[Kenichi Tahara] – How to Recreate the Mr.Children Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Kenichi Tahara, guitarist of the legendary Japanese rock band Mr.Children, has been shaping the group’s music for over 30 years since its formation. He is not the kind of flashy player who seeks the spotlight, yet his guitar work has always been the backbone of the band’s sound, adding depth, atmosphere, and emotion to their songs.

Tahara’s guitar tone is often described as “delicate yet honest.” Instead of relying on fast technique or flashy solos, his style emphasizes the space between notes, subtle chord voicings, and the layering of tones. For example, in the iconic track Owarinaki Tabi (Endless Journey), his reverb-drenched delay lines set the song’s emotional tone. Meanwhile, in Namonaki Uta, his tremolo-infused arpeggios define the song’s dreamy texture.

His setup typically combines vintage-style guitars such as Fender and Gibson with carefully chosen effects and amplifiers that excel at delivering shimmering cleans and warm crunch. In particular, boutique amplifiers like Divided by 13 or vintage Fender amps highlight his preference for amps that “breathe” naturally, emphasizing musical resonance rather than sheer volume.

Rather than pursuing gear for showmanship, Tahara selects equipment that “blends seamlessly into the music.” Depending on the context—be it live performance or studio recording—he adapts his guitars, amps, and pedals with flexibility, layering sounds that ultimately create the signature depth of Mr.Children’s arrangements.

This article explores Kenichi Tahara’s tone across seven perspectives: his core gear, amplifier choices, guitars, pedals, EQ settings, affordable alternatives, and an overall conclusion. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or an aspiring guitarist hoping to master the art of supportive playing, these insights will guide you closer to his sound.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Mr.Children

List of Amplifiers and Features

One of the key pillars of Kenichi Tahara’s guitar sound lies in his amplifier choices. His approach is the opposite of high-gain, aggressive tones—instead, he prioritizes blending seamlessly with the song. Among his most notable amp preferences in recent years is the boutique brand Divided by 13. Handcrafted in California, these amps are highly regarded for delivering a luxurious middle ground between clean and crunch tones, making them a favorite among professional guitarists worldwide.

The models most often associated with Tahara are the Divided by 13 RSA 31 and FTR 37. Both of these amps offer a vintage-inspired foundation combined with modern reliability and responsiveness. Their defining characteristic is the “airiness” of the tone: a shimmering clarity combined with a warm body. This quality perfectly matches Mr.Children’s music, which often balances quiet introspection with bursts of emotional intensity.

In earlier live performances and studio recordings, Tahara was also seen using amps like the Fender Deluxe Reverb. Known for its sparkling cleans and mild breakup when pushed, this amp suits ballads and songs with heavy use of ambient effects, helping Tahara craft atmospheric layers without overwhelming the band’s mix.

Rather than relying on amp distortion alone, Tahara treats the amplifier as the foundation of his tone. He lightly boosts the front end with pedals such as overdrives and boosters to add definition. This allows his chord strumming and arpeggios to stand out clearly in the mix without overpowering the vocals or other instruments.

Below is a table summarizing amplifiers confirmed to have been used by Kenichi Tahara, as well as their tonal characteristics:

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Band	Guitarist	Notes
RSA 31	Divided by 13	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Balances shimmering cleans with smooth crunch. A live staple in recent Mr.Children tours.
FTR 37	Divided by 13	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Known for its bright top end and strong midrange. Suitable for both rhythm and lead textures.
Deluxe Reverb	Fender	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Classic clean amp with mild breakup. Frequently used in studio recordings and ballads.

From these choices, we can assume that Tahara’s amp philosophy emphasizes creating a supportive and warm foundation, rather than dominating the band’s overall mix. His selections reflect a strong focus on musicality and nuance, rather than sheer power or distortion. This balance of vintage character and modern practicality is what makes his amplifier setup unique, or at least this is the most reasonable assumption based on available evidence.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

Kenichi Tahara’s guitar collection reflects a remarkable level of diversity. He is not a guitarist who relies on one single main guitar; instead, he switches between multiple instruments depending on the arrangement, recording situation, or live performance needs. This flexibility matches Mr.Children’s wide-ranging musical styles, spanning rock, pop, ballads, and even electronic-tinged arrangements.

