[Seikan Ozaki] – How to Recreate the CreepHyp Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Seikan Ozaki from CreepHyp has established a unique position in the modern Japanese rock scene as both guitarist and vocalist. His approach to guitar tone is built upon a carefully crafted aesthetic that blends the warmth of vintage guitars with the precision of modern effects work.

The most notable characteristic of Ozaki’s guitar sound comes from his use of semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars such as the Gibson ES-335 and Rickenbacker models. The natural resonance of these guitars, combined with moderately driven overdrive tones, creates the warm and nostalgic sound that defines the identity of CreepHyp.

On signature songs like “Shiori,” “Aisu,” and “Ito,” Ozaki employs dynamics that range from clean to mid-gain tones, effectively enhancing the emotional layers of each track. In tracks like “Shakai no Mado” and “Goukon,” his light chord voicings and cutting rhythms deliver a melodic yet groovy guitar presence.

At the core of his tone lies the philosophy of creating a guitar sound that is never flashy, yet consistently present—one that blends into the band mix while still standing out with clarity. This reflects his songwriting style, where the lyrics and vocal melody always take priority, and the guitar tone is designed to complement them.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of CreepHyp

List of Amplifiers and Features [CreepHyp・Seikan Ozaki]

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
59 BASSMAN LTD	Fender	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Main amplifier. Tube amp forming the core of his vintage sound

Seikan Ozaki’s choice of amplifier is a crucial component of his musical identity. His main amp, the Fender 59 BASSMAN LTD, is a faithful reissue of the legendary 1959 Bassman circuit, and this selection reflects his clear philosophy toward tone creation.

Although the Bassman was originally designed as a bass amplifier, it later became a historic staple embraced by countless guitarists. Its defining features include warm tube-driven clean tones and a natural compression when pushed in volume. The combination with semi-hollow guitars such as the ES-335 and Rickenbacker provides a sound that fully resonates with the wood of the instrument, emphasizing organic tonal richness.

Within the clean-to-crunch range that is heavily used in CreepHyp’s repertoire, this amplifier demonstrates exceptional responsiveness. Songs like “Aisu” and “Ito” showcase the tube amp’s ability to reflect dynamic picking strength, amplifying the emotional nuance of each piece.

In live settings, the Bassman LTD delivers thick midrange and tight low-end that allow the guitar to maintain presence in the band mix without overshadowing other instruments. This balance ensures both clarity and cohesion on stage. Through this amplifier, Ozaki successfully integrates the beauty of vintage sound aesthetics into the framework of modern songwriting—suggested as his central amp choice.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [CreepHyp・Seikan Ozaki]

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Guitar	Notes
Custom Shop ES-335	Gibson	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Semi-hollow	Main guitar. Central role in both recording and live performances
ES-335	Gibson	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Semi-hollow	Standard model. Used as a backup guitar
360 Snowglo	Rickenbacker	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Semi-hollow	Iconic white body. Frequently used on stage
330	Rickenbacker	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Semi-hollow	Core model representing the Rickenbacker sound
Telecaster	Fender	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Solid body	Adopted around 2024. Expanded his tonal palette
SS300	YAMAHA	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Solid body	High-quality Japanese guitar. Used in studio recordings
SA500	PLAYTECH	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Semi-hollow	Entry-level model resembling the ES-335

Ozaki’s guitar choices are one of the most defining aspects of his musical identity. His primary guitar, the Gibson Custom Shop ES-335, goes beyond being just an instrument—it serves as a symbolic core of the CreepHyp sound.

The semi-hollow design of the ES-335 offers a perfect balance between the clarity of a solid body and the rich resonance of a hollow body. Its warm tone significantly expands the emotional range of CreepHyp’s music. Songs such as “Shiori” and “Aisu” showcase the expressive depth of this instrument. His preference for the Custom Shop version further reflects his pursuit of uncompromising tone quality.

The Rickenbacker 360 Snowglo, with its striking white finish, adds a strong visual impact on stage. Rickenbackers are known for their jangly, almost twelve-string-like character, which lends a shimmering brightness to CreepHyp’s arrangements. Combined with the 330, Ozaki is able to cover a wide scope of Rickenbacker’s sonic palette.

