[Chiba Yusuke] How to Recreate the THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Yusuke Chiba is a prominent figure in the Japanese rock scene, serving as the vocalist and guitarist for bands such as THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT (TMGE), The Birthday, and ROSSO. His sound is characterized by a blend of “rawness” and “sharpness,” expertly mixing elements of garage rock, blues, and punk. Notably, his use of Gretsch semi-hollow guitars for sharp cutting tones and a straightforward, thick crunch sound directly from the amp contributes significantly to the explosive energy of his live performances.

Chiba’s playing style emphasizes “soul” over technicality, leading with wild riffs and straightforward chord work that drives the entire band. Iconic tracks like “Smokin’ Billy” and “Get Up Lucy” embody the rock impulse with powerful strumming and a simple sound that minimizes effects.

As he progressed through his career with The Birthday and ROSSO, Chiba expanded his gear collection, incorporating models like the Gretsch White Falcon and Gibson ES series. The addition of spatial effects and octavers has further evolved his sound into something deeper. Chiba’s tone consistently embodies a unique duality of being “loose yet tight,” leaving a strong impression on listeners.

This article will organize the amplifiers, guitars, effects, and accessories used by Yusuke Chiba, unraveling the secrets behind his sound. Additionally, we will introduce methods for achieving a similar sound with relatively affordable gear, making this a must-read for fans and guitarists alike.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

▶ Search official YouTube videos of The Birthday

▶ Search official YouTube videos of ROSSO

List of Amplifiers and Features

When discussing Yusuke Chiba’s sound, the choice of amplifiers is indispensable. He has built his tone primarily on a raw crunch sound achieved through a direct connection between his guitar and amp, relying minimally on effects. By skillfully alternating between Fender and Marshall amps, he has created different soundscapes throughout various periods of his band.

During his time with THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT, the Fender Hot Rod DeVille 410 served as his main amplifier. Its four 10-inch speakers provide sharp response and a sound that cuts through even when distorted, perfectly complementing Chiba’s aggressive cutting style. In the early days of ROSSO, he utilized the Marshall JCM900, which is known for its pronounced midrange and heavy, aggressive tone.

Live performances often saw him pairing the Marshall cabinet to enhance the overall power. However, he has also been spotted using more compact combo amps like the YAMAHA F-100 212, likely for studio work or as a secondary amp. This flexibility in amp choice reflects Chiba’s consistent philosophy of delivering a “straightforward and piercing sound,” regardless of the venue or application.

Thus, the selection of amplifiers is both simple and profound, serving as a significant element supporting his sound.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

When it comes to Yusuke Chiba’s sound, his extensive collection of Gretsch guitars is particularly iconic. Initially, he used Fender Jazzmasters and Jaguars, but the Gretsch semi-hollow and full-hollow models have been central to his career. From his signature black model to the luxurious White Falcon, his guitar choices embody a strong personality in both appearance and sound.

One of his most notable guitars is the Gretsch G6119T-62TB-YC Yusuke Chiba Tennessee Black with Bigsby. This signature model features a black body and a Bigsby tremolo, and it has been a mainstay during his time with The Birthday, producing a robust and dry rock sound. The first Gretsch he acquired, the 6119-62 Tennessee Rose, has been used since the early days of THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT and is considered a cornerstone of the Chiba sound.

Luxurious models like the Gretsch White Falcon and G6136 Black Falcon have also appeared in live performances, adding depth to songs from ROSSO and The Birthday with their bright and defined tones. Additionally, vintage models such as the Gretsch 6120W57 Eddie Cochran and Gretsch 6119 Tennessean (1967) pair excellently with fuzz and crunch, delivering a raw yet impactful sound.

Chiba has also utilized bizarre guitars like the Eko 820-4V (1960) and EASTWOOD Airline, captivating audiences with their striking looks and unique tones. For acoustic performances, he employs a Gibson Hummingbird (’68) equipped with a SUNRISE S-2 pickup, which shines in studio recordings and acoustic live settings.

