[Kosuke Saito] – How to Recreate the UNISON SQUARE GARDEN Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Kosuke Saito, the guitarist and vocalist of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, has captivated countless fans in today’s pop-rock scene with his distinctive guitar sound and versatile playing style.

One of the most defining aspects of his guitar work is the wide dynamic range that spans from clean tones to driven sounds, paired with meticulous tone-shaping that adapts to the flow of each song. In signature tracks such as “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” and “10% roll, 10% romance,” the catchy melodic lines and powerful rhythm guitar achieve a perfect balance. These songs have even gained acclaim as iconic anime tie-in tracks.

What makes Saito’s sound stand out is his “singing quality” on the guitar. His playing is not just technical but crafted with a sense of the whole composition, blending the roles of lead and rhythm in a seamless way. Another strength lies in the consistency of his live performances, where he successfully reproduces studio-level sound quality on stage thanks to careful gear choices.

Especially in recent anime tie-in songs, his tone has continued to evolve alongside increasingly refined production. His guitar work maintains the essence of a rock band while skillfully integrating modern pop elements, striking a delicate balance that defines the band’s sound.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

List of Amplifiers and Features [UNISON SQUARE GARDEN · Kosuke Saito]

Kosuke Saito’s amplifier choices focus on balancing stability for live performances with versatility in recording sessions. His core tones often rely on Marshall-style and Fender-style amps, switching between them depending on the type of song and the size of the venue.

Among the main amps confirmed in use are the Marshall JCM900 and Marshall JCM800—classic models that deliver the midrange punch and dynamic range essential for UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s music. The JCM900, in particular, combines modern high-gain tones with the traditional Marshall character, making it suitable for everything from pop-oriented tracks to aggressive rock numbers.

For tracks requiring shimmering cleans and light crunch, Fender amps are believed to be part of his setup. Songs like “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” carry the unmistakable sparkle of Fender’s clean tones, suggesting that amps such as the Twin Reverb may play a role in shaping these sounds.

In live settings, Saito seems to adjust his amp head and cabinet combinations based on venue size and acoustics. Large-scale hall tours may call for higher-output amp heads, while smaller club gigs could see him favor compact combo amps or smaller head + cabinet rigs for efficiency and control. This flexibility ensures that his guitar sound remains consistent and effective across different performance environments.

From these observations, it is reasonable to assume that his amplifier selection reflects not only tonal preferences but also a professional awareness of reliability and adaptability in various live and studio scenarios.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JCM900	Marshall	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	One of his main amps. Confirmed in live use; notable for its strong midrange projection.
JCM800	Marshall	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Provides the classic Marshall tone, especially effective in heavier, rock-driven tracks.
Twin Reverb	Fender	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Likely used for clean tones. Its sparkling Fender sound suits pop-oriented songs.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [UNISON SQUARE GARDEN · Kosuke Saito]

Kosuke Saito’s guitar collection reflects a practical approach that balances tonal diversity with playability. The guitar most frequently confirmed as his mainstay is the Fender Stratocaster and related models, which form the tonal backbone of the UNISON SQUARE GARDEN sound.

The Fender Stratocaster’s versatility allows Saito to handle everything from sparkling cleans to expressive drive tones. The five-way pickup selector gives him a wide range of tonal options, making it ideal for the band’s varied song structures. Its ability to adapt within a single track is one of the reasons the Stratocaster is so closely associated with his sound.

In live performances, multiple Stratocasters are often used, enabling quick transitions between different tunings or tonal settings depending on the song. This choice ensures high performance consistency on stage, reflecting Saito’s professional attitude toward maintaining quality in every context.

As a secondary option, Saito is believed to employ guitars such as the Gibson Les Paul or other humbucker-equipped models. These are particularly useful for songs with a stronger rock flavor, where a thicker, more powerful sound is required. Thanks to the humbuckers, these guitars deliver longer sustain and heavier distortion tones compared to the Strat.

More recently, he may also be seen with modernized Stratocaster-style guitars equipped with upgraded pickups or hardware. These modifications provide higher output and stability while still retaining the classic Strat character, allowing him to expand his tonal palette for both studio and live use.

