【Miku Kobato】How to Recreate the BAND-MAID Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings【Effects & Amps】

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Miku Kobato, who serves as the rhythm guitarist and vocalist for BAND-MAID, holds a unique position within the band as the only member who “delivers adorable vocals while strumming guitar in a maid outfit.” Her playing style focuses not on technical solos or shredding, but on powerful rhythm work and chord playing that supports the entire band. Therefore, her tone-shaping philosophy centers around achieving both “flashiness” and “well-defined cutting sound” in perfect balance.

In representative songs like “Thrill,” “DOMINATION,” and “REAL EXISTENCE,” Miku’s guitar sound prioritizes “stability that supports the entire band” rather than extreme distortion levels. Additionally, as symbolized by her signature ZEMAITIS model “Flappy Pigeon,” which she helped design, she maintains an impressive visual presence that’s both glamorous and stage-worthy.

Her sound is carefully crafted to support both lead vocalist Saiki and her own vocals while ensuring that guitar riffs and chords cut through the mix with clarity. Particularly notable is her use of the EVH 5150III high-gain amp as the foundation, combined with multi-effects processors (Fractal FM9 and Line 6 HELIX) to flexibly switch tones according to each song’s requirements, demonstrating the adaptability needed for professional performances.

Given this background, Miku’s tone crafting requires a delicate balance of “not making the guitar too dominant while maintaining its presence.” To recreate her flashy yet powerful rhythm guitar sound, understanding her equipment choices becomes a significant shortcut to achieving similar results.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of BAND-MAID

List of Amplifiers and Features【BAND-MAID・Miku Kobato】

When discussing Miku Kobato’s amplifiers, the “EVH 5150III White” stands out as the primary choice confirmed through live performances and rehearsals. This three-channel amplifier allows instant switching between clean, crunch, and high-gain settings, making it extremely effective for BAND-MAID’s songs that feature dramatic tonal variations. The high-gain channel is particularly characterized by its clear definition and ability to maintain clarity during fast riffs and cutting passages without becoming muddy, ensuring it doesn’t get buried in the band’s overall sound.

In BAND-MAID’s live performances, the EVH amplifier is used in combination with cabinets while simultaneously utilizing modeling equipment such as the Fractal Audio FM9 and Line 6 HELIX. This setup enables flexible tone shaping that adapts to venue size and setlist requirements. Rather than relying solely on direct amplifier sound, the digital equipment serves to create the “core tone,” with the amplifier playing the role of establishing the foundational sonic character.

The EVH 5150III is particularly well-suited for modern hard rock and metal with its high-gain capabilities, while its clean channel remains crystal clear and transparent, perfect for Miku’s chorus work and chord accompaniment that complements her main vocals. Furthermore, the white chassis provides excellent stage presence, aligning perfectly with her character aesthetic.

For rehearsals and studio practice, she likely uses more common amplifiers such as Marshall or Roland JC-120. While this hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s reasonable to assume based on these amplifiers’ widespread use among guitarists both domestically and internationally.

Overall, Miku’s amplifier choices prioritize “live performance stability” and “sonic clarity,” with the EVH 5150III serving as the foundation while multi-effects modeling provides flexible adaptation to various performance scenarios.

Equipment Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Best Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
EVH 5150III White	EVH	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Primary amplifier with numerous confirmed live uses.
Marshall JCM2000 (Estimated)	Marshall	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Standard amplifier commonly used in rehearsals and studios. Estimated use only.
Roland JC-120 (Estimated)	Roland	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Standard live house amplifier in Japan. Unconfirmed but likely candidate.

Types of Guitars Used and Features【BAND-MAID・Miku Kobato】

Miku Kobato is iconically associated with ZEMAITIS guitars, with her image of holding these instruments leaving a strong impression. While she initially used a Rickenbacker 620 Jetglo during BAND-MAID’s formation period, as the band gained global recognition, she developed a strong relationship with ZEMAITIS and now uses various ZEMAITIS guitars, including signature models, across live performances and music videos.

