Motoo Fujiwara – How to Recreate the BUMP OF CHICKEN Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Motoo Fujiwara, guitarist of BUMP OF CHICKEN, is admired for his melodic and emotionally rich guitar sound. Fans often call him “Fujikun,” and his guitar work has inspired countless listeners. His tone is not just a technical choice but an integral part of the band’s identity, enhancing the storytelling in their music.

Throughout their career, songs such as “Tentai Kansoku” showcase his ability to blend crystal-clear cleans with textured drive, creating depth and atmosphere. Understanding Fujiwara’s tone provides a window into both his musical philosophy and the sonic landscape that defines BUMP OF CHICKEN.

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List of Amplifiers and Features

Amps are essential to Motoo Fujiwara’s sound. Over the years, he has been seen using several models on stage and in the studio. Among the most confirmed are the Fender Twin Reverb and the Marshall JCM series. The Fender provides crystal-clear cleans, while the Marshall delivers powerful drive tones. These contrasts allow him to switch seamlessly between delicate melodic passages and heavier rock sections.

Additionally, photos and interviews suggest the frequent use of the Vox AC30 and Roland JC-120. The AC30’s warm chime supports jangly clean parts, while the JC-120 is valued for its pristine transparency. In some tours, Fujiwara has also experimented with boutique amps like the Matchless DC-30, adding richness and detail. These choices reflect his balance of reliability, tonal versatility, and live performance needs.

Based on available sources, these can be considered his main amplifiers, though specific usage may vary by tour and recording session.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
AC30	Vox	AC30 Vox on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Known to be used live and in recordings. Offers a unique clean tone and warm overdrive.
Twin Reverb	Fender	Twin Reverb Fender on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Beautiful clean tones, an essential part of Fujiwara’s guitar sound.
JCM800	Marshall	JCM800 Marshall on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Classic rock amp, used by Fujiwara for its strong distortion.
JC-120	Roland	JC-120 Roland on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Transparent, clean sound. Often used for crystal-clear parts.
DC-30	Matchless	DC-30 Matchless on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Handmade boutique amp chosen for its rich tonal depth.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

Fujiwara’s guitar arsenal reflects both his melodic sensibilities and the dynamic needs of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s music. His primary choices often revolve around Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters, Gibson Les Pauls, and acoustic instruments such as Martin and Takamine models. Each guitar plays a distinct role depending on whether the performance requires shimmering cleans, thick rock riffs, or acoustic intimacy.

The Telecaster, a guitar he has been using since the early days, provides a bright, sharp tone that cuts through the band’s layered arrangements. The Stratocaster, with its versatile pickup configuration, gives him a broader tonal palette, making it suitable for both live shows and studio recordings. Meanwhile, the Gibson Les Paul Standard offers the heavy and warm sound necessary for impactful riffs and solos, often heard in more rock-driven tracks.

On the acoustic side, the Martin D-28 is a legendary instrument that Fujiwara employs during acoustic sets, delivering a warm resonance that complements his vocals. The Takamine PTU121C and other electric-acoustic guitars are often used for live settings where consistency and stage reliability matter. For striking stage presence, the Gretsch White Falcon has also appeared in performances, not only for its unique tone but also its visual impact.

These guitars, with their varying tonal signatures, collectively shape the sonic identity of BUMP OF CHICKEN. The choice of guitar often depends on the arrangement and emotional direction of each song, though exact usage may differ by era or tour. Thus, the list below represents both confirmed instruments and those strongly associated with his tone, as observed from photos, interviews, and multiple reliable sources.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Telecaster	Fender	Telecaster Fender on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Electric Guitar	One of Fujiwara’s most representative guitars since the early years. Bright, sharp sound used in many iconic songs.
Les Paul Standard	Gibson	Les Paul Standard Gibson on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Electric Guitar	Offers thick, heavy tones. Frequently used for powerful riffs and solos in rock-oriented tracks.
D-28	Martin	D-28 Martin on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Acoustic Guitar	Classic acoustic guitar model. Fujiwara uses it in acoustic sets for warm, resonant tones.
Stratocaster	Fender	Stratocaster Fender on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Electric Guitar	Used alongside the Telecaster. Offers tonal versatility across different songs.
White Falcon	Gretsch	White Falcon Gretsch on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Electric Guitar	Visually striking guitar with a unique sound, often seen in live performances.
PTU121C	Takamine	PTU121C Takamine on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Electro-Acoustic Guitar	Reliable stage guitar, used during acoustic parts in live concerts.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Motoo Fujiwara’s pedalboard is a central element of his expressive guitar sound. His choice of effects balances practicality with creativity, allowing him to shift seamlessly between shimmering cleans, textured modulation, and driving overdrive tones. BOSS compact pedals are a consistent feature, along with classic units from Electro-Harmonix, MXR, and Ibanez. Reverbs and delays from TC Electronic and BOSS have also been observed, especially in live setups where spatial effects bring depth to BUMP OF CHICKEN’s music.

