THRILL OF THE TONE

This website is a fanmade compendium of SEGA and Crush 40 guitarist Jun Senoue's gear and equipment. Please use the directory for further details in each category.

All information has been sourced from Senoue's own tweets, official forum posts, and mixi blog, additionally from public listings such as ESP's official artist pages, and thorough examination of photos and videos taken by Senoue himself or by fans during concerts and events.  Senoue sometimes gives conflicting information (e.g., referring to the flanger in "All the Way" as a phaser, or stating in an email that he acquired his Horizon guitar in 1996 when his blog states that he owned it in 1990), so I've cross-referenced everything wherever possible.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It has to be said that even if you were to play through Senoue's own rig with his own guitars, you wouldn't be able to sound exactly like him. Steve Stevens and Nuno Bettencourt talked about their experiences playing through Eddie Van Halen's own equipment.

While this compendium documents Senoue's gear in great depth, I've also made a short list of his most-used equipment and less-expensive options you may consider if you want to replicate the sound of a certain "era" of his playing. For more exact recommendations specific to your setup, you may contact me with more information and I'll do my best to help.

GUITAR$$$: ESP Custom Shop
$$: Charvel Pro-Mod
$: Ibanez RG460DXFor details on Senoue's own guitars, see here.Senoue largely plays custom instruments. I recommend any HSS superstrat with a Floyd Rose bridge. A humbucker in the bridge position is the most important part, but this pickup configuration will allow you to access the variety of guitar tones he uses in his music, especially if it's capable of "coil splitting" (disengaging one of the coils in the bridge humbucker). The double-locking Floyd Rose-type bridge is necessary to allow the wild pitch-bending techniques Senoue uses while keeping the guitar in tune. If you want to change the pickups on an existing guitar, you can find the very pickups Senoue uses still in production. For info on the strings, picks, and cables he uses, see here.If you have the cash, ESP has a custom shop open to anyone willing to pay, and you can write down anything you want.If you're looking for a good guitar that won't break the bank, Charvel's Pro-Mod line is reliable and well-made. Their Marco Sfogli signature model is a rare modern guitar that comes stock with an EMG 89/SA/SA combo.If you're looking for your first guitar or something on a budget, Ibanez's RG line has been well-regarded for many years.Pickups
- EMG: 89/SA/SA set - the sound of "Open Your Heart", "Live & Learn", "What I'm Made Of..."
- Schecter: SuperRock, MonsterTone - the sound of "Won't Stop, Just Go!" and "Lift You Up!"
- Seymour Duncan: TB-4, SSL-4 - the sound of Daytona USA Circuit Edition, "It Doesn't Matter (2014)"

AMP/CABFor info on Senoue's amplifiers, see here.For the "SONIC ADVENTURE" / "THRILL OF THE FEEL" / "SONIC X SHADOW GENS" sound...
Senoue's main amplifier in the late 90s and early 20s was a 1989 Soldano SLO-100R that he paired with a Soldano cabinet and Eminence X12000 speakers. There are many ways to get this sound both analog and digital.Analog:
$$$$: Soldano SLO-100R - the real thing
$$$: Soldano X88-IR - a more affordable modern option
$$: Jet City JCA100H - inexpensive amp designed by Mike Soldano
$: Soldano Plus - run into any clean amplifier or clean amp sim to turn it into a Soldano... (if you can find the schematic and look for the component responsible for the lowpass filtering, you can open up the pedal and clip it to make it sound more like a proper preamp, then send it straight into an impulse response loader.)Digital Hardware:
$$$: LINE 6 HX Stomp
$$: BOSS IR-2
$: MOOER Custom 100 - based on the CAE-OD-100, which is very similar to a SoldanoDigital Software:
$$$: LINE 6 Helix Native
$$: Neural DSP Soldano SLO-100
$: ML Sound Lab Amped VolcanoMost "amp suite"-type plugins (BIAS FX 2, Amplitube, Guitar Rig, etc.) will include a Soldano SLO-100 model, and if you have an audio interface such as a Focusrite, you may even have a free copy of one of these if you register your hardware.For cabinet impulse responses, I recommend ChopTones' Soldano IRs with Eminence X12000s or DYNAX's Soldano IRs with Celestion V30s. Also worth looking into are DYNAX's Bogner Cube IRs.

For the "SONIC ADVENTURE 2" / "SONIC HEROES" / "SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG" / "BLACK KNIGHT" sound...
Senoue's rig for SA2 was simply a VHT Valvulator I and a LINE 6 POD Pro, both of which can be found very affordably used. The POD Pro was the rackmount verison of the POD 2.0 or Floor POD, so if you prefer the ergonomics of those, you can find them on the used market easily as well. You don't necessarily need the VHT either; the POD itself will do perfectly well. If you want a tube buffer but can't find a VHT or want something more ergonomic, I recommend the Beyond Tube Buffer or the Blackstar HT Boost with the gain set to zero.For Heroes and onward, he started using a PODxt, which can also be found affordably on the used market. In some cases, he layered guitar tracks using the POD Pro, but if you're looking for the sound of Heroes through Black Knight, you're best bet is the PODxt. Use the PODxt's original firmware for anything before Black Knight, but if you want the sounds from that game specifically, you should update it to version 2.01 or later.For a software option, LINE 6 still sells their Pod Farm plugin, based on the PODxt hardware, and sounds very similar to firmware v3.01. It won't sound exactly like the hardware units (especially with older firmware), but it still has the "POD" sound.

For the "SONIC GENERATIONS" / "RISE AGAIN" / "2N2R" sound...
During this time, Senoue was using the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier heavily and Suhr Badger 18. Fortunately, there are many ways to get this sound both analog and digital.Analog:
$$$: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier - the real thing
$$: Synergy DRECT 2
$: VOX Cutting Edge - run into any clean amplifier or clean amp sim, pair with an impulse response, or use standaloneDigital Hardware:
$$$: Universal Audio UAFX Knuckles - remarkable accuracy
$$$: LINE 6 HX Stomp
$$: BOSS IR-2
$$: TC Electronic AmpWorx
$: MOOER Cali DualDigital Software:
$$$: LINE 6 Helix Native
$$: WaveMind Rev F - based on Revision F, not G, but still very similar
$: Kuassa Amplifikation RectiforMost "amp suite"-type plugins (BIAS FX 2, Amplitube, Guitar Rig, etc.) will include a Dual Rectifier model, and if you have an audio interface such as a Focusrite, you may even have a free copy of one of these if you register your hardware.Models of the Suhr Badger are limited, but I've been able to find one hardware option and one software:
$$$: Suhr Badger 18
$$: MOOER Taxidea Taxus
$: Suhr Badger 18 presets for Helix, POD Go, Kemper, etc.
FREE: Fewtube FX Sbr-AmpFor cabinet impulse responses, I recommend DYNAX's Rectifier IRs. Also worth looking into are DYNAX's Bogner Cube IRs.

