Souichiro Yamauchi – How to Recreate the Fujifabric Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Souichiro Yamauchi, the guitarist and now vocalist of Fujifabric, is widely recognized for his melodious yet delicate guitar tone that also carries a distinctive sense of floatiness and sharp edge. His style is defined by nuanced control within natural tones and expressive dynamics that shift phrase by phrase.

Representative songs such as “Wakamono no Subete” and “Akaneiro no Yuhi” showcase his pristine clean tones, while live performances of tracks like “Ginga” and “Sugar!!” highlight his masterful use of fuzz and overdrive to project rock-driven energy. This broad expressive range is the reason Yamauchi’s sound garners so much attention.

His setup blends vintage gear with modern routing and sound design ingenuity. For example, he often uses multiple amps in a stereo configuration, alongside unique choices of spatial effects, to create a three-dimensional guitar sound. Interviews and photos from Guitar Magazine and specialist effect-pedal websites confirm these practices, showcasing his reputation as one of the most creative sound architects in modern J-Pop and rock.

This article will carefully break down his gear and sound-crafting methods, serving as a guide for players who want to capture Yamauchi’s signature tones.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of Fujifabric

List of Amplifiers and Features

Souichiro Yamauchi’s amplifier choices are at the very heart of his tone-shaping. His mainstay has been vintage Fender amps, most notably the 1965 Fender Super Reverb, which has been confirmed in both live and studio use. This amp, equipped with four 12-inch speakers, delivers shimmering clean tones and a deep, spacious character that highlights his transparent arpeggios and crisp cutting work.

According to Guitar Magazine (May 2021), the Super Reverb he uses features the original Utah-made speakers. These speakers provide a slightly rough top-end, which adds subtle grit and presence to Yamauchi’s otherwise smooth sound.

In live setups, he is also known to run two Fender Twin Reverb (Twin Amp) units in parallel. This stereo-style configuration creates a wider sound field and allows him to maintain consistent body and air in his tone, regardless of venue size. The result is a dynamic live performance with rich dimensionality.

The common thread across all his amps is the signature Fender clean—warm mids with wide headroom—complemented by carefully chosen pedal effects. Together they form the balance of “Amp + Effects = Yamauchi Sound.”

Because these vintage units are now extremely expensive, modern reissues and digital modeling amps serve as practical substitutes. We’ll revisit some affordable alternatives later in this guide. For now, here’s a breakdown of Yamauchi’s confirmed amplifier gear:

Amplifier Gear List (Table)

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
1965 Fender Super Reverb	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Main amp. Utah speakers. Clean tones confirmed in both live and studio contexts.
Fender Twin Amp	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Used alongside Super Reverb. Stereo setup for wide soundstage during live shows.

From available sources and photographic evidence, these are the amps most associated with his setup, though exact usage may vary across different tours and recording sessions. Other models may have appeared in specific contexts, but overall, this Fender-based configuration defines his core sound. This can be assumed to be his foundational amplifier approach.

Types of Guitars Used and Features

Souichiro Yamauchi’s guitar collection spans from rare vintage instruments to custom-made signature models. Among these, the most iconic is his Fender Souichiro Yamauchi Telecaster “Maroon”, developed in collaboration with Fender. This signature Telecaster reflects his aesthetics and playing style, balancing warm midrange sweetness with sharp cutting ability. It frequently appears as his main guitar in live shows and music videos.

He also uses highly unique vintage guitars such as the 1960s Teisco SS-4L and the 1954 Fender Telecaster (the legendary “Blackguard”). The Teisco, with its quirky single-coil character, produces a surfy, atmospheric tone that matches his floating riff style. Meanwhile, the Blackguard Telecaster delivers that unmistakable vintage bite for select performances.

For more experimental textures, Yamauchi incorporates a Jerry Jones Master Electric Sitar. This instrument contributes an exotic, sitar-like flavor and is famously used in songs like “Ginga,” where its psychedelic texture adds depth and otherworldliness.

He has also been seen with several Fender Stratocasters, including an extraordinary hybrid Stratocaster with parts from different eras: a ’63 neck, Masterbuilt body, ’62 pickguard and electronics, and a ’61 bridge. Such a rare combination provides remarkable tonal richness, likely favored in studio recordings where precision is key.