What unites this rich collection of guitars is the balance of “flashiness and ruggedness.” Each guitar integrates seamlessly with Chiba’s stage presence, creating a one-of-a-kind aura. These instruments have undoubtedly supported his musicality and live performances.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Yusuke Chiba’s pedalboard is known for its relatively simple configuration. He emphasizes a raw and straightforward guitar sound, primarily focusing on distortion and overdrive, with occasional additions of delay and chorus. This reflects his philosophy of pursuing a sound that is close to “guitar and amp direct connection.”

A standout effect is the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver, which enhances the sharp crunch and pairs exceptionally well with Fender amps’ natural distortion. During his time with ROSSO and The Birthday, he also combined overdrive/distortion pedals like the MAXON D&SII OD-802 and ProCo RAT2. The RAT2, in particular, adds a thick and aggressive tone to his music.

For spatial effects, he employs delay pedals like the BOSS DD-3 and Maxon AD-9, adding depth to his songs. These were used in ballads and mid-tempo tracks from The Birthday to create a sense of spaciousness. The Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail reverb adds warmth and richness, enhancing the overall sound during live performances.

In terms of modulation, he uses chorus pedals such as the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone and Neo Clone, as well as BOSS CE-5 and DC-2 Dimension C, depending on the song. This approach adds a subtle wavering effect to clean tones and arpeggios, creating a simple yet impactful sound. Additionally, he has incorporated phasers (Maxon PT-9 Pro, BOSS PH-3) and tremolos (BOSS TR-2) into his setup, suggesting that he slightly altered his pedalboard configuration for different performances.

As a unique addition, he has used the DigiTech Whammy WH-5 for pitch-shifting effects in certain songs during the ROSSO and later The Birthday periods. Accessories like the KORG Pitchblack tuner and VOX/ALBAS cable also play a role in his sound creation.

Overall, Chiba’s pedalboard is minimal yet effectively expresses his musicality. The effects serve to add just a touch of color to the thick tone achieved through direct amp connection, adhering closely to the “essence of rock” without becoming excessive. These insights are based on live photos and interviews, suggesting a “simple yet effective use of effects.”

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Yusuke Chiba’s sound creation may appear simple at first glance, consisting of “guitar + amp direct,” but it is underpinned by meticulous attention to detail. His unique sound is supported by careful EQ settings and mixing techniques.

Regarding EQ, when using the Fender Hot Rod DeVille, he often sets treble to 5-6, mids to 4-5, and bass to around 5. This configuration pulls back the midrange slightly while emphasizing the sharp high end, allowing for clear chord separation even when distorted with the Blues Driver or RAT. Conversely, when using the Marshall JCM900, he tends to push the mids forward, creating a thick and powerful sound.

Chiba’s approach to different songs is also notable. For instance, in “Smokin’ Billy,” he presents the raw crunch from the amp directly, with a flatter EQ that emphasizes the edge. In contrast, ballads like “Little More Than Before” from The Birthday incorporate reverb and delay to create a sense of spatial expansion. In PA mixing, he minimizes compression on the guitar to enhance the attack, preserving a “live” feel in the performance.

In mixing, Chiba’s guitar is often panned to one side (either left or right), with another guitarist like Abefutoshi adding thickness on the opposite side. This approach creates a “rock wall” of sound while ensuring Chiba’s cutting remains prominent. Particularly during The Birthday era, he layered light delay over the crunch to add dimensionality and depth to the songs.

Additionally, in live sound creation, the choice of picks plays a crucial role. Chiba uses medium-sized celluloid picks in the Fender 346 shape (often referred to as “onigiri” shape) or his signature picks. The strong attack from the picks ensures that even rough strumming maintains clarity. He opts for slightly thicker SIT Strings 11-50, which support low-end presence while ensuring clear articulation during chord cutting.

