[Kenta Kataoka] – How to Recreate the Sumika Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Kenta Kataoka, the frontman and guitarist of Sumika, is a modern player who moves seamlessly from delicate, warm clean tones to energetic funk-style strumming and emotional drive sounds. Because he balances both vocals and guitar, his playing style always prioritizes “guitar that supports the song,” favoring ensemble contribution over flashy solos.

In signature songs such as “Fiction” and “Negai,” he uses a clever mix of cutting and chord strokes to deliver a fresh, energetic sound. In tracks like “Sense of Wonder,” he relies on spatial effects to create a dreamy, expansive sonic image. This tonal diversity comes not only from his musical sensibility but also from his meticulous gear choices and mastery of their use.

On the gear side, he often uses custom guitars by psychederhythm, along with Fender Jazzmaster and Gibson ES-335, instruments known for their vintage-inspired tones. His main amplifier is the Fender Hot Rod Deville, typically set clean with drive added via pedals.

His pedalboard includes high-quality, stage-ready units from Free The Tone, Fulltone, and Eventide, reflecting a practical, reliable approach to live performance and sound consistency.

In this guide, we’ll dive into Kenta Kataoka’s actual gear choices, examining why he uses them, how they shape his tone, and how you can apply these insights to your own playing and rig setup.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Sumika

List of Amplifiers and Features

One of the most iconic elements supporting Kenta Kataoka’s guitar tone is the Fender Hot Rod Deville 410. This amplifier is loved for its sparkling Fender-style cleans, powerful output suited for live shows, and its fast response thanks to four 10-inch speakers.

In a band like Sumika, where the ensemble is rich and the vocals are the centerpiece, the guitar tone needs presence without being overbearing. The Hot Rod Deville excels here, offering just the right clarity to blend yet stand out.

Listen to songs such as “Fiction” or “Regret,” and notice how the cutting and chord strums never overpower but instead sit comfortably within the band mix. This balance highlights how the amp’s natural characteristics align perfectly with Kataoka’s playing approach.

It is widely noted that Kataoka keeps the amp clean and shapes his drive tones with pedals. This strategy leverages the Hot Rod Deville’s reputation as a “pedal-friendly” amp. Paired with Free The Tone’s high-grade drive pedals, it produces gain that is strong yet refined, easily dissolving into the band’s wider soundscape.

As for practice or secondary amps, it is assumed he may also use clean-focused models like the Fender Blues Junior or the Roland JC-120. The JC-120 in particular has a long history of pairing well with spatial effects, and because it is commonly found as a house amp in live venues, it is likely he has used it in rehearsal or smaller gigs.

When it comes to EQ, Kataoka is thought to prefer settings that slightly emphasize the mids (Treble around 12 o’clock, Middle around 2 o’clock, Bass around 11 o’clock), ensuring his guitar cuts through the mix. A touch of reverb adds depth, while delay is layered in when needed to create space.

In summary, Kataoka’s amp choices reflect three key priorities: beautiful cleans, great pedal compatibility, and stable performance in live settings. His setup embodies the philosophy of a guitar sound designed to support the vocals at the heart of Sumika’s music — as can be reasonably assumed.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Hot Rod Deville 410	Fender	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Confirmed usage. His signature amp for both live and recording.
JC-120 (assumed)	Roland	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Likely used in rehearsals and at venues with house amps. Excellent for spatial effects.
Blues Junior (assumed)	Fender	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Possible choice for studio practice or home recording sessions.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

Kenta Kataoka’s guitar selection combines striking visual appeal with expressive tonal versatility. Live footage, music videos, and interviews confirm a wide variety of guitars, reflecting the diversity of his playing style.

Most iconic are the custom builds from Tokyo-based brand psychederhythm. Models such as the Psychelone, Telemaster, and Thinline variants have become synonymous with Kataoka’s stage presence. These designs merge the spacious, atmospheric qualities of a Jazzmaster with the tight response of a Telecaster, creating a unique hybrid tone that matches Sumika’s fresh and colorful sound.

He also relies heavily on Fender guitars, including Jazzmasters (seen in white, Lake Placid Blue, and tortoiseshell finishes) and Telecasters, switching between them depending on the song. The Jazzmaster’s airy resonance and midrange character fit perfectly with Sumika’s pop-inspired arrangements, while the Telecaster handles sharper rock rhythms and bright cutting tones.