The addition of the Fender Telecaster from around 2024 marks a significant expansion of his tonal color. Its sharp, punchy voice brings a modern dimension to his guitar work, particularly noticeable in newer recordings. The YAMAHA SS300 reflects his trust in Japanese craftsmanship—its consistency and quality are vital for detailed studio work where nuance matters. Meanwhile, the PLAYTECH SA500 offers a practical alternative that resembles the ES-335 in look and feel, often suited for rehearsals or casual sessions.

Through this lineup, Ozaki ensures versatility without compromising his signature warmth and resonance. His selection of semi-hollows and select solid bodies suggests a deliberate balance of tradition and exploration—this can be reasonably assumed to form the backbone of his guitar arsenal.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [CreepHyp・Seikan Ozaki]

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Type of Effect	Notes
Vintage Overdrive	tc electronic	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Overdrive	Main drive pedal. Core of his vintage-inspired tone
Sweet Honey Overdrive	Mad Professor	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Overdrive	Warm “honey tone.” Enhances expressive, emotional playing
Tube Dreamer 72	JAM Pedals	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Overdrive	Tube Screamer style. Mid-focused tone
Box of Rock	Z-Vex	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Distortion	Main high-gain option. Marshall-style sound
TU-2	BOSS	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Tuner	Reliable stage tuner. Stability during live use
AC→DC STATION ver.2	CUSTOM AUDIO JAPAN	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Power Supply	High-quality Japanese power supply. Designed for noiseless operation

Ozaki’s pedalboard is deceptively simple yet meticulously curated. His philosophy revolves around enhancing expression while preserving the natural qualities of his guitars. Rather than stacking countless pedals, he opts for carefully chosen units that serve specific tonal roles.

The tc electronic Vintage Overdrive is the foundation of his drive section. It delivers natural breakup while retaining the character of the instrument, making it a perfect partner for his ES-335 and Rickenbacker models. The combination produces a warm, organic drive that embodies the “CreepHyp tone.”

The Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive demonstrates his sensitivity toward expressive dynamics. Its signature “honey tone” adds sweetness and warmth, particularly noticeable in ballad-like passages or arpeggiated sections. Songs like “Aisu” and “Ito” highlight how this pedal can deepen the emotional impact of his sound.

The JAM Pedals Tube Dreamer 72, modeled after the legendary Tube Screamer, provides a midrange push essential for keeping the guitar audible in a dense band mix. This is especially effective in live performances, where its presence helps carry the emotional weight of Ozaki’s picking nuances.

The Z-Vex Box of Rock is reserved for higher-gain contexts. Its Marshall-inspired voicing lends raw energy to more rock-driven numbers in the CreepHyp catalog, ensuring that Ozaki’s guitar can transition from subtle textures to commanding riffs. Supporting the entire board is the CUSTOM AUDIO JAPAN power supply, chosen for its reliability and clean output—an essential feature for noise-free live performances.

In sum, Ozaki’s pedalboard setup balances minimalism with intention. Each pedal has a distinct role, contributing to an overall sound that is warm, dynamic, and expressive—this can be reasonably assumed to represent his core effects philosophy.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [CreepHyp・Seikan Ozaki]

Ozaki’s approach to tone settings and EQ reflects a highly strategic mindset. Rather than aiming for a guitar sound that dominates the mix, he tailors his setup so that the guitar fulfills its role within the song’s emotional and sonic landscape. This philosophy is consistent across both live and studio environments, and it reveals his deep understanding of arrangement and production.

On his Fender 59 BASSMAN LTD, Ozaki pays close attention to midrange frequencies. Unlike many rock guitarists who aggressively boost the mids, his settings are more balanced, often leaning toward a flatter EQ. A typical configuration might be Bass around 4–5, Middle around 5–6, and Treble around 6–7. This allows the natural character of the ES-335 and Rickenbacker guitars to shine through without being overshadowed by artificial coloration.

Song-specific tone shaping is another hallmark of his style. For instance, in emotional tracks like “Shiori,” he keeps the amp gain low and relies on the Sweet Honey Overdrive for gentle breakup, ensuring a natural compression that enhances intimacy. In contrast, for more energetic tracks like “Shakai no Mado,” he uses the Tube Dreamer 72 to push the midrange, making the guitar cut through with authority in a busy band mix. This adaptability highlights his ability to match tone with narrative.

