【Hiroto Wakai】How to Recreate the Mrs. GREEN APPLE Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Hiroto Wakai, the guitarist of Mrs. GREEN APPLE, has earned attention as a versatile player capable of designing tones that add both color and power to the band’s music. His guitar style is not limited to simple rhythm backing or lead solos—the very timbre he creates has become inseparable from the sonic identity of Mrs. GREEN APPLE.

From sparkling clean tones to aggressive overdrives and lush ambient textures, Wakai demonstrates mastery over a wide tonal palette. His playing is often described as “a guitarist who designs the song itself.”

For example, in the hit track “Boku no Koto,” his delicate arpeggios combined with deep reverb wrap the entire song in a dreamlike atmosphere. On the other hand, in live staples such as “Ao to Natsu” or “StaRt,” Wakai’s bold distortion tone pushes the groove of the entire band forward, giving the performance a strong backbone.

The core of Wakai’s guitar sound lies in his wide-ranging guitar collection and his carefully refined effect chains. Since 2022, he has transitioned to a setup that centers around the Kemper Profiling Power Rack, allowing him to recreate both live and studio tones with precision. Alongside this, he selects from premium guitars such as Castedosa, Gibson, and Fender, tailoring his choice to the specific mood or role of each song.

His tone design always balances “clarity in the mix” with “rich spatial depth.” To achieve this, he relies on carefully chosen amplifiers and pedals, often from high-end brands favored by professionals such as Mad Professor, BOSS, Strymon, and JHS. His pedalboard is finely tuned for each sound, enabling him to deliver the atmosphere required for any musical moment.

On stage, his dynamic performance and expressive picking drive the emotional arc of the songs, proving that his skill lies not just in technology but also in musical sensitivity. Many younger guitarists look up to Wakai as a role model for combining technical ability with creative expression.

This article will explore the secrets of Wakai’s sound in Mrs. GREEN APPLE, taking a closer look at the actual guitars, amplifiers, effects, and tone settings he uses. Finally, we will also introduce affordable alternatives that allow beginners to approximate his sound. Whether you are just starting out or already an advanced player, there will be plenty to learn and apply.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Mrs. GREEN APPLE

List of Amplifiers and Features [Mrs. GREEN APPLE · Hiroto Wakai]

Hiroto Wakai’s amplifier setup represents a “hybrid approach” that has become highly symbolic of modern professional guitarists. This means he bases his tone on traditional tube amps while also incorporating digital modeling and profiling technology for flexible, song-by-song tone switching.

At the center of his live rig is the Kemper Profiling Power Rack. This powerful digital amplifier can profile—or “clone”—the tonal characteristics of other amps, allowing Wakai to recreate detailed studio-crafted settings during live performances with complete accuracy. The reliability and consistency make it a perfect solution for a touring guitarist balancing multiple tone requirements.

For stage use, he often pairs the Kemper with the SYNERGY AMPS SYN5050 power amplifier. This rack unit is highly stable, providing strong output to speaker cabinets, and is well-regarded by live sound engineers for its consistency and dependability.

In past live setups and studio sessions, Wakai has also used classic tube amps. The Marshall JCM2000 DSL-100 in particular has been a key part of heavier tracks such as “Ao to Natsu” and “Inferno,” delivering thick, aggressive rock tones that define the energy of those songs.

Additionally, Orange amplifiers such as the Thunderverb and Custom Shop 50 have appeared in his rig. These amps provide the characteristic midrange punch and warm, saturated drive tones that shine in rock-oriented tracks requiring both power and character.

Surprisingly, Wakai has also been seen using boutique gear such as the Divided by 13 CCC9/15. This amp excels at delivering nuanced tones ranging from pristine cleans to edge-of-breakup crunch, making it ideal for Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s ballads and arpeggio-driven sections where emotional dynamics are key.

Today, his overall style can be summarized as hybrid: live performances primarily rely on the Kemper system, while studio recordings make use of each amp’s unique tonal personality, applied depending on the mood of the song. This dual approach allows him to always select the best sonic solution for any context, which can be considered his defining amplifier strategy.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Kemper Profiling Power Rack	Kemper	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	The core of his live rig. A profiler that condenses multiple amp sounds into one system.
SYNERGY SYN5050	SYNERGY AMPS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Used as a power amp with the Kemper. Provides stable and reliable output on stage.
JCM2000 DSL-100	Marshall	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	A classic tube amp delivering powerful rock tones. Used in both live and recording sessions.
Custom Shop 50	Orange	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Known for thick, warm distortion. A great match for rock-driven tracks.
Thunderverb	Orange	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Provides heavy yet articulate drive tones, suitable for versatile stage use.
CCC9/15	Divided by 13	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Excellent response and articulation, particularly in clean to crunch ranges. Ideal for ballads.