Her most representative instrument is the “ZEMAITIS A24MF-FP Flappy Pigeon,” designed by herself. Featuring a black body with rose inlays and symbolic pigeon motif engravings, this model perfectly embodies her character and glamorous aesthetic. This guitar sees frequent live use and can be considered her iconic instrument.

She has also been spotted using luxurious metal front ZEMAITIS models such as the C24MF and CS24PF Ring Chess on stage. The CS24PF, in particular, features shell decoration across its entire surface, creating an incredibly striking stage presence. This reflects Miku’s philosophy that “visual presentation is as important as the music itself.”

Additionally, she uses engraved models like the ZEMAITIS A24MF ACES & EIGHTS and A24DF 2H BUCCANEER ISLAND, demonstrating careful selection for different songs and tours. The V-shaped MFGV22 has also been confirmed, showing that her collection truly represents the rich variety of the ZEMAITIS lineup.

The Rickenbacker Model 620 Jetglo from her early period remains memorable, with its solid, compact body providing a garage rock-like texture that supported BAND-MAID’s early sound. While ZEMAITIS is now her primary choice, both brands represent important selections that symbolize her career development in terms of both sound and character.

Overall, Miku’s guitar choices prioritize “glamour,” “visual impact,” and “sonic core,” with her connection to ZEMAITIS establishing a truly unique presence, as can be reasonably assumed.

Equipment Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Best Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Guitar Type	Notes
ZEMAITIS C24MF	Zemaitis	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Metal Front Solid	Luxurious decorative model with excellent stage presence.
ZEMAITIS A24MF-FP Flappy Pigeon	Zemaitis	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Signature Model	Self-designed with pigeon motif engraving. Primary performance guitar.
ZEMAITIS CS24PF Ring Chess	Zemaitis	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	High-end Custom Model	Full shell decoration. Luxurious top-tier grade.
ZEMAITIS A24MF ACES & EIGHTS	Zemaitis	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Metal Front Solid	Playing card motif engraved design.
ZEMAITIS A24DF 2H BUCCANEER ISLAND	Zemaitis	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Metal Front Solid	Features disc plate and sliding pickup switch.
ZEMAITIS MFGV22	Zemaitis	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	V-Shape	Rare V-shaped ZEMAITIS with high stage performance value.
Rickenbacker Model 620 Jetglo	Rickenbacker	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Solid Maple Body	Used in early period. Compact yet sharp sound.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup【BAND-MAID・Miku Kobato】

Miku Kobato’s effects setup is characterized by a practical configuration that utilizes modern modeling equipment while incorporating minimal tuning and switching systems. Confirmed through live footage and stage photographs are the “Fractal Audio FM9” and “Line 6 HELIX,” both high-performance multi-effects processors/amp modelers frequently used in professional settings. These units provide the significant advantage of smooth switching between subtle distortion textures and spatial effects that would be difficult to achieve with direct amplifier connection alone, managed through preset control.

The FM9 has become her primary equipment for recent tours, working in combination with the EVH 5150III to achieve a two-stage setup of “amplifier core tone + diverse modeling processing.” Since Miku’s playing focuses on rhythm work, there’s no need for excessive effects processing, and her setup is likely centered around distortion, spatial effects, and compression.

As supplementary equipment, the “Walrus Audio Canvas Tuner” has been confirmed, positioned above the FM9 and serving as a highly visible tuner that contributes to live performance stability. The “One Control Iguana Tail Loop 2” has also been identified in photographs and is presumably implemented as a loop switcher for managing multiple pieces of equipment.

The Line 6 HELIX appears frequently in past live performances and international tours, likely serving as backup equipment or for environmental adaptability. Both represent practical choices made with “professional troubleshooting in mind.”

Overall, Miku’s effects board can be characterized as a “simple yet stability-focused configuration centered around high-performance multi-effects processors,” thoroughly pursuing stage reproducibility, as can be reasonably assumed.

