[INORAN] Crafting the Signature LUNA SEA Sound: Gear, Effects, and Amp Settings

① Introduction: INORAN’s Sonic Aesthetic

INORAN, guitarist of the legendary Japanese rock band LUNA SEA, is celebrated for his atmospheric tones and tasteful, understated playing style. His guitar work is defined by shimmering clean arpeggios, lush spatial effects, and a delicate sense of phrasing that gives the band’s music its emotional depth. Tracks like “gravity” and “I for You” are iconic examples of his ethereal sonic footprint.

INORAN’s tone is built around his signature Fender Jazzmaster models, paired with an assortment of effects pedals and tube amplifiers. His approach blends warmth, clarity, and ambient textures, making his guitar an essential melodic and rhythmic element in the LUNA SEA soundscape.

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② Amplifier Setup: Creating Space and Depth

INORAN’s amplifier choices vary between studio and live settings, each tailored to emphasize clarity and spatial width. Live performances frequently feature a mix of Fender Twin Reverb, MATCHLESS, and Hughes & Kettner amplifiers—each serving a specific sonic role.

In solo performances, the MATCHLESS DC-30 has been a staple. Known for its smooth clean tones and warm crunch, it pairs beautifully with his Jazzmaster guitars. The Fender Twin Reverb remains a go-to for clean passages and arpeggios, offering a classic voicing that highlights his articulate playing style.

Hughes & Kettner’s TubeMeister Deluxe enters the setup when INORAN needs tighter gain and presence during heavier, more dynamic sections—perfect for LUNA SEA’s louder passages that demand more bite and body.

These amplifiers reflect INORAN’s dynamic musical range. By combining them or switching configurations as needed, he creates a vast sonic landscape—from whispering textures to commanding presence.

Model	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
DC-30	MATCHLESS	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Preferred for solo stages; smooth clean-to-crunch tone
Twin Reverb	Fender	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Classic clean amp used for articulate arpeggios
TubeMeister Deluxe	Hughes & Kettner	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Used for tighter drive tones in louder sections

③ Guitars: Signature Models and Tonal Identity

At the heart of INORAN’s tone lies the Fender Jazzmaster, particularly his signature models crafted by the Fender Custom Shop. His main instrument, the INORAN Jazzmaster #1, is based on a 1959 Jazzmaster and is known for its warm, mid-focused tone. Outfitted with vintage-style single-coil pickups, it delivers expressive cleans and responsive dynamics, especially effective for subtle crunch tones and ambient passages.

The INORAN Jazzmaster #2 features a white finish with relic detailing and offers a slightly more modern playability and aesthetic. He frequently alternates between these two guitars during live shows, using each for its unique tonal and visual character.

He also owns an original 1959 Fender Jazzmaster, occasionally used in studio sessions. Expanding his tonal palette even further, INORAN sometimes plays a Fender Starcaster for its airy semi-hollow character, and a rare La Cabronita BORACHA Jazzmaster equipped with TV Jones pickups—providing punchy, retro-inspired tones.

For acoustic sections, he turns to a Martin 12-string guitar, known for its shimmering overtones and lush harmonic response. Below is a summary of guitars known to be used by INORAN in studio and live performances.

Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
INORAN Jazzmaster #1	Fender Custom Shop	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Electric Guitar	Signature model based on a ’59 Jazzmaster
INORAN Jazzmaster #2	Fender Custom Shop	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Electric Guitar	White finish, relic-treated, used in live shows
1959 Jazzmaster	Fender	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Electric Guitar	Original vintage model, studio use
Starcaster	Fender	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Semi-Hollow Guitar	Airy high-mids and 70s-inspired tone
La Cabronita BORACHA Jazzmaster	Fender Custom Shop	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Electric Guitar	Equipped with TV Jones pickups and reverse body
Jazzmaster (Black)	Fender	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Electric Guitar	Unidentified model used in live switching
12-String Acoustic	Martin	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Acoustic Guitar	Used for depth and shimmer in acoustic sections

④ Effects and Pedalboard: Spatial Expression in Motion

INORAN’s pedalboard is a showcase of ambient sound design. Whether in solo shows or with LUNA SEA, his rig emphasizes space, subtle modulation, and delicate dynamics. A central piece of his board is the FREE THE TONE ARC-3 switching system, which enables seamless routing between numerous effects.

On the drive side, he utilizes a BOSS BD-2 (WEED mod) for glassy crunch tones, the GNI XD-1 for aggressive distortion, and the analog-rich Experience Fuzz by Prescription Electronics for vintage grit with integrated vibrato.

For modulation, his board includes staples from Electro-Harmonix: the POLY CHORUS for expansive warble, the SMALL CLONE for warm analog chorus, and the POG2 for polyphonic octave layering—often used to simulate 12-string guitar textures.

A LINE6 DL4 handles delay duties, offering quick preset changes and broad stereo spread. These effects aren’t just for tonal flavor—they help paint vivid emotional and spatial backdrops in both solo and band performances. Lighting and stage visuals are often synced to his effect use, underscoring how deeply tone is integrated into his total artistic expression.