EFFECTS
See the effects page for a list of the pedals and rack units used by Senoue. Any good multi-FX unit or software, including the LINE 6 HX Stomp or Helix Native, will do the job, but if you want recommendations for specific units essential to Senoue's "sound", I would suggest these:Auto-Wah
Hardware:
$$$: Xotic Robotalk
$$: BOSS AW-3
$: MOOER Envelope
Software:
FREE: SuperflyDSP Automatic WahChorus
Hardware:
$$: BOSS CE-2
$: MOOER Ensemble King
Software:
FREE: bx_bluechorusPhaser
Hardware:
$$: MXR Phase 90
$: MOOER Ninety Orange
Software:
FREE: Audiority Dr PhaseFlanger
Hardware:
$$$: ADA Flanger
$$: MXR Flanger
$: MOOER Jet Engine
Software:
$: Brainworx ADA FlangerWhammy
Hardware:
$$$: Digitech Whammy
$$: BOSS PS-6
Software:
$: Kuassa Efektor Whammo

INFO

I'm a professional guitarist and music producer who's studied the music and sound of Jun Senoue for many years. This website exists to be a resource for those looking to understand his approach to guitar tone via the equipment he uses. I've spent ten months and countless hours researching and reviewing, cross-referencing, and studying to create this database, so it's my hope that it will be of use to you. However, merely knowing the equipment he uses in general or even on a certain song won't be enough to help you replicate it. So, I'd like to explain Senoue's approach to guitar tone in a more comprehensive way.For my recommendations on equipment you can use to get closer to Senoue's tone, see here.

Senoue has rarely spoken about his approach to guitar tone, but there are things one can infer based on his equipment and background. He was born in Japan in 1970. His exposure to rock music came in 1982 while he was living in Panama, where he saw Duran Duran on MTV. On a visit to Japan that year, he purchased his first bass guitar, inspired by John Taylor.

In 1985, he discovered RATT, and purchased his first electric guitar after returning to Japan. To this day, Senoue cites Warren DeMartini as his favorite guitarist, and while he doesn't necessarily play like him, the influence can be heard in a deeper sense, in the way his fingers touch the strings and the way the pick strikes them, like subconsciously picking up the subtleties of speech in a person you admire.

From there, Senoue began listening to a wide variety of rock and metal music, including Steve Stevens of Billy Idol, who in my opinion left the biggest mark on him in terms of how he actually plays the guitar. Other influences include Amir Derakh of Rough Cutt, Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big, the Szuters, and Ronni Le Tekro of TNT, and members of these bands can all be heard as guest musicians or collaborators on Senoue's music.

In the 80s, there was a common belief among guitarists that the best tone you could achieve was also the purest, and a focus was placed on keeping the signal from the string all the way to the amplifier as free as possible from interference. To players like Nuno Bettencourt, or Jun Senoue, this included the paint on the guitar itself, which is thought by some to dampen its resonance.

In 1997, Senoue commissioned ESP for a custom guitar to use as his primary recording instrument. It was used to record the vast majority of the Sonic Adventure 1 and 2 soundtracks, and remains one of his most-used guitars almost 30 years later. It was made out of Hawaiian Koa with a maple top, likely inspired by Warren DeMartini's own koa guitar. The paint is thin, allowing the wood grain to be seen through it, and, perhaps to Senoue, provided a more ideal tone. Furthermore, it's equipped with a large brass sustain block by Performance, commonly used to add more mass to the bridge and, in theory, increase sustain and resonance.

It has three pickups: an EMG 89 in the bridge and two EMG SA pickups in the middle and neck positions. The 89 is a humbucker pickup that provides the power and gain necessary for heavy music, while the SA pickups (a third which is stacked with the 89) are single-coil, providing the detail and precision necessary for more complex sounds. Likely inspired by session guitarists Dann Huff, Michael Landau and Steve Lukather (the latter two Senoue cites as influences) this was a versatile pickup combination that provides both the tonal range of a Fender Stratocaster as well as the power of a Les Paul's humbucker in the bridge position, making it an ideal guitar to cover any genre in the studio.These pickups are active, meaning they contain internal preamps powered by a 9V battery inside the guitar. This not only provides more gain, it also buffers the signal from its very source, ensuring that no detail is lost on its way from the guitar to the amplifier. However, for guitarists like Senoue, even this isn't enough. The guitar has a "pickup direct switch" that bypasses the controls and routes the bridge pickup directly to the output jack when engaged. This is practical when recording, allowing him to set his volume and tone carefully for clean sections and engage the bridge pickup at full power for high-gain parts without moving knobs, and it ensures that the bridge pickup's output is untouched by even the components connected to the guitar's knobs and switches.

Senoue typically records plugged straight into his amplifiers, without using any pedals. But when he eventually did have a pedalboard constructed in 2017, he opted for a true bypass switching unit by FREE THE TONE, which utilizes a unique buffer design that bolsters the guitar's signal strength while minimising its coloration, protecting the signal from interference while ensuring the natural tone of the guitar is kept intact.While it's only an inference, an examination of Senoue's equipment paired with the culture of his musical upbringing suggests that he values the "natural tone of the instrument" and prioritizes it where possible.In practice, this means he keeps his setup as simple as possible, and in many cases that means plugging the guitar directly into the amplifier with a high-quality, low-capacitance cable. Even in his large 16U multi-FX rack from the late 90s, he made use of a high-quality true bypass switching unit to remove anything from the signal that wasn't currently being used.Someone once asked Senoue on Twitter how he gets his "sound". His response was "Well-maintained guitar, wonderful amps, good cables & mics."

At the end of the day, that's about the best answer one could give.

TABS

You will not find a more accurate set of Crush 40 tutorials on the internet, so rest assured that you will be able to learn to play each song perfectly through them.

These tabs are in Guitar Pro format and require it to be viewed.

ALL HAIL SHADOW

TAB: Download

KNIGHT OF THE WIND

TAB: Download

WHAT I'M MADE OF...

