[Teru] – How to Recreate the MY FIRST STORY Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

Teru, the guitarist of MY FIRST STORY, is widely admired as a unique figure in the modern rock and metal scene. His playing style stands out for its wide tonal range—from crystal-clear cleans to aggressive distortion—and his ability to craft sounds that perfectly match the emotional world of each song.

Teru’s tone is especially striking in songs such as “BLACK RAIL” and “THE OVER,” where he delivers a melodic yet powerful sound. With clean tones, he blends warmth and clarity, while his distorted tones maintain tight definition without becoming muddy, always ensuring that his guitar cuts through the mix with presence and weight.

A defining trait of his sound is the fine balance he maintains—never overly saturated with gain, but instead blending modern high-gain power with a touch of vintage warmth reminiscent of 70s and 80s rock. This balance fits seamlessly with MY FIRST STORY’s style. In live performances, Teru demonstrates a professional adaptability, tailoring his gear to match the venue’s acoustics and scale.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of MY FIRST STORY

List of Amplifiers and Features [MY FIRST STORY – Teru]

Teru’s amplifier choices are carefully selected to meet the diverse tonal demands of MY FIRST STORY’s music. His long-standing mainstay is the Marshall JCM800 series, particularly the JCM800 2203, which serves as the cornerstone of his core sound.

The charm of the JCM800 lies in its shimmering cleans and warm, organic distortion. Teru takes full advantage of this dual nature, using its clarity for delicate passages and its crunchy yet tight gain for heavier sections. The expansive clean tones heard in the intro of “BLACK RAIL” are a perfect example of what the JCM800 excels at.

In addition to Marshall, Teru has also been seen using the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, especially in live performances. Known for its modern high-gain aggression, this amp delivers punchy low end and tight articulation, making it particularly effective for large-scale venues and heavier tracks where sheer power is required.

It is also believed that Teru has used the Marshall JCM900 4100 in certain studio sessions. This amp offers a slightly more modern tonal profile compared to the JCM800, with a bit more flexibility in shaping higher-gain tones, making it a valuable tool for recording purposes.

Overall, Teru’s amplifier selection reflects a balance between vintage tonal warmth and modern power, perfectly complementing MY FIRST STORY’s evolving sound. While the exact usage of each model may vary depending on venue and recording context, these amps remain central to his sound—or so it is assumed.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JCM800 2203	Marshall	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Main amplifier used for years. Excels in both clean and distorted tones. A legendary model for live and studio use.
Dual Rectifier	Mesa/Boogie	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Confirmed in large-scale live shows. Delivers massive high-gain power with tight low-end response.
JCM900 4100	Marshall	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Likely used in studio sessions. Offers a more modern tonal character compared to the JCM800.

Types of Guitars Used and Features [MY FIRST STORY – Teru]

Teru’s guitar selection reflects a highly practical approach rooted in MY FIRST STORY’s musical style. His primary instrument has long been the Fender Stratocaster, particularly American Standard models. The Stratocaster’s balanced tonal range is perfectly suited to his need for versatility, covering everything from pristine cleans to saturated distortion.

The strength of the Strat lies in its flexibility. The neck pickup provides warm, jazz-like tones; the middle pickup delivers crisp, cutting rhythm sounds; and the bridge pickup offers sharp, biting distortion. Songs such as “THE OVER” highlight this versatility, moving seamlessly from sparkling clean arpeggios to aggressive riffs—all from a single guitar, thanks to Teru’s mastery of the Stratocaster’s tonal palette.

As a secondary option, Teru has also been seen with Gibson Les Paul models. The Les Paul’s thick, sweet tone—with its humbucker pickups offering sustain and richness—works particularly well in slower tracks or emotionally charged solos, where expressive depth is essential.

In more recent years, Teru has incorporated 7-string guitars, such as the Ibanez RG7321, into his setup. These guitars expand the low end, allowing for crushing riffs and greater heaviness in songs that demand weight and depth. This choice underscores the band’s evolving sound, where extended range guitars bring new intensity to their compositions.

Additionally, Teru has occasionally used a Fender Telecaster Custom, which offers a sharper, more cutting tone. This guitar finds its place in arpeggios and rhythmic passages, adding unique tonal colors to the band’s sonic landscape.

