[Ryota Yanagisawa] – How to Recreate the SUPER BEAVER Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Ryota Yanagisawa, the guitarist of SUPER BEAVER, is one of the most outstanding musicians in today’s Japanese rock scene.
Since the band’s formation in 2005, he has been responsible for writing and composing nearly all of their songs, continuously captivating fans with his remarkable musical sense.

The core of Yanagi’s guitar sound lies in the thick tones of a Gibson Les Paul equipped with humbuckers and the saturated distortion created through MAXON effects pedals.
Notable tracks such as “Itoshii Hito,” “Rashisa,” and “Shoumei” showcase his powerful riffs blended seamlessly with delicate arpeggios, producing a deeply emotional and memorable sound that resonates strongly with listeners.

Raised in a family of musicians—his father being a professional guitarist—Yanagi started playing music at a young age inspired by GLAY.
Rather than focusing on technical flashiness, his style emphasizes expressive playing that complements the song itself.
Building his sound around the crunchy tones of a Marshall JCM900 and shaping the distortion with pedals at his feet reflects the very essence of classic rock guitar playing.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of SUPER BEAVER

List of Amplifiers and Features [SUPER BEAVER – Ryota Yanagisawa]

Yanagi’s amplifier choices are remarkably simple yet extremely effective, with the Marshall JCM900 forming the foundation of his setup.
As he clearly mentioned on his official Twitter, his approach is: “The amp is Marshall 900, and I create distortion with pedals at my feet.” This phrase captures the very essence of his sound-making philosophy.

The Marshall JCM900, released in the early 1990s, is considered a legendary amplifier, known for offering higher gain compared to its predecessor, the JCM800, and delivering a modern high-gain sound.
Yanagi primarily uses the clean-to-crunch channel of this amp and relies on the MAXON ROD800 to generate distortion.
This combination creates a strong and powerful midrange tone, with the thick low-mid character of the Marshall blending perfectly with MAXON’s mid-focused drive.

In certain live venues or rehearsal studios where equipment restrictions exist, Yanagi has also been seen using the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
This medium-sized combo amp features a 12-inch speaker and is well-regarded for its bright, sparkling Fender clean tone and moderate breakup.
While the tonal character differs greatly from the Marshall, the Hot Rod Deluxe works beautifully for songs that emphasize clean arpeggios and rhythmic cutting, allowing Yanagi to adapt his tone effectively to match the song’s character.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JCM900	Marshall	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Marshall+JCM900&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Main amplifier. Confirmed via his official Twitter. Used as the crunch base, paired with pedals for gain shaping.
Hot Rod Deluxe	Fender	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fender+Hot+Rod+Deluxe&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Used as a secondary amp. Often applied to clean tones or arpeggio-focused songs, based on assumed live/studio use.

Overall, Yanagi’s amplifier choices reveal a balance between classic Marshall crunch and Fender sparkle, depending on the needs of the song. While the JCM900 is his defining amp, the occasional use of the Hot Rod Deluxe highlights his flexibility as a player. These combinations are considered most likely to represent his live and studio tones.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [SUPER BEAVER – Ryota Yanagisawa]

Yanagi’s guitar collection is wide-ranging, but his main instrument is a 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom.
He has explicitly mentioned on his Twitter: “Main guitar – Les Paul Custom ’89,” confirming that most of SUPER BEAVER’s songs are recorded and performed with this guitar.

The Gibson Les Paul Custom is the flagship of the Les Paul series, featuring a mahogany body with a maple top and an ebony fingerboard.
This construction delivers a heavy yet articulate sound with excellent note separation.
The 1989 production period is regarded as a stable era for Gibson craftsmanship, making this model highly valued as a vintage guitar.
The thick and punchy riffs heard in Yanagi’s playing directly showcase the natural qualities of the Les Paul Custom.

In addition to the Les Paul, he occasionally uses single-coil guitars like the Fender Stratocaster and Fender Jaguar, switching depending on the song’s requirements.
The Stratocaster is favored for cutting and clean tones, while the Jaguar’s bright, sharp voice works well for songs requiring distinctive tonal character.
More recently, Yanagi has also been seen with a Psychederhythm Psychomaster (reverse headstock), highlighting his taste for modern design and enhanced playability.