TAB: Download

I AM... ALL OF ME

TAB: Download

OPEN YOUR HEART

TAB: Download

LIVE & LEARN

TAB: Download

CRUSH 40 RIGS

On this page, I've detailed Senoue's recording rigs for each Crush 40 song to the best of my ability.

OPEN YOUR HEART

All guitars were tracked through the Soldano SLO-100R running through a Soldano cab. Mics are unknown. Rhythm guitars were tracked on the Koa Maple, and the solo was recorded with the Roadrunner.The wah and flanger effects were possibly from Senoue's Rocktron Chameleon and the various delays from the Roland SDE-1000, though this has never been confirmed.The solo makes use of a bottleneck slide to pick above the fretboard, and the high-pitched wails in the outro were recorded by running an automatic screwdriver close to the bridge pickup.Tuning: E

THRILL OF THE FEEL

Rhythm guitars on "Thrill of the Feel" were tracked through the Soldano SLO-100R, with one side running a Soldano cab w/Eminence X12000s and the other a Marshall 1960B. The Marshall's speakers have not been identified, but they come stock w/Celestion G12T-75s. Mics are unknown but are likely a Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MD-421, a typical combo for Senoue.The primary rhythm guitar was Senoue's Koa Maple on the bridge pickup (EMG 89). Lead guitars were also recorded through the Soldano amp/cab. It's likely that most of them were tracked through Senoue's Roadrunner and/or his 82 Custom, his primary "solo" guitars, as most of the leads require a floating bridge.That said, he's also stated that he used several guitars on this album, including those with a Seymour Duncan TB-4 (such as his Performance or Horizon), Schecter pickups (his Jasperwood and 82 Custom), and EMG 81 pickups (his Eclipse). None of these can be confirmed outright, however.No pedals were used save for a few particular parts I've detailed under their individual track entries. All songs are in E Standard. Exceptions to the above and further details on specific tracks are listed below.

DANGEROUS GROUND

This is admittedly wild speculation, but the guitar solo may have been recorded on the Koa Maple. The album booklet has a session photo of Senoue playing that guitar at the 15th fret of the G string with his index finger, and this is one of only two solos on the album where that would be necessary, the other being the outro solo for "In the Lead". Of course, that's not even close to proof, and it may have been recorded on the Roadrunner or 82.The idea for the solo was written in 1993.

INTO THE WIND

Intro was recorded on a Marshall MS-2. The clean guitars in the verse and chorus were run through a BOSS CE-2.This song may have been tracked on the Eclipse, though evidence is slim. Senoue mentioned a guitar with EMG 81 pickups being used at some point on the album, and he performed this song on the Eclipse at Crush 40's Tokyo 2011 show... Well, it's only a theory.

REVVIN' UP

Rhythm guitars were tracked through a Crate 4x12 cab, likely using Celestion 70/80 speakers common to them. Intro lead uses a bottleneck slide, and both it and the solo use an MXR Phase 90.

IN THE LEAD

The intro and bridge were tracked through a BOSS CE-2. Senoue tweeted that this was an MXR Phase 90, but the sound heard in those sections is a chorus. It's possible that the leads in this song were tracked on the Koa Maple for the same reason described on "Dangerous Ground".

WATCH ME FLY...

This song was tracked on Senoue's Ron Wood TE w/ESP TS-120 pickups, with a stereo delay possibly from the Roland SDE-1000.

FUEL ME

This song was also tracked on Senoue's Ron Wood TE w/ESP TS-120 pickups.

ALL THE WAY

The intro and bridge guitars were tracked through a flanger, possibly from his Rocktron Chameleon. Senoue tweeted that this was an MXR Phase 90, but the sound heard in those sections is a flanger. As the Chameleon was one of his rack units and there was "one song" on the record that utilizes the Soldano SP77, it might be the case that the effected parts were tracked through it.The guitar solos on this song were performed by Grand Slam guitarist Kazuhide Shirota.

LIVE & LEARN

All guitars were tracked on the Koa Maple, except the whammy bar fills on the Roadrunner, through Senoue's VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 POD Pro. Most guitar tracks used the POD's '89 Soldano X88R amp model. According to Senoue, one side was paired with a "Marshall" cab model and the other a "Rectifier" cab model. However, the POD Pro doesn't have a "Rectifier" cab like the PodXT does, so he may be referring to the "Line 6 4x12" cab model. The guitar solo uses a different cab model than the rhythm guitars. The leads in the second verse used the Marshall Plexi model, and the clean part used the Fender Bassman model.The POD's internal "Flanger" effect was used for several fills in the song. Although it may sound like a stereo flanger, it's actually double-tracked. The flanger's settings on each side are different. The clean guitar also features a stereo delay set to a quarter note on the left side and a dotted eighth on the right. This was added by the engineer in post.Tuning: E

SONIC HEROES

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt. Rhythm guitars were recorded on Senoue's Ron Wood TE, and leads were recorded on a guitar with a tremolo arm, possibly his Roadrunner, 82 Custom, or the "NO FEAR" guitar he was using often around this time.Tuning: E

WHAT I'M MADE OF...

All guitars were double-tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt on Senoue's Koa Maple using the "SOLO 100" (Soldano SLO-100) amp model.Rhythm guitars were set to the "LINE 6 4x12" cab, with a "57" (Shure SM57) on the right and "421" (Sennheiser MD-421) on the left.Tuning: E

I AM... ALL OF ME

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt on Senoue's baritone Viper SL. The amp model is speculated to have been "LINE 6 Insane". This was the first Crush 40 song to be tuned lower than standard.Tuning: C

NEVER TURN BACK

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt. The right-panned rhythm is in a lower tuning than the other guitars.Tuning: E, C# (right-panned rhythm)

HIS WORLD

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt.Rhythm guitars were tracked on Senoue's PRS Custom 22, but the leads may have been another guitar. The rhythm guitars were tuned to D Standard, and the lead guitars were tuned to E.The intro uses an Xotic Robotalk. The guitar solo was dubbed three times and panned LCR, with the center track running through a Digitech Whammy IV that was manipulated on the "8va" setting.Tuning: D (rhythm), E (lead)

ALL HAIL SHADOW

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt. The lead guitars use an Xotic Robotalk throughout.All guitars were recorded in E Standard except the left-panned rhythm guitar, which is in D Standard. Lead guitars were probably recorded on either the Roadrunner or 82 Custom, as this song requires a floating bridge. The rhythm guitar(s) are not known, but it's my speculation that they were tracked on the Koa Maple, as they sound like EMG pickups to my ears.Tuning: E, D (left rhythm)