From this overview, it is clear that Wakai’s amplifier choices are not random but carefully selected for tonal flexibility. His hybrid method of using both modeling and traditional amps demonstrates his commitment to achieving the best sound for each performance context. This is how his amplifier setup can be understood.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [Mrs. GREEN APPLE · Hiroto Wakai]

Hiroto Wakai’s guitar selection reflects the stylistic diversity of Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s music. His lineup ranges from vintage classics to boutique modern builds, and each instrument is chosen not only for its looks but also for its tonal personality and suitability for different parts of the arrangement. This shows his precise understanding of how the guitar should function within the band’s sound.

One of his most representative guitars is the SCHECTER AR-06. With an HSS pickup configuration, it covers everything from pristine cleans to crunchy rhythm and high-gain tones. It offers excellent tuning stability and a bright, cutting tone, making it especially powerful in energetic songs like “Inferno.”

Since 2022, Wakai has also been frequently seen on stage with the boutique Castedosa Marianna Standard Aged Lake Placid Blue. Its elegant appearance is matched by its refined clean-to-crunch tones, which shine in expressive and emotional tracks such as “Soranji.”

A staple of his collection is the Gibson ES-335 and its Bigsby-equipped variations. The semi-hollow resonance and midrange warmth make it a perfect choice for the band’s ballads and mid-tempo songs. Similarly, his Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1963 SG Custom has been confirmed in his arsenal, offering fast response and clarity, ideal for lead passages.

On the Fender side, he uses models such as the Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster and the American Ultra II Stratocaster Solar Flare. Their signature single-coil sparkle and attack are well-suited for rhythmic comping and melodic lines, evident in tracks like “Boku no Koto” and “Ao to Natsu.”

He also incorporates unique voices with guitars like the Rickenbacker 360 Deluxe Thinline and the D’Angelico Deluxe Atlantic, showing his attention to creating distinct textures for different songs. Other notable instruments include the PRS CE24, Epiphone Wilshire, and the Fender Hybrid II Telecaster, proving that Wakai does not limit himself to a single brand but instead prioritizes sound character and utility.

By mastering the character of each guitar and adapting his playing approach accordingly, Wakai shows that great tone is not just about settings, but also about how the instrument is played. This attitude makes him a role model for modern guitarists aiming to balance gear knowledge with expressive musicianship.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Guitar	Notes
AR-06	SCHECTER	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	HSS configuration, versatile tone. High live usage. Cuts through even in high-gain settings.
1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue	Gibson Custom	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Thick tone and rich sustain. Ideal for heavier arrangements.
1968 ES-335	Gibson	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Semi-Hollow Guitar	Warm mids and full resonance. A staple for ballads.
ES-335 Bigsby	Gibson	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Semi-Hollow Guitar	Bigsby tremolo model. Adds expressive vibrato for nuanced performances.
1963 SG Custom Ultra Light Aged	Gibson Custom Shop	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Fast response and sharp attack. Excellent for lead work.
Stratocaster	Fender Custom Shop	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Bright and cutting single-coil tones. Perfect for rhythmic comping and melodic leads.
American Ultra II Stratocaster Solar Flare	Fender	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Modern specifications with wide tonal flexibility.
360 Deluxe Thinline	Rickenbacker	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Semi-Hollow Guitar	Unique chimey high-end. Great for alternative pop tones.
Marianna Standard Aged Lake Placid Blue	Castedosa Guitars	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Since 2022, a live staple. Boutique-grade tones with refined clarity.
Deluxe Atlantic	D’Angelico	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Edgy mids and extended highs. A modern, distinctive flavor.
Wilshire Cherry	Epiphone	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Lightweight with a sharp tone. Midrange brightness stands out.
Hybrid II Telecaster Rosewood Modena Red	Fender	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Japanese-made with excellent stability. Classic Telecaster clarity.
CE 24 Scarlet Red	PRS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Electric Guitar	Highly playable and stable. A versatile all-rounder across genres.

In summary, Wakai’s guitar collection demonstrates his professional approach to sound design—choosing instruments based on their character and the role they serve in a song. His selections show not only diversity but also a deep understanding of how different guitars can shape the emotional core of a track. This is how his guitar lineup can be understood.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [Mrs. GREEN APPLE · Hiroto Wakai]

To achieve the delicate and three-dimensional sound that defines Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s music, Hiroto Wakai makes use of a wide range of guitar effects. His pedalboard is carefully designed for both live and studio use, optimized to bring out the required texture, atmosphere, and expressiveness for each track.