Model	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
ARC-3	FREE THE TONE	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Switcher	Core switching/routing controller
BD-2 (WEED Mod)	BOSS	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Overdrive	Modded for richer mids and smoother gain
XD-1	GNI Pedals	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Distortion	High-gain pedal with tight low end
Experience Fuzz	Prescription Electronics	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Fuzz	Includes integrated vibrato, vintage-style
POG2	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Octave	Polyphonic octave generator with 12-string effect
POLY CHORUS	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Chorus	Deep modulation with analog character
SMALL CLONE	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Chorus	Classic warm chorus, famously used by Kurt Cobain
DL4	LINE6	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Delay	Preset-based stereo delay, ideal for live use

⑤ Tone Crafting: EQ Strategy and Spatial Design

INORAN’s approach to tone is a masterclass in subtlety and space. Whether performing solo or with LUNA SEA, his sonic goal is always rooted in three pillars: spatial depth, emotional warmth, and dynamic control. His settings are designed to complement the natural range of his Jazzmaster guitars, resulting in a 3D, mid-rich tone that breathes in the mix.

His amp EQ typically emphasizes mid to high-mids while dialing back excessive bass and treble. This enhances natural harmonics and ensures clarity without harshness. The general EQ tendencies are as follows:

• Treble: 4–5 (controlled brightness)
• Middle: 7–8 (full-bodied mids that highlight the Jazzmaster)
• Bass: 3–4 (keeps low end tight and non-boomy)

In live environments, INORAN often keeps his amp’s gain relatively low, instead using pedals like the BOSS BD-2 or GNI XD-1 to shape the drive and character of the sound. These form the “core tone,” with spatial modulation—such as chorus and delay—layered on top to create his signature sense of atmosphere.

Particular care is taken with effects like Electro-Harmonix’s POLY CHORUS and SMALL CLONE, which add dimension and softness without muddying the mix. In band settings, INORAN’s role often complements SUGIZO’s more lead-focused tone by occupying the stereo field with rich rhythm textures. Live PA engineers frequently carve space around his guitar using EQ to avoid frequency clashes with vocals or lead guitar.

His solo work shows a bolder side—experimenting with fuzz, pitch shifting, and octave effects. The POG2 is often used with stereo spread and customized octave layers to simulate choral or ambient textures. This “breathing tone” isn’t just about frequency—it’s about motion, timing, and interaction with visual stage effects like lighting or candle-lit ambiance.

Ultimately, his tone philosophy extends beyond pure signal processing. It’s about capturing emotion, tension, and silence through guitar—not just filling space, but enhancing it.

⑥ Budget-Friendly Gear: INORAN-Inspired Tone for Less

While INORAN’s rig includes premium gear like Fender Custom Shop guitars and boutique amps, you can still get close to his sound using more affordable equipment—particularly if you focus on clarity, midrange, and modulation-rich textures.

Here’s a curated list of entry- to mid-level alternatives that evoke INORAN’s signature tone without breaking the bank:

Type	Model	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	Classic Vibe ’60s Jazzmaster	Squier	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Affordable Jazzmaster with vintage-style pickups and scale length
Overdrive	BD-2 Blues Driver	BOSS	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Great clean-to-crunch tones; INORAN uses a modded version
Distortion	XD-1 X-TREME DISTORTION (Used)	GNI Pedals	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Same model used by INORAN; thick and punchy
Delay	Time Core Deluxe	NUX	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	DL4 alternative with multiple delay modes and presets
Chorus	Nano Clone	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Budget version of the SMALL CLONE; warm analog chorus
Amp Sim	American Sound	Joyo	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Pedal-based Fender amp sim; great for home or direct recording
Modulation Multi-FX	MS-70CDR	ZOOM	Amazon JP	LUNA SEA	INORAN	Reverb, chorus, and delay in one compact pedal

By combining a few of the above, you can approximate INORAN’s lush, reverb-drenched clean tones and gently overdriven crunch without needing boutique-level gear. The Squier Jazzmaster paired with a BD-2 and some smart modulation goes a surprisingly long way toward capturing the essence of his sound.

⑦ Conclusion: The Aesthetic of INORAN’s Sound

INORAN’s guitar tone isn’t simply a sum of pedals and amps—it’s a sonic philosophy built around atmosphere, restraint, and emotional resonance. At the heart of his sound lies the Fender Jazzmaster, a guitar known for its extended frequency range and distinct character. From this foundation, he constructs immersive textures using carefully chosen modulation and delay effects, defining his role within LUNA SEA not merely as a rhythm guitarist, but as a sonic painter.

During live performances, INORAN’s tone does more than support melodies—it becomes an ambient voice of its own. With subtle chorus and delay trails, his guitar lines often float like vocals, filling the spaces between lyrics and lead guitar passages. Pedals like the BOSS BD-2 (WEED mod), Electro-Harmonix SMALL CLONE, and POG2 are essential tools that enable this delicate balance of presence and spaciousness.

In recent years, his tone has evolved. Where early LUNA SEA recordings featured a sharper, more alternative-rock edge, INORAN’s modern sound emphasizes warmth, depth, and refined dynamics. This shift is supported by the use of MATCHLESS amps and Custom Shop Jazzmasters, reflecting a mature sensitivity to tone and musical storytelling.

For guitarists aiming to capture INORAN’s essence, the key isn’t just in copying gear settings—it’s in embracing silence, dynamics, and the subtle interplay of texture. Learn to use effects not as gimmicks but as emotional tools. Let the sound “breathe.” Let space speak louder than notes.

To keep up with INORAN’s latest gear and creative direction, follow his official Instagram: @inoran_official — a great resource for studio setups, live rigs, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Whether you’re a die-hard LUNA SEA fan or a guitarist drawn to spacious, emotionally rich tones, INORAN’s sound offers not only inspiration but a roadmap for expressive, nuanced guitar work.