SEVEN RINGS IN HAND

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt*. Rhythm guitars may have been layered with the POD Pro. Senoue's Jerry Jones Sitar was used for some fills.The guitar solo uses an Xotic Robotalk.Tuning: D

*firmware 2.01 or later

KNIGHT OF THE WIND

This song has two recordings.For the soundtrack version*, all guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt** using Senoue's Koa Maple.On the "Super Sonic Songs" version, which replaced the original mix on the digital release of Sonic & the Black Knight's soundtrack, the rhythm guitars were re-tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and Soldano SLO-100R, running a Soldano cab and a Shure SM57 paired with a Sennheiser MD-421.Tuning: D

*Senoue tweeted that the soundtrack version was recorded with the Soldano. However, in the liner notes for "The Works", he makes an off-hand comment that most songs on Black Knight were not recorded with real amps. The guitar tone in the soundtrack version of KotW is identical to most of the songs in-game, strongly suggesting it was tracked on the PODxt. The 2009 retake later replaced the original on the digital release of the soundtrack, which means Senoue's tweet was true, but only technically.**firmware 2.01 or later

FIGHT THE KNIGHT

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt*. Rhythm guitars may have been layered with the POD Pro.Tuning: D

*firmware 2.01 or later

THROUGH THE FIRE

All guitars were tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt*. Rhythm guitars may have been layered with the POD Pro.Tuning: D

*firmware 2.01 or later

WITH ME (MASSIVE POWER MIX)

Lead guitars were double-tracked through the VHT Valvulator I and LINE 6 PODxt*. Rhythm guitars may also have been tracked on the POD unit(s), but I believe they were tracked through the Soldano SLO-100R like the All Ends version.The song may have been recorded with Senoue's Eclipse, as the solo requires a floating bridge and 24 frets. The slightly sharp intonation suggests that it was recorded on a guitar that was tuned down without a setup. Of course, it's still possible his Viper SL was used for the rhythm guitars. Alternatively, they may have been recorded with the Tom Anderson guitar used on the All Ends version.Tuning: C

*firmware 2.01 or later

LIVE LIFE

All guitars were tracked on Senoue's Ron Wood TE. Amp is unknown, but I believe it's the Soldano SLO-100R.The intro uses a compressor and chorus, likely the MXR DynaComp and BOSS CE-2.Tuning: E

FIRE WOMAN

Amp and guitar are unknown, though a tremolo arm of some kind is required for the rhythm guitars.The intro uses a flanger, probably from Senoue's LINE 6 MM4. The lead guitars use an Xotic Robotalk.Tuning: D (rhythm), E (lead)

UN-GRAVITIFY

Amp and guitar are unknown, though I believe this song was tracked on the Soldano SLO-100R. The rhythm guitars are tracked on a single-coil neck pickup.Tuning: D

IS IT YOU

All guitars were tracked on Senoue's Tom Anderson through the Suhr Badger 18. The cab and mics are not known.The clean guitars utilize a compressor and chorus, likely the MXR DynaComp and a BOSS CE-2.Tuning: D

FREE

All guitars were tracked through the Soldano SLO-100R.Tuning: D

SONIC BOOM

All guitars were tracked through the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier.The chorus effect on the leads comes from Senoue's LINE 6 MM4.Tuning: D

RISE AGAIN - EP

All guitars are confirmed to have been tracked through the Suhr Badger 18, with the exception of "Song of Hope", whose amp is not known. However, it's likely that this song was tracked with the Suhr as well. The amp was probably paired with the Soldano or Bogner cabs, Senoue's primary cabs at this time."Song of Hope" was recorded on Senoue's Bill Nash S-57, and rhythm guitars on "Sonic Youth" were tracked on Senoue's Navigator Les Paul."Song of Hope" and "One of Those Days" are in E-Flat tuning, while "Rise Again" and "Sonic Youth" are in D.

LIVE! 2012

During this show, Senoue played through a VHT Valvulator I, Soldano SLO-100R and Soldano cab, mic'd with dual Sennheiser e906's.A TC Electronic G Major was used for delays, and an MXR Phase 90 on "Fire Woman" (instead of the flanger and wah that song were originally recorded with).

2N2R

For the "studio" side, all guitars were tracked through the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. Guitars and mics are unknown."2 Nights 2 Remember" and "Down & Dirty" both utilize a Digitech Whammy IV in the guitar solo, set to a 4th-down harmony. "Big Mouth" uses a chorus, possibly from the LINE 6 MM4.On the "2N2R LIVE" side of the album, Senoue used a VHT Valvulator I, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier and Soldano cab, mic'd with an Audix D2 and Sennheiser e906.A TC Electronic G Major was used for delays, and an Xotic Robotalk for some songs.Photos of the album's live rig were provided by an attendee.

GREEN LIGHT RIDE

All guitars were tracked through the Friedman Runt 20, possibly through the Soldano cab. The guitar used was likely Senoue's Edwards LP, which was new at the time.Tuning: E

CALL ME CRAZY

All guitars were tracked through the Soldano SLO-100R and Soldano cab. The guitar(s) are not known, but the solo requires 24 frets, so it may have been recorded on the Horizon.Tuning: E

RIG HISTORY

Senoue's recording and live rigs have evolved considerably throughout his career.

EARLY-MID 1990s - KAZALY, BLOTTO ROCKERS, EARLY SEGA

In the early 90s, Senoue's rig consisted of an ADA MP-1 preamp, ADA power amp, Marshall 1960 cabinet, and a YAMAHA multi-FX unit (perhaps an SPX90). His main guitars were his Jasperwood and Horizon. Both of these guitars had a Seymour Duncan TB-4 in the bridge position at this time.No known photos of this rig exist, but it can be heard in early Kazaly demos, and was perhaps used on Senoue's music for Heavenly Symphony. Senoue can be seen performing with the Jasperwood at TGS 1997, and his Horizon can be seen on a guitar stand behind him.When Senoue joined BLOTTO ROCKERS he may have started using his then-new Soldano SLO-100R. He's been photographed performing with this band using his Performance guitar, which also featured a TB-4 in the bridge position, his Ron Wood TE, and his MIJ Fender Stratocaster.

