[TORUxxx] – How to Recreate the THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS Sound + Guitar Gear and Tone Settings [Effects & Amps]

Introduction (Overview of Tone)

TORUxxx, the guitarist of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS, played a central role in defining the band’s sound during the 1990s and early 2000s Japanese rock, digital punk, and hardcore scene. His tone is characterized by tight, metallic riffs that cut sharply through digital hardcore beats, striking a balance between mechanical coldness and raw human grit.

In songs such as “Pulse,” “SCARY,” and “Good Girl ~Dedicated to bride 13~,” his use of 7-string downtuned guitars and skillful application of spatial and modulation effects stands out. On stage, his approach also reveals a philosophy rooted in clarity and precision: carefully designed EQ for live mixes, direct-mounted pickups, and a switching style that avoids using the neck pickup altogether.

His gear can be confirmed through his official social media (@toruxxx_gtr) and the ESP official artist gallery (ESP Gallery – TORUxxx). In particular, his ESP signature models faithfully embody his requirements and remain highly sought after by fans.

This article explores TORUxxx’s tone creation in detail, covering amplifiers, guitars, effects, EQ setups, and affordable gear alternatives. From his gear choices to his unique playing style, you’ll find clear insights to apply to your own guitar tone.

▶ Search official YouTube videos of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS

List of Amplifiers and Features

Amplifiers were a crucial element in shaping TORUxxx’s aggressive and industrial-inspired tone in THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS. His sound combined the sharp, metallic crunch of British-style amps with the punchy low end of American high-gain heads. This combination allowed the guitar to remain distinct within the dense layers of programmed beats, heavy bass, and electronic textures that defined the band’s digital hardcore style.

Historical footage and photos from the late 1990s and early 2000s confirm the use of Marshall JCM2000 DSL100 heads paired with Marshall cabinets. These rigs delivered strong midrange presence and cutting treble, giving the riffs a razor-sharp attack that suited fast and industrial grooves. The JCM2000 is especially known for its ability to balance clarity with saturation, allowing TORUxxx to execute intricate rhythms without sounding muddy.

For thicker and more modern tones, TORUxxx also turned to Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier heads. The Dual Rectifier brought out a deeper and tighter low end, giving riffs more weight while leaving sonic space for electronic bass lines. This balance was key in making the guitar stand out without overwhelming the programmed elements. The Dual Rectifier’s high-gain channels made it ideal for crushing riffs, yet its midrange contouring kept the tone precise rather than overly scooped.

In smaller venues or rehearsals, evidence suggests TORUxxx made use of LINE6 POD and possibly BOSS GT series multi-effects with built-in amp modeling. These units offered consistent sound and flexibility when full tube stacks were impractical. Considering THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS often played shows that required synchronized loops and backing tracks, the ability to go direct with modeled tones would have been a smart and reliable choice. His use of rack preamps and cabinet simulators hinted on social media also aligns with this pragmatic approach, ensuring his guitar always cut through regardless of venue acoustics.

Altogether, TORUxxx’s amplifier strategy can be summarized as a balance between brute force and practical flexibility. On larger stages, he relied on Marshall and Mesa/Boogie stacks for organic tube-driven punch. In more controlled or technical setups, digital modeling gear ensured reliable reproduction of his signature tones. His choices reflect a philosophy of ensuring the guitar voice remains powerful, clear, and reproducible no matter the environment — a necessity for a band mixing metal aggression with electronic chaos.

Thus, it is assumed that TORUxxx’s amp selections were shaped not only by tonal preference but also by the need for adaptability across varying performance contexts.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
JCM2000 DSL100	Marshall	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Used live in the late ’90s. Known for its midrange push and biting presence.
Dual Rectifier	Mesa/Boogie	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Delivers thick low end and tight punch, well-suited for electronic bass layering.
POD HD Pro X	LINE6	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Used as a direct-output amp simulator. Ideal for stability and live consistency.