Together, these guitars demonstrate Teru’s commitment to versatility and practicality, ensuring he can adapt to a wide range of sonic requirements. While exact usage may shift depending on the era or performance, these models are strongly associated with his sound—or so it is assumed.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Type	Notes
American Standard Stratocaster	Fender	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Electric Guitar (Stratocaster)	Main guitar for both live and studio use. Offers a wide tonal palette across its three pickups.
Les Paul Standard	Gibson	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Electric Guitar (Les Paul)	Known for its thick, sustaining humbucker tone. Often used in solos and emotionally expressive sections.
RG7321	Ibanez	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Electric Guitar (7-string)	Provides heavy low-end riffs. Adds depth and weight to the band’s overall sound.
Telecaster Custom	Fender	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Electric Guitar (Telecaster)	Sharp, cutting sound. Useful for rhythm and arpeggio passages with unique tonal character.

Effects and Pedalboard Setup [MY FIRST STORY – Teru]

Teru’s pedalboard is strategically designed to meet the diverse sonic requirements of MY FIRST STORY. His setup is not overly complicated—focused instead on efficiency and expressiveness. The basic signal chain generally follows the classic order: tuner → compressor → overdrive/distortion → modulation → delay/reverb.

At the core of his drive section is the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. This pedal plays a crucial role in defining his tone, functioning both as a standalone overdrive and as a booster to push his amp into richer distortion. The Tube Screamer’s signature midrange emphasis ensures his guitar never gets lost in the mix, giving his sound clarity and punch on stage.

For modulation, the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble is a key component. It provides lush, spacious textures for clean passages and arpeggios. This chorus effect can be heard prominently in the intro of “BLACK RAIL,” adding an ethereal, shimmering quality to his guitar tone. Teru adjusts depth and speed depending on the song’s mood, ensuring just the right amount of enhancement without overwhelming the core sound.

In the ambience category, the Boss DD-7 Digital Delay is central. Its versatility—from short slapback echoes to long atmospheric repeats—makes it an indispensable tool. During solos, he often sets the delay for moderate feedback and longer times, creating depth and emotional resonance that elevate melodic lines.

Strymon Flint also appears in his board, offering vintage-style spring and hall reverbs. For ballads, Teru uses the warm spring reverb to highlight the emotional atmosphere, while the hall reverb helps create a larger-than-life spaciousness in slower songs.

In more recent performances, he has integrated the Line 6 HX Effects. This multi-effects processor allows him to consolidate multiple pedals into one unit, making quick tone changes between songs seamless. The HX Effects has significantly boosted his live performance consistency and flexibility.

Additionally, a Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner is always part of his chain, ensuring accurate tuning during live shows—a simple but essential tool for professional reliability.

Taken together, Teru’s pedalboard reflects his philosophy: streamlined but powerful, with each effect chosen for its ability to enhance the band’s sound. While the exact configuration may vary, these pedals form the backbone of his sound—or so it is assumed.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
TS9 Tube Screamer	Ibanez	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Overdrive	Main overdrive pedal. Provides midrange push that ensures clarity within the band mix.
CE-5 Chorus Ensemble	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Chorus	Used for creating spacious, shimmering clean tones. Key to the intro of “BLACK RAIL.”
DD-7 Digital Delay	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Delay	Main delay unit. Covers slapback to long echo effects, adding depth and emotion to solos.
Flint	Strymon	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Reverb	Recreates vintage spring and hall reverbs. Essential for atmospheric ballads.
HX Effects	Line 6	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Multi-Effects	Introduced in recent years. Centralizes multiple effects for seamless live performance control.
TU-3 Chromatic Tuner	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Tuner	Reliable tuning tool. A staple for live performance accuracy and stability.

Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches [MY FIRST STORY – Teru]

Teru’s tone settings are a reflection of his practical and balanced approach to sound design. Instead of relying on extreme gain or excessive processing, he carefully blends amplifier and effect parameters to achieve a clear yet powerful tone that works both live and in the studio. His philosophy is to enhance the song, not overpower it with unnecessary sonic embellishments.

When using his main Marshall JCM800 amplifier, Teru typically sets the gain around 6 to 7. This provides enough saturation to maintain intensity but avoids muddiness and over-compression. By striking this balance, his rhythm work retains clarity and note separation, while single-note leads sustain with richness and body. This balance is especially critical in live situations where guitars must coexist with pounding drums and heavy bass.