For acoustic-oriented songs, Yanagi plays a Gibson J-45. Often nicknamed the “working man’s guitar,” the J-45 is Gibson’s iconic acoustic, loved for its warm mids and balanced response.
Within SUPER BEAVER’s ballads and unplugged-style performances, the J-45’s expressive yet approachable sound is particularly effective.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Guitar	Notes
Les Paul Custom 1989	Gibson	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gibson+Les+Paul+Custom&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Electric Guitar	Main guitar. Confirmed via Twitter. Central to heavier and expressive tracks.
Les Paul	Gibson	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gibson+Les+Paul&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Electric Guitar	Secondary Les Paul. Used as a backup for recording and live shows.
Stratocaster	Fender	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fender+Stratocaster&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Electric Guitar	Used for cutting rhythm parts and songs that require clean tones.
Jaguar	Fender	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fender+Jaguar&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Electric Guitar	Applied in songs that require its distinctive bright and edgy tone.
Psychomaster	Psychederhythm	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Psychederhythm+Psychomaster&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Electric Guitar	Reverse-headstock design. Selected for modern style and playability.
Country Gentleman	Gretsch	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gretsch+Country+Gentleman&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Semi-Hollow Guitar	Adds warmth and texture with its hollow-body resonance.
J-45	Gibson	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gibson+J-45&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Acoustic Guitar	Used in ballads and unplugged settings. Known for warm mids and expressive tone.

From vintage Les Paul power to the shimmer of single-coils and the intimacy of acoustics, Yanagi’s guitar choices reflect both versatility and intentionality. While the Les Paul Custom ’89 is his core sound, the variety of instruments allows him to adapt tone colors to every nuance of SUPER BEAVER’s music. These combinations are considered most likely based on available evidence and live observations.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [SUPER BEAVER – Ryota Yanagisawa]

Yanagi’s pedalboard setup has been made clear thanks to detailed explanations on his official Twitter.
As he often states, “I distort the sound at my feet,” his philosophy is centered around gain pedals, resulting in a practical and powerful live rig.

The core of his distortion sound is the MAXON ROD800 (the version with five knobs), which functions as his main overdrive/distortion pedal.
The ROD800, a tube-driven overdrive/distortion pedal, is known for delivering amp-like punch and rich harmonic content.
For solos, he pairs it with the MXR M133 Micro Amp to achieve volume boosts and add tonal richness.

For crunch sounds, Yanagi sometimes bypasses the ROD800 and uses only the MXR Micro Amp.
For completely clean tones, all pedals are bypassed.
This “ROD800 + Micro Amp,” “Micro Amp only,” and “fully bypassed” three-tier switching is what Yanagi himself describes as “SUPER BEAVER’s essential guitar tone.”

In terms of ambience, he relies on the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler, which offers 16 delay types and the ability to save three presets, providing a wide range of spatial textures.
He also uses the BOSS RC-3 Looper, particularly for layering in live performances and solo work.
Additionally, One Control switching devices such as the Crocodile Tail Loop OC10 and Minimal Series AB Box enable efficient effect switching and amp routing.
This professional-grade approach ensures both reliability and expressive flexibility during live shows.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
ROD800	MAXON	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MAXON+ROD800&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Overdrive	Main drive pedal. Confirmed on Twitter. Tube-driven, with amp-like punch.
ROD880	MAXON	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MAXON+ROD880&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Overdrive	Higher-gain sibling of the ROD800, offering more sustain and saturation.
OD9	MAXON	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MAXON+OD9&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Overdrive	A classic overdrive with natural breakup and sustain. Also used by Yanagi.
M133 Micro Amp	MXR	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MXR+M133+Micro+Amp&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Booster	Boost pedal, used alone for crunch or paired with ROD800. Confirmed via Twitter.
The Rat	Pro Co	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Pro+Co+The+Rat&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Distortion	Aggressive distortion tone. Used for heavier, more intense tracks.
Jan Ray	VEMURAM	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=VEMURAM+Jan+Ray&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Overdrive	Transparent overdrive, recreating Fender-style amp tones with clarity.
Granith Grey Booster	One Control	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=One+Control+Granith+Grey+Booster&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Booster	Low-noise clean boost. Maintains tonal integrity while raising volume.
Haunt Fuzz	Old Blood Noise Endeavors	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Old+Blood+Noise+Endeavors+Haunt+Fuzz&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Fuzz	Vintage-inspired fuzz, adding unique textures for select songs.
DL4	Line 6	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Line+6+DL4&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Delay	Versatile delay with 16 modes and preset storage. Core to his ambience.
M5 Stompbox Modeler	Line 6	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Line+6+M5+Stompbox+Modeler&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Multi-Effects	Modeling unit offering a wide range of effect types.
FL-3	Guyatone	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Guyatone+FL-3&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Flanger	Vintage flanger pedal. Produces jet-like modulation sweeps.
Whammy	DigiTech	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=DigiTech+Whammy&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Pitch Shifter	Iconic pitch-bend effect. Used for dramatic performance enhancements.
RC-3	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+RC-3&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Looper	Loop station for live layering and solo performances.
FS-5U	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+FS-5U&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Switching System	Footswitch used to control loopers and other devices.
Crocodile Tail Loop OC10	One Control	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=One+Control+Crocodile+Tail+Loop+OC10&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Switching System	10-channel loop switcher. Enables complex effect routing.
Minimal Series AB Box	One Control	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=One+Control+Minimal+Series+AB+Box&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Switching System	AB box for switching amps or tuner outputs.
TU-3	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+TU-3&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Tuner	Industry-standard tuner. High brightness for outdoor visibility.
V845	VOX	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=VOX+V845&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Wah Pedal	Classic wah pedal. Adds expressive filter sweeps to solos.