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<h2>Types of Guitars Used and Features</h2> <p>The backbone of TORUxxx’s tone in THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS lies in his <strong>ESP signature 7-string guitars</strong>. These models, developed in close collaboration with ESP, are designed to capture his aggressive yet precise style. The ESP artist gallery confirms that his instruments feature direct-mounted pickups, customized neck shaping, and unique hardware configurations that reflect his personal approach to sound and performance.</p> <p>The defining characteristic is the 7-string format. Combined with downtuning, this provides massive low-end response that competes with electronic bass lines while maintaining clarity. Unlike standard 6-string guitars, the extended range allows for crushing riffs without sacrificing note definition. To prevent the neck from feeling bulky, TORUxxx’s custom models employ reshaped neck profiles, making them fast and comfortable for his often rapid-fire riffing and lead passages.</p> <p>His main pickups of choice were <strong>Seymour Duncan JB (SH-4-7)</strong> in the bridge position and <strong>Seymour Duncan 59 (SH-1-7)</strong> in the neck. However, his unique setup often bypassed the neck pickup entirely, reinforcing his philosophy of tonal precision and minimal interference. The JB’s bright, edgy character was a perfect match for his metallic attack, while the 59 added warmth when required. This pickup combination offered versatility, but his deliberate focus on the bridge sound created a consistently sharp and aggressive signature tone.</p> <p>The guitars’ double-cutaway bodies ensured easy access to higher frets — essential for live shows where he moved seamlessly between heavy riffs and high-register leads. Additionally, the direct-mount pickup configuration increased resonance transfer, enhancing attack response and making every nuance of his picking technique audible. This approach also contributed to the “mechanical yet organic” feel of his sound, where subtle dynamics were still present even in high-gain contexts.</p> <p>Because his ESP guitars were full custom builds, they are not directly available on the market. However, guitarists seeking a similar feel can approximate the tone with 7-string models featuring Seymour Duncan JB-style pickups and bolt-on construction. ESP and their subsidiary brand Edwards have released models inspired by TORUxxx’s specs, offering more accessible alternatives that preserve many of the same tonal characteristics.</p> <p>Altogether, his guitar choices were not just about raw power but about maintaining control and articulation under high gain. His instruments were tools designed to withstand the intensity of digital hardcore while ensuring that every riff retained its sharp identity. It is therefore assumed that TORUxxx’s guitar selections were carefully tuned to meet both his technical demands and the sonic requirements of the band’s futuristic style.</p> <!– image-insert-point:guitar –> <table> <thead> <tr> <th>Gear</th> <th>Brand</th> <th>Amazon Link</th> <th>Artist</th> <th>Guitarist</th> <th>Type</th> <th>Notes</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>ESP TORUxxx Signature Model</td> <td>ESP</td> <td><a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ESP+TORUxxx&tag=toneguitarblo-20″ target=”_blank”>Link</a></td> <td>THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS</td> <td>TORUxxx</td> <td>Electric Guitar (7-string)</td> <td>Signature model featuring direct-mounted pickups, reshaped neck, and custom build for TORUxxx.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SH-4 JB Model 7th</td> <td>Seymour Duncan</td> <td><a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=SH-4+JB+Model+7th+Seymour+Duncan&tag=toneguitarblo-20″ target=”_blank”>Link</a></td> <td>THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS</td> <td>TORUxxx</td> <td>Pickup</td> <td>Bridge pickup choice. Provides tight attack and bright, edgy tone suitable for industrial metal riffs.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>SH-1 59 Model 7th</td> <td>Seymour Duncan</td> <td><a href=”https://www.amazon.com/s?k=SH-1+59+Model+7th+Seymour+Duncan&tag=toneguitarblo-20″ target=”_blank”>Link</a></td> <td>THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS</td> <td>TORUxxx</td> <td>Pickup</td> <td>Installed in neck but often unused live, reinforcing focus on bridge articulation.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Effects and Pedalboard Setup

TORUxxx’s pedalboard reflected his minimalist yet highly functional approach to tone. Unlike many guitarists who fill their boards with dozens of effects, he believed the core of the sound should come from the guitar, the player’s hands, and the amplifier. Effects were used sparingly, but when they appeared, they served critical roles in expanding the sonic palette of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS’ digital hardcore framework.