On the EQ side, Teru often dials the bass to around 4–5, the mids at 6–7, and treble at 5–6. This emphasizes the midrange, allowing the guitar to cut through in the band mix. The mid boost is particularly important for live venues, ensuring his guitar remains present without becoming shrill. Presence is generally set lower, around 3–4, keeping the high end clear but preventing ear fatigue during extended performances.

His Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is usually configured as a booster rather than a standalone overdrive. Drive is set low, around 3–4, while Level is increased to 7–8, pushing the amp’s tubes into richer overdrive. Tone is kept moderate, around 5–6, to preserve the amp’s natural character while adding subtle brightness. This results in a sticky, singing sustain that the JCM800 alone cannot fully provide.

For chorus effects, such as with the Boss CE-5, Teru prefers a subtle approach. Rate is set slow, and depth is kept shallow to produce natural spaciousness without overwhelming the clean tone. In songs like “BLACK RAIL,” this delicate chorus setting enhances the guitar’s emotional resonance while preserving its clarity.

Delay settings are also highly song-dependent. For mid-tempo tracks, Teru often sets the delay time between 150–200ms, with feedback at 2–3, creating subtle depth without muddying the rhythm. In ballads, delay times are extended to 300–400ms with slightly higher feedback (around 4–5), enriching the atmosphere and heightening emotional expression during solos or arpeggio parts.

When it comes to mixing, Teru or the band’s engineers employ specific techniques to ensure the guitar sits well in the overall sound. High-pass filters are typically applied around 80–100Hz to leave room for bass guitar and kick drum, preventing low-end buildup. A gentle boost around 3–4kHz enhances presence, carving out a space distinct from the vocals. Compression is applied lightly, maintaining dynamic picking nuances while tightening the overall sound for greater impact.

Another key aspect of his mixing strategy is dynamic adjustment based on song sections. For heavier parts, slight EQ boosts in the low-midrange help the guitar lock in with the bass, while in clean passages, subtle reverb and modulation effects create expansive soundscapes. This adaptability shows Teru’s awareness of the guitar’s role not as a standalone voice but as a contributor to the full band arrangement.

Ultimately, Teru’s approach to tone, EQ, and mixing demonstrates the discipline of restraint. Instead of drowning his guitar in effects or gain, he focuses on clarity, articulation, and emotional impact. This ensures that each part of MY FIRST STORY’s music is supported, not overshadowed. His tone philosophy highlights a rare blend of technical precision and musical sensitivity—or so it is assumed.

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone [MY FIRST STORY – Teru]

For many guitarists inspired by Teru’s sound, the challenge is recreating his tone without the steep investment in professional-grade gear. Fortunately, today’s market offers a wealth of affordable yet high-quality alternatives that make it possible to approach his signature sound while staying within a reasonable budget. These solutions are particularly valuable for beginners or hobbyists who want to capture the essence of MY FIRST STORY without breaking the bank.

In terms of amplifiers, the Marshall DSL40CR stands out as one of the best value-for-money options. Designed as a modern descendant of the JCM800 series, it offers both clean and crunch channels that closely mirror Teru’s tonal foundation. Its 40W output makes it powerful enough for rehearsals, studio use, and even small to mid-sized gigs. The amp’s tonal character—transparent cleans and warm, dynamic overdrive—provides an accessible gateway to Teru’s core sound at a fraction of the price.

For guitars, the Fender Player Stratocaster (made in Mexico) offers exceptional quality and versatility. With three single-coil pickups, it delivers the same wide tonal range as Teru’s American Stratocasters, from glassy cleans to biting leads. Its build quality is robust, making it a great option for players seeking a professional feel on a budget. In clean sections, it provides warmth and shimmer, while the bridge pickup drives distortion tones suited to MY FIRST STORY’s heavy riffs.

Among effects, the Boss ME-80 multi-effects unit is an efficient all-in-one solution. It contains convincing models of the Ibanez Tube Screamer, chorus, delay, and reverb—all effects Teru relies on. Instead of purchasing multiple individual pedals, players can explore and combine effects with the ME-80 at a much lower cost, making it a versatile practice and performance tool.