LATE 1990s - SONIC ADVENTURE, SONS OF ANGELS

By 1998, Senoue had a 16U stereo effects rig with several preamps, multi-FX units, and utility devices such as a true bypass loop switcher and mixer. Several of these units, like the Alesis Midiverb III or the Roland SDE-1000 (the less-expensive version of the SDE-3000 made famous by EVH), were actually fairly affordable at the time.This rig made use of Senoue's two amp heads; a 1989 Soldano SLO-100R (purchased in 1995) and a 1992 block logo Peavey 5150. The 5150, however, was only really used live.His primary guitars were his then-new custom Koa Maple, a guitar he still mains to this day, his Roadrunner, and his Jasperwood, all of which were built and/or customized by ESP's Hiroki Hayashi. At this time, Senoue relied on EMG and Schecter pickups, especially the EMG 89 and the Schecter Super Rock.

This rig is visible during the performance of "Open Your Heart" at Tokyo International Forum 1998. After careful examination of dozens of frames and cross-referencing with dozens more pieces of gear (plus verification of production dates), I've been able to determine what the 16U rack consisted of. These units are listed in order from top to bottom:

Using the Digital Music Corp. (now called Voodoo Lab) switching and mixer units, Senoue could bypass any or all of these devices as needed. Nothing under the MicroCAB unit is visible, but it's possible that his Furman power conditioner and maybe TubeWorks power amp were present.Given the overlap between unit capabilities, it's highly likely that this rack was used both live and in the studio, and can be heard throughout Sonic Adventure, alongside Senoue's effect pedals such as his BOSS CE-2.In contrast, Sons of Angels' debut album "Thrill of the Feel" makes only limited use of this effects rack, with Senoue recording most songs with nothing but a guitar and an amplifier, and a few songs making use of compact effects pedals such as his BOSS CE-2 or MXR Phase 90.After Senoue moved to America in 2000, this rig fell largely out of use, and he sold everything off by 2007.

2000s - SONIC ADVENTURE 2, SONIC HEROES, AND MORE

In 2000, Senoue purchased a LINE 6 POD Pro, a rackmount amp simulator capable of emulating an entire effects chain, including the amp, cab, mic, and effects. This was used throughout Sonic Adventure 2, especially the "Modern Hi-Gain" amp model (emulating a Soldano X88R preamp) and the Flanger (emulating an ADA Flanger), though various other amp models, cab models, etc within the POD were used. Rather than plugging directly into the POD, however, Senoue first ran through a VHT Valvulator I tube buffer, helping create a more "lifelike" tone.In 2002, Senoue purchased a LINE 6 PODxt, the successor to the original POD, and began using it extensively on Sonic Heroes. Eventually, both the POD Pro and the PODxt were used together on almost every project Senoue recorded for.His typical signal chain at this time consisted of a guitar running into a VHT Valvulator I followed by the PODxt and POD Pro, with the occasional addition of a compact effect pedal.His primary guitars were still the Koa Maple, Roadrunner, and Jasperwood, with the addition of his Red Tele and his 82 Custom. Although his guitar collection has continued to grow and he's recorded many songs on other guitars, these five have remained the "core" guitars in his rotation ever since.

SOUND DESIGNER magazine (March 2010) contains an interview with Senoue where he describes his use of the POD Pro and PODxt together, using the VHT buffer as a signal splitter and then splitting the signal once more using the PODs' stereo outputs, for a total of four signals. It's not clear how he utilized this connection from the interview, as the magazine implies he quad-tracked his guitars with only one take, but this is contradicted by the interview (where he discusses the importance of carefully matching the rhythm of a track when recording doubles) and the true stereo image of the guitars in Senoue's music.It's possible he would record four different tones at once and then select or combine certain takes, similar to recording a real amplifier using multiple microphones (the POD units could only select one mic model), or perhaps this setup was simply a practical one, allowing him to set up four presets and then easily switch between them within a recording session depending on which track he was recording without the need to manipulate the units themselves.

EARLY 2010s - MESA/BOOGIE DUAL RECTIFIER, SONIC GENERATIONS, LIVE RIG CHANGES

By 2010, Senoue had a pedalboard consisting of utility devices for studio recordings and live performances.
On occasion, he would also use an effect pedal such as his Xotic Robotalk (seen above), BOSS CE-2, or Digitech Whammy IV.

Having moved back to Japan and sold all his rack gear, Senoue purchased a TC Electronic G Major in addition to a Custom Audio Japan half-rack loop switcher and mixer to use in the effects loops of his amplifiers during live gigs. He can be seen controlling this with his BOSS FC-50 during Japan Game Music Festival.In the studio, however, Senoue began to record with real amplifiers once more. While certain songs in the 2000s (e.g., "With Me", "Road to Win") had been recorded with real amps, he had been using his POD units for almost everything that decade. With Sonic Generations and his new Mesa/Boogie Dual and Triple Rectifiers which he used heavily during this time, Senoue began to record his guitars plugged directly into his tube amps, usually without pedals of any kind.

Although Senoue's live rig at this time was considerably more portable than it had been a decade prior, overseas gigs such as Summer of Sonic or Sonic Boom required more compact equipment. For these kinds of events, Senoue would use a ZOOM G2.1Nu (later ZOOM G3X) multi-FX unit and KORG DT-3 tuner, sometimes alongside a wireless unit, with an amplifier provided by the venue. To further reduce the number of guitars he needed to travel with, he purchased a Digitech Drop in 2015 to allow him to change tunings digitally on the fly.

LATE 2010s - SONIC ADVENTURE MUSIC EXPERIENCE, SONIC FORCES

In 2017, Senoue had a pedalboard built by ESP Tech House for live and studio use, consisting of a custom junction box, true bypass loop switcher, and his most-used effects on a neatly organized board.

However, in the studio, Senoue still recorded most parts running straight into his amplifiers. Additionally, Senoue purchased his first 7-string guitar, marking his first exploration into B tuning.

2020s - SONIC SYMPHONY WORLD TOUR, SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS

For the Sonic Symphony World Tour, Senoue built a compact pedalboard that could act as a self-contained silent rig for easy transportation and use on stage with an orchestra. This included an IK Multimedia TONEX, a compact amp profiler capable of "capturing" the exact tone of the user's own amps.

Additionally, Senoue's acquisition of 7-string guitars continued, and they can be heard across his work throughout the 2020s thus far.

CONTACT

Please reach out via this form if you have any questions, comments, or corrections to share. Alternatively, send an email to [email protected].

AMPLIFIERS

Senoue uses a plethora of amplifiers both analog and digital/modelling. He prefers to get his distortion and character from the amp itself instead of relying on pedals, and if he wants a different sound, he tries a different guitar or amplifier.