At the heart of his setup was the C.A.J Switch Selecter, a switching system that allowed instant control over multiple pedals. In live shows where tempos and sections shifted quickly, this system enabled him to move between clean textures, pitch-shifted chaos, and crushing distortion without missing a beat. For a band known for fast and unpredictable stage energy, this device was essential.

Among pitch-based effects, the DIGITECH WHAMMY was his weapon of choice. It created surreal, mechanical shifts in pitch, doubling octaves, or bending notes in unnatural ways. This matched perfectly with the futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS, where guitar lines sometimes resembled machines rather than human hands. The WHAMMY was particularly prominent during solos and breakdowns, adding an unmistakable synthetic edge.

Modulation effects played an equally important role. Units such as BOSS Flanger, BOSS Phaser, and YAMAHA Chorus gave his sound a metallic shimmer and a swirling sense of motion. These effects allowed the guitar to blend seamlessly with electronic beats and synthesizers, creating a layered texture rather than a traditional rock guitar wall. For instance, the flanger was often used to mimic industrial machine-like sounds, while the chorus provided depth and width in the mid and high frequencies.

Spatial effects were covered by the BOSS Digital Delay, which gave TORUxxx the ability to add rhythmic echoes synced to the BPM of the band’s tracks. This ensured that even delay tails contributed musically to the overall mix rather than cluttering it. His delays often gave riffs an otherworldly repetition, making them sound larger than life. Combined with the phaser or chorus, this created expansive soundscapes that pushed beyond traditional guitar roles.

Power stability was handled by a YAMAHA Power Supply, ensuring consistent voltage and reducing unwanted noise. Given the aggressive high-gain environment TORUxxx operated in, clean power was critical for maintaining clarity and reliability. A noisy setup would have destroyed the precision required for digital hardcore’s mechanical feel.

Overall, TORUxxx’s pedalboard demonstrated a philosophy of “less is more, but every piece must count.” Each effect had a defined role, carefully chosen to enhance the live performance and complement the electronic-heavy soundscape. Instead of drowning the signal in layers of effects, he preferred to highlight select textures, ensuring the guitar voice always remained distinct and powerful. It is therefore assumed that his board was consistently optimized for clarity, flexibility, and stage efficiency.

Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Effect Type	Notes
C.A.J Switch Selecter	C.A.J	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Switching System	Central hub for controlling multiple effects during live shows.
DIGITECH WHAMMY	DIGITECH	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Pitch Shifter	Used for extreme octave shifts and synthetic pitch-bending effects.
YAMAHA Chorus	YAMAHA	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Chorus	Added width and shimmer, blending guitar with electronic textures.
BOSS Digital Delay	BOSS	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Delay	Provided rhythmic echoes and depth, often synced to song tempo.
BOSS Flanger	BOSS	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Flanger	Created metallic sweeps, adding industrial character to riffs.
BOSS Phaser	BOSS	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Phaser	Introduced swirling midrange movement for spatial variation.
YAMAHA Power Supply	YAMAHA	Link	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Power Supply	Ensured clean power delivery and noise-free performance.

