[Sheena Ringo] How to Recreate the Ringo Shiina (Tokyo Jihen) Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

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Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Sheena Ringo, the guitarist and vocalist of Tokyo Jihen, is renowned for her unique sound design that radiates a strong personality. While she is often recognized as a singer-songwriter, her presence as a guitarist is equally distinctive, inspiring many fans and guitarists alike with her sound creation.

Her guitar sound is both elegant and sharp, boldly changing character from song to song. In her early works like “Kōfukuron” and “Koko de Kisu shite,” the dazzling clean tone from the Duesenberg Starplayer II stands out. As her career progressed, the powerful and thick sound of the Gibson RD Artist became a driving force in the band’s overall sound.

In Tokyo Jihen, she creates characteristic riffs in songs like “Gunjō Biyori” and “Sōnan,” while her solos explore expansive tones. The meticulous use of equipment in music videos and live performances can be seen as “sound creation = performance,” supporting the storytelling aspect of the songs through sound.

Sheena’s playing style is centered around rhythm guitar, leaving a strong impression with her intricate chord work, sharp cutting, and unexpected tone choices. In tracks like “Marunouchi Sadistic” and “NIPPON,” her unique sound and voice intertwine beautifully, creating an unparalleled groove.

Underlying this sound design are classic amp tones, vintage-like guitar selections, and texture control through effects. This article will carefully introduce the gear used by Sheena Ringo (Tokyo Jihen) and unravel how her sound is shaped.

Notably, her choice of guitars includes a diverse range from Duesenberg, Gibson, and Fender, all featuring visually striking designs that stand out on stage. This selection reflects her sensibility in balancing “visual impact” and “sound individuality,” going beyond mere equipment explanation to embody the “artist’s philosophy.”

In the following sections, we will explore amplifiers, guitars, and effects in detail, examining the specific gear and sound creation techniques employed.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Sheena Ringo

List of Amplifiers and Features

One of the key elements supporting Sheena Ringo’s (Tokyo Jihen) guitar sound is her choice of amplifiers. She frequently uses British-style amps for live performances and recordings, particularly brands like Orange and HIWATT.

The Orange OD-120 has been used in live performances since her early days, characterized by its unique high-end British sound, capable of handling a wide range from clean to crunch. When paired with the Orange Rockerverb and PPC412 cabinet, it produces a thick sound that emphasizes distortion, ensuring her presence is felt even within the powerful ensemble of Tokyo Jihen.

Additionally, the HIWATT Lead 100 and Custom 100 are also used in live settings, known for their punchy clean tones and depth provided by built-in reverb. The clean range of HIWATT is particularly valuable when supporting the overall sound pressure of the band, making it a preferred choice for studio work and recordings.

Moreover, examples of using the Marshall JMP-1 and Marshall EL34 100/100 as preamps and power amps have been confirmed, allowing for flexible control over distortion quality while crafting a robust sound. The JMP-1 preamp is appealing due to its versatility, enabling a wide range of tones from clean to drive.

In summary, Sheena Ringo’s amplifier selection clearly reflects her intention to balance “classic British tones” with “stage presence.” By utilizing the high-gain tones of Orange and the strength of HIWATT’s clean sound, supplemented by the Marshall system, she creates the necessary soundscapes for each song. Overall, it can be assumed that she incorporates a variety of amplifiers to ensure a broad range of sound creation for both live and recording settings.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

A significant aspect of Sheena Ringo’s sound is her choice of guitars. She selects models from brands like Duesenberg, Gibson, and Fender that not only have a strong visual impact but also possess unique sound characteristics. Following her live performances and music videos, it is evident that her main guitars have evolved over the years, reflecting changes in her song styles.

In her early career, she used the “Duesenberg Starplayer II (Surf Green),” which can be seen in music videos for her early hits like “Kōfukuron” and “Koko de Kisu shite.” This guitar is characterized by its unique metallic feel and attack, and she notably decorated it with a sticker of “Dietrich Boy.” The evolved version, the Starplayer TV (Silver Sparkle), served as her main guitar in the music video for “Gunjō Biyori” and during the “Gekokujō Ecstasy” tour, supporting a dazzling and flashy sound.

As the mid-2000s approached, she began using more distinctive models like the “Duesenberg V-Caster (Vintage White)” and “Duesenberg Rocket (Black & White).” The V-Caster, particularly in the music video for “Sōnan” and during the 2005 tour, showcased a striking transition between clean and crunch, adding depth to the overall band sound. Additionally, the Starplayer TV with a gold and black checkerboard pattern appeared in the music videos for “Kuruma-ya-san” and “Hotoke Dake Tōho,” making a powerful visual statement.