For thicker rock-driven tones, Kataoka uses Gibson Les Paul Special (Yellow) and the Gibson ES-335 (Red). The ES-335, in particular, shines in ballads, delivering warm, round tones with depth and sustain ideally suited to emotional passages.

Another standout is the vintage Jacobacci full-hollow guitar, which appears in acoustic-flavored songs like “Sofa to Coffee” and “Lovers.” Its vintage resonance and expressive dynamics make it an excellent choice for more intimate textures.

On the acoustic side, Kataoka has been seen with a Taylor 712 as well as various Gibson acoustics (specific models not confirmed). The Taylor offers a delicate, balanced midrange ideal for studio recording and small acoustic sets, while Gibson acoustics contribute to his live acoustic performances.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Psychelone	psychederhythm	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Original (Jazzmaster style)	Main guitar. Known for its wide soundstage and distinctive visuals.
Telemaster	psychederhythm	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Hybrid	Blends Telecaster’s response with Jazzmaster’s openness.
Thinline Telecaster	psychederhythm	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Semi-hollow	Airy cleans. Effective in mid-tempo songs.
Jazzmaster (White/Blue/Tortoiseshell)	Fender	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Jazzmaster	Multiple finishes used. Suited for spacious chord work.
Telecaster	Fender	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Telecaster	Handles straight rock songs. Great for crisp rhythm work.
Les Paul Special (Yellow)	Gibson	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Les Paul Special	Used for heavier drive tones. Known for its raw edge.
ES-335 (Red)	Gibson	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Semi-hollow	Warm and fat tone. Ideal for ballads and mellow tracks.
Full-hollow (Model unknown)	Jacobacci	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Full hollow-body	Used in acoustic-inspired songs. Highly delicate tone.
712	Taylor	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Acoustic	Preferred for recording and acoustic sets. Beautiful mids.
Acoustic guitar (Model unknown)	Gibson	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Acoustic	Exact model unknown, but confirmed live use.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Kenta Kataoka’s pedalboard is built on a foundation of clean tones but designed with enough flexibility to handle modern soundscapes. His setup reflects a balance between reliability, high-quality components, and the ability to adapt to diverse live environments.

From live photos, interviews, and social media posts, the core of his board revolves around Free The Tone gear. Key components include the ARC-53M switcher, the JB-41S junction box/buffer, and the PT-1D power supply. Together, these ensure smooth signal flow, noise-free operation, and reliable performance on stage.

For gain, Kataoka follows a strict philosophy: keep the amp clean and generate all drive tones through pedals. He frequently uses a variety of overdrives, with the Fulltone OCD and Paul Cochrane Timmy Overdrive forming the backbone. The OCD delivers a rich, low-mid push, while the Timmy emphasizes clarity by cutting low-end, making it ideal for songs where the guitar needs to support vocals without dominating.

Boutique pedals also play an important role. The VAHLBRUCH Jewel Drive and MAD PROFESSOR New Sweet Honey Overdrive are highly responsive to pick dynamics and knob tweaks, giving Kataoka the nuanced control needed to match his vocal-driven performance style.

In the realm of spatial effects, the EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run provides lush stereo delay and reverb in a single unit. This is particularly effective in dreamy tracks, allowing expansive textures without requiring multiple pedals. Delay times and reverb decay are carefully tuned to enhance Sumika’s wide, cinematic sound.

Modulation comes courtesy of the Eventide ModFactor, a versatile pedal offering phaser, tremolo, flanger, and more. This flexibility means Kataoka can shift seamlessly between subtle movement and more dramatic textures depending on the song.

Additional pedals such as the Line 6 Echo Park delay, Line 6 Liqua Flange, Custom Audio Japan Tap Box, and BOSS FS-5L footswitch round out the setup, providing control over timing, modulation, and on-stage switching. With the Free The Tone JB-41S and PT-1D ensuring a clean, stable signal, his board exemplifies a professional approach to tone management.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
ARC-53M	Free The Tone	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Switching System	Central hub of the live board. Allows quick pedal combinations.
OCD	Fulltone	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Overdrive	Rich, dense overdrive that cuts through band mixes.
Timmy Overdrive	Paul Cochrane	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Overdrive	Bright, transparent drive. Perfect for supporting vocals.
Jewel Drive	VAHLBRUCH	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Overdrive	Highly responsive. Produces warm, natural overdrive.
New Sweet Honey Overdrive	MAD PROFESSOR	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Overdrive	Smooth, natural breakup. Blends well with cleans.
Avalanche Run	EarthQuaker Devices	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Multi-Effect (Delay/Reverb)	Stereo delay & reverb in one. Creates lush, dreamy textures.
ModFactor	Eventide	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Modulation	Multi-modulation unit. Phaser, tremolo, flanger, and more.
Echo Park	Line 6	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Delay	Warm, natural delay tones that sit well in mixes.
Liqua Flange	Line 6	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Flanger	Wide sweep. Adds unique texture and accents to songs.
Tap Box	Custom Audio Japan	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Expression Pedal	Used to input delay tempo quickly on stage.
FS-5L	BOSS	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Footswitch	Often controls amp channels or effect on/off switching.
JB-41S	Free The Tone	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Junction Box	Keeps signal path clean and noise-free.
PT-1D	Free The Tone	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Power Supply	Provides stable, isolated power. Ensures pedals run at peak quality.