TUBE & SS AMPLIFIERS

Marshall 50w

First amplifier from high school days, likely a JCM 800 1987 model by his description of it as a 4-input (plexi-style) replica model. Later sold.

Marshall MS-2

1w solid state toy amplifier powered by a 9V battery. Used on intro guitar in "Into the Wind" and electric sitar part for "Azure Blue World".

ADA MP-1

Rack tube/solid-state preamp used with Kazaly and BLOTTO ROCKERS, likely early SEGA music. This preamp was famously used by Paul Gilbert of Mr Big. Later sold.

ADA MP-2

Rack tube/solid-state preamp seen in Senoue's 16U rack in late 90s. Possibly used on Sonic Adventure for Eggman/Chaos/Zero tracks in conjunction w/ADA Microcab II. Sold in mid-2000s.

Peavey 5150

Original 1992 block logo model. Used often for demos and live gigs, but not a main recording amp. Senoue purchased his when he learned that Steve Stevens was using them on tour with EVH.

Soldano SLO-100R

Senoue's primary recording amplifier, a 1989 model purchased in 1995. Used throughout Sonic Adventure, NASCAR Arcade, on "Open Your Heart", "Knight of the Wind" (2009), and many more. His common settings are marked on the amplifier, but it's worth noting that how he actually sets it may change from song to song, and these should be considered a starting point rather than fixed settings. Additionally, every amplifier differs slightly due to variances in components and potentiometer tolerance (usually ±20%).Of particular note is Senoue's preference for the overdrive channel's gain setting at exactly 5.5 or above. He's spoken about the character of the Soldano's distortion changing right about that point.Marked Settings
Channel: Overdrive
Preamp: 5.5
Bass: 11 (the SLO is not a bass-heavy amplifier)
Middle: 6
Treble: 6.5
Master: 3-4
Presence: 7"For Small" (Venue)
Channel: Overdrive
Preamp: 5.5
Bass: 11
Middle: 11
Treble: 2
Master: 3-4
Presence: 2"Cutting Clean"
Channel: Clean (Bright)
Preamp: 1
Bass: 5
Middle: 5
Treble: 10
Master: 7
Presence: 10

Soldano SLO-100

A late 80s or early 90s model. Possibly owned by the studio and not Senoue. Although he sometimes records with this, he prefers his rack model for Soldano tones.

Soldano SP77

2-channel rackmount preamp made in America. Seen in Senoue's 16U rack, and used on "one song" from Thrill of the Feel (possibly Kazuhide Shirota's solo from "All the Way", though this is only speculation). Sold in mid-2000s.

Suhr Badger 18

Serial number #082 (Senoue's DoB). Purchased in 2007 and used on "Rise Again" EP, "Is it You", and Sonic Generations.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

Purchased in 2011 after being influenced by Nickelback's guitar tone and used heavily during early 2010s, including on Sonic Generations, "2N2R" EP, "It Doesn't Matter" (2014), and many live gigs.

Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier

Purchased in 2011 shortly after the Dual Rectifier and used throughout Sonic Generations.

Friedman Runt 20

Purchased around 2018, used on "Green Light Ride" and Team Sonic Racing.

ADA Power Amp

Power amp paired with ADA MP-1 during Kazaly days. Model unknown. Sold in mid-2000s.

TubeWorks Power Amp

Power amp paired with Soldano SP77. Model unknown, possibly MosValve. Sold in mid-2000s.

DIGITAL AMP SIMULATORS

LINE 6 POD Pro

Famous rack unit capable of modeling an entire FX chain including amplifiers, cabinets, mics, and effects, used by countless musicians both live and in the studio at the turn of the century.Senoue began using it in 2000, and paired with the PODxt in 2002, recorded almost everything with these units until around 2010. The "Modern Hi Gain" (Soldano X88 emulation) setting paired with the "Flanger" (ADA Flanger emulation) can be considered the "sound" of Sonic Adventure 2, though he used a variety of the amps, cabs, and effects the unit had to offer.Firmware updates to the POD Pro made via physical EPROM chip replacements changed the tone of the amp models slightly over time, though it's unknown whether Senoue would have made use of these.The last known song recorded with the POD Pro was "Chemical Plant Act 2" from Sonic Generations, the only song on that game to feature the device.It's important to note that Senoue did not plug his guitar directly into the POD units, but first went through the VHT Valvulator I, a tube buffer used to help create a more lifelike tone.

LINE 6 PODxt

The successor to the POD, purchased by Senoue around 2002 and used heavily on Sonic Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic & the Black Knight, Crush 40, and other SEGA work. Senoue's is the "bean" unit, not the rack.The PodXT was his main amp simulator from 2002 through 2010, and was used in conjunction with the POD Pro on almost everything during that time. In an interview with SOUND DESIGNER magazine (March 2010), Senoue explains that he would often quad-track his guitars using the POD Pro for two layers and the PODxt for the other two.The 2.01 firmware update in 2004 drastically improved the sound of the amp models, but Senoue likely did not update to this version until late 2007.It's important to note that Senoue did not plug his guitar directly into the POD units, but first went through the VHT Valvulator I, a tube buffer that helped the amp simulator sound more lifelike.

ZOOM G2.1Nu

Compact multi-FX unit and amp simulator purchased in 2010 for overseas live shows. Used largely for FX.

ZOOM G3X

Compact multi-FX unit and amp simulator purchased in 2014 for overseas live shows. Used largely for FX, but occasionally used as an amp simulator (Summer of Sonic 2016, Sonic 25th Anniversary).

ZOOM B3

Compact multi-FX unit and amp simulator intended for bass, purchased in 2014 for overseas live shows.

KEMPER Power Rack

Amp profiling and multi-FX unit capable of recreating the sound of the user's own amplifiers. Senoue purchased his in 2015 and used it at various live events, and possibly some recordings.

IK Multimedia TONEX

Compact amp profiling and multi-FX unit capable of recreating the sound of the user's own amplifiers. Senoue purchased his in 2023 and used it live with Sonic Symphony.

CABINETS

OWNED BY SENOUE

These are cabs Senoue owns or owned personally. His Soldano, Rectifier, and Bogner cabs are his primary ones.

OWNED BY STUDIO

These are cabs owned by different recording studios Senoue has utilized.

MICROPHONES

When recording real amplifiers, Senoue uses a Shure SM57, often pairing it with a Sennheiser MD-421, or later on, an e906.

