide Eclipse | Eventide | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | 空間系マルチエフェクター | Previously used multi-effects unit |
| TC Electronic G-Force | TC Electronic | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | 空間系マルチエフェクター | Used for spatial processing and reverb |
| DigiTech Whammy | DigiTech | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ピッチシフター | Special effects for solos |
| Morley Bad Horsie | Morley | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ワウペダル | Used in past live performances |
| Real McCoy Wizard Wah | Real McCoy | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | ワウペダル | Introduced for unique wah sounds |
Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches【the GazettE・AOI】
AOI’s tone creation extends beyond simple high-gain sounds, focusing on “balancing low-end power with high-end brilliance.” Since the GazettE’s compositions frequently feature coexisting heavy riffs and delicate arpeggios, careful attention to amplifier and effects settings, as well as mixing-stage considerations, becomes crucial.
For amplifier settings, when using the Bogner Ecstasy, he typically starts with the clean channel as a foundation, slightly boosting the midrange while reducing presence to enhance compatibility with spatial effects. This approach maintains transparency even when heavily using reverb and delay, preserving clarity without muddiness. Conversely, when using the Bogner Überschall or Diezel VH-4, EQ adjustments typically involve tightening the low-end while emphasizing high-mids to define riff contours.
His distortion pedal usage is particularly distinctive. The KLON Centaur boosts the amplifier’s clean-to-crunch range while emphasizing midrange gloss, while the GAEGOYLE reinforces deeper distortion. Layering these two pedals creates thickness and presence unattainable with either pedal alone. Additionally, the toneczar Vault boosts overall presence, ensuring solos and leads don’t get buried in the band’s sound.
Regarding EQ setting techniques, not over-boosting the low-end proves essential. Even when using 7-string guitars, he keeps frequencies below 80Hz conservative to avoid conflicts with bass and kick drum, while moderately emphasizing the 120Hz-250Hz range for balance. Conversely, highlighting the 2kHz-4kHz frequency band accentuates picking attack, achieving excellent note separation during live performances.
His approach to spatial effects also represents a unique AOI characteristic. Delay is frequently used as short delays integrated with the rhythm, creating spaciousness without losing the core of the performance. Reverb is typically not applied too deeply, with hall ambience adjusted per composition to accommodate both live and recording environments.
In mixing, AOI’s guitars often create “walls of sound” by spreading left and right. 7-string riffs receive EQ processing that reduces lows while pushing mids forward, while arpeggios and clean passages are panned in stereo with spaciousness-conscious placement. Additionally, careful frequency separation is maintained between AOI and the other guitarist URUHA, considering the band’s overall balance.
Even in live settings, noise reduction adjustment remains critically important. The Decimator II cuts only essential noise while preserving the guitar’s natural sustain and harmonics, maintaining “naturally high-gain sound that isn’t over-processed digitally.”
Comprehensively, AOI’s tone creation centers around “precise control” and “harmony within the overall band sound.” While impressive as isolated guitar tones, these settings are designed to truly shine when heard within the complete GazettE context, as assumed from his approach.
Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone【the GazettE・AOI】
While AOI’s sound utilizes professional-grade high-end equipment, beginners and intermediate players can certainly create “directionally similar tones” using more accessible gear. Here we introduce methods for approaching AOI’s sound using commercially available equipment in the ¥10,000-¥100,000 range (approximately $100-$1000).
Regarding distortion effects, AOI’s main pedals – the KLON Centaur and Barbarossa GAEGOYLE – are extremely expensive and difficult to obtain. As alternatives, we recommend the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive. Its strong midrange projection makes it excellent for booster-style use, recreating KLON-like glossy sounds. Additionally, the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food is a budget version designed to recreate KLON Centaur sounds, making it the optimal choice for capturing the Centaur’s character.
For distortion aspects, targeting GAEGOYLE-like fuzz thickness, the BOSS DS-1X or ProCo RAT2 are recommended. The RAT2 particularly delivers raw yet clearly defined sounds that connect with AOI’s riff playing qualities.
For noise reduction, the BOSS NS-2 serves as a standard alternative to the iSP Decimator II. It offers excellent usability and cost-performance, achieving stable noise cutting even in high-gain environments.
Regarding AOI’s frequently used BOSS OC-2 octaver (now discontinued), the successor BOSS OC-5 is available as a current model. It easily recreates low-end reinforcement and lowered center-of-gravity sounds.
For amplifiers, since Bogner and Diezel are extremely expensive, the BOSS Katana series represents the most viable option for easily achieving similar sounds. With diverse amp modeling and built-in effects, it covers clean to high-gain while keeping costs down while approaching AOI’s sound.
Regarding guitars, while 7-string models aren’t essential, the Ibanez RG series (7-string) or Schecter C-7 series offer good balance of price and quality for those considering introduction. They accommodate drop tunings and approach the modern heavy sound direction that AOI possesses.
Overall, the keys to recreating AOI’s sound lie in “emphasizing midrange with boosters and keeping high-gain tight” and “establishing noiseless environments.” The following table summarizes particularly accessible recommended alternative equipment.
| Type | Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Best Price URL | Artist | Guitarist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overdrive | SD-1 Super OverDrive | BOSS | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Perfect Centaur alternative, similar midrange boost |
| Overdrive | Soul Food | Electro-Harmonix | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Budget model recreating KLON Centaur |
| Distortion | DS-1X | BOSS | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Tight distortion for riffs, GAEGOYLE-like texture |
| Distortion | RAT2 | ProCo | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Can recreate fuzz-like rawness |
| Noise Reduction | NS-2 | BOSS | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | Standard noise suppressor, Decimator alternative |
| Octave | OC-5 | BOSS | Search on Amazon | the GazettE | AOI | OC-2 successor, effective for low-end reinforcement |
| Amplifier | Katana-100 MkII | BOSS |
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