In the later years of Tokyo Jihen, the “Gibson RD Artist (Natural / ’78)” frequently became her main guitar. It can be seen in works like “Hiiraku Tokoro” and “Sandoku-shi,” as well as in the music video for “NIPPON,” where the thick and robust sound of the RD supported the band’s sonic foundation. The “Gibson Flying V (Antique Natural)” also made an appearance in the “Identity” music video, symbolizing her rock-oriented side.

Other notable guitars include a modified Fender Jazzmaster (nicknamed “NAGARE”), used since her indie days in “Sweet Love Shower ’99,” and the Rickenbacker 620 (Jetglo), which appeared in iconic live performances of “Marunouchi Sadistic.” For acoustic performances, she uses K.Yairi FK-1J and Martin OOO series guitars, accommodating a wide range from intimate performances with the compact Yairi to delicate playing with the Martin OOO-28EC.

Thus, Sheena Ringo’s guitar choices are directly linked to the “worldview of each song,” serving a purpose beyond mere sound creation to enhance the performance. Her philosophy of integrating visual elements with sound is vividly reflected in her guitar selections.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

In Sheena Ringo’s sound, effects may not be as prominent as her guitars or amplifiers, but they play a crucial role in controlling the texture of her sound. Her sound creation is based on a simple equipment setup, yet she skillfully switches effects according to the atmosphere of the live performance or song.

One of the key effects is the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver, a staple overdrive pedal. Sheena’s guitar often features a crunchier distortion that tightens the overall band sound without overshadowing the vocals, making the natural distortion of the BD-2 a perfect match. In cleaner settings, it highlights the contours of chords, while a stronger drive can create the driving energy found in songs like “Gunjō Biyori” and “Sōnan.”

For moments requiring more powerful distortion, pedals like the LINE6 Uber Metal and Pro Co RAT are used. The RAT, in particular, offers a thick and aggressive tone, suitable for enhancing the edge in live performances. Additionally, the Roger Mayer Voodoo-1 provides classic distortion, contributing to the bluesy aspect of Tokyo Jihen’s music.

Furthermore, the Jim Dunlop TS-1 Tremolo adds a unique sway to the arrangements. In Tokyo Jihen’s performances, the tremolo effect amplifies the tension of the songs, providing movement to rhythm parts that might otherwise become monotonous. The Providence A/B Box is also invaluable for switching guitars seamlessly during the setlist, ensuring smooth transitions on stage.

Moreover, a rack system combining the Marshall JMP-1 (preamp) and Marshall EL34 100/100 (power amp) has been integrated into her setup, creating a cohesive structure where the pedalboard and rack are unified. This is particularly effective for maintaining sound consistency, especially in large venues during tours.

Overall, Sheena Ringo’s effects board is based on the philosophy of “achieving maximum effect with minimal necessity.” She avoids excessive modulation and spatial effects, primarily using overdrive and distortion to refine texture, while occasionally incorporating tremolo for flavor. This pragmatic and calculated approach is what supports her sound.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Sheena Ringo’s (Tokyo Jihen) sound heavily relies not only on her choice of guitars and amplifiers but also on their settings, EQ, and adjustments during PA and mixing. Her sound creation plays a significant role in “performing the song,” boldly changing the sonic image from track to track. Below, we will discuss specific setting examples and EQ tendencies.

Starting with amp EQ settings, when using Orange or HIWATT, it is common to keep the BASS slightly lower (around 3-4), boost the MIDDLE (6-7), and set the TREBLE between 4-6 depending on the song. This is because her voice prominently occupies the midrange, allowing the guitar’s midrange to shine without being buried, while keeping the low end in check to prevent the overall band sound from becoming too bloated.

For distortion, when using the BOSS BD-2, the gain is typically set below half to create a natural crunch. In contrast, when using the Pro Co RAT or LINE6 Uber Metal, the gain is set around 5-6 to maintain a robust sound without excessive compression. Particularly in songs like “Gunjō Biyori” and “Sōnan,” the crunch to mid-gain distortion is striking, resulting in a simple yet impactful tone.

Regarding clean tones, combining HIWATT and the Gibson RD Artist ensures a hard-edged, core sound. The EQ often sees TREBLE slightly lowered for a more pleasant texture, while a light reverb adds depth. This setting greatly influences the sharp yet dry texture found in the intro of “Marunouchi Sadistic.”

For different songs, she adjusts the distortion intensity; for fast-paced tracks, she increases the distortion, while for slower songs, she utilizes tremolo (Jim Dunlop TS-1) to create tension and a sense of floating. In “Identity,” she combines the Flying V with intense distortion, while in “NIPPON,” she emphasizes the powerful midrange from the RD Artist and Marshall system, optimizing the guitar’s role for each song.

During live performances, the use of the Providence A/B Box for switching guitars and the channel switching via the Marshall JMP-1 integrated into the rack ensures smooth transitions. On the PA side, the guitar’s midrange is often pushed more prominently, as Tokyo Jihen’s live shows feature each instrument asserting itself, making it crucial to avoid burying the guitar in the mix. Compressors and EQ adjustments are meticulously handled at the PA stage, focusing on frequencies that do not clash with Sheena’s vocals.