From the Gibson side, Yamauchi has used a Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck (a visual icon in live shows), Gibson ES-335 (for warm, jazzy tones), Gibson SJ-200 (a staple acoustic in ballads), and even a Gibson SG Custom 3PU VOS with Maestro, highlighting his pursuit of variety and song-specific tonal perfection.

In recent years, a Fender Jazzmaster has also been spotted in his rig, likely for moments when a noisier, lo-fi texture is desired. This breadth of instruments shows Yamauchi’s devotion to selecting the guitar that best fits each song’s mood rather than sticking to one favorite.
Guitar Gear List (Table)

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
Fender Souichiro Yamauchi Telecaster “Maroon”	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Telecaster)	Signature model. Frequently used as main guitar in live shows and MVs.
1960’s Teisco SS-4L	Teisco	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Bizarre style)	Unique midrange character with surfy tone. Matches floating riffs.
Jerry Jones Master Electric Sitar	Jerry Jones	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Sitar	Used in “Ginga.” Adds exotic, psychedelic textures.
Fender Stratocaster (Hybrid Vintage Spec)	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Stratocaster)	Hybrid build from multiple vintage parts. Likely used in studio sessions.
1954 Fender Telecaster	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Telecaster)	Legendary Blackguard model. Vintage tone focus.
Gibson EDS-1275	Gibson	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Double-Neck)	Used live. Provides visual impact and tonal flexibility.
Gibson ES-335	Gibson	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Semi-Hollow)	Warm tone with smooth midrange for expressive parts.
Gibson SJ-200	Gibson	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Acoustic Guitar	Appears in studio recordings and ballads.
Fender Jazzmaster	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Electric Guitar (Jazzmaster)	Chosen for noisier, lo-fi textures in recent years.

From these examples, it’s clear that Yamauchi doesn’t lock himself into a single “main guitar.” Instead, he selects the perfect tool for each musical situation, whether that means signature precision, vintage authenticity, or experimental flair. This flexible approach to guitar choice can be assumed as a defining trait of his artistry.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

The core of Souichiro Yamauchi’s sound lies in his extremely rich pedalboard setup. His approach goes far beyond simple overdrives or reverbs—his rig includes compressors, filters, boosters, routing systems, and more, all carefully integrated to create both subtle nuance and explosive dynamics.

At the center of his system are the FREE THE TONE JB-41S junction box and FREE THE TONE FC-373 switcher. These allow him to seamlessly manage complex routing, instantly switch between tones during live performances, and even send output to multiple amps without signal degradation.

For drive tones, Yamauchi relies on a legendary lineup. The Klon Centaur Gold (Long Tail version) provides transparent overdrive with a strong midrange boost, often kept on as a foundation. He also uses Pete Cornish G-2/P-2, a fuzz-leaning distortion with heavy low-end punch, and the Sola Sound Tone Bender MKⅢ, a classic fuzz that adds retro-psychedelic grit.

His compressor of choice is the Wampler Ego Compressor, which adds natural sustain and evens out the dynamics of his delicate clean tones. This pedal is often the secret ingredient behind the crystalline clarity of his arpeggios.

For time and space effects, Yamauchi combines modern and vintage flavors. He employs the strymon FLINT for lush spring reverb and smooth tremolo, the TC Electronic Alter Ego V2 for versatile delay sounds, and the Ibanez AD9 for warm analog delay textures. Each is used selectively depending on the song, creating layers of atmosphere.

Filter-based effects also play a significant role. His board includes the Mu-Tron III auto-wah and Phasor II for psychedelic modulation, alongside a VOX Clyde McCoy Signature Wah for expressive funk-style phrasing. Vintage pedals such as the BOSS PH-1 Phaser and Fulltone Full-Drive 2 have also been confirmed, occasionally swapped in depending on setlist and tour.

To ensure stability and noise-free operation, Yamauchi powers his board with high-quality supplies like the Providence PAE-101P. His setup reflects the duality of calm, shimmering cleans and explosive, high-energy distortion—making versatility the defining trait of his pedalboard philosophy.

