[Matsuri] – How to Recreate the Hanabie Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Matsuri, the guitarist and main songwriter of Hanabie, is known for her powerful yet razor-sharp playing style rooted in metalcore and post-hardcore.

Her guitar tone is characterized by a “hard-edged but sticky midrange,” cutting riffs, and a heavy low-end presence. It blends modern loud rock and djent-like elements while remaining uniquely Japanese with catchy melodies interwoven seamlessly.

In songs such as “Osakini Shitsureishimasu.” and “TOUSOU,” her tone shines through drop C to drop B tunings, with the MAXON OD808 always on to tighten up the picking response.

Matsuri’s sound philosophy is strongly analog-oriented. She has stated, “Nothing beats a tube head,” making the PEAVEY 6505 her main weapon—a classic tube head that defines modern metal rigs.

Beyond gear, her personality shows in playful touches like adding a Kirby mascot or a high school wristband to her pedalboard.

Her tone inherits the DNA of Japanese loud/punk bands like Hi-STANDARD, Maximum the Hormone, and Pay money To my Pain, while also drawing from international heavyweights such as Currents and While She Sleeps. This hybrid identity makes Hanabie’s sound stand out to fans worldwide.

There is no doubt that “Matsuri’s crushing guitar sound” is one of the reasons Hanabie has gained international recognition.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Hanabie

▶ Matsuri’s official X account ／ Instagram account

List of Amplifiers and Features

The core of Matsuri’s guitar sound lies in the legendary PEAVEY “6505” amplifier head.

The 6505, originally based on Eddie Van Halen’s signature 5150 design, became a staple of the metal scene throughout the 1990s and beyond. Its aggressive gain structure, tight low end, and punchy mids are a perfect match for modern metalcore and loud rock, making it an ideal choice for players like Matsuri who demand precise picking response.

She has stated in interviews that she “cannot go back to digital gear,” clearly showing her dedication to the natural distortion and responsive dynamics of tube amplifiers.

For cabinets, she uses Mesa Boogie models. Especially when paired with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, this setup has become the “gold standard” of modern heavy tones. Matsuri is known to bring her own cabinet to shows, highlighting her commitment to achieving the exact stage sound she desires.

The PEAVEY 6505 has two channels—CH1 (Rhythm) and CH2 (Lead)—with distinct gain levels. By combining it with an overdrive pedal, Matsuri achieves a versatile tonal palette. She keeps the OD808 always on, tightening up riffs while adding sustain for solos.

Below is a list of the amplifiers and cabinets Matsuri has used or is believed to use, including confirmed gear and substitute options. These choices emphasize her dedication to tube-driven, high-gain rigs suitable for both live and studio performance.

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
6505	PEAVEY	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Classic 100W tube head, always set to high gain. Her main live amplifier.
Rectifier 4×12 Cabinet	Mesa Boogie	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Loaded with Celestion V30 speakers. Produces a heavy yet clear tone.
Mini Rectifier 25 Head	Mesa Boogie	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Compact tube head for home practice or smaller stage setups.
MT15 Mark Tremonti	PRS	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Small-format tube head with gain characteristics similar to the PEAVEY 6505.

From these amplifier choices, it is evident that Matsuri prioritizes aggressive, tube-driven tones with strong stage presence, built around the PEAVEY 6505 as her anchor. The Mesa Boogie cabinets enhance articulation and weight, making her live sound both crushing and clear. While alternatives like the Mini Rectifier or PRS MT15 are likely used in smaller-scale settings, her commitment to the 6505 defines her sound—or at least, that is strongly assumed.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

The backbone of Matsuri’s guitar tone is built on E-II (formerly ESP USA) Les Paul–shaped models, specifically the “EC-BB” and the “EC-EMG.” Both are equipped with the iconic EMG 81 active pickup in the bridge, which delivers razor-sharp attack and tight low end—perfect for heavy riffs and breakdowns.

Her main guitar, the “E-II EC-BB,” features a sleek black finish that stands out vividly on stage. Despite its Les Paul shape, it has modern playability with a tough body structure capable of handling aggressive loud rock performances.

Her secondary guitar, the white “E-II EC-EMG,” also carries the EMG 81 in the bridge. It is often used in live shows or music videos, depending on the song and stage aesthetic.

The use of active EMG 81 pickups ensures that even in low tunings such as drop C or drop B, her sound remains tight, clear, and forward in the mix without getting muddy. This clarity is critical for Hanabie’s fast, complex arrangements.

In the past, Matsuri has also used Epiphone Les Paul models, suggesting her long-standing commitment to the Les Paul shape since her early years. This reflects her focus on balancing tonal richness with playability.

Compared to ESP custom models, E-II guitars are more affordable while still maintaining professional build quality, making them reliable for tours, live performance, and video shoots. This accessibility is likely one of the reasons Matsuri continues to rely on them as her main workhorses.

Below is a list of guitars Matsuri has used, along with related models that reflect her consistent preference for Les Paul–style instruments.

