Introduction (Overview of Tone)
Aimyon, a highly popular singer-songwriter, is known for her music that resonates deeply with listeners through simple yet profound melodies and lyrics, combined with a warm acoustic sound. Her approach to guitar tone is focused on creating sounds that enhance her vocals, emphasizing natural and soft tones over flashy effects.
In her representative songs like “Marigold” and “Hadaka no Kokoro,” the chord work may be simple, but the tones produced by her guitar are rich and blend seamlessly with her voice. The sound is solid yet not harsh, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue. This is the essence of her guitar sound.
During live performances, she primarily uses an acoustic guitar, ensuring it stands out even when amplified through a PA system. The choice of guitar, pickups, and microphones all contribute to a tone that is both delicate and powerful.
Notably, she frequently uses iconic acoustic guitars such as the Gibson J-45 Standard and Martin 0-18. These models balance a rich low-end with bright highs, making them ideal instruments for enhancing a singer-songwriter’s voice.
In her tone crafting, the material and thickness of her picks are also crucial. Initially, she used the Jim Dunlop Tortex Standard Orange 0.6mm, which provided a lively and clear acoustic sound. Since 2019, she has adopted her original triangle picks, achieving a more stable stroke and deeper sound.
Thus, Aimyon’s guitar sound embodies the philosophy of being “simple yet profound” and “supportive of the song rather than flashy.” Understanding the gear she uses can provide valuable insights into achieving a natural and warm acoustic sound similar to hers.
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List of Amplifiers and Features
Aimyon primarily operates with an acoustic guitar, so her style does not rely on large amplifiers like electric guitarists. However, during live performances and television appearances, she enhances her sound through amplifiers and DI boxes to ensure a balanced sound throughout the venue.
There are several instances where VOX amplifiers have been spotted in her setup. VOX amps are favored for their mid-range characteristics, allowing for a sound that retains the warmth of the acoustic while projecting well, making them a popular choice among singer-songwriters. The VOX AC series, in particular, is known for its jangly and bright tones, which complement the bright sound of acoustic guitars.
In live settings, she often sends her sound directly to the PA through a DI (direct box), making the combination of the pickup and DI more critical than the amplifier’s tone itself. Specifically, pickup systems like the L.R. Baggs Anthem and Element Active rely heavily on the PA, suggesting that she collaborates closely with sound engineers to adjust for a natural and expansive sound.
Additionally, in studio recordings, she often captures her guitar sound using condenser microphones instead of amplifiers, maintaining a natural acoustic feel while applying EQ and compression as needed. Therefore, her recording sound is characterized more by the fusion of miking and pickups rather than any amplifier coloration.
In summary, Aimyon’s use of amplifiers serves as a supportive element during live performances, with the main focus on the acoustic guitar and pickup system. By selecting amps like VOX that excel in the mid-range, she avoids conflicts between her voice and guitar, creating a balanced sound image.
Gear | Brand | AmazonURL | Band | Guitarist | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VOX AC Series (Assumed) | VOX | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Speculated to be used in live and studio settings. Known for good mid-range clarity, compatible with acoustic sounds. |
Direct Box (DI, model unknown) | L.R.Baggs / Radial (Assumed) | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Used for direct connection to PA. Essential for maintaining the acoustic range. |
Types of Guitars Used and Features
The core of Aimyon’s sound lies in her choice of acoustic guitars. The main instruments frequently featured in her live performances and recordings are the iconic Gibson J-45 Standard (Vintage Sunburst). This model offers a perfect balance of warm mid-low frequencies and bright highs, making it a staple for singer-songwriters. She equips this guitar with an L.R.Baggs Anthem pickup, ensuring a natural sound that stands out even in live settings.
Another significant model is the Martin 0-18. Its smaller body produces a delicate and soft resonance, particularly effective in ballads and acoustic-centric songs. Tracks like “Harunohi” and “Futaba” showcase this guitar’s ability to deliver a sound that gently accompanies emotional expressions. This model also features the L.R.Baggs Anthem, maintaining a natural sound in live environments.