In studio recordings, Ozaki employs thoughtful mic techniques. Typically, a dynamic microphone is placed 20–30 cm from the Bassman’s speaker to capture direct amp tone, while an additional room microphone captures ambient reflections. These signals are blended during mixing to create a sense of organic space that cannot be easily replicated with digital effects. This hybrid approach results in a mix that feels alive and immersive.

His EQ philosophy extends into the mixing process. Instead of boosting guitar-heavy frequencies, he makes surgical cuts in the 200–500 Hz range to avoid clashing with bass and keyboards. At the same time, a subtle boost around 800 Hz to 1.5 kHz ensures that his guitar maintains clarity and presence. This strategy demonstrates his awareness of the guitar’s role in the larger sonic spectrum, preventing muddiness while securing definition.

Compression is used with restraint. Rather than relying heavily on hardware compressors, Ozaki prefers the natural tube compression of his amp. This approach preserves picking dynamics, allowing listeners to hear the smallest variations in his playing. The result is a tone that feels human, responsive, and emotionally resonant.

Spatial effects like reverb and delay are employed with precision. In ballad-like songs, he combines short plate reverbs with longer delays synced to the song’s tempo—often set to eighth or sixteenth notes. This creates an expansive atmosphere without disrupting groove. In more upbeat tracks, reverb use is minimal, ensuring tightness and clarity. The way he uses delay and reverb reveals his sensitivity to emotional pacing and song architecture.

Live performances reinforce his consistency. Whether in small clubs or larger halls, Ozaki adjusts EQ slightly to match room acoustics but never compromises his fundamental tone character. His guitar always carries the “warm yet cutting” signature that defines CreepHyp’s sound. This ability to adapt while maintaining identity speaks to his professionalism and long years of experience.

Altogether, Ozaki’s tone-setting philosophy can be described as subtlety with precision. He avoids exaggerated EQ curves or heavy-handed effects, focusing instead on balance, nuance, and authenticity. From amp dials to mixing strategies, every decision is made in service of the song. This holistic approach—rather than gear obsession alone—can be reasonably assumed to represent the essence of his sound design.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [CreepHyp・Seikan Ozaki]

Type	Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Lowest Price URL	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	Epiphone ES-335	Epiphone	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Budget-friendly Gibson alternative. Offers authentic semi-hollow tone
Guitar	Gretsch G2622 Streamliner	Gretsch	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Semi-hollow with character. Tonally close to ES-335
Amp	Fender Blues Junior IV	Fender	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Tube combo amp. Affordable entry point into Bassman-style warmth
Amp	VOX AC15C1	VOX	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Classic British tube sound. Excellent for clean-to-crunch tones
Effect	BOSS SD-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Iconic overdrive. Affordable Tube Screamer-style tones
Effect	BOSS Blues Driver BD-2	BOSS	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Warm bluesy drive. Vintage-flavored overdrive character
Effect	Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9	Ibanez	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	The original Tube Screamer. Basis for the Tube Dreamer 72
Multi-Effect	ZOOM G1X FOUR	ZOOM	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Affordable multi-FX with vintage amp models. Great for beginners
Multi-Effect	BOSS GT-1	BOSS	Amazon Search	CreepHyp	Seikan Ozaki	Compact multi-FX. Delivers professional-level sound quality

Recreating Ozaki’s sound on a budget comes down to capturing two essentials: the character of a semi-hollow guitar and the warmth of a tube amp. These elements define the “CreepHyp feel,” and affordable gear can approximate them convincingly without breaking the bank.

For guitars, the Epiphone ES-335 is the obvious starting point. Built under Gibson’s brand family, it mirrors the design philosophy of the original ES-335 but at a fraction of the cost. Its semi-hollow construction delivers resonant tones and harmonic richness, making it a reliable substitute for Ozaki’s main Gibson models. Similarly, the Gretsch G2622 Streamliner offers a different flavor of semi-hollow resonance. Its airy, open tone provides expressive cleans and crunch, suitable for the jangly textures present in many CreepHyp songs.

When it comes to amps, the Fender Blues Junior IV is a practical choice. With 15 watts of tube-driven output, it offers responsive dynamics reminiscent of the Bassman LTD, but in a smaller, more affordable package. Its EL84 power section ensures smooth breakup at manageable volumes, ideal for home, rehearsal, or small gigs. Alternatively, the VOX AC15C1 provides a distinct British chime while still delivering warm tube compression. Both options bring the essential tube character Ozaki depends on.