In recording settings, he typically uses the SHURE SM58 for live performances and combines an SM57 with a condenser mic in the studio to capture a balanced mix of airiness and distortion attack. Furthermore, in PA settings, he often cuts some mid-low frequencies while boosting the highs to ensure the guitar stands out without interfering with the vocals.

Overall, Chiba’s sound creation philosophy revolves around “keeping it straightforward while adding flavor only when necessary.” Both EQ and mixing are executed without excess, maximizing the guitar’s natural resonance. This philosophy is likely the reason his sound remains unique and compelling.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Yusuke Chiba’s sound has been supported by vintage Gretsch guitars and expensive amplifiers. However, even beginners or those on a budget can approach his raw yet straightforward rock sound by selecting relatively affordable gear. Here, we will introduce recommended equipment available in the price range of approximately $100 to $500, explaining how they can help achieve a sound similar to Chiba’s.

For overdrive, the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver is the top recommendation. This model was also favored by Chiba himself, and when paired with Fender amps, it easily produces that sharp crunch. If you’re looking for the thickness characteristic of Marshall amps, the ProCo RAT2 can provide sufficiently powerful distortion.

While genuine Gretsch guitars can be pricey, brands like Epiphone and the Gretsch Electromatic series offer more affordable options. The Gretsch Electromatic G5420T, in particular, features the boxy resonance typical of full-hollow guitars and includes a Bigsby, allowing players to capture a vibe similar to Chiba’s live sound. For semi-hollow options, the Epiphone ES-335 PRO is a cost-effective alternative that can closely replicate the tone of Chiba’s Gibson ES series.

For amplifiers, modeling amps like the Fender Champion 100 or YAMAHA THR30II Wireless are recommended for beginners. Pairing a Fender clean tone with the BD-2 can yield a sound reminiscent of Chiba’s “direct + crunch” approach. For home practice, the Roland JC-22 offers transparent clean tones and pairs excellently with spatial effects.

In terms of spatial effects, the BOSS DD-8 delay and Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Nano reverb are ideal for recreating the expansive sound heard in Chiba’s live performances. For modulation, the BOSS CE-2W Chorus serves as a sufficient substitute for the Small Clone.

By combining these pieces of gear, players can approximate the Gretsch and Fender direct sound. The key is to maintain a “simple and straightforward rock” approach. By avoiding excessive effects and focusing on strumming and amp resonance, even beginners can experience a sound reminiscent of Yusuke Chiba.

Summary and Conclusion

Yusuke Chiba’s sound creation does not rely on extravagant gear or complex setups but instead embodies a thorough simplicity to represent “straightforward rock.” The semi-hollow and full-hollow Gretsch and Gibson guitars he has favored produce a bold and dry sound, while his use of amplifiers like the Fender Hot Rod DeVille and Marshall JCM900 allows him to craft a raw yet sharp tone.

Regarding effects, Chiba’s approach centers on simple distortion pedals like the BOSS BD-2 and ProCo RAT2, with minimal delay and chorus to add color. This results in a “stripped-down sound” that emphasizes the band’s groove. His effects board may not be flashy, but it serves as an optimal solution to convey the energy and emotion of the stage to the audience.

Moreover, his mixing and EQ techniques are crucial elements. By controlling the midrange while emphasizing attack, he maintains a delicate balance between vocals and guitar. His choice of strings and picks also reflects his attention to detail, using thicker gauges and “onigiri” shaped picks to ensure a solid sound even during aggressive strumming.

The essence of Yusuke Chiba’s sound lies in its “loose yet wild consistency.” This philosophy is directly linked to his playing style and the direction of his bands, representing more than just gear selection; it embodies a philosophy. If readers wish to approach his sound, they should start with simple gear and bold strumming, adding minimal effects. This attitude is the most Chiba-like approach one can take.

Ultimately, Chiba’s sound is “him.” Even if one replicates his gear and settings, the core lies in the “dedication to producing soulful music,” which has continuously captivated audiences. This is why his sound remains an aspiration for many guitarists and continues to be emulated.