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<h2>Tone Settings, EQ, and Mixing Approaches</h2> <p>TORUxxx’s tone design was never just about raw distortion; it was about carving out a precise sonic space within THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS’ dense mix of electronic beats, samples, and heavy bass. His approach to EQ and settings reflected both a guitarist’s sensitivity and an engineer’s perspective, ensuring the guitar voice remained distinct without overwhelming the digital framework.</p> <p>One of his core strategies was emphasizing the <strong>midrange frequencies</strong>. By boosting the mids slightly while carefully managing low end, his guitar could cut through the electronic bass and kick drums without clashing. High frequencies were dialed in for clarity but never exaggerated to the point of harshness. This balance gave his riffs a sharp presence while keeping the mix tight and controlled.</p> <p>For live settings, TORUxxx often worked with sound engineers to <strong>shape EQ per venue</strong>. Large halls demanded a tighter low end to avoid boominess, while small clubs required more controlled high mids to prevent piercing tones. His adaptability ensured that, no matter the acoustic environment, his guitar maintained its aggressive definition. This flexibility suggests a philosophy where tone isn’t static but dynamically adjusted to context.</p> <p>His <strong>7-string guitars</strong> introduced deep low-end frequencies that risked clashing with electronic bass tracks. To counter this, compression was applied both on the guitar signal and during mixing stages. Compression smoothed the dynamics, delivering a punchy consistency that locked in rhythmically with programmed beats. It also preserved sustain in fast, staccato riffing, ensuring every note was audible against the backdrop of electronic chaos.</p> <p>Another defining element was his use of <strong>delay and modulation effects synchronized to BPM</strong>. Delays were carefully matched to track tempo, creating echoes that enhanced rhythmic tightness rather than adding clutter. Phaser, flanger, and chorus were applied with moderation, expanding spatial depth without washing out the guitar’s core attack. This treatment turned the guitar into a hybrid instrument, part mechanical machine, part expressive human voice.</p> <p>In terms of amp channel use, evidence suggests TORUxxx favored <strong>high-gain lead and rhythm channels</strong> with slight differences in EQ shaping. Rhythm passages leaned on tight low-end punch and mid focus, while solos were pushed with additional presence and occasionally supported by WHAMMY-driven pitch shifts. The deliberate contrast ensured that each section of a song carried a unique voice without requiring an entirely different setup.</p> <p>During recording sessions, mixing engineers often applied additional sculpting to reinforce his philosophy of “clarity within density.” For example, guitars would be double-tracked left and right, with one track leaning slightly brighter and the other thicker, to create width without losing sharpness. Subtle EQ notches were sometimes carved to leave room for vocals and synth layers, a classic industrial-metal technique that keeps the arrangement balanced.</p> <p>Altogether, TORUxxx’s tone settings reveal a deep awareness of how guitar interacts with electronic elements. Rather than aiming for a wall of indistinguishable distortion, he pursued a <strong>precisely defined, machine-like articulation</strong> that made the guitar as integral to the digital assault as the programmed beats themselves. His methods show that in complex mixes, control and intention matter far more than volume or gain alone. Thus, it is assumed that his EQ and mixing practices were as much about serving the band’s futuristic identity as about individual guitar tone.</p>

Affordable Alternatives to Recreate the Tone

Reproducing TORUxxx’s sound can be intimidating at first glance, since his rig involves custom ESP guitars, high-gain tube heads, and professional-grade processors. However, with modern gear options, it’s possible to get surprisingly close to his tone at a fraction of the cost. By focusing on the essentials — a 7-string guitar, a high-gain distortion source, a pitch shifter, modulation effects, and delay — beginners and intermediate players can capture the essence of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS’ industrial metal sound without breaking the bank.

For guitars, a budget-friendly option like the Ibanez RG7421 delivers the extended range and fast neck profile needed to emulate TORUxxx’s ESP signature models. Its 7-string design ensures the crushing low end that defined the band’s riffs, while its affordability makes it accessible for newcomers.

On the distortion front, the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone remains a classic. Though often debated in tone circles, its wide EQ sweep allows for surgical midrange control — precisely what’s needed to cut through dense mixes of electronic beats and bass. With careful tweaking, the MT-2 can provide the metallic edge TORUxxx relied on from his Marshall and Mesa/Boogie rigs.

Pitch effects are central to TORUxxx’s futuristic style, and the DIGITECH Whammy Ricochet is a compact, affordable alternative to the full-size WHAMMY. It offers the same dramatic pitch-bending and octave-shifting possibilities that give riffs their machine-like qualities, all in a pedalboard-friendly format.

Modulation effects like the BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus can add width and shimmer, while pedals like flangers and phasers (optional additions) recreate the swirling, industrial textures of his recordings. These are especially effective for layering guitar with electronic elements, giving it a synthetic character without losing its human feel.