Among his most recognizable guitars are the Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul, and Gibson ES-335, all models known for their vintage charm and tonal reliability. In more recent years, he has also been seen frequently playing semi-hollow models such as the Epiphone Casino and Gibson ES-355, adding warmth and depth to his live performances.

Tahara’s approach to playing guitars is less about dominating the mix and more about placing tonal “layers” within the band’s sound. Even when playing fewer notes, his choice of instrument adds emotional weight and spatial presence. Semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars, for example, often appear in songs that require a more atmospheric or jazz-influenced approach, creating a floating, immersive quality in the music.

Below is a table summarizing his confirmed guitar lineup, along with their tonal features and usage contexts:

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Band	Guitarist	Type of Guitar	Notes
Telecaster LPB	Fender	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Telecaster	Blue finish. Ideal for crunchy rhythm cutting.
Les Paul Standard Cherry Sunburst	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Les Paul	Rich midrange sustain. Used in rock-oriented songs such as “Owarinaki Tabi.”
ES-355 Ebony Black	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Semi-hollow	Elegant look. Often used in ballads with ambient effects.
CASINO	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Hollow-body	Lightweight with bright tone. Matches well with pop arrangements.
Les Paul Standard Trans Amber	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Les Paul	Vivid finish, visually striking on stage.
Broadcaster Butterscotch Blonde	Fender	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Telecaster	Vintage-style tone with gritty attack.
Stratocaster Desert Sand	Fender	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Stratocaster	Bright, transparent cleans. Perfect for layered textures.
Jazzmaster	Fender	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Jazzmaster	Unique switching system. Great for psychedelic and ambient tones.
ASAT Classic 3TS	G&L	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Telecaster	Designed by Leo Fender. Strong mids and quick response.
Telecaster Thinline	Guitars R US	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Semi-hollow Telecaster	Lightweight with warm resonance.
Telecaster IBL	Guitars R US	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Telecaster	Indigo blue color. Sweet and clear tone.
Chet Atkins Country Gentleman	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Hollow-body	Responds delicately to picking dynamics. Used in ballads.
ES-335	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Semi-hollow	Versatile workhorse. Some models set up for half-step down tuning.
SG	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	SG	Lightweight and sharp. Great for riffs and aggressive rhythms.
DS-185	Seymour Duncan	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Pickup / Modified Guitar	Custom-installed. Thick tone with strong clarity.
Rickenbacker	Rickenbacker	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Semi-hollow	Bright, jangly top end. Ideal for shoegaze-inspired textures.

From this wide guitar arsenal, it is clear that Tahara values tonal variety and adaptability. Each guitar is selected to match the mood of a song, rather than to project a singular guitar identity. His choices suggest a philosophy of “serving the song first,” which is central to his reputation as Mr.Children’s understated yet indispensable sonic architect—or at least this is the most reasonable assumption based on the evidence available.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Kenichi Tahara’s choice of effects reveals his philosophy of “adding nuance rather than flash.” His pedalboard is not loaded with extreme or showy pedals. Instead, it focuses on overdrives, modulation, and ambience—subtle tools that allow him to enhance the atmosphere of a song without overpowering the mix. He uses effects not as gimmicks, but as instruments that “add air” and “shape resonance.”

One of the pedals most associated with him in recent years is the Bondi Effects Sick As Overdrive. This boutique overdrive is prized for its transparent midrange and touch-sensitive response. Tahara uses it to push his Divided by 13 amps slightly, adding just the right amount of edge to an otherwise clean-to-crunch setting. The result is a warm, expressive drive that reacts beautifully to his dynamics.

In earlier live setups, he was also seen using the BOSS GT-100, a professional-grade multi-effects unit. This processor features COSM amp modeling technology, making it a practical choice when carrying boutique amps was not possible—especially in regional tours or smaller venues. It reflects his pragmatic approach: while he prefers organic tones, he adapts when logistics require flexibility.

For ambient textures, Tahara often employs chorus, tremolo, and wah pedals. These add subtle movement and depth, particularly in ballads. For example, a gentle tremolo can breathe life into a slow arpeggio, while stereo chorus widens the mix in a way that complements Mr.Children’s lush arrangements. The wah pedal is typically reserved for expressive accents in solos or dynamic moments within a set.