Effects Pedal List (Table)

Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
FREE THE TONE JB-41S	FREE THE TONE	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Junction Box	Centralized routing, noise reduction.
FREE THE TONE FC-373	FREE THE TONE	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Switching System	Quick live tone switching across amps/pedals.
VOX Clyde McCoy Signature Wah	VOX	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Wah Pedal	Classic funk-style filter sweeps.
Mu-Tron III	Musitronics	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Auto-Wah / Envelope Filter	Groovy filter sweeps for funk/psychedelic textures.
Wampler Ego Compressor	Wampler Pedals	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Compressor	Balances arpeggios and enhances sustain.
Klon Centaur Gold Long Tail	Klon	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Overdrive	Legendary transparent OD. Often used as always-on base.
Pete Cornish G-2/P-2	Pete Cornish	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Distortion	Heavy, fuzz-like distortion with strong low end.
Sola Sound Tone Bender MKⅢ	Sola Sound	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Fuzz	Classic psychedelic fuzz texture.
strymon FLINT	strymon	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Reverb	Spring reverb and tremolo in one pedal.
TC Electronic Alter Ego V2	TC Electronic	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Delay	Vintage-inspired echo and delay tones.
Sonic Research ST-200	Sonic Research	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Tuner	High-precision strobe tuner.

While the specific lineup changes slightly depending on the tour or session, Yamauchi’s pedalboard consistently balances “stillness” and “motion,” delivering everything from fragile cleans to roaring walls of sound. This can be assumed as the essence of his pedalboard design.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches

Souichiro Yamauchi’s tone crafting goes far beyond gear selection. It is deeply rooted in his sensitivity as a player and his collaboration with PA engineers to sculpt three-dimensional soundscapes. His live and studio approaches differ slightly, and his EQ strategies vary by song, showcasing a careful and deliberate philosophy.

On his Fender Super Reverb, Yamauchi often sets Treble and Presence lower than expected, while boosting Middle. This mid-focused EQ curve helps single-coil Fender guitars avoid harshness in the high end, instead producing a warm, singing clean tone. A typical balance would be Treble: 4–5, Middle: 6–7, Bass: around 5.

With overdrive pedals like the Klon Centaur, his preference is to set Gain low and Volume high, essentially using it as a boost rather than a distortion. This results in a lightly crunchy clean, preserving picking nuance. For heavier tones, he stacks fuzzes such as the Tone Bender or Cornish G-2/P-2 on top, giving explosive dynamics without losing clarity.

Spatial effects are equally strategic. His strymon FLINT is typically set to Spring Reverb with Mix around 30–40%, and tremolo at a slow, subtle rate, giving chords breathing room. The Alter Ego V2 delay is used in sync with song tempo, often alternating between quarter and dotted-eighth note subdivisions. Analog delays like the AD9 are layered for vintage texture, adding depth without overwhelming the mix.

EQ treatment plays a key role in ensemble balance. To avoid clashing with vocals, Yamauchi often has his guitar EQ’d to scoop slightly around 1–2 kHz while boosting the 500–800 Hz region, keeping his parts present but not intrusive. This midrange emphasis ensures his guitar cuts through even in dense arrangements.

In stereo configurations with Super Reverb + Twin Reverb, he fine-tunes each side differently—slight delay offset on one amp, or subtle EQ adjustments—to enhance the stereo field. This wide, layered approach shines in larger venues and festival stages, where it fills space without overpowering other instruments.

Studio recordings involve careful mic’ing as well. Engineers often pair a Shure SM57 close-mic with a ribbon mic to capture warmth, sometimes adding a mic behind the cabinet for room air. By blending these sources, Yamauchi achieves the immersive, three-dimensional sound that characterizes Fujifabric’s studio productions.

The underlying constant across all his tones is respect for picking dynamics. Whether clean or distorted, his sound design ensures that the player’s hand remains in control. Gear choices never overshadow expression—instead, they are selected to let nuances breathe. This player-first philosophy may be the true essence of Yamauchi’s EQ and mixing strategy.

Based on available sources, these practices represent his consistent approach, though small tweaks likely change from tour to tour. Still, the overall concept of midrange-focused EQ, nuanced gain staging, and stereo expansion can be assumed as his signature method.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Souichiro Yamauchi’s actual gear is undeniably professional-grade: vintage Fender amps, rare boutique pedals, and signature/custom guitars. For most players, these are prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, there are affordable options on the market that capture much of the same sonic character, allowing beginners and intermediate players to approach the Fujifabric sound without breaking the bank.

