[A.O.I] How to Recreate the SHAZNA Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

SHAZNA’s guitarist, A.O.I, is known for his unique sound within the 90s visual kei scene. His tone is characterized by a bright, shimmering quality, combined with a “wavy” lead sound created using wah and whammy pedals, as well as the beauty of his clean tones.

In the iconic song “Melty Love,” A.O.I’s clean arpeggios create a captivating sound that envelops the entire composition with transparent chord work. Conversely, during live performances of songs like “Promise Eve,” the powerful distortion through Marshall amplifiers forms the backbone of the music.

A.O.I’s sound is built around ESP signature models, particularly the ESP AC-I, which plays a crucial role in his live presence. He also utilizes the Navigator N-ST for drop-tuned songs and the ESP LACHESIS series for that sharp sound typical of the 90s.

Since 2017, his pedalboard has been centered around the Providence PEC-2, showcasing his preference for domestic pedals like Boot-Leg and Maxon. This setup ensures high reproducibility and stability in his live sound.

His sound embodies both brilliance and depth, forming a significant element of SHAZNA’s pop and fantastical world.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of SHAZNA

List of Amplifiers and Features

A.O.I’s choice of amplifiers reflects the typical setup of 90s visual kei guitarists, primarily featuring Marshall stacks. The “Marshall JCM900 Model4100” is the most frequently used amp head during live performances, producing a bright yet finely detailed distortion that supports the band’s ethereal sound.

He pairs this with the “Marshall 1960A” cabinet, a classic 4×12 setup that combines powerful low-end with clear mids and highs. This combination allows for a sound that is lush in clean settings and thick when distorted.

His rack system also shows attention to detail, incorporating the KORG DTR-1 as a tuner and the SAMSON UR-5DJ as a wireless system. This setup enables freedom of movement during live performances, supporting A.O.I’s dynamic stage presence.

While it is assumed that he used other Marshall models and the JCM2000 in studios during the late 90s, the confirmed combination of the JCM900 and 1960A remains pivotal. The JCM900 is particularly significant as it was a staple in the visual kei band scene, symbolizing A.O.I’s signature tone.

This choice of amplifiers aligns perfectly with SHAZNA’s sound, which is both brilliant and well-separated, allowing A.O.I to cover a wide range from clean tones to distorted leads during live performances. Thus, it can be inferred that A.O.I’s sound is fundamentally built around Marshall amplifiers.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

A.O.I’s guitar playing is defined by a range of ESP signature models. From the debut period in 1997 with the “LACHESIS series” to the later “AC series” and the recent “.1 [dot one]” models, his career has been shaped alongside ESP.

The early “ESP LACHESIS-I” features a luxurious specification with a quilted maple top and alder back, equipped with EMG SA and EMG81 active pickups. This model aims for the sharp and clear sound typical of 90s visual kei, frequently used in live performances of songs like “Melty Love.” The subsequent “ESP LACHESIS-II” includes Seymour Duncan SSL-3×2 and SH-4 pickups, with a PU split switch added for versatility in sound creation.

His main guitar, the “ESP AC-I,” is crucial during SHAZNA’s peak activity. It features an alder body with Seymour Duncan APS-1/APS-2 and SH-4 pickups, balancing bright clean tones with powerful leads. With a 5-way selector and rear PU split, it adapts flexibly to both pop and hard songs. The “ESP AC-II,” used as a secondary guitar, shares similar specifications, offering a more Strat-like sound with SSL-1×2 and SH-4 pickups.

Additionally, the “Navigator N-ST” is used for drop-tuned songs, featuring a surf green finish that has been refinished to natural. This Strat-type guitar possesses the crispness typical of traditional single coils, confirmed in live footage from the late 90s.

Furthermore, ESP has introduced the “.1 [dot one] exl.” signature model with a 666mm scale, which has become a symbol of A.O.I’s later sound due to its unique design and tension. Collectively, these guitars are pivotal in shaping his sound while reflecting the musical trends of their respective eras.

Overall, it can be inferred that A.O.I achieves SHAZNA’s fantastical and shimmering soundscape by skillfully utilizing a range of ESP guitars.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

A.O.I’s pedalboard has remained largely stable since 2017, featuring the Providence PEC-2 at its core. The PEC-2 is a programmable switcher that allows for instant switching between multiple effects, making it indispensable for SHAZNA’s diverse repertoire.

For distortion, the board is centered around Boot-Leg, with the “Gain Helper GHP-1.0” used as a booster for clean boosts and enhancing sound pressure during leads. The “Jaw Breaker JBK-1.0” provides a thicker, more pronounced overdrive. Additionally, the Maxon D&S II adds a rougher distortion, allowing for varied distortion characteristics for different songs.

In terms of spatial effects, A.O.I favors the BOSS DD-5, connecting it with the FS-5U for tap tempo control over delay times. This setup is crucial for creating echoing phrases that support SHAZNA’s ethereal sound. The addition of the LINE6 M5 allows for a variety of modulation effects, including chorus and reverb. It is also noted that during the 90s, he used early Yamaha chorus and whammy pedals, which contributed to the “wavy” sound in his lead playing.

For tuning, he employs the KORG DT-7, and more recently, the Digitech Drop has been introduced to switch between drop tunings instantly. This flexibility allows him to perform songs without needing to change guitars, especially with the Navigator N-ST.

Power supply stability is ensured to minimize noise during live performances. As a result, A.O.I’s sound seamlessly transitions between brilliant cleans and thick distortions during SHAZNA’s shows. This selection of gear emphasizes a rational approach focused on reproducibility and stability, leading to a pedalboard characterized by “diverse yet organized sound creation.”