Additionally, Aimyon has been seen using the Martin 000-28, confirmed in the song “Mangetsu no Yoru nara.” This model comes standard with a Fishman pickup, making it a reliable choice for live performances. The 000 size offers a fuller sound compared to the 0-18, resonating well in both strumming and single-note playing, aligning perfectly with Aimyon’s musical style.
Before her debut and until around 2018, she primarily used the Japanese brand HISTORY’s NT301. Known for its cedar top’s softness and the high precision typical of Fujigen-made instruments, this guitar supported her early natural sound. She also incorporated higher-end models like the HISTORY NT-C/R, which were likely equipped with L.R.Baggs pickups for live use.
Moreover, there are several unspecified Martin 000 models that she has used, suggesting a selection based on the song or tour. Her preference for smaller guitars indicates a focus on “size that does not interfere with her voice” and “balanced range,” suitable for her singer-songwriter style.
Aimyon skillfully balances classic international brands with domestic options, choosing guitars that align with her goal of “simple yet enhancing the song.” Her selection exemplifies an ideal integration of the player’s character and sound.
Gear | Brand | AmazonURL | Band | Guitarist | Type | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gibson J-45 Standard (Vintage Sunburst) | Gibson | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Guitar | Main model used. Equipped with L.R.Baggs Anthem. Used in live and TV performances. |
Martin 0-18 | Martin | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Guitar | Used in “Harunohi” and “Futaba.” Equipped with L.R.Baggs Anthem. |
Martin 000-28 | Martin | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Guitar | Confirmed in “Mangetsu no Yoru nara.” Standard equipped with Fishman pickup. |
HISTORY NT301 | HISTORY | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Guitar | Main model used from pre-debut to around 2018. Cedar top. |
HISTORY NT-C/R | HISTORY | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Guitar | Flagship model from HISTORY. Equipped with L.R.Baggs pickup. |
Martin 000 (Model Unknown) | Martin | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Guitar | Details unknown but used in electric acoustic configurations. Speculated to appear in multiple songs. |
Effects and Pedalboard Setup
Aimyon is primarily an acoustic artist, so she does not have a complex pedalboard like electric guitarists. However, she incorporates essential gear to stabilize her acoustic sound, maintain accurate tuning, and minimize noise during live performances.
One of the key components is the KORG Pitchblack Advance, a reliable pedal tuner used by many artists. It features a highly visible display and precise tuning capabilities. For an artist focused on live performance, accurate pitch is crucial for overall sound stability, making this tuner indispensable.
Additionally, she uses a power supply like the One Control Minimal Series DC Porter. This ensures stable power supply during live performances, resulting in clear sound with minimal noise. Acoustic guitars are particularly sensitive to noise, making this enhancement critical.
Her main pickup system is the L.R.Baggs Anthem, although she initially used the Element Active. These systems serve as “acoustic effects,” allowing the natural sound of the guitar to shine while minimizing feedback and sending a natural sound to the PA. Fishman pickups are also found in some Martin models, and when combined with DI, they create Aimyon’s unique live sound.
In the studio, she often relies on condenser microphones and miking techniques rather than effects. This minimalist approach to her pedalboard emphasizes “maximizing sound with minimal tools.” Effects like reverb and delay are typically added at the PA or mixing stage, so they are not usually part of her on-stage setup. Thus, her pedalboard consists of a “tuner,” “power supply,” and “DI,” making it very simple.
In summary, Aimyon’s pedalboard is specialized for acoustic performance, focusing on support equipment that preserves the naturalness of her voice and guitar rather than utilizing distortion or modulation effects like electric guitarists. This approach contributes to the clarity and stability of her sound.