For spatial control, the BOSS DD-7 Digital Delay is a versatile tool. It not only provides tempo-synced echoes essential to TORUxxx’s rhythmic layering but also includes looping capabilities for experimental practice or performance. Combined with modulation, it helps simulate the expansive, otherworldly guitar presence heard in many of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS’ songs.

Finally, affordable modeling amps like the Marshall CODE50 bring a wide range of amp tones — from Marshall crunch to modern high-gain simulations — in a single, portable package. For home players or small venues, it offers the flexibility of switching between tones without needing a full rack of heads and cabinets. This mirrors TORUxxx’s pragmatic use of LINE6 POD units for direct output setups.

By combining these alternatives, guitarists can recreate the foundation of TORUxxx’s sound: aggressive low-end riffing, cutting mids, futuristic pitch shifts, and layered modulation. While the absolute authenticity of a custom ESP and Dual Rectifier rig might remain out of reach, these tools provide an effective and affordable pathway to channeling the cyberpunk-inspired chaos of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS.

Type	Gear	Brand	Amazon Link	Artist	Guitarist	Notes
Guitar	RG7421	Ibanez	Amazon Search	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	7-string guitar similar in concept to his ESP models. Ideal for heavy riffs at an accessible price point.
Distortion	MT-2 Metal Zone	BOSS	Amazon Search	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Versatile high-gain pedal with extensive EQ shaping, perfect for tight, metallic tones.
Pitch Shifter	Whammy Ricochet	DIGITECH	Amazon Search	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Compact pitch-shifting pedal, great for emulating WHAMMY effects used live by TORUxxx.
Chorus	CH-1 Super Chorus	BOSS	Amazon Search	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Provides clarity and spatial width, effective for layering guitar with electronic backing.
Delay	DD-7 Digital Delay	BOSS	Amazon Search	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Multi-functional delay with tempo sync and looping capabilities, ideal for rhythmic layering.
Amp	CODE50	Marshall	Amazon Search	THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS	TORUxxx	Modeling amp with multiple voicings, simulating high-gain stacks in an affordable, portable format.

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<h2>Summary and Conclusion</h2> <p>TORUxxx’s guitar work stands as the sonic backbone of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS, blending metal aggression with electronic precision in a way that still feels futuristic today. His approach was not just about heavy distortion, but about constructing a guitar voice that could coexist with — and often dominate — the dense digital textures of the band’s music. By merging sharp articulation with mechanized textures, he created a style that was unmistakably his own.</p> <p>At the heart of this philosophy was intentional gear selection: ESP 7-string signature guitars with direct-mounted Seymour Duncan pickups, high-gain tube heads like the Marshall JCM2000 and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, and carefully chosen effects such as the DIGITECH WHAMMY and BOSS modulation units. His choices reveal a guiding principle — eliminate unnecessary interference, amplify the raw signal, and shape it to fit seamlessly within an electronically-driven mix.</p> <p>Equally important was his adaptability. TORUxxx adjusted his EQ, amp channels, and effects usage according to venue size, setlist demands, and the evolving sound of the band. This ability to shift gear and tone without abandoning his signature attack showed that consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. His tone remained identifiable even when the rig changed, proving that <strong>the essence of sound comes from the player’s intent</strong> as much as the equipment.</p> <p>For guitarists seeking to emulate his style, the lesson is twofold. First, technical setup matters: extended-range guitars, precise EQ balancing, and a handful of carefully chosen effects are essential. Second, philosophy matters even more: tone is about clarity, adaptability, and serving the larger musical context rather than chasing distortion for its own sake. TORUxxx’s approach demonstrates that true heaviness is not about sheer volume but about control and placement in the mix.</p> <p>With affordable alternatives now available — from Ibanez 7-strings to BOSS pedals and modeling amps — players at any level can approximate the core of his sound. But perhaps the deeper takeaway is that emulating TORUxxx is less about copying his rig piece for piece and more about embracing his mindset: crafting a tone that is at once destructive and disciplined, mechanical yet alive. By studying his methods and experimenting with your own setup, you too can capture the essence of THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS’ cyberpunk-inspired chaos while developing a voice that is uniquely yours.</p>