Altogether, Yanagi’s pedalboard reflects a professional but minimalistic philosophy—core distortion handled by MAXON, boosts and switching handled by MXR and One Control, and ambience controlled by Line 6 and BOSS. This streamlined yet flexible setup ensures consistency and power across all of SUPER BEAVER’s performances. These choices are considered most likely based on available evidence and player interviews.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [SUPER BEAVER – Ryota Yanagisawa]

The foundation of Yanagi’s tone is built upon the crunch channel of the Marshall JCM900, enhanced by the distinctive midrange of the MAXON ROD800.
This combination creates a solid, full-bodied midrange that cuts through the band mix without losing clarity or warmth. It is this balance that ensures the guitar remains powerful yet musical in every performance.

In terms of EQ, it is assumed that Yanagi dials the JCM900 as follows: Bass around 4–5, Middle around 6–7, Treble at 5–6, and Presence kept relatively low at around 3–4.
By pushing the mids, his tone gains strength and presence, while the ROD800’s own mid-focused character enhances this further, producing riffs that feel both heavy and emotionally charged.
Lowering the Presence keeps the highs from becoming harsh, preserving a natural and smooth treble response that works in both live and studio contexts.

Song-specific usage varies depending on the mood and style.
For ballads such as “Itoshii Hito,” Yanagi often bypasses most effects, using either a completely clean tone or a light crunch from the MXR Micro Amp alone.
This approach highlights picking dynamics and emotional nuance, allowing the listener to focus on the intimacy of the performance.
Conversely, in rock-driven tracks like “Shoumei” or “Rashisa,” the ROD800 is engaged at full power, providing thick distortion, sustain, and an overwhelming sense of energy that drives the band’s sound forward.

When performing live, Yanagi rarely switches amp channels, keeping the JCM900 on clean/crunch mode and controlling gain exclusively with pedals.
This ensures tonal consistency across the set and allows for quick changes in sound character with simple pedalboard adjustments.
His three-stage system—“ROD800 + Micro Amp,” “Micro Amp only,” and “fully bypassed”—is key to achieving dynamic shifts within a single song, from subtle verse textures to soaring chorus climaxes.

In the recording studio, mixing decisions are equally important.
To secure space for the guitar within the overall arrangement, low-end frequencies below 100Hz are usually high-passed, preventing conflict with the bass guitar.
Meanwhile, the 200–800Hz range is carefully boosted to emphasize body and presence, ensuring the guitar remains forward in the mix.
The naturally sharp upper mids of Marshall amps (around 2–3kHz) are often softened slightly with EQ or de-essing, preventing listener fatigue and keeping the tone pleasant over repeated plays.

Stereo placement also plays a major role in Yanagi’s recorded sound.
Guitar tracks are typically double-tracked and panned left and right to create width, while maintaining a strong central image.
Delay and reverb are applied subtly, often with a blend of around 70% dry signal and 30% wet, to add depth without muddying the vocal clarity.
The Line 6 DL4 is often synced to the tempo of each track, ensuring rhythmic accuracy while giving a sense of space that supports the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Another noteworthy aspect of his mixing approach is restraint—effects are never used for show but always in service of the song.
Even when applying lush delays or reverbs, Yanagi and his engineers ensure that the guitar remains articulate, leaving room for vocals and rhythm instruments.
This balance between texture and precision is what gives SUPER BEAVER’s recordings both raw energy and professional polish.