In this section, we highlight accessible gear priced around $100–$500 (with an upper limit near $1,000), explaining why each choice effectively approximates Yamauchi’s tones. The selections cover amps, guitars, overdrives, compressors, reverbs, delays, and fuzz pedals—essentials for recreating the signature blend of shimmering cleans, warm midrange, and expressive drive.

Affordable Gear List (Table)

Type	Gear Name	Manufacturer	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Amp	Fender Champion 40	Fender	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Delivers Fender-style cleans with onboard digital effects. A practical stand-in for the Super Reverb’s sparkling tone.
Guitar	Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster	Squier	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Affordable Telecaster with strong midrange and great cutting tone. A close match in both look and sound to Yamauchi’s main Telecaster.
Overdrive	Electro-Harmonix Soul Food	Electro-Harmonix	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Klon Centaur–inspired circuit. Affordable, transparent overdrive with strong mid push—perfect for Yamauchi-style boosting.
Compressor	Xotic SP Compressor	Xotic	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Compact, versatile compressor. Recreates the sustain and note balance of the Wampler Ego Compressor at a lower cost.
Reverb / Tremolo	NUX Atlantic Delay & Reverb	NUX	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Affordable dual-purpose pedal. Covers the essential spring reverb and delay functions similar to the Strymon FLINT.
Delay	BOSS DD-8	BOSS	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Multi-mode delay with both modern and vintage-style echoes. A versatile replacement for Alter Ego V2.
Fuzz	JHS Pedals Mini Foot Fuzz	JHS Pedals	Amazon Search	Fujifabric	Souichiro Yamauchi	Compact fuzz with warm, vintage-inspired character. Emulates the Tone Bender’s soft fuzz tones effectively.

Each of these alternatives provides a gateway into Yamauchi’s tonal world. While they may not capture the exact nuance of his rare vintage gear, they offer an impressive balance of price and performance. By combining a Fender-style amp, a Telecaster with strong mids, and a carefully chosen selection of pedals, players can get remarkably close to the essence of Fujifabric’s guitar textures.

The real magic lies in how you use the gear: subtle EQ adjustments, layering delays, and preserving picking dynamics. With thoughtful settings, even these affordable tools can deliver a tone that channels Yamauchi’s sonic spirit.

Summary and Conclusion

At first listen, Souichiro Yamauchi’s guitar tone might seem natural, smooth, and unassuming. Yet beneath that surface lies a tone built on carefully stacked settings, nuanced pedal choices, and refined player control. His sound is not just about collecting expensive gear—it is about shaping every detail so that the playing breathes through the equipment.

The true essence of his sound is the integration of player and gear. His compressors don’t squash his picking but let subtle dynamics shine. His reverbs and delays don’t drown his notes but give them space and emotional depth. His EQ choices are not about filling every frequency but about removing what isn’t needed, ensuring his guitar always fits seamlessly into the band’s overall mix.

Another striking feature is Yamauchi’s song-by-song adaptability. Rather than sticking to a single “favorite rig,” he selects specific guitars and pedals for each track, chasing the tone that serves the music best. This flexibility keeps his sound fresh, evolving, and unpredictable, much like Fujifabric’s music itself.

For guitarists aiming to learn from Yamauchi, the key takeaway is not just to copy his rig. Instead, it is to adopt his mindset: define the sound you want, then choose the gear that delivers it. Even legendary pedals like the Klon Centaur or amps like the Super Reverb can be approximated by alternatives, as long as you understand what makes them special and adjust your setup accordingly.

In the end, the essence of his approach is simple yet profound: tone comes from the player first, and the gear should serve the performance. By studying Yamauchi’s balance of clarity, dynamics, and atmosphere, any guitarist can find inspiration to refine their own voice. His sound is proof that the most powerful guitar tones are not just heard—they are felt.

This guide aims to provide both practical tools and philosophical insight for players chasing the Fujifabric sound. By blending the technical with the expressive, you can walk the same path Yamauchi travels—toward a tone that is deeply personal, yet universally moving.