[Ryo-kun Maximum the Hormone] – How to Recreate the Maximum the Hormone Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

① Introduction (Overview of Tone)

As the guitarist of Maximum the Hormone, “Ryo-kun” stands out with his devastatingly powerful riffs, diverse tonal palette, and overwhelming stage presence. His guitar playing transcends the boundaries of mere loud rock or heavy metal, seamlessly incorporating punk, funk, groove, and even comical nuances.

In signature tracks such as “Zetsubou Billy,” “Koi no Mega Lover,” and “Tsume Tsume Tsume,” his tone blends sharp, cutting riffs with the heavy weight of down-tuned guitars, forming the very core of the Hormone sound.

Ryo-kun’s tone is powerful yet mid-focused, always cutting through the mix within the band ensemble. His use of effects is also highly skillful—leveraging multi-effect units like the ZOOM G3 and T.C. Electronic G-Force to achieve smooth transitions and dynamic tonal shifts during songs.

One reason for his wide recognition lies in his ability to express across genres, backed by a sharp sense of gear selection and tuning. On stage, he handles high-end guitars like PRS and Gibson Les Paul with both raw intensity and delicate control, proving his broad musical sensibility as a player.

Beyond his role as a guitarist, his SNS activity—filled with humor and unique character—has further expanded his fan base, drawing the attention of guitar kids and fellow band musicians alike. In the following sections, we will thoroughly break down his gear, tone creation, and how to recreate his sound.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Maximum the Hormone

② List of Amplifiers and Features [Maximum the Hormone – Ryo-kun]

The backbone of Ryo-kun’s guitar sound lies in the amplifiers he has used throughout his career. His lineup is mainly built around high-gain amps designed to push aggressive riffs to the forefront. Below, we will look into the actual amps he has used and highlight their characteristics in detail.

First and foremost, the legendary Marshall JCM2000 DSL-100. This amp was extensively used in the early to mid-period of Maximum the Hormone, both in live shows and studio recordings. It represents a modern take on classic British high-gain, and its two-channel design allows for quick switching between clean and lead tones—perfect for the sudden dynamic shifts typical of Hormone’s songs.

Another key piece is the Diezel Herbert. Known for its massive output and complex low-mid response, this amp delivers an extremely articulate distortion with a strong midrange punch. Such qualities make the guitar stand out even in the band’s dense mix of multiple vocals and tight rhythm sections. Since the “Maximum the Hormone II” era, Herbert has become one of the go-to amps, balancing heaviness with clarity.

The Randall WARHEAD also deserves mention. This solid-state amp, made famous by Dimebag Darrell of Pantera, offers lightning-fast response and a bright character thanks to its transistor-based design. It plays a vital role in supporting the thrash-metal-inspired speed and aggression within Hormone’s music.

Additionally, the MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier has appeared in Ryo-kun’s rig. Known for its crispy high-gain tone, this amp is strongly tied to modern heavy rock and metalcore contexts. Its three-channel setup allows fine control of distortion textures per song, providing flexibility for live performances where quick tonal changes are required.

From these choices, it is clear that Ryo-kun’s amplifier arsenal emphasizes mastering diverse gain characters, ensuring a sound that is cutting, low-centered, and dynamic. His approach enables him to achieve clarity, weight, and variety in both live and recording environments, or so it can be assumed.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Band	Guitarist	Notes
JCM2000 DSL-100	Marshall	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Signature amp from early to mid-career. Two-channel flexibility for live use.
Herbert	Diezel	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Used in recent years. Heavy yet articulate distortion with massive presence.
WARHEAD	Randall	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Dimebag Darrell model. Fast solid-state response for thrash-inspired riffs.
Dual Rectifier	MESA/Boogie	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Modern metal staple. Crisp distortion and versatile 3-channel design.

③ Types of Guitars Used and Features [Maximum the Hormone – Ryo-kun]

Ryo-kun’s choice of guitars is closely tied to his heavy sound and the seamless integration with his playing style. His performance combines elements of metalcore chugging, slap-like attack, and punk rawness, requiring guitars that can handle all of these dimensions effectively.

In the early to mid-period of his career, he mainly relied on Gibson Les Paul Standards, often seen in Gold Top and custom finishes. One iconic Les Paul featured swapped Gibson ’57 Classic pickups, a selector switch taped in place, and a Cheap Trick sticker on the body—making it one of his most recognizable instruments. With its strong low-mid output, it provided the necessary weight for Maximum the Hormone’s crushing riffs.

