Ryo Owatari – How to Recreate the Do As Infinity Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Ryo Owatari, best known as the guitarist of Do As Infinity, is also an accomplished composer and producer, making him a true multi-talented musician. His guitar playing ranges from powerful and dynamic to subtle and delicate, moving seamlessly between acoustic and electric textures. This versatility has made him widely respected in Japan’s rock and pop scene.

The most distinctive aspect of his sound is the “fusion of vintage guitars with modern gear.” Owatari frequently uses iconic vintage instruments such as a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster and a 1968 Gibson ES-335, which deliver warmth, sustain, and unique tonal color. At the same time, he embraces cutting-edge amps like the BOSS/Roland Nextone Special, a hybrid digital-analog model designed to replicate the responsiveness of tube amps while offering precise modern control. The result is a tone that balances vintage warmth with contemporary clarity.

In addition, he incorporates modern effects such as IK Multimedia’s TONEX ONE to further refine and adapt his sound. This flexible approach allows him to switch from clean arpeggios to heavy power chords and even acoustic tones depending on the situation. His ability to cover such a wide tonal palette is a strong point of reference for many aspiring guitarists.

Representative songs include “Hinata no Sakamichi,” “Honjitsu wa Seiten Nari,” and “Fukai Mori.” The shimmering arpeggio of “Fukai Mori” and the powerful strumming in “Honjitsu wa Seiten Nari” both exemplify his guitar tone and playing style. In live performances, his precise timing and solid rhythm provide a strong backbone for the band, while in the studio his attention to detail and refined arrangements showcase his craftsmanship as a guitarist.

This page takes a deep dive into Ryo Owatari’s tone, covering amplifiers, guitars, and effects, as well as his EQ settings and even affordable alternatives for beginners. Whether you want to recreate his sound exactly or just capture the essence of Do As Infinity’s deep and atmospheric guitar tones, this guide will serve as a valuable resource.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Do As Infinity

List of Amplifiers and Features

Ryo Owatari’s choice of amplifiers reflects a flexible approach that prioritizes natural tone and responsiveness. His rigs are designed to cover everything from sparkling clean tones to driven crunch, while always highlighting the natural voice of his guitars. One of his most notable amplifiers is the BOSS/Roland Nextone Special. This model incorporates “Vacuum Tube Logic,” a design that captures the touch sensitivity of real tube amps while offering the control and stability of modern digital technology. With its fast attack and versatile tonal shaping, the Nextone Special has been confirmed in his recent live performances and is highly suited for both studio and stage.

In the past, Owatari has also tested and praised the Dr. Z Carmen Ghia Combo, known for its organic breakup and rich midrange. This suggests his preference for amps that emphasize natural dynamics and warmth. Dr. Z’s designs are popular among seasoned players for their simplicity and ability to directly translate a guitarist’s playing nuances into sound.

Reports also suggest that boutique and vintage-inspired amps such as Matchless and VOX are within his tonal arsenal. These brands are renowned for delivering expressive clean tones with natural compression and touch sensitivity. The Matchless DC-30, for example, is often associated with shimmering cleans and harmonically rich overdrive, while the VOX AC30 remains a classic choice for jangly cleans and punchy midrange. Both align well with Owatari’s musical character and playing style.

In more recent years, Owatari has increasingly incorporated modern modeling solutions such as IK Multimedia’s TONEX and BOSS multi-effects units into his live rigs. This shift allows him to rely less on traditional amp miking and instead build flexible, PA-friendly setups with consistent tone. The Nextone Special’s send/return loop and IR (cabinet simulation) outputs also make it ideal for combining with multi-effects and digital processors, further enhancing his tonal range on stage and in the studio.

Overall, his amplifier selection reveals a balance between vintage authenticity and modern practicality. From tube-like boutique tones to digital flexibility, Owatari builds rigs that allow him to adapt seamlessly to different venues and musical contexts, while always maintaining the warmth and depth that define Do As Infinity’s sound. His amp choices are best described as “focused on natural guitar resonance,” though some aspects of his setup remain inferred rather than fully confirmed.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Nextone Special	BOSS / Roland	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Hybrid digital amp with tube-like response. Confirmed in recent live use.
Carmen Ghia Combo	Dr. Z	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Praised for natural overdrive and rich dynamics during testing.
DC-30	Matchless	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Likely choice for boutique-level tone. Known for rich cleans and touch sensitivity.
AC30	VOX	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Classic clean tone with strong mids. Highly consistent with his sound approach.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

Ryo Owatari is well known as a vintage guitar enthusiast, and many of his main instruments come from the 1960s and 1970s. Perhaps his most iconic guitar is a 1961 Fender Jazzmaster. This model is beloved for its warm, full midrange and its unique sustain and attack. Owatari has used it in both arpeggio-based passages and aggressive rhythm parts, making it one of his most versatile tools.