Among his most notable pedals is the BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay, a staple for creating rhythmic echoes and ambient depth. For modulation, he often employs the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone, adding warmth and depth to clean tones. The MXR Phase 90 phaser is another tool, providing subtle movement that enriches the band’s arrangements. Overdrive is achieved with the legendary Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, delivering smooth midrange boost and expressive solos. In addition, the BOSS TU-3 tuner ensures reliable live performance, highlighting Fujiwara’s preference for dependable stage tools.

While the core pedals remain consistent, subtle changes to his board have been noted across different tours. For example, certain delays or modulation pedals may be swapped out depending on setlists and the emotional tone required. This flexibility shows Fujiwara’s focus on serving the song, rather than showcasing the gear itself. His pedalboard is not excessive—each effect is chosen for a clear purpose, ensuring that the guitar always fits seamlessly within the band’s sonic palette.

Based on live footage, interviews, and fan reports, the following pedals can be considered his main setup, though exact combinations may vary by era and performance. These selections represent both confirmed gear and pedals strongly associated with his tone, as seen in photos and widely referenced sources. Thus, they are likely part of his evolving pedalboard, though not every detail is definitively confirmed.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
DD-3 Digital Delay	BOSS	DD-3 Digital Delay BOSS on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Delay	A straightforward digital delay used across many songs to add depth and rhythmic echoes.
Small Clone	Electro-Harmonix	Small Clone Electro-Harmonix on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Chorus	Provides warm analog chorus tones, enhancing the depth of clean passages.
TU-3 Chromatic Tuner	BOSS	TU-3 Chromatic Tuner BOSS on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Tuner	Reliable tuner pedal used live for accurate tuning with clear visibility on stage.
TS9 Tube Screamer	Ibanez	TS9 Tube Screamer Ibanez on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Overdrive	A classic overdrive pedal. Essential for Fujiwara’s midrange-rich distortion, often used in solos.
Phase 90	MXR	Phase 90 MXR on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Phaser	Simple operation with lush phaser tones, adding subtle movement to his guitar sound.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Motoo Fujiwara’s tone is one of the defining characteristics of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s sound. His approach to settings and mixing is not about excessive tweaks but about finding balance and emotion. He often relies on Fender-style amplifiers such as the Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb for their crystal-clean tones. These amps provide the transparency and crispness necessary for the band’s atmospheric soundscapes, allowing every note to ring clearly without being overpowered by distortion.

When it comes to EQ, Fujiwara tends to favor relatively flat settings with subtle adjustments depending on the song. The midrange is particularly important, as it ensures the guitar blends with the band while maintaining presence. By slightly enhancing mids and keeping highs bright but not harsh, his guitar achieves a singing quality that cuts through without dominating the mix. Bass frequencies are carefully controlled so that the guitar does not clash with the bass guitar or kick drum.

Overdrive is applied with restraint. Using pedals like the Ibanez Tube Screamer or BOSS Blues Driver, Fujiwara achieves warm and natural breakup rather than heavy saturation. This makes his guitar suitable for both clean arpeggios and expressive solos. In some live settings, he uses channel switching between clean and drive amps to further emphasize contrast between sections.

Spatial effects are another cornerstone of his tone. Delay pedals, such as the BOSS DD-3, add rhythmic echoes that expand the sonic space, while reverb—often from TC Electronic or amp spring units—enhances atmosphere. For example, in “Tentai Kansoku,” the use of delay creates motion and width, while reverb transforms the guitar into a starry, spacious soundscape. His careful layering of these effects shows an understanding of how space influences emotion.

Mix engineers working with BUMP OF CHICKEN often highlight how Fujiwara’s parts are positioned in the stereo field. Clean Stratocaster lines are panned slightly for clarity, while Les Paul-driven riffs are centered to reinforce power. Acoustic guitars such as the Martin D-28 are given room in the mix with EQ carving, ensuring warmth without muddiness. By treating his guitar as one voice among many rather than the dominant instrument, the band achieves their trademark balance of intimacy and scale.

Another subtle element of Fujiwara’s tone is dynamics. He often controls intensity with picking strength rather than relying solely on pedals. Softer picking produces glassy cleans, while harder strumming or picking pushes the amp into natural overdrive. This dynamic control is part of why his live performances feel organic and emotional. Combined with modest EQ shifts and carefully chosen effects, his sound becomes both consistent and expressive.

Overall, Fujiwara’s tone settings and mixing philosophy demonstrate restraint, clarity, and emotional connection. He favors balance over extremity, ensuring the guitar complements vocals and rhythm while still standing out when needed. Based on interviews, live footage, and gear analysis, these approaches are believed to form the foundation of his sound, though exact EQ values or pedal settings may shift depending on the song or tour. In summary, his tone is carefully crafted yet adaptable, always serving the song and the band’s broader soundscape.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

For guitarists who want to get close to Motoo Fujiwara’s sound without investing in boutique or vintage gear, there are many affordable options available. The key is to capture the essence of his tone: clear cleans, warm overdrive, and atmospheric space created by delay and reverb. By selecting beginner-friendly and reasonably priced instruments and pedals, you can approximate the BUMP OF CHICKEN sound in both practice and live settings.