The underlying philosophy behind these guitar choices lies in versatility. With UNISON SQUARE GARDEN performing across pop, rock, and anime soundtrack genres, no single guitar can cover all situations. Instead, Saito’s approach of switching between guitars ensures that each song gets the most fitting tone, while maintaining a consistent identity across performances.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Guitar	Notes
Stratocaster	Fender	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Electric Guitar	Main guitar. Extremely versatile, covering clean to driven tones.
Les Paul	Gibson	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Electric Guitar	Likely used as a sub guitar. Ideal for rock-heavy songs requiring thicker tones.
Telecaster	Fender	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Electric Guitar	Assumed to be used for certain tracks. Excels at clean cutting tones and rhythmic strumming.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [UNISON SQUARE GARDEN · Kosuke Saito]

Kosuke Saito’s pedalboard is designed to be compact yet highly functional, giving him the flexibility to cover the band’s diverse catalog. His setup typically revolves around essential effects such as overdrive, distortion, delay, and reverb, each carefully dialed in to match the mood of different songs.

For overdrive tones, classics like the BOSS OD-1 and the Ibanez Tube Screamer are believed to be part of his arsenal. These pedals serve both as boosters to push the natural drive of his amps and as standalone overdrive units. They play a critical role in shaping the “singing drive sound” that defines many of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s guitar parts.

When heavier distortion is needed, Saito may turn to pedals such as the BOSS DS-1 or ProCo RAT. These provide aggressive textures that an overdrive pedal alone cannot achieve, making them especially effective for rock-driven tracks or solo passages where bite and sustain are essential.

Time-based effects like delay and reverb are equally central to his sound. BOSS digital delays such as the DD-3, or alternatives from TC Electronic, provide precise control over delay times and feedback, helping create the atmospheric depth found in songs like “10% roll, 10% romance.” Reverb use goes beyond amp reverb; standalone pedals are likely employed to expand tonal space, alternating between hall and plate settings depending on the track.

Modulation effects, especially chorus, also appear in his rig. Pedals like the BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus or TC Electronic Corona Chorus give his clean tones depth and richness, which is particularly noticeable in ballads or intros where shimmering textures elevate the mood of the performance.

In recent live performances, Saito has also been seen employing multi-effects processors such as the BOSS GT series or Line 6 Helix. These allow for complex routing, preset management, and quick switching between sounds—crucial for fast-paced setlists where efficiency is key. Such devices ensure that his live tone retains the layered quality of studio recordings while maintaining reliability on stage.

Power supply stability is another factor he doesn’t overlook. Units like the BOSS PSA-100 or VOODOO LAB Pedal Power ensure clean, reliable current to all pedals, preventing unwanted noise and minimizing technical issues during shows.

Based on these observations, his pedalboard can be understood as a blend of classic single pedals for signature tones and modern multi-effects for live practicality. This hybrid approach ensures both tonal authenticity and performance efficiency, as can reasonably be assumed.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Effect	Notes
OD-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Overdrive	Provides classic overdrive tones; also works well as a clean boost.
Tube Screamer	Ibanez	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Overdrive	Emphasizes midrange frequencies; contributes to melodic, vocal-like drive sounds.
DS-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Distortion	Known for its biting distortion; effective in heavier or rock-focused songs.
DD-3	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Delay	Digital delay pedal that helps build atmosphere and rhythmic depth.
CH-1 Super Chorus	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Chorus	Adds lushness and width to clean tones; particularly effective in ballads.
RV-6	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Reverb	Versatile reverb pedal offering multiple modes; enhances spatial depth.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [UNISON SQUARE GARDEN · Kosuke Saito]

The heart of Kosuke Saito’s guitar tone lies in the way he balances his EQ settings and adapts his sound to fit perfectly within the band’s mix. His guitar tone is not just impressive in isolation but is crafted to sit harmoniously in the ensemble, ensuring clarity and presence without overpowering the vocals or rhythm section.