While not every single pedal has been publicly identified, the general categories of his effects are clear. By studying his tones in context, we can reasonably infer the types of pedals he uses, even when exact models remain unconfirmed. Below is a list of confirmed and likely effects pedals associated with his board:

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Band	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
Sick As Overdrive	Bondi Effects	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Overdrive	Transparent drive. Adds warmth and touch sensitivity to clean/crunch tones.
GT-100	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Multi-effects	Professional processor with amp modeling. Often used in live setups when boutique rigs were impractical.
CE-2W	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Chorus	Warm, analog-style chorus. Stereo capability enhances spacious ballads.
TR-2	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Tremolo	Smooth tremolo. Used frequently in emotional ballads for subtle movement.
V847	VOX	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Wah Pedal	Classic wah pedal for expressive accents and dynamic peaks.

It is worth noting that Tahara’s pedalboard is not a fixed, unchanging setup. His selections often vary depending on the setlist and the atmosphere he wants to create in a particular performance. This flexibility suggests that he views pedals not as rigid tools, but as artistic extensions of the songs themselves. Based on available information, we can conclude that his pedalboard is designed to be functional, subtle, and expressive, rather than flashy or excessive.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

The essence of Kenichi Tahara’s tone lies not in sheer volume or distortion but in how his guitar is placed within the band’s overall soundscape. His guitar rarely takes center stage, yet it never disappears either. Instead, it contributes to the very texture of Mr.Children’s music—shaping the “air” of a song. This effect comes from his deliberate EQ choices, dynamic playing, and subtle mixing strategies.

On the amp side, Tahara tends to boost the mids slightly while keeping treble and bass restrained. This EQ balance maximizes the natural strengths of amps like the Divided by 13 RSA 31 and Fender Deluxe Reverb, producing tones that are warm, clear, and articulate without being piercing. The midrange emphasis ensures his parts cut through without overshadowing the vocals or keyboards.

Below is an approximate example of his typical EQ settings (using a Divided by 13 RSA 31 as a reference):

• Bass: 3–4 (kept tight to avoid muddiness)
• Middle: 6–7 (provides body and definition in the mix)
• Treble: 4–5 (rolled back to keep the tone smooth and non-harsh)
• Presence: around 4 (used sparingly to adjust overall airiness)

Equally important is his mastery of guitar volume and tone knob control. Tahara uses the knobs on his guitars as real-time tools, rolling back the volume for clean passages and pushing it forward for climaxes. For instance, the same guitar can deliver delicate arpeggios in a verse and then bold, crunchy strumming in the chorus—all without touching the amp or pedals. This hands-on approach adds nuance and musicality that is hard to replicate without careful listening and sensitivity.

In the studio, Tahara frequently layers multiple guitars on a single track. A common technique is recording the same phrase with both a Telecaster and a semi-hollow guitar, then panning them left and right to create depth and width. This method can be heard in ballads such as Shirushi or Hana no Nioi, where the stereo spread gives the arrangement a rich, three-dimensional feel.

Pedals are used minimally but effectively. The Bondi Effects Sick As Overdrive often acts as a subtle boost, fattening the cleans and adding a touch of grit. Modulation pedals like the BOSS CE-2W chorus and TR-2 tremolo are employed in stereo mixes to create gentle movement, further enhancing the band’s layered sound without calling attention to themselves.

Interestingly, Tahara does not rely heavily on onboard reverb or delay pedals. Instead, he often delegates ambience processing to the mixing engineer or PA team. By doing this, his pedalboard remains streamlined, and the overall sound is more adaptable to different venues and recording environments. This reflects Mr.Children’s ensemble philosophy: clarity and balance over unnecessary layering.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of his tone design is his dedication to being the band’s “spine” rather than the spotlight. When Kazutoshi Sakurai’s vocals and acoustic guitar take the forefront, Tahara provides a subtle midrange cushion. During climactic moments, he supports the energy with strong strumming or thick chord work, yet rarely steps forward with flashy solos. This restraint is a conscious artistic choice that defines Mr.Children’s sound.

In conclusion, Tahara’s EQ and mixing approach embodies a philosophy of “subtraction rather than addition.” By deliberately leaving space, he allows every element of the band to shine. This understated, highly refined sense of balance is what makes his tone so integral to Mr.Children’s music—or at least, this is the most reasonable interpretation based on available evidence.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Recreating Kenichi Tahara’s refined sound often involves boutique gear such as Divided by 13 amplifiers and Bondi Effects pedals. While these options deliver exceptional tone, they are not always practical for beginners or players on a budget. Fortunately, there are many affordable products in the $100–$500 range that can capture a similar essence of his sound. Below is a carefully selected lineup of gear that provides both accessibility and tonal resemblance.