In recordings, double tracking is frequently employed to add thickness to the sound, especially in studio tracks like “Koko de Kisu shite,” where different amp tones are panned left and right to create a sense of space. Spatial processing is kept minimal, but delay and reverb are applied as needed to maintain cohesion with the vocals.

Overall, Sheena Ringo’s sound creation can be summarized by “strength in the midrange,” “texture of distortion,” and “scene-specific performance effects.” Rather than showcasing the guitar’s flamboyance alone, she focuses on ensuring its presence within the band as a whole. To recreate these elements, it is essential to prioritize midrange in EQ while avoiding excessive distortion and low end.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

To fully replicate a unique tone like Sheena Ringo’s, one would typically require rare and expensive guitars such as the Duesenberg or Gibson RD Artist, along with large amps like Orange or HIWATT. However, these can be hard to obtain and often come with a hefty price tag. Therefore, we will introduce alternative gear that general guitarists or beginners can use to approach the “Ringo sound” at a more accessible price point.

For guitars, semi-hollow or midrange-rich models are ideal. The Epiphone Casino or Epiphone Dot serve as excellent alternatives to the Duesenberg, providing good resonance and a visually appealing stage presence. Emphasizing midrange will ensure that chord work and riffs carry the distinctive presence typical of Tokyo Jihen. Additionally, the Fender Player Jazzmaster offers a budget-friendly option that captures the essence of Sheena’s modified Jazzmaster “NAGARE.”

For amplifiers, compact amps or simulators that can easily replicate the tones of Orange or HIWATT are effective. For instance, the Orange Crush series is user-friendly for home practice and can recreate the unique British sound. The BOSS Katana series, equipped with multi-effects capabilities, can handle a wide range from clean to distortion and tremolo, allowing for versatile sound creation reminiscent of Sheena Ringo.

Regarding effects, using the BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver can yield a natural crunch, forming the foundation of the Ringo sound. Furthermore, combining it with affordable clones of the Pro Co RAT or the BOSS DS-1 allows for varying distortion textures depending on the song. The BOSS TR-2 is a standard tremolo pedal that can replicate effects similar to the Jim Dunlop TS-1.

For beginners, introducing a multi-effects unit is also a great choice. Devices like the ZOOM G3n or Line6 POD Go come equipped with multiple distortion and spatial effects, as well as amp simulators, making it easier to switch tones for different songs, from the crunch of “Gunjō Biyori” to the distortion of “Identity.”

In summary, by focusing on “midrange-heavy EQ settings,” “natural crunch to mid-gain distortion,” and “maximizing expression with minimal effects,” it is possible to approach the sound of Sheena Ringo (Tokyo Jihen) at a relatively affordable cost.

Summary and Conclusion

Sheena Ringo’s guitar sound is not merely a “combination of gear,” but rather a “means of expression” directly linked to the worldview of her songs. Her sensibility in selecting distinctive guitars like Duesenberg and Gibson RD, focusing on midrange-heavy sound creation with British-style amps like Orange and HIWATT, and employing minimal effects for meticulous sound control all come together to create a unique sonic image.

What stands out is that the guitar serves as an element supporting the vocals while simultaneously providing a strong visual and performative presence. The color schemes, decorations, and shapes of her guitars in music videos and live performances embody her artistry, captivating the audience from both auditory and visual perspectives. For instance, the dazzling Starplayer TV in “Gunjō Biyori” and the robust RD Artist in “NIPPON” strongly reflect the themes of their respective songs.

Moreover, the ingenuity in EQ and mixing cannot be overlooked. Rather than prioritizing the flamboyance of the guitar, she emphasizes “how it resonates within the band as a whole,” ensuring that even when boosting the midrange, it does not overshadow the vocals, while controlling the low end to clearly delineate the rhythm section. This approach is a significant factor in establishing Tokyo Jihen’s intricate ensemble, embodying a “song-first” philosophy.

For beginners or fans looking to recreate the Ringo sound, it is not necessary to acquire expensive Duesenberg or Gibson guitars. Mid-range models from Epiphone or Fender can effectively capture the essence, and using staple effects like the BOSS BD-2 or TR-2 allows for experiencing the essence of Ringo’s tone. The key points to focus on are “midrange emphasis,” “distortion centered around mid-gain,” and “maximizing expressiveness with minimal effects.”

In conclusion, the essence of Sheena Ringo’s (Tokyo Jihen) sound creation lies in “expressing the worldview.” The gear serves as tools to maximize the character of the guitars and amplifiers, meticulously combined to embody her musicality. Readers are encouraged to go beyond merely imitating the gear and to engage in their own interpretations of sound creation, which will be the first step towards approaching the Sheena Ringo sound.