Gear | Brand | AmazonURL | Band | Guitarist | Effect Type | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KORG Pitchblack Advance | KORG | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Tuner | A highly precise and visible pedal tuner, essential for live performances. |
One Control Minimal Series DC Porter | One Control | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Power Supply | Provides stable power for live pedal setups, crucial for noise management. |
L.R.Baggs Anthem | L.R.Baggs | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Effect | A pickup system that reproduces natural sound. Installed in J-45 and 0-18. |
L.R.Baggs Element Active (Initial Setup) | L.R.Baggs | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Effect | System used in J-45 until around 2019. |
Fishman Piezo Pickup (Standard) | Fishman | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Acoustic Effect | Equipped in Martin 000-28. Provides natural sound quality for live use. |
Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches
Aimyon’s sound emphasizes the “unity of voice and acoustic guitar.” She avoids complex effects and excessive EQ processing, focusing instead on enhancing the natural resonance of the acoustic instrument. Thus, her tone crafting revolves around selecting the guitar body and pickup system, along with EQ and mixing techniques during live performances.
Her primary pickup systems, such as the L.R.Baggs Anthem and Element Active, are designed to maintain the natural tone of the acoustic while minimizing feedback. In live settings, low frequencies can easily cause feedback, so FOH (front-of-house) engineers often cut frequencies below 80Hz using a high-pass filter, resulting in clearer sound and preventing interference with her vocals.
In terms of EQ, she tends to slightly reduce the midrange around 500Hz to 800Hz to alleviate muddiness, allowing the guitar’s strumming to cut through more effectively. Conversely, boosting the presence range from 2kHz to 5kHz enhances the nuances of picking and the clarity of strumming, adding a refreshing quality to the overall sound. This adjustment helps achieve a sound balance where the voice and guitar coexist without clashing.
Moreover, reverb is typically not applied excessively to the guitar itself during live performances; instead, it is added by the PA system according to the venue’s size. Overdoing reverb can compromise the clarity of the lyrics, so it is kept to a minimum to maintain spatial quality. Delay is also generally not used, as she prefers a straightforward sound.
In recording, she combines not only the pickup output but also miking with condenser microphones to capture a more natural and airy tone. Typically, she employs stereo recording with one mic near the bridge and another near the 12th fret, blending the pickup signal to achieve a balance between attack and airiness.
In mixing, the guitar is not always centered but may be panned slightly left or right depending on the arrangement, allowing the vocals to stand out in the center while the guitar creates a sense of space. Particularly in acoustic-centered songs like “Marigold,” the guitar is positioned to envelop the vocals, creating a cohesive balance.
EQ settings may vary slightly between strumming and arpeggio-based songs. For strumming, she tends to reduce low-end frequencies to emphasize attack, while for arpeggios, she retains some low-end to enhance the thickness of the sound and emphasize the song’s emotional depth.
In conclusion, Aimyon’s tone crafting is centered around “maximizing the natural resonance of the acoustic without unnecessary embellishments.” The PA and engineers build the mix around her voice, positioning the guitar alongside it to create a simple yet rich sound.
Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone
Aimyon’s sound is centered around high-end acoustic guitars and expensive pickup systems like L.R.Baggs, but beginners and intermediate players can achieve a similar vibe using more affordable gear. Here, we will introduce alternatives that can be acquired for around $100 to $500, focusing on recreating the tonal direction.
For acoustic guitars, the YAMAHA FG/FS series is highly recommended. The “FG820,” in particular, offers rich low-end and strong strumming capabilities, with a warm tone that is suitable for singer-songwriter use. Compared to Martin or Gibson, it is more budget-friendly while providing a balanced sound. If a smaller size is preferred, the “FS820” is also a great option. This series closely resembles the sound of the Martin 0-18 or 000 size.
Regarding pickups, while L.R.Baggs products are expensive, Fishman’s “Presys Blend” and “Sonitone” are excellent, more affordable alternatives. The “Presys Blend” allows blending between piezo and mic, helping achieve a natural sound similar to the Anthem. These can be retrofitted to existing acoustics, making them cost-effective for live use.