Ultimately, Yanagi’s EQ and mixing strategies embody his philosophy: simple tools used with intent can yield infinite expression.
By maintaining a tight focus on midrange strength, dynamic pedal control, and careful studio processing, his guitar tone achieves clarity and depth that resonates with the band’s emotional songwriting.
These settings and techniques are considered most likely based on available evidence and live performance analysis.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [SUPER BEAVER – Ryota Yanagisawa]

For players who wish to capture Yanagi’s tone without spending a fortune, it is crucial to focus first on the foundation of his sound—the overdrive character and the Marshall-style crunch base.
The MAXON ROD800 is central to his rig, but it is also expensive and sometimes hard to find. Fortunately, there are more affordable pedals from MAXON such as the OD808 and OD9, both of which share a similar midrange emphasis and natural drive character.
In particular, the OD9 is not only affordable but also confirmed as part of Yanagi’s gear, ensuring a close tonal direction.

For amplifiers, finding a Marshall JCM900 may be out of reach for beginners due to its price and weight. A practical substitute is the Marshall DSL40CR, a tube combo that delivers Marshall’s signature crunch at a more accessible price point.
Another excellent option is the Marshall CODE50, a digital modeling amp that includes JCM900 emulations. Its versatility allows use in home practice, studio sessions, or even smaller gigs, making it highly practical for guitarists seeking Yanagi’s tone at a fraction of the cost.

If budget is even tighter, multi-effects units provide a single-box solution. The BOSS GT-1000 and GT-100 contain Marshall amp models and drive simulations that can approximate Yanagi’s setup.
By combining the JCM800 model with an OD-1 or OD-style drive inside these units, players can approach the midrange punch and dynamic response that defines his sound.
These processors also include delay, reverb, and boost effects, allowing you to recreate Yanagi’s three-tier tone-switching system within a single unit.

On the guitar side, Epiphone Les Paul Custom is the most realistic choice for budget-conscious players.
It shares the core construction principles of the Gibson Les Paul Custom, including humbuckers that provide the thick, warm tone Yanagi relies on.
While it lacks some of the high-end refinement of a Gibson, it delivers more than enough punch and sustain for band contexts.
For beginners, the Epiphone Les Paul Special is an even cheaper entry point that still delivers a humbucker-driven rock tone close to Yanagi’s character.

For boosting purposes, the MXR Micro Amp can be expensive in some markets. Alternatives such as the BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver or Xotic EP Booster serve as excellent substitutes.
These pedals provide clean boost with added character and can replicate Yanagi’s use of the Micro Amp for subtle crunch or volume lifts during solos.

When it comes to ambience, the Line 6 DL4 remains a classic but may exceed some budgets. The BOSS DD-7 Digital Delay is a cost-effective alternative, offering not only a wide range of delay options but also a 40-second looper—covering two of Yanagi’s key needs in one pedal.
This makes it especially appealing to beginners who want both delay textures and looping functions in a single compact device.

For complete beginners, a simple starter rig can deliver surprisingly authentic results: pairing a Yamaha THR10II modeling amp with an Epiphone Les Paul Special and a BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive.
The THR10II includes Marshall-style amp simulations, while the SD-1 provides midrange-focused drive that complements the amp models perfectly.
With this setup, players can approximate Yanagi’s crunch and gain structure for under $1,000 total, making it an ideal first step into SUPER BEAVER’s guitar world.