Another mainstay in his collection is the 1968 Gibson ES-335. With its semi-hollow construction, the ES-335 delivers resonant acoustic qualities combined with excellent clarity. This makes it suitable for both ballads and rock-oriented tracks, perfectly matching Do As Infinity’s wide-ranging style. The balance between warmth and bite has become an essential part of Owatari’s tonal identity.

His 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom also makes frequent appearances, especially for heavier riffs and boosted solos where a thick, sustaining tone is required. The guitar’s naturally compressed midrange and powerful low end give his solos added authority. Beyond these, Owatari owns several other Gibson models, including Goldtops and Flying Vs, which he uses interchangeably depending on the setlist or mood of the performance.

On the acoustic side, Owatari has been seen using a Yamaha FG5HCE, a professional-level electro-acoustic featuring an all-mahogany body, torrefied top, and a Fishman pickup system. This model provides both strong unplugged resonance and excellent amplified clarity, making it suitable for live shows as well as studio recording. He has also been spotted with a black-gloss Eclipse series acoustic guitar, featuring a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, further showing his preference for instruments that combine classic looks with dependable stage performance.

In the past, he has also played more unique instruments such as a Fender Jaguar (reportedly gifted to producer Seiji Kameda) and a Gibson Explorer (featured in the “Heart” PV). These occasional appearances underline his willingness to experiment with distinctive designs while always prioritizing playability and tonal quality.

Overall, Owatari’s guitar choices show a deep respect for vintage craftsmanship, yet also a flexibility that allows him to tailor his sound to each performance and recording. His preference for guitars with character and dynamic response reflects his philosophy: a guitar should serve both the music and the moment. Some details of his gear rotation remain inferred, but his core lineup of vintage Fender and Gibson models is well established.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
1961 Jazzmaster	Fender	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Electric (Solid)	Vintage 1961 model. Warm tone with unique sustain and attack, highly versatile.
1968 ES-335	Gibson	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Electric (Semi-hollow)	Semi-hollow resonance and clear projection. Vintage 1968 model.
1974 Les Paul Custom	Gibson	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Electric (Solid)	Thick, sustaining rock tone. Frequently used for heavy riffs and solos.
FG5HCE	Yamaha	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Acoustic	All-mahogany body with torrefied top and Fishman electronics. Professional electro-acoustic.
Eclipse Series	Custom (Unconfirmed)	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Acoustic	Black-gloss spruce and mahogany model. Confirmed in live use.
Les Paul Goldtop	Gibson	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Electric (Solid)	Owned in multiple variations. Noted for heavy, classic rock tone.
Flying V	Gibson	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Electric (Solid)	Distinctive looks with aggressive tone. Seen in music videos.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

Ryo Owatari has a deep knowledge of gear, and his pedalboard setup evolves frequently, often updated year by year. Recently, he has been seen using the “IK Multimedia TONEX ONE,” a cutting-edge modeling pedal powered by AI technology. This unit excels at replicating amplifier tones with striking realism, making it ideal for lightweight and compact live rigs. Its flexibility allows him to cover a wide variety of tones without needing to bring large amps on stage.

In the past, Owatari used pedals such as the Z.Vex Fuzz Factory, a legendary fuzz pedal capable of oscillation and noise-heavy tones. Its explosive character matched the aggressive edge of Do As Infinity’s earlier works, where chaotic yet controlled energy was needed. He has also been linked with high-quality boutique brands like Xotic, E.W.S., and Raw Vintage, all known for enhancing clarity and articulation—perfect for Owatari’s preference for clean but expressive tones.

Another notable piece in his setup is the Dr. Z Robottalk, which Owatari himself has mentioned. This is an envelope filter (auto-wah) that adds unique attack and bounce to clean rhythm parts. Effects like this emphasize the player’s touch and dynamics, allowing subtle nuances to shine through. It highlights his tendency to use pedals that respond to playing technique rather than simply altering tone.

Live photos also reveal his use of boosters, EQ pedals, reverbs, and delays. Notably, Xotic’s EP Booster and SP Compressor are likely candidates, both of which are staples among professionals. The EP Booster is famous for fattening the mids and adding natural volume lift, while the SP Compressor provides refined control over attack and sustain, ensuring tonal balance across songs.