On his amplifiers, Saito typically emphasizes the midrange, where the guitar naturally speaks. A commonly assumed setting would be Bass: around 6, Middle: 7–8, and Treble: 6–7. These adjustments keep the guitar from getting buried under bass-heavy arrangements while also avoiding harsh, piercing highs. The focus on mids also complements the vocal melodies, allowing his guitar to support rather than clash with the singing.

His EQ strategy shifts depending on the song. In upbeat, pop-influenced tracks such as “Sugar Song and Bitter Step,” brighter settings with slightly boosted treble are likely used to create a crisp, sparkling texture. By contrast, for driving songs like “10% roll, 10% romance,” Saito leans into the low-mid frequencies for a fuller, punchier rhythm tone. These subtle shifts in EQ highlight his adaptability and awareness of each track’s sonic needs.

Channel switching on his amplifiers also plays a crucial role. Clean channels are often paired with Fender-like tones, enriched by chorus and reverb pedals for shimmering arpeggios and smooth backing parts. Crunch channels, on the other hand, provide the backbone of rhythm guitar parts, blending lightly driven tones with groove-oriented playing. Lead or higher-gain channels let his guitar soar during solos while still staying musical rather than overly aggressive.

In terms of live mixing, Saito works closely with PA engineers to fine-tune his tone for each venue. Rehearsals often involve detailed sound checks where EQ tweaks are made on the fly to account for acoustics. This ensures that his guitar remains balanced in the mix regardless of hall size or stage setup. It also reflects his professionalism—never leaving the sound purely to chance.

Recording sessions push his tone shaping even further. Techniques such as double-tracking guitar lines add density and width, while panning hard left and right during choruses gives UNISON SQUARE GARDEN songs a larger-than-life feel. Delay levels are carefully modulated depending on the song’s dynamics, and subtle reverb adjustments help create either intimacy or grandeur as required by the arrangement.

Modern technology also contributes to his consistency. By combining digital tools like DAW-based plugins with hardware pedals, Saito achieves a blend of organic analog tone and precise digital control. Amp and cabinet simulators are likely incorporated in the studio workflow, ensuring his core tone translates across different recording environments without compromise.

In summary, his approach to EQ and mixing is less about a single “magic setting” and more about responsiveness—adjusting to the needs of each song and performance. His tone settings reflect not just technical know-how but also an ear for musical balance, making his guitar lines integral to the overall sonic identity of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN. This is best understood as a thoughtful, adaptive strategy rather than a fixed recipe, as can reasonably be assumed.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [UNISON SQUARE GARDEN · Kosuke Saito]

For players who want to capture the essence of Kosuke Saito’s sound without investing in expensive professional gear, there are many affordable options that provide a similar tonal character. By combining mid-range guitars, modeling amplifiers, and budget-friendly effects, even beginners can get close to the core of the UNISON SQUARE GARDEN tone.

On the guitar side, the Fender Player Stratocaster is a solid choice for those seeking authentic Stratocaster versatility at a reasonable price. For an even more budget-friendly alternative, the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster offers impressive craftsmanship and pickups that retain much of the Fender DNA. Both models are capable of delivering the sparkling cleans and responsive overdriven sounds that form the foundation of Saito’s playing style.

When it comes to amplifiers, modeling amps like the BOSS Katana-50 and Marshall CODE25 are excellent options. These amps emulate a wide range of legendary tones, including the Marshall JCM900 and Fender Twin Reverb, which Saito is known to use. The Katana series is especially well-regarded for its strong compatibility with pedals, making it easy to integrate with external effects. The Marshall CODE series, meanwhile, provides an entry point to the “Marshall sound” with intuitive digital features.

For effects, compact multi-effects processors like the BOSS GT-1 or Zoom G1X FOUR are beginner-friendly yet powerful. Both include essential effects such as overdrive, distortion, delay, reverb, and chorus, allowing players to recreate Saito’s core tones in one portable unit. The GT-1, in particular, offers effects modeled after BOSS’s iconic pedals, ensuring authenticity at an accessible price point. Zoom’s G1X FOUR adds an expression pedal, which is useful for real-time control of effects.