These alternatives were chosen based on tonal character, playability, and cost-effectiveness. They may not be exact replicas of Tahara’s setup, but they allow players to approximate his shimmering cleans, warm crunch, and atmospheric textures without breaking the bank.

Type	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Band	Guitarist	Notes
Amp Simulator	Bantamp Atomic	Joyo	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Compact amp head capable of Divided by 13–like clean-to-crunch tones. Ideal for home practice or small studios.
Overdrive	BD-2 Blues Driver	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Provides transparent drive with boosted mids, similar to the Sick As Overdrive. Responds well to picking dynamics.
Multi-effects	G3n	Zoom	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Lighter and more affordable than the BOSS GT-100. Includes multiple amp models, modulation, and ambient effects.
Chorus	Mod Core Deluxe	NUX	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Offers analog-inspired chorus tones similar to the BOSS CE-2W. Excellent for widening clean passages.
Tremolo	JF-09 Tremolo	Joyo	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Affordable alternative to the BOSS TR-2. Produces smooth, vintage-style tremolo effects for ballads.
Semi-hollow Guitar	Dot	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	Mr.Children	Kenichi Tahara	Entry-level version of the Gibson ES-335. Delivers warm mids and airy resonance suitable for Tahara’s ballad tones.

By combining these affordable tools, guitarists can experiment with tone shaping in the spirit of Kenichi Tahara. The Joyo Bantamp Atomic provides the clean and lightly driven foundation, while the BOSS BD-2 adds subtle overdrive. Chorus and tremolo pedals fill out the atmospheric textures, and an Epiphone Dot semi-hollow covers the tonal territory of Tahara’s Gibson ES-335. These cost-effective choices demonstrate that with thoughtful gear selection, even budget-friendly setups can capture the essence of Mr.Children’s guitar sound.

Summary and Conclusion

Kenichi Tahara’s guitar style is not about showmanship or high-gain solos. Instead, his true artistry lies in designing space within the band’s sound. His playing is understated, but it is precisely this subtlety that makes his contribution indispensable. In Mr.Children, where Kazutoshi Sakurai’s voice and lyrics carry the emotional weight, Tahara’s guitar provides the atmosphere, warmth, and depth that complete the band’s identity.

His sound is defined by beautiful clean tones, restrained yet emotional modulation effects, and occasional tremolo or chorus textures that appear at the perfect moment. Together, these elements form what listeners often describe as the “warmth” of Mr.Children’s music. The balance between restraint and expression is at the heart of his sonic philosophy.

Tahara’s gear choices reflect a consistent pursuit of practicality and expression. Amps like Divided by 13 or Fender are not chosen simply for prestige—they are carefully selected for how they respond in specific songs and contexts. His wide guitar arsenal, ranging from Telecasters and Les Pauls to semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars, ensures he has the right tool for every mood. Each instrument serves a role, reinforcing his belief that gear should adapt to the music, not the other way around.

When it comes to tone shaping, his attention to detail is evident in EQ adjustments, pickup selection, and the sensitive use of volume and tone knobs. More than a list of settings, his approach is about listening and responding to the band in real time. This philosophy of “subtraction over addition” shows a deep maturity—removing excess to let the essential shine through.

For guitarists aiming to recreate Tahara’s sound, the most important lesson is not technical trickery but restraint. It is about understanding the song’s needs and shaping your tone to fit naturally within the arrangement. Tahara’s greatness lies in knowing when not to play, and in choosing sounds that make the whole band stronger rather than seeking the spotlight.

By exploring the gear, settings, and approaches outlined in this article, players can move closer to embodying the spirit of Mr.Children’s sound. Whether through boutique gear or affordable alternatives, what matters most is the mindset: aiming for tones that feel natural, supportive, and deeply musical. In doing so, your guitar will resonate not just in the mix, but in the hearts of listeners.

Ultimately, the philosophy behind Kenichi Tahara’s guitar work can be summed up as: “A guitar that doesn’t demand attention, yet remains essential.” Such a tone may not be flashy, but it reaches deep into the emotional core of the music—exactly where it matters most.