EFFECTS

Senoue usually records plugged straight into his amplifier. In the 90s, he had a 16U rack with several preamp and effect modules, but this was largely abandoned by the turn of the century, with most of it sold by the mid-2000s. Still, he has some effect pedals and uses them on occasion.Effects uniquely common to Senoue's sound are listed below:

ALL EFFECTS (INCL. UTILITY)

STRINGS ETC.

STRINGS

PICKS

Senoue keeps all of his picks, so he has a big pile of them. He prefers wide triangle picks for bass and acoustic guitar.

CABLES

Senoue uses low-capacitance cables.

GUITARS

PRIMARY RECORDING GUITARS

ELECTRIC GUITARS

ESP

E-II (ESP)

EDWARDS (ESP)

NAVIGATOR (ESP)

OTHER BRANDS

ACOUSTIC, BASS, ETC.

ELECTRIC SITAR

ACOUSTIC GUITAR

ELECTRIC BASS

BANJO

Banjo

A banjo is mentioned as being used on "Moo Moo Meadows" from Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. May have been borrowed or rented, and the model and its specs are unclear.I've included a stock image of a banjo.

Aria Pro II RSB-700

Used on: N/ABody: Ash
Neck: Maple/Walnut
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 864mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: MJB-1
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: MJB-1
Bridge: VFB-1B
Acquired: 1982Notes: J-Bass purchased at Ikebe Music in Shibuya in 1982, inspired by John Taylor of Duran Duran. No photos exist, so I've used stock images.

Spector Euro 4

Used on: N/ABody: Alder (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Maple
Joint: Neck-thru
Scale: 864mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: EMG PJ
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Spector
Acquired: N/ANotes: PJ bass.

Sterling Stingray 5H

Used on: N/ABody: Basswood
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 864mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Sterling Humbucker
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Sterling
Acquired: N/ANotes: 5-string model.

ESP AMAZE-AL

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 864mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Baltolini W4C
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Baltolini W4C
Bridge: GOTOH 404SJ-4
Acquired: N/ANotes: Modified w/pickup voice switch (x2).

La Patrie Etude

Used on: N/ABody: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 652mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 19
Bridge Pickup: N/A
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Rosewood
Acquired: early 1980sNotes: Classical guitar purchased by Senoue's father. La Patrie was founded in 1982 in Canada under Godin.

Godin ACS Custom

Used on: N/ABody: Silver Leaf Maple
Neck: Spanish Cedar
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Richlite
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: RMC
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Spanish Cedar
Acquired: early 2000sNotes: Nylon electro-acoustic guitar. Probably influenced by Steve Stevens.

Takamine NEX Thinline Custom (?)

Used on: N/ABody: N/A
Neck: N/A
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: N/A
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 19
Bridge Pickup: Piezo
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: N/A
Acquired: N/ANotes: Electro-acoustic guitar used live with Chain Band. Brand and model are unclear, but appears to be a custom Takamine NEX model... Or maybe not.

LINE 6 Variax 700 Acoustic

Used on: "British Rain"Body: Mahogany (w/Spruce cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: Piezo
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Variax
Acquired: 2006Notes: Electro-acoustic modeling guitar. No photos exist, so I've included stock photos.

Taylor 714CE

Used on: Primary acoustic guitar.Body: Rosewood (w/Red Cedar cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 20
Bridge Pickup: Taylor ES2
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Ebony
Acquired: 2000Notes: Electro-acoustic model.

Jerry Jones Master-Sitar

Used on: Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes, "Seven Rings in Hand" (Crush 40), and more.Body: Masonite
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 635mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Lipstick
Middle Pickup: Lipstick
Neck Pickup: Lipstick
Bridge: Sitar
Acquired: 2000Notes: Purchased for Sonic Adventure 2.

Danelectro Sitar

Used on: "Azure Blue World", Sonic AdventureBody: Composite
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Lipstick
Middle Pickup: Lipstick
Neck Pickup: Lipstick
Bridge: GOTOH SITAR
Acquired: borrowed from engineerNotes: Borrowed from engineer for recording of Sonic Adventure. Melody on "Azure Blue World" was recorded through this guitar and a Marshall MS-2 1-watt amplifier. No photos exist, so I've used stock images.

Washburn Steve Stevens SS100 "FRANKENSTEIN"

Used on: N/ABody: Poplar
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Bridge: Schaller Floyd Rose
Acquired: N/ANotes: 1993 Steve Stevens "Frankenstein" signature model.

Washburn Steve Stevens SS80 / Jun Senoue "EMILY THE STRANGE"

Used on: N/ABody: Poplar
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Bridge: Schaller Floyd Rose
Acquired: N/ANotes: 1993 Steve Stevens signature model, later repainted with "Emily the Strange" collage graphics.

Tom Anderson 1996

Used on: "With Me" (All Ends version) and "Is it You"Body: N/A
Neck: N/A
Joint: N/A
Scale: N/A
Fretboard: N/A
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Tom Anderson
Middle Pickup: Tom Anderson (if present)
Neck Pickup: Tom Anderson
Bridge: N/A
Acquired: N/ANotes: 1996 model with stock pickups. No known photos exist, nor is the exact model known.

Performance Natural Koa

Used on: Live with BLOTTO ROCKERSBody: Koa
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Performance PG-10
Bridge: Schaller Floyd Rose
Acquired: 1994Notes: Custom order from Performance during Senoue's first trip to America in 1994. Likely modelled after Warren DeMartini's own Performance guitar, which is also made of koa. As mentioned above, although Performance sold a limited run of replicas of DeMartini's guitar, this guitar was a custom order.

PRS Custom 22

Used on: "His World" (Crush 40 version)Body: Mahogany (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 635mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: PRS Dragon
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: PRS Dragon
Bridge: PRS 6-screw tremolo
Acquired: N/ANotes: 1997 "10 Top" model. Was to be traded for Suhr Badger 18 but decided against it. Used to record Crush 40 version of "His World". Because the rhythm and lead guitars are in different tunings, it's possible that another guitar was used as well, or this guitar may have been re-tuned during the recording.

KEY ORIGINAL Warren model

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4 (?)
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Schaller (?) Floyd Rose
Acquired: 1986 or '87Notes: Second electric guitar. Warren DeMartini signature model made for MusicLand Key in Shibuya, produced by Alpha. Neck was later replaced with one by Performance and hardware upgraded.