Below is an organized overview of the pedals Wakai has been confirmed to use. Each entry includes its role in his sound design and why it is an essential part of his setup. His collection spans from beginner-friendly pedals to high-end boutique gear, showing a balance between practicality and sonic quality.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Effect	Notes
Granith Grey Booster	One Control	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Booster	Used as a clean boost to enhance note definition and cut through the mix.
SD-1W SUPER OverDrive	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Overdrive	A classic drive pedal with wide versatility, suitable for both rhythm and lead tones.
Sweet DRIVE	WEED	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Overdrive	Rich in harmonics and smooth response, great for melodic lines and solos.
Charlie Brown V4	JHS Pedals	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Overdrive	Emulates vintage Marshall JTM45 tones, providing classic British crunch.
New Sweet Honey Overdrive	Mad Professor	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Overdrive	Highly responsive to picking dynamics, allowing expressive phrasing.
ROD-881	Maxon	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Overdrive	Tube-like warmth and thickness, ideal for heavier leads.
New Fire Red Fuzz	Mad Professor	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Fuzz	Delivers heavy, saturated fuzz for bold, sustaining solos.
RV-500	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Reverb	Offers a wide variety of reverb algorithms for immersive spatial effects.
Timeline	Strymon	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Delay	Studio-grade delay with presets, capable of complex ambient textures.
CH-1 Super Chorus	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Chorus	Provides shimmering width and clarity to clean tones.
Ego Compressor	Wampler Pedals	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Compressor	Balances dynamics and sustain, supporting expressive playing.
ARC-4	Free The Tone	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Switching System	High-precision MIDI switcher enabling professional-level control.
TU-3	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Tuner	A reliable standard for live use, with excellent visibility and accuracy.
VA-08Mk2	Vital Audio	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Power Supply	Noise-reduced stable power supply, essential for both live and studio use.

Wakai’s pedalboard is not just a “collection of fancy gear,” but a carefully curated toolkit where every pedal serves a defined purpose in the music. The balance between time-based effects like reverb and delay and his choice of overdrives is particularly notable, allowing Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s ensemble sound to breathe with depth and clarity.

His setup offers valuable insights not only for professionals but also for intermediate guitarists who may be searching for effective ways to expand their sound palette.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [Mrs. GREEN APPLE · Hiroto Wakai]

The essence of Hiroto Wakai’s tone design lies in his ability to balance “emotional expression” with “blending seamlessly into the band’s ensemble.” Instead of chasing a guitar tone that dominates the mix, he carefully adjusts EQ, gain, and effects to ensure the guitar serves its role in each song—whether that be leading, supporting, or texturing the arrangement.

His core approach is to bring out the natural character of each guitar while using the Kemper Profiling Power Rack to switch between precise profiles suited to each track. For upbeat numbers such as “StaRt” and “Ao to Natsu,” he favors midrange-forward settings (MID around 6–7, TREBLE around 6, BASS around 4). This enhances rhythmic clarity and allows riffs and chord work to cut through a dense mix.

In contrast, for ballads such as “Boku no Koto” or “Soranji,” his EQ tends to sit closer to flat (BASS 5, MID 5, TREBLE 5), paired with light reverb and chorus for a softer, more atmospheric tone. Effects like the Strymon Timeline and BOSS RV-500 play a crucial role here, layering space without overwhelming the vocal line.

Live setups often include subtle boosts around 2 kHz–4 kHz to prevent the guitar from getting buried in the mix, while frequencies below 80 Hz are typically cut to avoid clashing with bass and kick drum. This collaborative process with the FOH engineer ensures each performance remains polished and consistent across different venues.

Examples of effect usage in his tone-shaping process include:

• SD-1W and Sweet Drive: Gain set around 4–5, used to push amp crunch naturally without masking clarity.
• Charlie Brown V4: Gain around 6–7 for tracks requiring Marshall-style crunch, such as “Dancehall.”
• RV-500: Pre-delay and decay finely tuned in the studio depending on the song’s tempo and vocal placement.
• Timeline: Adjusted from slapback delays to dotted eighth rhythmic patterns, locking tightly with the groove of each track.

For double-tracked guitars, Wakai often uses different profiles or even different guitars to create contrast. For instance, combining a sharp Fender-style clean on one side with a warm semi-hollow on the other results in a balanced stereo field with both clarity and depth.

In mixing, his guitar is placed carefully to “support but not dominate.” Wet effects like reverb are usually kept below 30% in the blend, while delay feedback is limited to two or three repeats. This keeps the sound lush but prevents clutter, maintaining space for vocals and rhythm instruments.

Ultimately, Wakai’s tone design is less about relying on expensive specs and more about intentional musical decisions. Every EQ adjustment, pedal choice, and amp profile reflects what he wants the guitar to communicate within a given track. This is why his guitar parts consistently enhance the storytelling of Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s music, making them resonate emotionally with listeners.