Equipment Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Best Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
Fractal Audio FM9	Fractal Audio	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	ギター用マルチエフェクター	Primary equipment for latest tours. Integrated amp and effects management.
Line 6 HELIX	Line 6	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	ギター用マルチエフェクター	Confirmed in past live performances and international tours. Also serves as backup.
Walrus Audio Canvas Tuner	Walrus Audio	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	チューナー	Positioned above FM9. High-precision tuner ensuring live stability.
One Control Iguana Tail Loop 2	One Control	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	スイッチングシステム	Identified in photographs. Implemented for efficient switching between multiple effects.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches【BAND-MAID・Miku Kobato】

Miku Kobato’s tone-shaping approach is characterized by three key principles as a rhythm guitarist supporting the band’s ensemble: “bringing chord definition to the forefront,” “avoiding interference with vocals,” and “ensuring excellent cut-through.” With the representative EVH 5150III settings, the basic approach involves avoiding excessive distortion while properly lifting the midrange to prevent burial in the band sound.

Regarding specific EQ balance, the low end isn’t overly emphasized on the amplifier side, leaving that responsibility to the bass and drums to maintain overall band cohesion. The midrange (particularly around 800Hz to 1.5kHz) is well-maintained to allow cutting and strumming nuances to project forward. The high end receives moderate boost around 3kHz to ensure rhythmic attack clarity and definition.

Additionally, multi-effects processors (FM9 and HELIX) provide tonal variety through preset switching for each song. For example, songs like “Thrill” with strong rock characteristics likely use high-gain presets, while riff-centered songs like “REAL EXISTENCE” probably utilize more crunch-oriented channels. Particularly when both guitars play simultaneously, her guitar likely emphasizes midrange slightly more than KANAMI’s to differentiate sonic character.

Compression processing plays an important role, as Miku’s rhythm guitar needs to maintain consistent dynamics while supporting stable strumming. Light application of the FM9’s internal compressor likely organizes attack and helps chord definition separate more clearly. Reverb is kept minimal, relying on the venue’s natural acoustics, with occasional short delay supplementing spatial elements as needed.

From a PA and mixing perspective, stereo positioning is crucial. With BAND-MAID’s twin guitar setup, Miku’s guitar is positioned to one side while KANAMI occupies the other, creating dimensional sound. EQ processing here involves cutting low frequencies to avoid vocal conflicts while maintaining substantial midrange for presence. Live mixing likely involves PA-side adjustment of the 3kHz to 5kHz range to prevent guitar from overpowering vocals.

Since some songs feature her chorus work, care is taken to prevent guitar sound from excessive bleeding into vocal microphones, requiring consideration of amplifier volume and cabinet positioning. Stage positioning, including physical placement, functions as part of “design that balances sound with performance.”

Overall, Miku’s tone crafting operates on three levels: “simple amplifier distortion foundation with emphasized midrange for chord projection,” “multi-effects processors providing song-specific textural switching,” and “PA-side frequency management for overall blend,” as can be reasonably assumed.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone【BAND-MAID・Miku Kobato】

Miku Kobato’s sound features high-gain characteristics while maintaining clear definition, with midrange-forward, rhythm-focused guitar tone. Therefore, from the perspective of “recreating sonic character without professional ZEMAITIS guitars or EVH amplifiers,” combining commercially available equipment accessible to beginners and intermediate players proves effective. Below are cost-effective options centered around the 1-5万円 range (up to 10万円), reflecting actual characteristics while maintaining high cost-performance.

For amplifier simulation, the “BOSS GT-1000CORE” and “Line 6 POD Go” come highly recommended. Despite their compact size, these units feature diverse amplifier models and can emulate EVH 5150-series high-gain sounds. The POD Go particularly offers simple operation suitable for live performance and home recording, making it ideal as a first multi-effects processor.

For distortion effects, the “BOSS DS-1X” and “MXR Super Badass Distortion” excel at recreating EVH-style defined distortion. The DS-1X provides more modern, clear sound compared to the standard DS-1, with chord definition that doesn’t become muddy, making it well-suited for rhythm guitar applications.

