[SAKI] How to Recreate Mary’s Blood Guitar Tone – Gear, Amp & Effects Breakdown

Introduction – Who is SAKI?

SAKI, the lead guitarist of the all-female metal band Mary’s Blood, has earned a reputation as one of the most technically skilled and visually captivating guitarists in Japan’s metal scene—and increasingly, on the international stage. Her playing is defined by blistering speed, precise sweep picking, expressive whammy bar work, and most notably, a tone that’s both heavy and clear.

In songs like “Marionette” and “Blow Up Your Fire”, SAKI’s use of seven-string guitars creates a powerful low-end that blends seamlessly with sharp lead lines and tight rhythm work. Live, she pairs complex fretboard wizardry with explosive stage presence, captivating audiences both visually and sonically.

At the heart of her tone lies a powerful combination: custom-built guitars from Killer Guitars, the formidable Marshall JVM410 amp head, and the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III for precise tone shaping. Her pedalboard is streamlined yet tactical, relying on a select few tools—such as MIDI foot controllers, wah, and volume pedals—for dynamic control and versatility.

SAKI’s sound strikes a rare balance—melodic yet aggressive, disciplined yet expressive—making it an ideal blueprint for modern metal players looking to elevate both their tone and technique.

She frequently shares photos and rig updates via Instagram (@saki.metal), making her a gear icon and inspiration among fans of heavy music and female guitarists alike.

In this article, we’ll break down SAKI’s signature tone across her amplifiers, guitars, effects, and EQ strategies. We’ll also explore cost-effective alternatives for players who want to channel her sound without the pro-tier price tag.

▶ Search Mary’s Blood Official Music Videos on YouTube

Amplifiers & Live Rig – Mary’s Blood Signature Setup

SAKI’s amp rig perfectly balances modern high-gain aggression with clarity and reliability for live performance. At the core of her setup is the powerful Marshall Custom Shop Tattoo Series CSJVM410T5 head, paired with the matching CS1960AT5 slanted cabinet. Based on the legendary JVM410 platform, this amp features four channels—each with three gain modes—offering an impressive range from crystal-clear cleans to punishing ultra gain tones.

Her choice of the JVM410 allows for tight, low-end punch and rich mids that cut through dense mixes, especially important during high-speed riffing and complex leads. Onstage, it’s prized for both its articulation and massive wall-of-sound presence.

SAKI integrates her JVM410 with the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III, housed in her rack system. The Axe-Fx doesn’t replace the Marshall—it enhances it. It’s used for tone shaping, adding precision EQ, drive boosts, and modulations without coloring the raw amp tone too much. This hybrid approach gives her both the analog power of tubes and the versatility of digital precision.

In terms of channel usage, she generally favors the orange and red modes—medium to high gain—for both rhythm and lead parts. The clean channel is rarely used, as her focus is on dynamic distortion that stays articulate at all times. For each song, she fine-tunes the EQ curve and gain structure using the Axe-Fx to match the desired nuance and mix profile.

Her cabinet—the CS1960AT5—is a slanted 4×12 loaded with Marshall’s signature Celestion speakers. This design improves sound projection and stage monitoring, particularly helpful for performers like SAKI who move actively onstage. It ensures the sound stays direct and full across the venue.

In smaller settings such as studios or compact live venues, SAKI often opts to run the Axe-Fx III direct into PA systems, enabling a lightweight, consistent sound with minimal setup time. This flexibility highlights her commitment to a hybrid “digital-analog” approach—powerful and practical.

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Notes
CSJVM410T5	Marshall	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Custom-painted version of the JVM410. Used live as her main head.
CS1960AT5	Marshall	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Matching slanted cab for the JVM410 head. Great for stage projection.
Axe-Fx III	Fractal Audio Systems	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Core of her signal processing: EQ, boost, IR loading, and direct-out for studio/live use.

Guitars – Signature Models and Specs

SAKI’s guitar arsenal is as distinctive as her playing style, consisting of custom instruments crafted by Killer Guitars. Each guitar is designed with her technical prowess in mind, offering high-output pickups, multi-string capabilities, and unique aesthetics tailored to her visual and sonic identity.

Her flagship model is the Killer KG-Fascist Vice “Benikirako”, which features a steampunk-style pickguard and an active EMG81/85 pickup configuration. This combination delivers tight articulation and high output—ideal for aggressive riffing and sweeping arpeggios with exceptional note separation.

Another prominent instrument is the 7-string Killer KG-Fascinator Seven the Empress “Wagara-chan”, a signature model wrapped in Japanese cherry blossom aesthetics. It’s equipped with a Seymour Duncan Full Shred (neck) and Invader (bridge), offering a wide tonal range from deep lows to searing highs. The Floyd Rose tremolo system ensures stable pitch control, while locking tuners provide solid tuning stability during intense performances.