His approach can therefore be summarized as thoughtful, restrained, and emotionally precise—an excellent model for guitarists who wish to focus on musicality rather than just technical gear specs. This is how his tone settings and mixing strategies can be understood.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [Mrs. GREEN APPLE · Hiroto Wakai]

For many guitarists, replicating Hiroto Wakai’s sound with the exact same professional-level gear can feel unrealistic due to the high costs of boutique guitars, premium pedals, and profiling systems. However, the good news is that in recent years, the market has seen a surge in affordable gear that still delivers excellent tonal quality and flexibility. With the right selection, you can capture much of Wakai’s clarity, depth, and expressiveness without overspending.

Below is a curated list of alternatives priced roughly between $100 and $1,000 that balance affordability with tonal similarity. Each product was chosen based on sound character, ease of use, and resemblance to Wakai’s actual equipment, making them strong candidates for players looking to approximate his sound on a budget.

Type	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	Pacifica 612VIIX	Yamaha	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Versatile HSS configuration. A practical alternative to the Schecter AR-06 with excellent clarity and tuning stability.
Guitar	SE Custom 24	PRS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Affordable counterpart to Wakai’s actual PRS models. Delivers modern tone and playability at a fraction of the cost.
Overdrive	SD-1 Super OverDrive	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Budget version of the SD-1W. Great for natural boost and pushing mids for live use.
Delay	DD-8	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Alternative to high-end delays like Strymon Timeline. Offers multiple modes and reliable digital clarity.
Reverb	RV-6	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Compact and high-quality reverb that covers everything from ambient washes to subtle room textures.
Multi-Effects	NUX MG-30	NUX	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	An affordable replacement for the Kemper Profiler. Includes amp modeling, IR loading, and pro-level flexibility.
Compressor	CP-1X Compressor	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Alternative to Wampler Ego Compressor. Provides transparent compression that responds dynamically to your playing.
Tuner	TU-3	BOSS	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Widely trusted stage tuner. Accurate, durable, and affordable, just like Wakai’s actual rig.
Power Supply	VA-08 MkII	Vital Audio	Search	Mrs. GREEN APPLE	Hiroto Wakai	Quiet, reliable power source. Matches Wakai’s use for both studio and live setups.

The key to approximating Wakai’s sound lies not in spending large sums of money, but in understanding the direction of his tone. A versatile HSS guitar paired with a natural-sounding overdrive, digital delay, and reverb can already capture much of the “Mrs. GREEN APPLE vibe.” Adding a compressor and ensuring a clean power supply further elevates the sound.

By carefully shaping EQ and layering effects with intention, even entry- to mid-level gear can recreate the shimmering clarity, emotional nuance, and spaciousness that define Wakai’s guitar tone. For players on a budget, these alternatives represent a practical path to achieving a professional-quality sound.

Summary and Conclusion [Mrs. GREEN APPLE · Hiroto Wakai]

At the heart of Hiroto Wakai’s guitar style and tone philosophy is a steadfast commitment to serving the music first. Instead of chasing flashy techniques or overly dominant sounds, he focuses on choosing tones and shaping spatial depth in ways that amplify the song’s message and emotional story.

On first listen, his sound may not strike the ear as “showy,” but the emotional pull comes from precision in tone control and his refined musical sense. His lead parts are expressive and nuanced, while his rhythm work supports the band with warmth and balance. In every situation, his guitar plays a role that beautifies the overall sound of Mrs. GREEN APPLE.

Wakai’s gear choices are equally telling. From Gibson and Fender to Schecter, PRS, and boutique makers like Castedosa, he uses a wide range of guitars, each selected for its unique personality. He applies the same thoughtful variety to his amps, pedals, and even utility gear such as switchers and power supplies. The integration of modern technology—like the Kemper Profiler—shows his openness to innovation, but always with a focus on keeping the “core tone” authentic.

Even with effects such as reverb and delay, Wakai treats them less as tools to fill space and more as brushes to paint atmosphere. This subtle artistic intention makes the band’s music more three-dimensional and emotionally immersive. His professionalism also shows in his attention to supporting gear, ensuring noise-free, reliable performance at every live show.

For guitarists who want to follow in his footsteps, the lesson is not about copying every piece of expensive equipment. Instead, it is about asking: What emotion am I trying to convey in this song? What role should my guitar play in the arrangement? With this mindset, the choice of gear and playing style naturally aligns with the needs of the music.

True beauty in guitar tone is not about volume or complexity, but about delivering the right sound at the right moment. In the context of Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Wakai’s guitar embodies that ideal—never overbearing, yet always essential. His style serves as an inspiration for guitarists across genres and stands as a symbol of the evolving Japanese pop-rock scene.