- 1. Introduction – Who is Ken Yokoyama?
- 2. Amplifiers Used by Ken Yokoyama (Hi-STANDARD)
- 3. Guitars Used by Ken Yokoyama
- 4. Effects and Pedalboard Configuration – Keep It Simple, Stay Powerful
- 5. Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Strategy – Less Is More
- 6. Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Recreate Ken Yokoyama’s Sound
- 7. Final Thoughts & Summary – The Simplicity of Power
1. Introduction – Who is Ken Yokoyama?
Ken Yokoyama is a legendary figure in Japan’s punk rock scene, known for his work with the iconic band Hi-STANDARD as well as his own solo project under the name ken yokoyama.
His guitar tone is marked by:
- High-energy rhythm work
- Sharp, cutting attack
- Melodic yet aggressive phrasing
These elements have inspired countless punk and alternative guitarists across Asia and beyond. His playing is a masterclass in simplicity and raw power, often driving songs with tightly packed riffs and singable leads.
2. Amplifiers Used by Ken Yokoyama (Hi-STANDARD)
At the heart of Ken’s sound is his amp setup—built to be powerful, punchy, and unmistakably Marshall.
His go-to amp is the Marshall DSL100, a modern classic known for blending vintage Marshall crunch with higher-gain versatility. This head is often paired with a Marshall 4×12 cabinet, delivering a wall of sound that cuts through live mixes.
The DSL100’s two-channel architecture offers:
- A clear and chimey clean tone
- A tight, mid-focused overdrive—ideal for punk rhythm and leads
Amp Setup Table
| Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Link | Band | Guitarist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSL100 Head | Marshall | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Used with a 4×12 cab on stage. Modern gain with Marshall’s classic tone. |
3. Guitars Used by Ken Yokoyama
⚡ Main Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Custom (White)
Ken’s signature axe is a white Gibson Les Paul Custom—a guitar that screams presence both visually and sonically. It’s equipped with humbuckers that deliver thick, authoritative tones, perfect for the powerful punk riffs he’s known for.
🌟 Secondary Option: Fender Telecaster
He occasionally switches things up with a Fender Telecaster, known for its sharp, snappy attack. This guitar excels in fast-tempo punk, offering a more cutting sound with brighter highs—ideal for certain Hi-STANDARD songs.
Guitar Setup Table
| Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Link | Band | Guitarist | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Paul Custom (White) | Gibson | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Electric Guitar | Known for vintage tone and iconic white finish. |
| Telecaster | Fender | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Electric Guitar | Bright tone and sharp attack; great for punk leads. |
4. Effects and Pedalboard Configuration – Keep It Simple, Stay Powerful
Ken Yokoyama’s pedalboard is the definition of minimalist punk rock gear: no fluff, no gimmicks—just the essentials that deliver raw, in-your-face tone.
His core sound is built around:
- BOSS DS-1 Distortion – the heart of his overdrive tone
- BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Tuner – for rock-solid tuning on stage
The DS-1 is a legendary compact distortion pedal, beloved for its aggressive, mid-heavy bite, perfect for punk power chords and crunchy solos. Ken uses it to push the front of his Marshall amp, adding gain and edge without muddying the tone.
Despite the minimal setup, it’s all about tone discipline—each component is selected for reliability, tone consistency, and stage simplicity.
Effects Setup Table
| Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Link | Band | Guitarist | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-1 Distortion | BOSS | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Distortion | Delivers raw, high-gain distortion tone |
| TU-3 Chromatic Tuner | BOSS | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Tuner | Essential for accurate live tuning |
5. Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Strategy – Less Is More
Ken’s EQ and tone settings reflect his stripped-down, high-impact philosophy:
🎛 Marshall DSL100 Settings
- Bass: 5
- Mid: 4
- Treble: 6
This setting balances presence and punch without overloading the mids, allowing his guitar to sit cleanly in the band mix. The slightly scooped mids offer clarity for both rhythm and lead playing.
⚙ DS-1 Pedal Settings
- Level: 12 o’clock
- Tone: 1 o’clock
- Distortion: 2 o’clock
These settings push the amp hard without losing articulation—producing a high-gain, razor-sharp tone that’s ideal for driving punk tracks.
🎚 In the Mix
In both live and recorded settings, Ken works closely with engineers to ensure the guitar remains forward in the mix—but never overbearing. His tones are:
- Tight and dry
- Loud but not harsh
- Centered in the stereo field for rhythmic impact
Songs like “Stay Gold” and “Dear My Friends” benefit from this guitar-focused production style—where clarity and aggression work hand in hand.
6. Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Recreate Ken Yokoyama’s Sound
You don’t need boutique gear to get close to Ken’s aggressive punk tone. With a few smart choices, you can dial in a similar sound using more affordable gear—perfect for beginners or players on a budget.
Recommended Affordable Gear
| Type | Gear Name | Manufacturer | Amazon Link | Band | Guitarist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar | Les Paul Custom | Epiphone | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Affordable Les Paul alternative; delivers warm, full tones |
| Amp | MG30GFX | Marshall | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | Classic Marshall tone in a budget combo amp |
| Distortion | Ultimate Drive (JF-02) | JOYO | Search on Amazon | Hi-STANDARD | Ken Yokoyama | High-gain distortion pedal at a fraction of the price of others |
These options offer great tonal character for their price. For instance:
- The Epiphone Les Paul Custom retains the full-body tone and iconic look of its Gibson counterpart
- The JOYO Ultimate Drive mimics a high-gain amp’s distortion at a fraction of the cost
- The Marshall MG30GFX brings classic Marshall crunch to bedroom or small-stage settings
With these tools, you can build a convincing version of Ken’s setup without breaking the bank.
7. Final Thoughts & Summary – The Simplicity of Power
Ken Yokoyama’s sound is a shining example of simplicity done right. His gear choices reflect a consistent philosophy: use only what’s necessary, and push it to the limit.
What defines Ken’s approach?
- Minimal gear, maximum tone
- Precision over complexity
- Clarity that blends with speed and emotion
He doesn’t rely on exotic pedals or flashy tech. Instead, he leans on classic tools, a powerful amp, and sharp rhythmic phrasing to deliver a timeless punk sound.
To emulate his tone:
- Start with a Les Paul-style guitar with humbuckers
- Pair it with a Marshall-style amp or emulator
- Add a basic distortion like the BOSS DS-1 or JOYO Ultimate Drive
- Focus on your picking attack, rhythm tightness, and melodic control
But tone alone isn’t the full picture—Ken’s feel and attitude are just as important. His sharp riffs and melodic sense define Hi-STANDARD’s energetic sound.
Why his style resonates:
- It’s honest: no overprocessing or excess
- It’s tight: well-mixed, no frequency fighting
- It’s musical: even fast punk riffs carry melody
Many guitarists admire Ken not just for his gear, but for how he uses it to express raw emotion and punk ethos. Learn from his mindset, and you’ll be well on your way to creating your own powerful voice.
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