She also uses the Killer KG-Fascist Grave Stone “Aokirako”, based on the signature model of Luke Takamura from Seikima-II, one of her guitar heroes. The pickups here are upgraded to a Seymour Duncan ’59 Bridge (neck) and Duncan Custom TB-5 (bridge), blending vintage warmth with modern attack and presence.

Each guitar also reflects SAKI’s personal flair visually. “Wagara-chan” and “Benikirako” were released as 10th-anniversary models, while “Aokirako” sports a Live Line strap featuring cat graphics—a nod to her playful side.

What all these guitars share is a strong focus on stage performance: ergonomic necks for speed, consistent tuning under duress, and pickup systems that respond with precision across various genres. These are not just collector pieces—they’re battle-tested tools built for modern metal warfare.

Model	Maker	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
KG-Fascist Vice “Benikirako”	Killer Guitars	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	6-string solid-body	EMG81/85 pickups for articulate, high-output tone—ideal for riffing and leads.
KG-Fascinator Seven “Wagara-chan”	Killer Guitars	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	7-string signature	Full Shred + Invader pickup combo. Wide tonal range with aggressive edge.
KG-Fascist Grave Stone “Aokirako”	Killer Guitars	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	6-string custom	Luke Takamura tribute model with upgraded pickups for classic-modern hybrid tone.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Despite her technically advanced playing, SAKI’s pedalboard setup remains surprisingly minimal and efficient—designed to deliver maximum tonal control without unnecessary complexity. At the heart of her rig lies the Fractal Audio Systems Axe-Fx III, controlled via the MFC-101 Mark III MIDI foot controller.

The Axe-Fx III handles all tone shaping—from EQ and amp modeling to time-based and distortion effects. On stage, it supplements the Marshall JVM410’s raw tone, allowing SAKI to fine-tune each patch for different songs and venues with surgical precision.

Complementing her MIDI controller is the BOSS FV-500 volume pedal. This allows dynamic volume control during performances—letting her swell into leads or pull back for clean passages with expressive nuance.

One of the more character-defining pedals in her board is the MORLEY 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah (MTBH2). This spring-loaded, switchless wah pedal activates instantly when stepped on and deactivates when released, making it a perfect match for high-energy performances where seamless transitions are essential.

In her rack, SAKI also integrates the Ex-Pro PRO-10 PLL wireless receiver and a KORG Pitchblack tuner. Both are stage-ready, pro-grade tools that ensure clear signal transmission and reliable tuning under pressure.

Her pedalboard may look compact, but each component has been selected for maximum impact. It’s built around live performance needs—fast control, tonal flexibility, and rock-solid reliability. The result is a streamlined yet powerful system that enables expressive playing without distraction.

Gear	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Band	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
MFC-101 Mark III	Fractal Audio Systems	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	MIDI controller	Controls Axe-Fx III presets and effects. Core of live setup.
FV-500	BOSS	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Volume pedal	Used for dynamic volume swells and expression control.
20/20 Bad Horsie Wah / MTBH2	MORLEY	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Wah pedal	Switchless design for instant on/off action. Great for aggressive solos.
Axe-Fx III	Fractal Audio Systems	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Preamp/modeler	All-in-one processor for EQ, amp, and effect modeling. Core sound sculpting tool.
PRO-10 PLL	Ex-Pro	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Wireless receiver	High-fidelity wireless unit. Reliable for live setups.
Pitchblack	KORG	Link	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Tuner	Widely used rack tuner with excellent visibility on stage.

Amp Settings, EQ, and Mixing Techniques

SAKI’s sound isn’t just about high-gain distortion. It’s a carefully tuned balance that blends power with clarity—cutting through a dense mix without sounding harsh or overly compressed. Her tone maintains a strong presence while seamlessly integrating into the full band arrangement.

At the core of her tone is the Marshall JVM410, typically using the OD1 or OD2 channels for high-gain settings. Her base settings emphasize clarity and midrange punch:

• Gain: 6–7 — tight but responsive, retaining note articulation
• Bass: 4–5 — keeps the low end focused without mud
• Middle: 6.5–7.5 — pushes the guitar forward in the mix
• Treble: 5–6 — crisp without being piercing
• Presence: 5.5–6 — adds just enough air and sparkle

The tone is further shaped using the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III, where SAKI adjusts EQ curves and applies light overdrive to enhance attack or clean up frequency overlaps. This allows her to adapt to different venue acoustics or song requirements without altering the amp core tone.