For players who want to start building a pedalboard, standalone options like the BOSS OD-3 and Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer provide affordable access to professional-quality overdrive. The TS9’s midrange-focused tone in particular makes it a strong match for Saito-inspired sounds, delivering the “singing overdrive” that defines much of his phrasing. Pairing these with a delay pedal such as the BOSS DD-8 or TC Electronic Flashback 2 gives players access to the ambient textures that are critical to UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s atmospheric sound.

In practice environments, headphone amps like the VOX amPlug 2 or the BOSS Waza-Air system allow players to experience full-bodied tones without disturbing neighbors. The amPlug 2 includes emulations of Marshall- and Fender-style tones, letting beginners explore a variety of amp characters instantly. These tools are particularly useful for students or hobbyists practicing in small living spaces.

Altogether, these affordable alternatives demonstrate that Saito’s sound is not locked behind prohibitively expensive gear. With careful selection and mindful EQ adjustments, guitarists can capture the spirit of his tone while staying within a beginner-friendly budget.

Category	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	Player Stratocaster	Fender	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Affordable Strat retaining Fender’s hallmark tone and versatility.
Guitar	Classic Vibe Stratocaster	Squier	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Budget-friendly option with strong pickups; a reliable entry-level model.
Amp	Katana-50	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Modeling amp with versatile sounds, including Marshall-like tones.
Amp	CODE25	Marshall	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Compact Marshall modeling amp delivering iconic tones at low cost.
Multi-Effects	GT-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Packed with BOSS-quality effects; compact and beginner-friendly.
Multi-Effects	G1X FOUR	Zoom	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Affordable processor with a wide range of tones and an expression pedal.
Overdrive	OD-3	BOSS	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Classic overdrive pedal delivering natural, warm drive tones.
Overdrive	TS9 Tube Screamer	Ibanez	Amazon Search	UNISON SQUARE GARDEN	Kosuke Saito	Midrange-focused overdrive ideal for melodic, vocal-like tones.

Summary and Conclusion [UNISON SQUARE GARDEN · Kosuke Saito]

If one phrase were to capture the essence of Kosuke Saito’s guitar tone, it would be “a sound that serves the song.” His approach is never about flashy self-display but about meticulous, intentional tone-shaping that elevates the overall completeness of each track. This perspective is invaluable in the modern pop-rock scene, and it offers lessons for countless guitarists on how to blend technical skill with musical sensitivity.

Saito’s gear philosophy revolves around balancing practicality with expressive potential. Rather than relying on rare or prohibitively expensive equipment, he builds his tone with proven, widely available gear—Fender Stratocasters, Marshall JCM series amps, and staple BOSS effects. This ensures both reliability and consistent sound quality across recording and live contexts, embodying a professional, results-oriented mindset.

A standout trait in his playing is flexibility. With UNISON SQUARE GARDEN performing across genres as varied as pop, rock, and anime themes, he adapts the same core gear into entirely different characters through thoughtful settings and effect combinations. This adaptability reflects not just the quantity of gear but a deep understanding of tone and arrangement.

His live setup also emphasizes consistency with studio recordings. By carefully choosing gear that works reliably in both contexts, Saito minimizes differences between recorded and live sound. This dedication to authenticity and audience experience demonstrates his commitment as a professional musician.

Ultimately, the most important lesson in recreating Saito’s sound is valuing sensitivity over pure technique. Technical skills are essential, but what truly shapes his tone is the awareness of how guitar lines fit into the broader song. Every pedal setting, EQ tweak, and amp choice stems from this musical intuition.

For beginners aiming to approach his sound, the first step is deep listening. Analyze how the guitar functions within each UNISON SQUARE GARDEN track, then experiment with your own gear—no matter how modest—to see how close you can get. Even compact multi-effects like the BOSS GT-1 can achieve surprisingly authentic tones when configured with care. This mindset—focusing on adaptation and intent rather than cost—brings players closer to Saito’s essence.

In the end, Kosuke Saito’s tone resonates not because it is complex, but because it is approachable and deeply musical. His sound feels inviting rather than intimidating, reminding us that great guitar tone is less about extravagant gear and more about a sincere connection to the music and the audience. That is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from studying his approach to sound creation.