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
EC-BB	E-II	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Electric Guitar (Les Paul Type)	Main guitar with black finish, EMG 81 bridge pickup. Used primarily in live settings.
EC-EMG	E-II	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Electric Guitar (Les Paul Type)	White finish, EMG 81 bridge pickup. Often used as a backup guitar in live shows and MVs.
Les Paul Standard	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Electric Guitar (Les Paul Type)	Used in her early years. Represents her long-standing preference for the Les Paul shape.

Matsuri’s consistent use of Les Paul–style guitars with active EMG pickups highlights her pursuit of tonal clarity, sustain, and tightness in low tunings. These choices are strongly associated with her heavy yet articulate guitar tone—or so it is assumed.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Matsuri’s pedalboard is minimal yet highly functional. She carefully selects only the essentials, reflecting her straightforward playing style where practicality and reliability matter most.

At the heart of her setup is the MAXON OD808 overdrive pedal. Always switched on, it is placed before the PEAVEY 6505 to act as a boost, tightening the low end and sharpening the picking response while adding clarity to the overall tone.

This combination of a high-gain amp with the OD808 boost is a well-known formula in metalcore and djent. Matsuri’s sound design clearly follows this approach, balancing aggression with precision.

For noise control, she relies on the ISP TECHNOLOGIES DECIMATOR II. This pedal is also always active, suppressing unwanted noise and feedback during both live performances and recording sessions.

Even though she doesn’t play a 7-string guitar, Matsuri uses very low tunings (drop C to drop B), which makes a noise gate essential. The DECIMATOR II eliminates hiss and hum while preserving sustain, a feature praised by many other loud rock players such as members of coldrain and other Japanese metal acts.

Another critical part of her board is the DIGITECH Drop, which allows real-time tuning adjustments. With it, Matsuri can instantly switch between drop D, drop C, and drop B tunings depending on the song, making Hanabie’s live set versatile and efficient.

Adding a personal touch, her pedalboard also includes a Kirby mascot and a wristband from her high school band days—symbols of her personality woven into the otherwise aggressive rig.

Below is a detailed list of the pedals Matsuri currently uses.

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
OD808	MAXON	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Overdrive	Always on, used as a boost in front of the 6505. Classic pairing for tight riffs and sustain.
DECIMATOR II	ISP TECHNOLOGIES	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Noise Reduction	Suppresses unwanted feedback and hiss in high-gain environments while keeping sustain natural.
Drop	DIGITECH	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Pitch Shifter	Allows instant tuning changes between drop tunings. Essential for live versatility.

Through this compact but powerful pedalboard, Matsuri demonstrates that “less is more.” By choosing only what directly enhances her performance, she achieves a crushing yet highly controlled sound—or at least, that is what can be assumed from her current setup.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Matsuri’s guitar sound is both high-gain and highly articulate—a balance that resolves apparent contradictions. Her tone is heavy but not muddy, fast yet powerful, sharp yet warm enough to remain musical. This refined balance is one of the main reasons her sound has gained so much attention.

The core of this balance comes from the pairing of the PEAVEY 6505 with the MAXON OD808. The OD808, always switched on, boosts the signal before the preamp stage. This cuts unnecessary low frequencies (especially in the 80–120Hz range) while sharpening the attack. As a result, the guitar slices through the mix instead of getting buried.

On the 6505 itself, Matsuri usually plays through CH2 (Lead) without cranking the gain too high. The OD808 compensates by adding clarity and sustain. This prevents the tone from being over-compressed while maintaining a natural tube-driven distortion.

Her EQ tendencies are typically set as follows:

• LOW: around 3–4 (tightens the low end without overwhelming the mix)
• MID: around 5–7 (brings presence and note definition forward)
• HIGH: around 5 (keeps brightness without becoming harsh)
• PRESENCE: 6–7 (ensures cut-through clarity on stage)
• RESONANCE (Bass Boost): around 4 (adds weight but remains controlled)

The DIGITECH Drop pedal is used to switch tunings between drop C, drop B, and drop D depending on the song. To maintain tonal consistency, she is likely to make slight EQ adjustments after engaging the pedal, particularly to avoid low-end flabbiness when shifting pitches.

In live mixes, Matsuri’s guitars are often placed center or slightly right-panned. The engineer carves out the 200–250Hz range to avoid clashing with the bass guitar, while boosting the 500–800Hz band to emphasize clarity. This midrange push ensures the guitar remains distinct in Hanabie’s dense, fast-paced arrangements.

Double tracking is another key part of her sound. Left-right panned rhythm guitars create width, while occasional layering of cleans, pitch-shifted parts, or noise-based effects adds dimension. This approach creates the “wall of sound” necessary for Hanabie’s chaotic but precise musical aesthetic.

In recording sessions, Matsuri prefers authentic mic’d amp tones over digital simulations. Rather than shaping tones with pedals, she focuses on capturing the natural response of her amplifier and cabinet. This classic method reflects her analog-first philosophy.

Her approach proves that tone is not about having an endless pedalboard or relying solely on amp specs—it’s about knowing exactly what sound you want and tailoring your rig to achieve it. By doing so, Matsuri ensures that Hanabie’s tracks are brutally heavy yet surprisingly easy on the ears.