Over time, his main guitar shifted toward Paul Reed Smith (PRS) models. The PRS Singlecut, while retaining a Les Paul-like shape, offered higher playability and tuning stability, becoming his go-to for live shows and recording. In the music video for “Hungry Pride,” this guitar makes a notable appearance, showcasing its rosewood fingerboard and striking inlay design, reflecting his personal style both sonically and visually.

He has also been seen with the PRS Mark Tremonti Signature, designed for high-gain responsiveness, making it a perfect match for his aggressive picking technique. Other PRS models such as the Custom 22 and McCarty Singlecut have also been used, each offering variations in neck scale and pickup configuration, allowing him to dial in the best tone depending on the song.

At one point, he experimented with the futuristic Parker Fly, known for its lightweight design and high playability. This model allowed him to execute wild stage performances without sacrificing control or comfort.

Overall, Ryo-kun’s guitar choices are not just about visual impact but about practical factors such as “midrange push,” “thickness of tone,” and “responsiveness to picking.” These instruments serve as crucial foundations for supporting his wide-ranging musicality, or so it can be assumed.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Band	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Les Paul Standard	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	’57 Classic pickups installed, selector switch taped, Cheap Trick sticker on body.
Les Paul Standard Gold Top	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Pickguard removed, bridge PU swapped. Less frequently used in recent years.
Singlecut	Paul Reed Smith	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Main guitar in recent years. Seen in “Hungry Pride” MV. Modified pickups and bridge.
Mark Tremonti Signature	Paul Reed Smith	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Creed guitarist Tremonti’s model. Tight, high-gain-oriented tone.
Les Paul Custom	Gibson	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Thick and luxurious sound. High on-stage presence.
Custom 22	Paul Reed Smith	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Equipped with 5-way selector. Rich mids and versatile tonal options.
McCarty Singlecut	Paul Reed Smith	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Slightly longer neck scale. Provides a fat and deep low-end foundation.
Fly	Parker	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Solid	Lightweight futuristic design. Favored for extreme stage performances.

④ Effects and Pedalboard Setup [Maximum the Hormone – Ryo-kun]

At Ryo-kun’s feet lies a diverse collection of effects pedals that sustain the powerful and unique Hormone sound. His pedalboard is not just distortion-heavy as many high-gain guitarists might prefer; instead, it is designed to craft tricky and layered textures with precision and creativity.

One of his most iconic pedals is the BOSS PS-6 Harmonist, a pitch-shifting unit capable of creating three-voice harmonies. This pedal is crucial for reproducing the thick, swirling unison tones that appear in many Maximum the Hormone songs. In tracks like “Tsume Tsume Tsume,” it adds an artificial yet powerful wave-like motion to the guitar tone, showing just how important pitch-shift effects are in his setup.

Another key tool is the ZOOM G3 multi-effect processor. Compact yet powerful, it allows up to six effects simultaneously, includes 94 effect types, and offers 22 amp models. The G3 is suitable for both studio and stage use and also serves as a reliable backup during live shows. Its flexibility demonstrates Ryo-kun’s clever use of multi-effects to adapt quickly across songs.

For rack-mounted quality, he has also used the T.C. Electronic G-Force. Known for its superior modulation, delay, and reverb capabilities, it ensures professional-grade spatial effects while maintaining clarity in the mix. On stage, this allows him to enhance atmosphere without drowning out his guitar’s direct attack.

From social media hints and gear-analysis blogs, it is suggested that switchers or loop pedals may also be part of his rig, simplifying complex effect operations. While not confirmed, such devices would make sense for the fast-paced switching required during Hormone’s live sets.

Some of the more unconventional and “experimental” sounds in solos or interludes may also come from pedals like Moogerfooger modulation units, though direct evidence is limited. This aligns with his tendency to blend bizarre soundscapes into otherwise heavy riffs.

Ultimately, Ryo-kun’s pedalboard can be described as a balance of “eccentric creativity × practicality × reliable control.” It allows him to stand out within the band mix while also delivering unexpected twists in tone, or so it can be assumed.

Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Band	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
PS-6 Harmonist	BOSS	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Pitch Shifter	Enables signature 3-voice harmonies. Essential for thick unison effects.
G3	ZOOM	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Multi-Effects (Guitar)	Compact but versatile. Used both live and in studio, with amp/cab models.
G-Force	T.C. Electronic	Search on Amazon	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Multi-Effects (Spatial)	Rack unit. Professional-grade delays and reverbs for live clarity.