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

The essence of A.O.I’s sound lies in his ability to balance bright cleans and thick distortions, switching seamlessly between them for different songs. The combination of the Marshall JCM900 and ESP signature models allows for sound creation that not only focuses on the guitar’s tone but also harmonizes with the overall band ensemble.

In EQ settings, during clean tones, he slightly reduces the mids while emphasizing treble to achieve a sparkling quality in arpeggios. For songs like “Melty Love,” he often uses the front pickup or center position, expanding the sound with reverb and delay. In contrast, for leads or solos, he boosts the gain with the rear pickup and a booster, setting the mids thicker to ensure a prominent presence that complements the vocal melodies.

When switching amp channels, he typically uses the clean channel with effects for a dreamy sound, while the lead channel combined with a booster adds thickness. The combination with the Boot-Leg GHP-1.0 enhances sound pressure during solos, coloring the peaks of the songs. This approach allows A.O.I to maintain a strong guitar presence even in SHAZNA’s pop and vibrant compositions.

For mixing, he creates spatial depth by utilizing wide clean tones on the left and centered leads. For instance, in drop-tuned songs using the Navigator N-ST, he emphasizes the low end to support the band’s structure while the AC-I’s clean arpeggios color the mids and highs. It is also speculated that light compression is applied during PA or recording to refine the sound’s clarity.

Delay settings often involve a combination of quarter notes and dotted eighths on the BOSS DD-5, aiming for a “U2-like spaciousness” that envelops the entire song. Reverb is adjusted to be neither too deep nor too shallow, ensuring a sound that fits well within pop-oriented tracks.

Furthermore, past interviews and live recordings suggest that wah and whammy pedals are not merely effects but are used to create hooks within the songs. The “wavy” lead playing enhances SHAZNA’s fantastical image, adding spice to otherwise straightforward pop songs.

In summary, A.O.I’s sound creation is built upon three pillars: “brilliant cleans,” “thick and articulate distortion,” and “wavy leads.” His ability to switch between these elements while aligning with the band sound is a defining characteristic. Through these EQ and mixing techniques, SHAZNA’s unique, fantastical, and vibrant sound is achieved.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

A.O.I’s gear primarily consists of professional-grade equipment like ESP signature models and the Marshall JCM900. However, it is possible for beginners and intermediate players to approximate his sound at a more affordable price. Here, we introduce alternative equipment ranging from $100 to $500 that can recreate SHAZNA’s bright cleans and thick, articulate distortion.

For amplifiers, while acquiring a new Marshall JCM900 can be expensive, models like the “Marshall DSL20HR” or “Marshall Code series” can provide a sufficiently close sound. The DSL20HR, in particular, is a tube amp capable of achieving tones similar to the JCM series, making it suitable for home practice or small gigs.

Regarding guitars, since ESP signatures can be hard to find, alternatives like the “Edwards (ESP’s lower brand)” Strat-type or the Fender Japan Stratocaster are recommended. Choosing an SSH configuration with single coils and a humbucker makes it easier to switch between clean and distorted tones reminiscent of A.O.I’s sound.

For effects, instead of Boot-Leg, the “BOSS SD-1” or “BOSS OD-3” offer excellent cost-performance. They can be used for both booster and overdrive purposes, enhancing sound pressure during solos. Additionally, pairing them with the “BOSS DS-1” or “MXR Distortion+” can yield a rough distortion similar to the Maxon D&S II.

For delay, the “BOSS DD-8” is a recommended current model. It features tap tempo functionality, making it suitable for live use. If you’re looking for more multifunctionality, consider the “ZOOM MS-70CDR” or “LINE6 HX Stomp,” which can cover reverb and chorus effects in one unit.

For drop tuning, alternatives to the “Digitech Drop” include budget pitch shifters like the “Mooer Pitch Box” or “Donner Detune Pedal.” While there may be slight differences in tracking, they are practical for recreating SHAZNA’s repertoire.

In conclusion, to recreate A.O.I’s sound affordably, focus on acquiring “small Marshall amps,” “SSH-configured Strat-types,” and “BOSS distortion and delay effects.” By combining these elements, you can experience A.O.I’s brilliant and thick sound in a more accessible way.

Summary and Conclusion

A.O.I’s sound creation balances the flamboyance typical of visual kei guitarists with the flexibility needed for pop music. The ESP signature models he has used (LACHESIS → AC → .1 series) symbolize the sound of SHAZNA across different eras, always reflecting the band’s musicality in his setups.

The amplifier sound, centered around the Marshall JCM900 and 1960A cabinet, covers everything from bright, clear cleans to thick distortion. By skillfully combining boosters, distortions, and delays, A.O.I can manipulate the atmosphere of each song. His use of wah and whammy pedals to create “wavy leads” is a significant element that emphasizes his unique playing style.

Moreover, his sound creation is characterized by a “sense of balance within the ensemble.” It is meticulously crafted not just to stand out during solos but to support the overall world of SHAZNA. He colors songs with arpeggios, builds climaxes with leads, and adds depth with drop tunings and boosts—these roles are reflected in his choice of tones and EQ settings.

While it is possible to approximate his sound with modern gear at a lower cost, the core of A.O.I’s sound lies in how he combines the three elements of “brilliance,” “depth,” and “waviness.” Simply acquiring the same gear is not enough; understanding his intent and controlling the sound according to the song is paramount.

In summary, A.O.I’s sound creation is optimized to express SHAZNA’s fantastical and vibrant world, transcending the boundaries of individual guitar sound to become an “artistic design that supports the entire band’s music.” For guitarists aiming to recreate this sound, the key insight lies in “painting the atmosphere with sound.”