From stage to studio, her EQ and mixing strategies embody a practical philosophy: the fewer compromises you make, the more your guitar voice can dominate clearly. At least, that is what can reasonably be assumed from her current tone-shaping methods.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Matsuri’s tone is built from a professional-level rig: a high-gain tube amp, a Les Paul–shaped guitar with active pickups, and a minimal but effective pedalboard. While her setup is undeniably pro-grade, it is possible to approximate her sound with more budget-friendly equipment in the $100–$500 range (up to $1,000).

For guitars, the key is choosing a model equipped with EMG-style active pickups. These provide the tight, compressed tone essential for low tunings. The Epiphone “Les Paul Prophecy” is a strong recommendation, as it comes stock with EMG 81/85 pickups and offers a Les Paul shape similar to Matsuri’s E-II models—at a much more accessible price.

If budget is tighter, the “Jackson JS Series Monarkh SC JS22Q” is another viable option. While it uses passive pickups, pairing it with a booster pedal (such as an overdrive) can help achieve the sharp, metallic edge similar to Matsuri’s tone.

On the amp side, the BOSS “Katana-50 MkII” is one of the most popular affordable solutions. Its tube-like response and flexible EQ section make it capable of producing a tone reminiscent of the PEAVEY 6505 when dialed in correctly.

For players who want real tubes without spending too much, the Bugera “6262 Infinium” is worth considering. Designed with a circuit similar to the 6505, it delivers a surprisingly authentic high-gain sound at a lower price point.

As for pedals, the MAXON OD808 can be substituted with affordable models like the “Joyo Vintage Overdrive” or the “BOSS SD-1.” These pedals work well as front-end boosts for tightening low tunings.

For noise reduction, the “Donner Noise Killer” and “Rowin Noise Gate” are excellent budget options, capable of handling high-gain setups without killing sustain.

To emulate the DIGITECH Drop’s functionality, options like the “Whammy Ricochet” or the “Hotone Harmony” provide pitch-shifting features that allow instant tuning adjustments in live settings.

Below is a list of cost-effective alternatives to help approximate Matsuri’s crushing tone.

Category	Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Electric Guitar (Les Paul Shape, Active PU)	Les Paul Prophecy	Epiphone	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Equipped with EMG 81/85. Closest affordable option to Matsuri’s E-II guitars.
Guitar Amp (Modeling)	Katana-50 MkII	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Tube-like response. EQ and gain structure can be set to emulate 6505 tones.
Guitar Amp (Tube)	6262 Infinium	Bugera	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Very similar circuitry to the PEAVEY 6505. Affordable tube-driven alternative.
Overdrive	Vintage Overdrive	Joyo	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Designed after the OD808 circuit. Excellent budget-friendly boost pedal.
Noise Reduction	Noise Killer	Donner	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Affordable noise gate that handles high-gain setups effectively.
Pitch Shifter	Hotone Harmony	Hotone	Search on Amazon	Hanabie	Matsuri	Simple pitch-shifting solution to emulate DIGITECH Drop functionality.

By combining these affordable alternatives, players can come remarkably close to Matsuri’s trademark “tight and crushing” tone. For beginners, focusing on four essentials—a guitar with strong pickups, a booster, a noise gate, and a responsive amp—is the most effective path toward approximating her sound.

Summary and Conclusion

Matsuri’s approach to guitar tone in Hanabie can be summed up as “maximum impact with minimal gear.” Her rig is intentionally stripped down: a PEAVEY 6505 tube head, an E-II Les Paul–style guitar, and just a few essential pedals—OD808, a noise gate, and a pitch shifter. There is no clutter, no unnecessary complexity, only the tools that serve the sound.

This philosophy is reflected in her own words: she prefers tubes over digital gear and simplicity over excess, believing it allows her to focus on pure tone. The result is a setup that balances sound quality, playability, and repeatability across both studio and live environments.

Matsuri’s sound is also shaped by diversity—she blends influences from metalcore, loud rock, punk, vocaloid, and even quirky “denpa” songs. This eclecticism gives her guitar tone its unique character: sharp and aggressive, yet melodic and catchy.

Compared to guitarists like Mikito (of coldrain), MIYAVI, or SUGIZO, Matsuri’s sound stands out for its clarity of purpose. Rather than chasing flash or excessive heaviness, she builds a tone that supports Hanabie’s songs as a foundation, ensuring both energy and cohesion.

For beginners and aspiring players, her rig provides a valuable lesson: you don’t need expensive or overly complex gear to achieve professional results. With the right tuning, controlled EQ, careful picking dynamics, and a clear vision of what sound you want, you can come surprisingly close to her level.

To follow Matsuri’s example, focus not just on what gear you buy, but on why you choose it. Listen closely to the reasoning behind her setup—how each element serves her songs.

What does it mean to have “core tone”? How do you create “weight that sings”? Matsuri’s guitar work in Hanabie offers answers to these questions, showing that tone is as much about philosophy and intention as it is about amps and pedals.

If you want to build your own unique sound, Matsuri’s setup is not just a reference point—it is a roadmap for discovering your own musical identity.