In the effects realm, the BOSS SD-1 is unbeatable for cost-effectiveness. Its Tube Screamer-inspired mid-push allows guitars to cut through a band mix, much like Ozaki’s Tube Dreamer 72. The BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver offers warmer, bluesier breakup that parallels the sweetness of the Sweet Honey Overdrive. Meanwhile, the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 remains a timeless reference point for achieving that classic midrange drive associated with Ozaki’s tone.

For those who want versatility on a budget, multi-effects units are an excellent path. The ZOOM G1X FOUR provides amp modeling and a wide array of effects, allowing beginners to explore Ozaki-like tones without needing multiple pedals. The BOSS GT-1 steps things up with higher fidelity processing, delivering sounds that are reliable enough for professional use.

By combining one of the semi-hollow options with either the Fender Blues Junior IV or VOX AC15C1, and adding one or two of the suggested overdrive pedals, players can realistically approximate the CreepHyp sound. These setups allow even entry-level players to access the warmth, presence, and expressive dynamics central to Ozaki’s style. The essence lies not in luxury gear, but in choosing affordable tools wisely and learning how to shape them musically—this is the practical key to channeling Ozaki’s sound.

Summary and Conclusion [CreepHyp・Seikan Ozaki]

Analyzing Seikan Ozaki’s tone reveals a unique aesthetic within Japan’s modern rock scene, marked by depth, subtlety, and intentionality. The core of his sound is not about luxury gear or flashy techniques but about designing tones that faithfully serve the emotional message of the song. This philosophy explains why his guitar work resonates with listeners on such a profound level.

Perhaps the most defining element is his consistent reliance on semi-hollow guitars like the Gibson ES-335 and Rickenbacker models. These instruments are not chosen merely for their sound quality—they actively shape the identity of CreepHyp itself. Their natural warmth and resonance broaden the emotional spectrum of Ozaki’s music and pair beautifully with his lyrical storytelling, creating a synergy between words and tone that feels authentic and timeless.

His approach to effects is equally telling. Rather than building an overly complex pedal chain, he carefully selects a few drive pedals, each with a precise purpose. The tc electronic Vintage Overdrive, Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive, and JAM Pedals Tube Dreamer 72 are not arbitrary choices; they each highlight different aspects of his songs. This deliberate minimalism emphasizes his belief in allowing the guitar’s natural voice to shine.

On the technical side, his EQ and mixing practices reflect a producer’s ear. By avoiding exaggerated EQ boosts and focusing on balance within the mix, Ozaki ensures his sound is never fatiguing to the listener. This is especially important for commercial music, where clarity and longevity are essential. His restraint with compression and tasteful use of reverb and delay illustrate his commitment to nuance over spectacle.

The most important takeaway from Ozaki’s sound is that gear should serve the song, not the other way around. Even the most expensive equipment is meaningless if it does not contribute to the storytelling and emotion at the heart of the music. Ozaki’s consistent prioritization of “what the song needs” over “what the gear can do” offers a powerful lesson for musicians at every level.

Another notable aspect is his ability to merge vintage aesthetics with contemporary production. By employing amplifiers and guitars rooted in the 1950s and 1960s while integrating them into modern rock arrangements, he bridges eras, creating a sound that feels nostalgic yet fresh. This duality is part of what makes CreepHyp’s music enduring and relatable across generations.

For musicians seeking to replicate CreepHyp’s sound, it is not enough to copy gear settings alone. One must also internalize the emotional and narrative intent behind each track. Ozaki’s guitar playing cannot be separated from his songwriting; they are two sides of the same artistic coin. Understanding the role of the guitar in the broader context of each song is essential for achieving authenticity.

Ultimately, Seikan Ozaki’s tone embodies musical honesty. Rather than chasing trends or relying on flashy gimmicks, he approaches sound design with sincerity, always searching for what best communicates the emotion of the song. This honesty is why CreepHyp’s music continues to connect deeply with listeners and why Ozaki’s guitar tones remain so inspiring. The essence of his sound is not simply in the gear but in the integrity and thoughtfulness with which he uses it.