On the amplifier side, the Roland JC-120 is a reliable choice. While not identical to Fujiwara’s Fender Twin Reverb, it delivers crystal-clear cleans with a similar character. For those on a tighter budget, even smaller Roland models or Fender’s affordable solid-state amps can provide a similar transparent tone. The key is to prioritize amps that excel at clean headroom, allowing pedals to shape the overdrive and ambience.

For distortion and overdrive, the BOSS DS-1 is one of the most accessible options. Though more aggressive than Fujiwara’s subtle Tube Screamer tones, careful adjustment of gain and EQ can bring it closer to his style. Pairing the DS-1 with a clean amp provides a cost-effective way to approximate the driven tones heard in heavier BUMP OF CHICKEN tracks. Likewise, pedals like the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver offer smooth breakup suitable for Fujiwara-inspired playing.

When it comes to guitars, affordable versions of the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster provide excellent entry points. Both models are available in Fender’s Squier series, which maintains much of the tonal character at a fraction of the cost. A Squier Telecaster captures the bright, cutting tone used in many live performances, while a Squier Stratocaster offers the versatility for clean arpeggios and melodic solos. For those seeking acoustic tones, Yamaha’s APX series or Taylor’s 100-level acoustics provide warm, balanced sounds comparable to the Martin D-28 in live contexts.

Spatial effects are crucial for recreating Fujiwara’s tone. Affordable delay options like the BOSS DD-3 (or its successor DD-7) and reverb pedals from TC Electronic or BOSS are perfect for beginners. These effects add the depth and atmosphere that make songs like “Tentai Kansoku” so memorable. Pairing them with modulation pedals, such as a chorus or phaser, can further approximate the lush textures he uses.

Importantly, these alternatives are not about perfect replication but about capturing the spirit of Fujiwara’s sound. With careful EQ, dynamic picking, and thoughtful use of delay and reverb, even budget-friendly gear can feel close to his style. Beginners will find these setups approachable, while intermediate players can refine them to create tones that echo BUMP OF CHICKEN’s emotional impact.

Type	Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	Stratocaster	Fender (Squier)	Stratocaster Fender on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	An affordable alternative with bright cleans and versatility. Ideal for reproducing Fujiwara’s melodic arpeggios.
Guitar	Les Paul Standard (Epiphone)	Gibson / Epiphone	Les Paul Standard Epiphone on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Provides thick, warm tones similar to Fujiwara’s Les Paul. Cost-effective option for rock-driven songs.
Amplifier	JC-120	Roland	JC-120 Roland on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Transparent clean amp with headroom, similar to Fujiwara’s Fender tones.
Effect	DS-1 Distortion	BOSS	DS-1 Distortion BOSS on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	A budget-friendly pedal that approximates Marshall-style drive when paired with a clean amp.
Effect	APX Series	Yamaha	APX Series Yamaha on Amazon	BUMP OF CHICKEN	Motoo Fujiwara	Electro-acoustic guitar offering reliable stage tone, similar in use to Fujiwara’s Takamine models.

Summary and Conclusion

Motoo Fujiwara’s guitar tone is more than just the sum of his gear—it is the embodiment of his sensitivity, musicality, and commitment to storytelling. Throughout BUMP OF CHICKEN’s career, his sound has remained consistently melodic, expressive, and emotionally resonant, reinforcing the themes of their songs. From shimmering cleans on a Stratocaster to the powerful drive of a Les Paul, his tone serves as a direct extension of the band’s unique identity.

The gear we explored—amps like the Fender Twin Reverb or Marshall JCM800, guitars such as the Telecaster and Martin D-28, and effects including the DD-3 delay and Tube Screamer—represents tools that support his voice rather than define it. Fujiwara’s tone settings, EQ preferences, and mixing choices are all guided by the principle of balance. He avoids extremes, instead ensuring that his guitar blends seamlessly with vocals, drums, and bass while still carving out its own emotional space.

For guitarists seeking to capture his sound, the key lesson is subtlety. Clear cleans, restrained overdrive, and thoughtful use of delay and reverb form the foundation. Yet, what makes his tone truly special is how it responds dynamically to his touch. His ability to shape expression with picking strength and phrasing shows that technique and emotion matter just as much as the pedals and amplifiers behind him.

Affordable alternatives demonstrate that you don’t need high-end boutique equipment to get close to his style. With beginner-friendly guitars, solid clean amps, and a few carefully chosen pedals, anyone can approximate the BUMP OF CHICKEN tone. More importantly, experimenting with these setups can help players discover their own voice while learning from Fujiwara’s approach.

Ultimately, the essence of Motoo Fujiwara’s sound lies in his passion for music and his desire to communicate deeply with listeners. His gear is important, but it is his sensitivity and intention that bring the sound to life. For fans and guitarists alike, chasing his tone is not only about replication—it is about embracing the spirit of creativity, emotion, and honesty that defines both Fujiwara and BUMP OF CHICKEN.