His pedalboard appears to be highly modular. Sometimes he uses a minimal setup with only essential pedals for small sessions, while other times he builds more complex boards with multiple signal chains for larger shows. This flexible approach demonstrates his ability to adapt the tools to the performance, keeping the visual setup simple while concealing a carefully designed signal path that defines his signature tone.

Altogether, Owatari’s pedalboard philosophy reflects balance: tasteful use of modern digital modeling combined with analog pedals that add color and responsiveness. Some of the exact pedals may vary from tour to tour, but the underlying principle remains consistent—his effects serve the music rather than dominate it, making his sound simultaneously natural and distinctive.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
TONEX ONE	IK Multimedia	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Preamp/Amp Simulator	AI-based amp modeler. Reported in use on YouTube by Owatari himself.
Fuzz Factory	Z.Vex	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Fuzz	Known for noisy oscillation. Used in early to mid-period Do As Infinity songs.
ROBOTALK	Dr. Z	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Auto-wah / Envelope Filter	Owatari has commented on its unique attack. Used for funky clean passages.
EP Booster	Xotic	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Booster	Provides natural volume lift and mid boost. Likely used live.
SP Compressor	Xotic	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Compressor	Controls attack and sustain. A key pedal in many professional setups.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Ryo Owatari’s guitar sound reveals careful thought and deliberate tonal design, combining both depth and definition. A hallmark of his playing within Do As Infinity is the ability to shift between clean, crunch, and overdriven textures while maintaining clarity. Songs like “Hiiragi” and “Tooku Made” demonstrate his skill in moving seamlessly between shimmering clean parts and expressive overdriven passages, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

EQ plays a central role in his sound. When using Fender-style single coils such as his 1961 Jazzmaster, Owatari often boosts the low mids slightly through the amp or preamp. This creates a pleasant push that fills the mix without being harsh. On the other hand, when playing his Gibson ES-335, he tends to leave the mids natural while rolling back the highs slightly, taking advantage of the guitar’s already full body and resonance.

His amplifier settings are most often associated with the BOSS/Roland Nextone Special. This hybrid amp offers tube-like responsiveness with digital precision. Owatari makes use of its channel-switching features to achieve smooth transitions: pushing gain and compression for solos, while dialing back for dynamic, open-sounding rhythm parts. This versatility gives him both consistency and flexibility, essential for covering Do As Infinity’s wide-ranging material.

Spatial effects also play a crucial role. Reverb is applied subtly but with enough depth to give the guitar room in the mix, enhancing atmosphere without overwhelming vocals or other instruments. Delay is usually set with short, single repeats, helping to reinforce rhythm while adding dimension to leads. This careful balance makes the guitar present yet never overpowering.

The introduction of the IK Multimedia TONEX ONE has further expanded his tonal palette. With its cabinet simulation and realistic amp modeling, Owatari can fine-tune nuances that previously depended on traditional mic setups. This not only ensures greater consistency during live performances but also reduces the need for heavy EQ correction on the PA side, streamlining his sound for both engineers and audiences.

Specialty pedals such as the Fuzz Factory and Robottalk are used more sparingly, providing unique accents rather than forming the foundation of his tone. These effects rely heavily on playing dynamics, and Owatari leverages right-hand picking control to maximize their expressive potential. This illustrates his philosophy: the gear should enhance, but never replace, the musician’s own touch and nuance.

In mixing, Do As Infinity’s tracks are carefully balanced so that guitars support rather than dominate the vocals. Owatari’s tones are EQ’d to sit in a range that allows the guitar to be heard clearly without masking the singer. This is achieved not only through careful amp EQ settings but also by adjusting playing dynamics, reverb send levels, and return balances. Such precision ensures his guitar contributes to the fullness of the ensemble while maintaining clarity in busy arrangements.

In summary, Owatari’s approach to tone is one of restraint combined with boldness in the right places. His sound is never excessive, but when the song demands impact, he is unafraid to push gain, emphasize dynamics, and shape the guitar’s role in the mix. While some specifics of his EQ choices remain inferred, his sound can broadly be described as “natural and musical, yet powerful when needed.” This balance is what defines the Do As Infinity guitar tone and keeps it relevant across decades.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

While Ryo Owatari’s core sound is built around professional-grade vintage guitars and high-end amps such as Fender, Gibson, and the BOSS/Roland Nextone Special, it is possible to approximate his tone with more affordable gear. For beginners and intermediate players, the goal is not to replicate his rig exactly, but to capture the essence of his clean warmth, dynamic crunch, and expressive sustain using equipment that is accessible in both price and usability.