For a 7-string player like SAKI, managing low-end clarity is crucial. The low B string can easily muddy a mix, so she uses high-pass filters, selective mid-boosting, and IR (impulse response) tweaks within the Axe-Fx III to preserve tightness and definition across all registers.

Interestingly, she keeps reverb and delay effects to a minimum. Her rhythm tones remain dry and punchy, with delay occasionally added to lead passages for ambience and sustain. This restraint helps maintain tightness and ensures riffs don’t get washed out.

The BOSS FV-500 volume pedal also plays a dynamic role. SAKI uses it to bring in swelling cleans or to fade into solos, giving her expressive control over loudness without relying on automation or compression.

In the studio or live mix, her guitar isn’t hard-panned but placed near center to give it body and presence. This is especially important in a high-energy band like Mary’s Blood, where the guitar must stay audible but not overpower the rest of the instrumentation.

Finally, SAKI’s tone reflects not only technical refinement but also performance-based intuition. Rather than masking flaws with excessive effects, she relies on articulate picking, precise muting, and well-calibrated gear—delivering what can be best described as “controlled aggression.”

Affordable Gear Alternatives for SAKI’s Sound

While recreating SAKI’s full rig might be out of reach for beginners or budget-conscious players, it’s absolutely possible to get close to her signature tone using cost-effective gear. The key is understanding the core tone philosophy—tight midrange, responsive low-end, and articulate high-gain clarity—and selecting gear that mimics those traits.

Category	Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Preamp / Amp Simulator	VALVENERGY Copperhead Drive	VOX	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Delivers a Marshall-style crunch with solid midrange projection. Great compact alternative to a JVM head.
Multi-Effects Processor	G5n	ZOOM	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Versatile all-in-one unit covering amp sims, modulation, delay, and EQ. Budget-friendly Axe-Fx entry point.
Distortion Pedal	MT-2 Metal Zone	BOSS	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Infamous but powerful with proper EQ. Boost the mids to replicate JVM-like cut and punch.
Wah Pedal	Bad Horsie 2	MORLEY	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Same family as SAKI’s actual wah. Switchless design perfect for live stage transitions.
7-String Guitar	RG7421	Ibanez	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Affordable 7-string with solid low-end and smooth neck. Closely matches SAKI’s tone goals.
6-String Guitar	Horizon NT-II	ESP	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Ideal for lead tones with long sustain and aggressive attack. Substitutes her “Benikirako.”
Volume Pedal	FV-30H	BOSS	View on Amazon	Mary’s Blood	SAKI	Compact yet expressive. Excellent for swells and dynamics control in live settings.

To get close to SAKI’s tone, focus on replicating amp voicing and handling extended-range guitars. A Marshall-style drive pedal like the Copperhead Drive paired with a 7-string Ibanez gives you a solid tonal foundation. Adding a multi-effects unit such as the Zoom G5n helps you shape spatial effects and EQ to fine-tune the result.

Her signature sound isn’t just “high-gain and loud”—it’s tight, articulate, and purposefully constructed. Even with modest gear, thoughtful tone crafting and technique can take you a long way toward capturing the essence of SAKI’s style.

Conclusion and Summary

As the guitarist of Mary’s Blood and an active force in acts like NEMOPHILA and her own solo career, SAKI has carved out a distinctive presence in the global metal scene. Her sharp, precise playing is backed by a meticulously crafted rig that ensures clarity, power, and expressive range—all essential to her high-octane performance style.

Her tone philosophy doesn’t just chase raw gain—it’s about cutting through a dense band mix while preserving tight low end and clear, forward mids. At the core of her setup are the Marshall JVM410H head and the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III, seamlessly paired with her custom Killer Guitars models. This combination supports both lightning-fast riffs and melodic solos across six and seven-string formats.

What truly elevates her setup is the strategic integration of expressive tools like a wah pedal and volume pedal. These allow her to craft dynamic swells and stage-driven phrasing, proving that her gear isn’t just functional—it’s performance-oriented at its core.

Her EQ approach revolves around midrange clarity and flexible scene-based tuning. Using Axe-Fx III’s global EQ and impulse responses, she fine-tunes her sound for each venue or setlist. This adaptability helps her achieve a sound that is “fast and heavy, yet bright and articulate”—a rare but powerful combination.

In this article, we explored not only her actual stage rig but also affordable alternatives for players looking to emulate her tone. For aspiring metal guitarists—especially women in rock—SAKI’s gear choices and sonic vision offer invaluable inspiration.

To experience her full artistry, check out Mary’s Blood live performances or SAKI’s solo videos on YouTube. From precise pick attack to seamless wah control, her playing is a masterclass in technique and tone synergy.

With the right tools—even budget ones—you can start crafting a sound that channels the energy and finesse of SAKI. Let her inspire you to push your tone, performance, and creativity further.