For those who want a dedicated overdrive alternative, the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is highly recommended. While not identical to the Tube Screamer, it offers similar midrange emphasis with a more natural, amp-like breakup. This pedal captures the expressiveness needed for dynamic rock playing, allowing beginners to achieve tones close to Teru’s emotional lead parts.

On the modulation side, the Boss CH-1 Super Chorus provides lush, shimmering clean tones at an affordable price. It is a close cousin to the CE-5 used by Teru, delivering smooth spatial effects for clean passages and arpeggios.

For delay, the Boss DD-3 Digital Delay offers reliable performance and crisp echoes. Though simpler than the DD-7, it covers the essentials, from short repeats to long ambient delays, and pairs perfectly with clean or solo guitar lines.

Finally, for players practicing at home or recording on a budget, the Boss GT-1 multi-effects and amp simulator is a practical option. It includes Marshall-style amp models that emulate Teru’s sound, as well as the key modulation and delay effects. Lightweight and affordable, it’s an excellent choice for beginners seeking flexibility.

With these tools, aspiring guitarists can approximate Teru’s tones without investing in expensive pro-level equipment. The key is understanding how to use these affordable alternatives—balancing gain, emphasizing mids, and using time-based effects tastefully—to capture the spirit of MY FIRST STORY’s sound.

Category	Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Amp	DSL40CR	Marshall	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Modern descendant of the JCM800. Delivers transparent cleans and warm overdrive at 40W for versatile use.
Guitar	Player Stratocaster	Fender	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Affordable yet professional-quality Strat. Three single-coils provide tonal versatility similar to Teru’s main guitars.
Multi-Effects	ME-80	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	All-in-one processor covering Tube Screamer, chorus, delay, and reverb. Efficient entry-level solution.
Overdrive	Blues Driver BD-2	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Affordable overdrive with natural breakup. Shares midrange emphasis similar to a Tube Screamer.
Chorus	CH-1 Super Chorus	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Affordable chorus pedal related to the CE-5. Creates lush, spacious clean tones.
Delay	DD-3 Digital Delay	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Entry-level version of the DD-7. Covers core delay sounds with crisp clarity.
Amp Simulator	GT-1	Boss	Amazon Search Link	MY FIRST STORY	Teru	Compact multi-effects with Marshall-style amp models. Great for home practice and budget recording.

Summary and Conclusion [MY FIRST STORY – Teru]

Analyzing Teru’s approach to sound reveals a clear philosophy: his tone is always in service of the music. Rather than showcasing technical gear for its own sake, his setups and settings are designed to elevate the emotional depth of MY FIRST STORY’s songs. This dedication to expression over flashiness is what makes his sound so compelling and instructive for other guitarists.

One of the most striking elements of Teru’s choices is his reliance on classic, time-tested gear. The Marshall JCM800, Fender Stratocaster, and Ibanez Tube Screamer are staples that have been trusted by professionals for decades. By building his rig around these legendary tools, he demonstrates that consistency and musicality outweigh the temptation to chase trends. His results show how timeless gear, when used with understanding, can remain fresh and relevant across generations.

From a technical standpoint, Teru’s sound design avoids excessive processing. His philosophy emphasizes moderation: carefully balancing amplifier gain with just enough support from effects. This balance allows the natural qualities of the guitar and amp to shine through, making his tone powerful without becoming overproduced. The restraint he shows in his choices is a lesson in discipline and artistry for players who may be tempted to overcomplicate their setups.

For guitarists looking to replicate his sound, it’s important to recognize that simply buying the same gear is not enough. What truly matters is understanding the intention behind his choices. Why did he select a Stratocaster for its versatility? Why use the Tube Screamer primarily as a booster? These decisions reflect his awareness of how the guitar should function within the band, and that awareness is what aspiring players must study and internalize.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson to take from Teru is the idea of “creativity within limits.” Instead of relying on endless gear options, he selects only what is essential and learns to master it deeply. In an era where new pedals and digital tools appear constantly, Teru proves that expressive and dynamic tones can be achieved with relatively simple setups, provided they are used with intention and understanding.

Ultimately, Teru’s sound continues to resonate not because of complexity, but because of authenticity. His guitar playing is loved by fans for its honesty and dedication to the music itself. For those inspired by his tone, the path forward is not blind imitation, but embracing his values: restraint, precision, and above all, passion for music. That is the true essence of what can be learned from Teru’s approach to guitar tone—or so it is assumed.