Furthermore, compressors prove effective for stabilizing chord definition. The “BOSS CS-3” and “MXR Dyna Comp” offer user-friendly operation at reasonable prices, organizing attack dynamics to achieve Miku-like stroke consistency.

For spatial effects, lightly adding “TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 (reverb)” or “BOSS DD-8 (delay)” helps blend with overall band sound. While multi-effects processor internal spatial effects suffice for approaching authentic tones, assembling individual pedals maintains cost control while expanding versatility.

Overall, configuring “multi-effects processors for amplifier modeling while emphasizing distortion and compression, with restrained spatial effects” enables BAND-MAID-like thick rhythm guitar realization. Assembling these components should achieve sufficient “Miku Kobato-style” tone approximation for 5-10万円.

Type	Equipment Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Best Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
ギター用マルチエフェクター	Line 6 POD Go	Line 6	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Capable of recreating EVH-series high-gain. User-friendly interface for beginners.
ギター用マルチエフェクター	BOSS GT-1000CORE	BOSS	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Compact high-performance model. Suitable for live and home recording.
ディストーション	BOSS DS-1X	BOSS	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Achieves modern distortion without crushing chord definition.
ディストーション	MXR Super Badass Distortion	MXR	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Wide gain adjustment range. Can approach EVH-style textures.
コンプレッサー	BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer	BOSS	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Ensures stroke stability. User-friendly for beginners.
コンプレッサー	MXR Dyna Comp	MXR	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Simple and classic. Emphasizes chord definition when combined with distortion.
リバーブ	TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2	TC Electronic	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Perfect for lightly adding spatial dimension. Effective for small live venues.
ディレイ	BOSS DD-8	BOSS	Find on Amazon	BAND-MAID	Miku Kobato	Versatile digital delay. Effective for spatial processing.

Summary and Conclusion【BAND-MAID・Miku Kobato】

Summarizing Miku Kobato’s tone crafting, her approach is characterized by “stability that supports the entire band as a rhythm guitarist” combined with “stage presence that creates glamorous impact.” Rather than focusing on technical shredding or solos, she plays the crucial role of forming the song’s framework through riffs and chord work, resulting in tone crafting that emphasizes this foundational “bedrock” mentality through solid design principles.

Specifically, she centers her sound around the EVH 5150III for high-gain yet cutting tone, while using multi-effects processors like the Fractal Audio FM9 and Line 6 HELIX to flexibly switch tones for each song. This approach enables versatility across BAND-MAID’s diverse musical styles—from hard rock and metal-oriented riff-heavy songs to pop and catchy numbers—demonstrating remarkable adaptability.

Regarding guitars, her strong connection with ZEMAITIS represents her most distinctive characteristic. Through multiple ZEMAITIS guitars featuring luxurious engravings and decorations, including her self-designed signature model “Flappy Pigeon,” she establishes expression that encompasses not just sound but “visual impact” as well. This approach of “characterizing the instrument itself” represents a unique quality not found among other guitarists.

Concerning EQ and settings, she avoids excessive low and high frequencies while maintaining substantial midrange to balance “supporting vocal roles” with “rhythmic clarity.” This proves crucial in mixing aspects as well, with careful frequency management to prevent conflicts with KANAMI, her twin guitar partner, thereby organizing the stage sound effectively.

For beginners and intermediate players seeking tone recreation, centering around multi-effects processors while emphasizing midrange-boosted distortion settings proves essential. Even with affordable commercial models, achieving “Miku Kobato-style rhythm guitar sound” becomes entirely feasible. While recreating ZEMAITIS’s luxurious decorations may prove challenging, sonic reproduction remains well within reach through thoughtful equipment choices.

In conclusion, the essence of Miku Kobato’s tone crafting lies in “balancing glamour with reliability.” Her style of supporting the band while maintaining stage-worthy sound and visuals represents a crucial element supporting BAND-MAID’s worldview, creating significant appeal for both fans and guitarists alike.