⑤ Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [Maximum the Hormone – Ryo-kun]

Ryo-kun’s guitar tone, while rooted in classic loud rock and metal, is uniquely tailored to cut through the mix with personality. The core lies in thick low-to-mid frequencies with a saturated texture, balanced by sharp high-end attack.

With the Marshall JCM2000 DSL-100, it is assumed he switched between the clean and lead channels during live shows to accommodate quick tonal shifts. A likely high-gain channel setting would be Bass around 4–5, Middle 6–7, Treble about 5, Presence around 4 to emphasize midrange, and Resonance near 6 for pushing the low end.

When using the Diezel Herbert, the result is a modern drive with excellent note separation—ideal for Maximum the Hormone’s hybrid mix of genres. Its third channel’s ultra-high-gain setting provides razor-sharp aggression, suitable for thrash-influenced riffs.

The PS-6 Harmonist is often set with +3rd and -3rd harmonies simultaneously, creating eerie, thickened tones. The ZOOM G3 offers practical versatility: switching presets for EQ, noise gate, or boost depending on the live set. This adaptability matches the diverse catalog of the band.

During mixing, EQ adjustments often emphasize 2.5–3.5 kHz to let the guitar cut through, while rolling off frequencies below 200 Hz to leave space for bass. Maximum the Hormone’s band mix naturally emphasizes the midrange, so the guitar sits slightly above the bass-heavy foundation, making its “bite” and “chunk” stand out.

In tracks like “F” or “Zetsubou Billy,” the gain is not pushed too high, allowing percussive attack to shine. Conversely, in “Hungry Pride,” the low end is boosted, creating a forceful wall of sound—requiring careful pickup selection and EQ emphasis in the amp’s low frequencies.

On stage, his guitar is often panned slightly to the left in live mixes, complementing Ue-chan’s bass on the opposite side and giving a dual-instrument dimensional feel. This spatial placement contributes to the band’s trademark “chaotic yet balanced” mix.

Overall, Ryo-kun’s tone design integrates amp EQ, pedal flexibility, pickup selection, and subtle real-time adjustments on the guitar itself. His instinctive ability to tweak settings mid-performance is a major factor in the uniqueness of his sound, or so it can be assumed.

⑥ Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [Maximum the Hormone – Ryo-kun]

For beginners or those with limited budgets, there are effective cost-friendly options to approximate Ryo-kun’s sound. Below are practical recommendations that capture similar tonal qualities without the high-end price tag.

Category	Gear Name	Brand	Amazon URL	Band	Guitarist	Notes
Amp	Katana-100 MkII	BOSS	Amazon Link	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Emulates Marshall-like distortion while offering versatile built-in effects. High cost-performance.
Effect	PS-6 Harmonist	BOSS	Amazon Link	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Same model he uses. Affordable way to achieve layered harmonies and thickened unison tones.
Guitar	SE Mark Tremonti Standard	PRS	Amazon Link	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Budget version of his Tremonti Signature. Les Paul-style shape with tight, heavy tone.
Effect	Zoom G3n	Zoom	Amazon Link	Maximum the Hormone	Ryo-kun	Successor to the G3. Allows up to 7 effects simultaneously. Affordable but practical for live use.

⑦ Summary and Conclusion [Maximum the Hormone – Ryo-kun]

Ryo-kun’s sound can be summarized as “calculated heaviness within chaos.” His guitar is not just loud and heavy; it expresses funk, punk, and even humor within Maximum the Hormone’s unique blend, making his tone strikingly versatile.

Looking at his gear, we see a consistent preference for Les Paul-style and PRS singlecut models, instruments known for their dense, mid-focused tones. Amplifiers such as Marshall, Diezel, and Mesa/Boogie are carefully chosen to suit both live chaos and studio precision. This adaptability is central to his sonic identity.

Effects like the BOSS PS-6 Harmonist and ZOOM G3 bring essential tonal variations, while his occasional use of unconventional tools (even chopsticks or forks in performances) reflects his obsession with sound and playfulness in equal measure.

In essence, his tone is built on the paradox of “precise EQ and technical setup” balanced against “reckless creativity.” This tension produces the unmistakable Maximum the Hormone guitar sound, impossible to mistake for anyone else.

For those seeking to replicate it, simply copying the gear is not enough. What’s required is flexibility in tone, cross-genre adaptability, and above all, the energy of playing as if to “attack the audience with sound.”

For guitar kids and seasoned players alike, starting with a Les Paul-style guitar, a high-gain amp, and the right key effects will open the door. Approach noise as part of expression, and you’ll step closer to the spirit of Ryo-kun’s tone. Hopefully, this breakdown serves as inspiration for shaping your own sound.