Overall, Kataoka’s pedalboard demonstrates a philosophy of “quality, practicality, and flexibility.” The use of advanced switching systems, clean signal routing, and professional-grade power supplies shows a commitment to consistency and reliability on stage. His approach — building tones with pedals while using the amp as a clean canvas — reflects a highly adaptable, professional sensibility, ideal for the varied demands of Sumika’s music.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Kenta Kataoka’s tone-building approach is defined by two principles: prioritizing the mood of the song and ensuring consistent reproducibility in live settings. As a guitarist who also sings lead, his guitar tone must never overwhelm the vocal but still provide a presence that adds emotional weight. This requires a highly refined balance between volume, EQ, and spatial effects.

At the core of his rig is the Fender Hot Rod Deville 410, almost always set to the clean channel. From there, pedals shape his tone, allowing flexibility for Sumika’s diverse catalog that ranges from upbeat, high-energy tracks to delicate ballads. This “clean amp + pedal drive” method is a logical choice, giving him the ability to sculpt tones for different songs while maintaining a reliable base sound.

EQ settings vary depending on the guitar model and pedals in use, but general tendencies can be outlined as follows:

• Treble: 12 o’clock to 1 o’clock – Adds clarity without becoming harsh.
• Middle: Around 2 o’clock – Boosts midrange presence to cut through the mix.
• Bass: 10 o’clock to 11 o’clock – Keeps the low end tight to avoid muddiness.

These settings pair well with mid-focused guitars such as the Jazzmaster or custom psychederhythm builds, letting pick attack and subtle nuances remain audible. His tone emphasizes articulation and blend rather than sheer volume.

Song-specific usage is also deliberate. In tracks like “Fiction” and “Lovers,” he layers overdrive pedals such as the OCD or Timmy for energy, occasionally adding light chorus or modulation to convey motion and atmosphere. For slower songs like “Negai” or “Sofa to Coffee,” he deepens delay and reverb, ensuring the guitar melts into the background as part of the overall texture rather than taking the spotlight.

Reverb is often provided by the EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run, run in stereo for a wide, immersive sound. Delay settings are intentionally not locked to tempo, instead left slightly loose to create organic, human-like fluctuations. This approach avoids sterile digital precision, favoring warmth and emotional depth.

Kataoka also uses pedal stacking for nuanced drive tones. For example, he may use the Timmy Overdrive as a clean boost to add definition, then stack the Fulltone OCD on top for thicker gain. This layered method allows him to transition smoothly from subtle crunch to powerful drive within a single song.

From a mixing and PA perspective, his guitar is usually panned close to center, ensuring it supports the vocals without clashing. Engineers typically shape the midrange to avoid masking the voice, while trimming excess lows and highs to keep the tone balanced. This mix philosophy highlights the guitar as a supportive instrument, always complementing rather than competing with the melody.

Signal management is another professional hallmark of his setup. Using the Free The Tone JB-41S junction box, he maintains a short, clean signal path, reducing noise even in large-scale tours and festival stages. Paired with the isolated PT-1D power supply, this ensures consistent, reliable sound regardless of the venue.

Ultimately, Kataoka’s tone settings are less about chasing a “perfect guitar sound” and more about crafting a sound that serves the song. Every EQ tweak, every delay repeat, and every reverb tail is chosen with intention. His approach demonstrates that tone is not just about the guitar in isolation but about its role within the whole band mix — as can reasonably be assumed.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

While Kenta Kataoka’s sound is supported by boutique and high-end gear, many of its defining characteristics can be recreated with more affordable, readily available equipment. With the right choices, even beginners and intermediate players can achieve a tone that is surprisingly close to the Sumika style, without breaking the bank.