Category	Gear	Brand	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Overdrive Pedal	OD808	MAXON	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MAXON+OD808&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Affordable alternative to the ROD800. Delivers similar midrange-focused overdrive.
Overdrive Pedal	SD-1	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+SD-1&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Budget overdrive option. Its mid-boosted voice makes it ideal for emulating Yanagi’s tone.
Booster Pedal	BB-1X	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+BB-1X&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Serves as a substitute for the MXR Micro Amp, offering clean boost and light drive.
Delay Pedal	DD-7	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+DD-7&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Delay pedal with built-in looper, covering delay and looping duties in one unit.
Multi-Effects	GT-1000	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+GT-1000&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Flagship processor. Marshall modeling plus multiple drives allow a full recreation of Yanagi’s rig.
Multi-Effects	GT-100	BOSS	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOSS+GT-100&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Cheaper sibling of GT-1000. Still capable of delivering Yanagi-style tones for less.
Guitar	Les Paul Custom	Epiphone	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Epiphone+Les+Paul+Custom&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Affordable version of the Gibson Les Paul Custom. Thick humbucker tone at a fraction of the price.
Guitar	Les Paul Special	Epiphone	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Epiphone+Les+Paul+Special&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Entry-level Les Paul model. Perfect for beginners seeking Yanagi’s tonal flavor.
Amp	DSL40CR	Marshall	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Marshall+DSL40CR&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Tube amp delivering a JCM900-like crunch at a more reasonable price.
Amp	CODE50	Marshall	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Marshall+CODE50&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Digital amp with JCM900 models. Versatile for practice and small gigs.
Amp	THR10II	Yamaha	https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Yamaha+THR10II&tag=toneguitarblo-20	SUPER BEAVER	Ryota Yanagisawa	Beginner-friendly amp with Marshall modeling and built-in effects. Great all-in-one option.

These affordable alternatives allow players to approximate Yanagi’s tone without breaking the bank.
Whether through Epiphone guitars, BOSS pedals, or Marshall-style amps, the essence of his sound—midrange focus, pedal-driven gain, and expressive control—can be achieved at entry-level budgets. These options are highly recommended for fans wanting to recreate the SUPER BEAVER vibe in a practical and accessible way.

Summary and Conclusion [SUPER BEAVER – Ryota Yanagisawa]

After analyzing the sound of Ryota Yanagisawa from SUPER BEAVER in depth, it becomes clear that the essence of his guitar tone lies in “simplicity that carries deep expressiveness.”
Rather than relying on complex chains of effects or unconventional gear, Yanagi builds his signature sound from a timeless pairing—the Marshall JCM900 and the MAXON ROD800. From this straightforward setup, he extracts an incredibly rich palette of musical colors, demonstrating that true artistry comes not from excess but from intent and mastery.

One of the most striking aspects of his approach is the three-step system he publicly revealed on Twitter: “ROD800 + Micro Amp,” “Micro Amp only,” and “fully bypassed.”
This minimalist switching method serves as the foundation for the wide tonal variety heard in SUPER BEAVER’s music. It proves that musical impact comes not from complication but from purposeful control and sensitivity to context.
For aspiring guitarists, this represents an ideal philosophy—gear should serve the music, not the other way around.

When attempting to recreate Yanagi’s tone, the most important step is not to copy his gear piece by piece, but to understand why he chooses the sounds he does.
His guitar tone functions as a vehicle for delivering the passionate message and emotional depth of SUPER BEAVER’s songs. Every pedal and every guitar is selected to amplify that purpose, and that is why his setup feels so natural yet powerful.

The choice of a 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom also reflects necessity rather than luxury. Its thick sustain and midrange body perfectly complement his emotional phrasing, making it less about vintage appeal and more about the right tool for the job.
Similarly, MAXON pedals embody Japanese craftsmanship that aligns with Yanagi’s desire for precision, reliability, and expressive response.

Another lesson from his approach is the concept of “creativity within constraints.”
By limiting his rig to a carefully chosen core, Yanagi pushes each piece to its fullest potential. In a world where countless effects and modeling technologies are available, his method reminds us of the value of truly knowing your gear and using it with intention.
This lesson is invaluable for guitarists who often get lost in chasing endless options instead of focusing on musical expression.

The respect Yanagi earns as a guitarist is not only because of technical skill, but because of musical honesty. His sound does not show off—it communicates. It blends seamlessly with the songs while carrying their emotional weight. This honesty is part of why SUPER BEAVER resonates so strongly with audiences in today’s rock scene.
For those inspired by his playing, the goal should be more than simply mimicking his tones. It should include adopting his sincerity toward music and his commitment to serving the song first.

Finally, it is important to remember that Yanagi’s guitar sound is not unreachable.
With thoughtful gear choices and an understanding of his tonal philosophy, any guitarist can get close to his sound. What truly matters is the passion behind the playing and the desire to move listeners. With that intention, even a modest setup can deliver an inspiring guitar voice.
Yanagi’s music proves that the heart of tone lies not in expensive gear but in the spirit and conviction of the player.