For tuners, the KORG Pitchblack mini is a great budget alternative to the Pitchblack Advance. It offers excellent visibility and accurate tuning, making it suitable for stage use. It is also a highly effective first pedal for beginners.
As for power supplies, alternatives to One Control include “Caline CP-05” or “Joyo JP-05.” These options are priced under $100 and can reliably power multiple pedals, making them a safe choice for future pedalboard expansions.
For picks, using Jim Dunlop Tortex Triangle 0.6mm can replicate the feel of her original picks, providing a soft and acoustic-friendly articulation. This pick is especially user-friendly for beginners during strumming.
Overall, even with affordable alternative gear, the key to achieving Aimyon’s sound lies in “EQ and playing style.” Depending on the choice of guitar and pick, one can get close to her natural and warm sound. Even beginners can recreate this essence in live performances or home playing.
Type | Gear | Brand | AmazonURL | Band | Guitarist | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acoustic Guitar | YAMAHA FG820 | YAMAHA | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Rich low-end and balanced sound. Affordable option to experience tones similar to Gibson J-45 or Martin. |
Acoustic Guitar | YAMAHA FS820 | YAMAHA | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Smaller body for high playability, closely resembling the sound of Martin 0-18. |
Pickup | Fishman Presys Blend | Fishman | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Affordable alternative to L.R.Baggs Anthem, capable of reproducing natural sound. |
Tuner | KORG Pitchblack mini | KORG | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Budget-friendly yet high-precision pedal tuner. Ideal for beginners. |
Power Supply | Caline CP-05 | Caline | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Cost-effective alternative to One Control, providing stable power with minimal noise. |
Pick | Jim Dunlop Tortex Triangle 0.6mm | Jim Dunlop | Find on Amazon | Aimyon | Aimyon | Similar feel to her original picks, suitable for strumming. |
Summary and Conclusion
The essence of Aimyon’s sound crafting lies in her pursuit of “the natural resonance of the guitar” and “a sound that complements her vocals,” without relying on flashy effects or complex gear setups. As seen in her live performances, her pedalboard is quite simple, consisting mainly of a tuner, power supply, and DI. She uses reliable pickup systems on her guitars, collaborating with PA and recording engineers to finalize her sound.
Her choice of guitars centers around classics like the Gibson J-45 and Martin 0-18, which she selects based on the song or performance context. These models are staples for singer-songwriters, offering a balanced range and sound quality that enhances her vocals. Including her early HISTORY guitars, she has consistently chosen instruments that best suit her voice.
Furthermore, her approach to EQ and mixing reflects a philosophy of “removing unnecessary frequencies” and “creating a balance that does not interfere with her vocals.” Particularly, managing frequencies around 500Hz to 800Hz and organizing low-end frequencies are crucial points in establishing her sound. As a result, her guitar and voice resonate naturally in the same field, delivering a tone that is gentle and accessible to listeners.
Additionally, her choice of picks is part of her sound crafting. The Jim Dunlop Tortex 0.6mm and her original picks have been essential elements in producing lively strumming and clear articulation. The simplicity in her gear selection embodies thoughtful craftsmanship that supports her sound’s individuality.
In summary, Aimyon’s sound crafting is grounded in a minimalist philosophy of “maximizing expression with minimal gear.” Beginners can get close to her sound by using affordable acoustic guitars and appropriate EQ adjustments. The key is not to gather expensive gear but to find a sound that complements one’s own voice.
If you aim to achieve a sound like Aimyon’s, start with a simple acoustic guitar, a pickup that enhances natural resonance, and a tuner that maintains accurate pitch. By exploring sounds that best suit your voice while focusing on the “unity of song and guitar,” you can capture the essence of her sound crafting.
Ultimately, Aimyon’s sound is not about “the quantity or flashiness of gear” but rather “the depth found within simplicity.” Understanding this is the greatest hint for recreating her sound.
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