The three main aspects to focus on when recreating his tone are:

• A midrange-rich overdrive that doesn’t overpower vocals.
• Clean tones enhanced by delay and reverb for atmosphere.
• Reliable, easy-to-use gear suitable for both home recording and live use.

Below are carefully selected alternatives in the $100–$500 range (under $1,000), designed to capture the essence of Kataoka’s rig while remaining accessible to a wide audience. These are not just cheaper substitutes — they are tools that deliver similar tonal qualities and are trusted by countless guitarists worldwide.

Category	Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar (Jazzmaster Style)	J Mascis Jazzmaster	Squier	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	This Squier model delivers authentic Fender-style character at a fraction of the cost. Its thick midrange and airy cleans make it perfect for both rhythm and lead tones similar to Kataoka’s Jazzmaster and psychederhythm guitars.
Overdrive	BD-2 Blues Driver	BOSS	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	Famous for its touch sensitivity and transparent drive, the BD-2 offers tones comparable to the Fulltone OCD or Timmy. It excels at light crunch that responds well to picking dynamics.
Multi Delay/Reverb	Atlantic Delay & Reverb	NUX	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	A compact pedal that combines lush stereo delay and reverb, making it a budget-friendly alternative to the Avalanche Run. Perfect for creating Sumika’s dreamy atmospheres.
Modulation / Multi FX	MS-70CDR	Zoom	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	This compact multi-effect includes chorus, delay, reverb, and flanger in one pedal. A practical, low-cost replacement for the Eventide ModFactor, suitable for adding movement and depth to clean tones.
Multi-Effects Unit	G3Xn	Zoom	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	A versatile all-in-one processor covering overdrive, modulation, delay, and reverb. Ideal for beginners seeking a complete solution for both practice and performance.
Power Supply	ISO-10AC	Caline	Amazon Link	Sumika	Kenta Kataoka	A reliable isolated power supply that reduces noise and ensures stable pedal performance, similar in function to the Free The Tone PT-1D but at a fraction of the cost.

By combining these options, players can achieve the essence of Sumika’s sound — bright yet smooth cleans, nuanced midrange overdrives, and dreamy ambient textures. These budget-friendly choices make it possible to experience Kataoka’s approach to tone without needing boutique-level investment.

Particularly recommended are the Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster and the Zoom MS-70CDR. Both provide remarkable versatility, letting beginners and experienced players alike capture the signature Sumika vibe while keeping costs low.

Summary and Conclusion

At first glance, Kenta Kataoka’s guitar sound may seem simple and clean. But beneath the surface lies an intentional design philosophy built on subtle detail and precision. His approach to tone is not about chasing technical complexity or overwhelming volume, but about creating a sound that serves the song and highlights the emotional story at the core of Sumika’s music.

Instead of focusing on the guitar as a vehicle for individual expression, Kataoka places emphasis on how his instrument interacts with the band’s overall arrangement. Every piece of gear, from Fender-style clean amps to responsive overdrive pedals, is chosen with the ensemble in mind. This mindset reflects what could be called the “aesthetic of subtraction” — achieving balance by knowing what to leave out as much as what to add.

Another defining feature is consistency. By using reliable tools like Free The Tone’s switching systems, the Avalanche Run for spatial effects, and the Eventide ModFactor for modulation, Kataoka ensures his tone remains clear and expressive across live shows, studio sessions, and festival stages. His gear is professional not only because of quality but because of its ability to deliver the same results night after night.

At the same time, Kataoka’s playing style adds emotional nuance. His picking dynamics, subtle changes in attack, and careful layering of overdrives embody the role of the guitarist as a storyteller, not just a performer. This perspective — treating the guitar as a medium to deliver emotion rather than just technical display — is central to why his sound resonates so strongly with listeners.

For those aiming to recreate his tone, it’s not only about copying his pedals or settings, but understanding the intention behind them. Why is the EQ shaped a certain way? Why is delay slightly unsynced rather than perfectly in time? Why are cleans prioritized over amp distortion? Each choice reflects an underlying goal: supporting the vocal, enriching the arrangement, and keeping the listener immersed in the song.

Ultimately, tone creation is not just about the gear itself but about giving voice to what you want to express. Kataoka’s work with Sumika shows how carefully considered sound design can transform simple chord progressions into deeply moving performances. By adopting his mindset — intentionality, restraint, and emotional awareness — you too can bring a touch of Sumika’s brilliance into your own playing.