For amplifiers, the BOSS Katana-100 MkII is a strong choice. It shares some tonal DNA with the Nextone series, offering natural tube-like response, versatile amp voicings, and excellent clean-to-crunch transitions. With its affordability and wide tonal range, it is suitable for practicing at home, recording, or playing live without breaking the bank.

On the guitar side, Yamaha’s Pacifica 611VFM is a particularly versatile model. Its humbucker and single-coil combination allow it to cover ground similar to both the ES-335 and Jazzmaster, making it capable of warm cleans and crunchy rhythm work. Similarly, the Squier Affinity Telecaster provides the Fender-style single-coil tone at an entry-level price, offering bright cleans and strong chord articulation, a good fit for Owatari’s style.

For effects, modern multi-effects units like the Zoom G6 offer IR cabinet simulations and amp modeling similar to the IK Multimedia TONEX ONE. Compact, lightweight, and intuitive, it gives players access to a wide range of tones, making it a perfect solution for recreating Owatari’s flexible approach. Among individual pedals, classics like the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive emulate the mid-pushed gain structure he uses in backing tones. Pairing this with a BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus and DD-8 Digital Delay helps replicate the lush clean textures and rhythmic echoes found in Do As Infinity songs.

These options are all priced between $100–$500, making them practical for students, hobbyists, and gigging musicians alike. Yamaha and BOSS gear are also renowned for their durability, ensuring that players can rely on them both at home and on stage. By focusing on subtle EQ adjustments, dynamic playing, and tasteful use of spatial effects, even beginners can begin to approach the “singing yet supportive” guitar sound that defines Owatari’s work with Do As Infinity.

Category	Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Amp	Katana-100 MkII	BOSS	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Affordable modeling amp with tube-like response. Excellent clean-to-crunch dynamics.
Guitar	Pacifica 611VFM	Yamaha	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Versatile HSS layout, covering tones between a Jazzmaster and ES-335. Great entry-level option.
Guitar	Affinity Telecaster	Squier	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Budget-friendly Fender-style single-coil tones. Ideal for rhythm and chord work.
Multi-Effects	Zoom G6	Zoom	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Compact processor with amp models and IR support, similar in flexibility to TONEX ONE.
Overdrive	SD-1 Super OverDrive	BOSS	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Classic overdrive pedal. Midrange push works well with Les Pauls and semi-hollows.
Modulation	CH-1 Super Chorus	BOSS	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Creates spacious clean tones. Works best when used subtly, just like Owatari’s style.
Delay	DD-8 Digital Delay	BOSS	Find on Amazon	Do As Infinity	Ryo Owatari	Simple and effective delay for rhythmic repeats. Perfect for single-repeat settings.

By carefully combining these affordable alternatives, guitarists can achieve a close approximation of Owatari’s tone. More importantly, these tools provide a platform for developing control over dynamics, EQ balance, and subtle effects usage—key aspects of what makes Owatari’s sound both powerful and refined.

Summary and Conclusion

At first listen, Ryo Owatari’s guitar tone may seem simple. Yet beneath its apparent simplicity lies a carefully calculated, craftsman-like approach that holds Do As Infinity’s sound together. As both a guitarist and composer, he chooses tones that are never excessive but always appropriate for the song, displaying a sense of balance that defines his musical identity.

Common threads run through his gear choices and tone design: restraint, clarity, and ensemble awareness. His use of vintage Fender and Gibson guitars, paired with boutique-inspired amps or modern hybrids like the BOSS/Roland Nextone Special, shows that he values warmth and responsiveness over brand prestige. His own words in interviews—emphasizing that an amp must not sound harsh at high volume—reveal his dedication to practicality and musicality above all.

Equally striking is his willingness to embrace new technology. From IK Multimedia’s TONEX ONE to modern digital effects, Owatari keeps pace with innovations that allow him to deliver tones that fit the needs of contemporary music. This adaptability explains why his guitar sound continues to evolve while still retaining its core identity.

Ultimately, his sound can be described through key ideas: “subtraction rather than addition,” “appropriateness over luxury,” and “harmony over dominance.” His guitar work supports the band’s voice, enriches the ensemble, and conveys emotion without overshadowing other elements. It is this philosophy that makes his tone both professional and timeless.

For guitarists seeking to follow in his footsteps, the lesson lies not only in the gear but in the mindset. Understanding why he selects certain guitars, amps, and pedals—and how he uses them with restraint and precision—is the first step toward recreating the depth of Do As Infinity’s sound. Above all, embracing the idea of subtle control and balance is what will bring you closest to capturing the essence of Ryo Owatari’s tone.

▶ Check Ryo Owatari’s official X (formerly Twitter)