Gibson SONEX-180 Custom

Used on: N/ABody: Resonwood
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Dirty Fingers
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Dirty Fingers
Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
Acquired: mid-2000sNotes: Entry-level model from 1980s. "Custom" is the highest-priced model (vs. Deluxe or Standard). Impulse purchase despite "not liking Gibsons". No photos exist, so I've displayed stock images.

Gibson Les Paul Voodoo

Used on: N/ABody: Swamp Ash
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Gibson 500T
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Gibson 496R
Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
Acquired: mid-2000sNotes: Impulse purchase despite "not liking Gibsons". No photos exist, so I've displayed stock images.

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe 70s

Used on: N/ABody: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Gibson Mini Humbucker
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Gibson Mini Humbucker
Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
Acquired: N/ANotes: Seen during live event November 2024.

Gibson Les Paul Custom

Used on: N/ABody: Mahogany (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: T-Top Humbucker
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: T-Top Humbucker
Bridge: Tune-o-Matic
Acquired: N/ANotes: 1970 model.

Fernandes ST-65JL

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan (SH-4?)
Middle Pickup: Single Coil
Neck Pickup: Single Coil
Bridge: Fixed
Acquired: Late 1980sNotes: Inexpensive Jake E. Lee signature model. Hardware later upgraded and pickups replaced. Neck may have been replaced as well, but I can't verify that without seeing the headstock.

Fernandes ST-120WM

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Schaller Floyd Rose
Acquired: Spring 1986Notes: Warren DeMartini signature model and Senoue's very first electric guitar. Neck was later replaced with one from Performance and hardware upgraded. Signed by Warren DeMartini at an event hosted by Young Guitar magazine.

Fender MusicMaster II

Used on: Wrote "Seaside Hill" with this guitar, used throughout Sonic Heroes.Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 622mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: N/A
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: MusicMaster Single-Coil
Bridge: MusicMaster
Acquired: 2002Notes: Cheap entry-level model from 1966. Sold in 2008.

Fender MIJ ST-58

Used on: "Soul on Desert", Sonic Generations, live with BLOTTO ROCKERS, and more.Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Fender Single-Coil
Middle Pickup: Fender Single-Coil
Neck Pickup: Fender Single-Coil
Bridge: 6-screw tremolo
Acquired: 1994Notes: Japanese-made 1958 Fender Stratocaster replica. Serial number is missing.

Don Grosh Electratone

Used on: "Escape From the City" (SA2), "That's the Way I Like It"Body: Poplar
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Dan Armstrong Lipstick
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Dan Armstrong Lipstick
Bridge: Fixed
Acquired: 2000Notes: Hollowbody model. Sold in 2008.

Custom Amir Derakh "VKS" Replica

Used on: N/ABody: Alder (?)
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood (?)
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Humbucker
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Twin Blade
Bridge: ESP Sinclair
Acquired: early 1990sNotes: Custom replica of Amir Derakh's "VKS" (Russian Air Force) guitar, signed by Derakh. Tremolo might be the Sinclair that was originally on the Jasperwood.

Custom Amir Derakh "NAVY" Replica

Used on: N/ABody: Alder (?)
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Schaller Floyd Rose
Acquired: early 1990sNotes: Custom replica of Amir Derakh's "NAVY" guitar, signed by Derakh.

Bill Nash S-57

Used on: "Song of Hope"Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Lollar Special S
Middle Pickup: Lollar Vintage Blonde
Neck Pickup: Lollar Vintage Blonde
Bridge: 6-screw tremolo
Acquired: 2006Notes: 1957 Stratocaster replica. Specs from Nash. May have had pickups replaced. 30th guitar owned.

Baker

Used on: N/ABody: N/A
Neck: N/A
Joint: N/A
Scale: N/A
Fretboard: N.A
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: N/A
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: N/A
Acquired: mid-2000sNotes: No known photos exist, nor is the exact model known.

NAVIGATOR N-LP-STD/P

Used on: "Sonic Youth" (rhythm), "Escape From the City" (Sonic Generations, rhythm)Body: Mahogany (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SP90-1b
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SP90-1n
Bridge: Vintage Type Tune-o-Matic + GE101A
Acquired: N/ANotes: Specs from ESP. No known photos exist, so I've included stock photos from ESP's website.

EDWARDS E-LP-1085SD Limited

Used on: Team Sonic Racing, possibly "Green Light Ride"Body: Mahogany (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SP90-1b (?)
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SP90-1n (?)
Bridge: Old Type Tune-o-Matic + GE101TZ
Acquired: 2018Notes: Heavily modified limited-edition model. Pickguard removed, pickups swapped for P90s (Duncan SP90s?), controls simplified to 1V/1T, pickup selector moved.

EDWARDS E-PO-108P

Used on: Sonic GenerationsBody: Mahogany (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Mahogany
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 628mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SP90-1b
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SP90-1n
Bridge: Old Type Tune-o-Matic + GE101TZ
Acquired: 2011Notes: Pickguard added.

E-II Vintage Plus

Used on: Team Sonic RacingBody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1
Bridge: GOTOH GE101TS
Acquired: 2018Notes: Specs from ESP. Pickups may have been changed.

E-II M-II SEVEN (red binding)

Used on: Sonic X Shadow GenerationsBody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: EMG 707
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: EMG 707
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: 2024Notes: Limited-edition model with red binding and pickups. Pickup selector replaced with button switch and new selector installed. Button could be killswitch or possibly coil splitter.

E-II M-II SEVEN

Used on: Sonic Forces, PSO2, Team Sonic Racing, Puyo Puyo Champions, and many more.Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: EMG 57-7H
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: EMG 66-7H
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: 2017Notes: First 7-string guitar, stock model slightly modified. Pickup selector replaced with button switch and new selector installed. Button could be killswitch or possibly coil splitter. Photos of this guitar showed a glossy finish until TGS 2018, where it's been seen with a matte finish since. It's possible these are two different guitars, but more likely that the body was satinized.

ESP SEC "82 Custom" W-neck

Used on: N/ABody: Alder (?)
Neck: Maple / Maple
Joint: Bolt-on / Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm / 648mm
Fretboard: Maple / Maple
Frets: 24 / 24
Bridge Pickup: Schecter Super Rock / ?
Middle Pickup: N/A / N/A
Neck Pickup: Schecter Super Rock / ?
Bridge: Floyd Rose / Tune-o-Matic
Acquired: 1999Notes: Double-neck version of "82 Custom" made for NASCAR ARCADE. Equipped with PU direct switch like 6-string model.

ESP Horizon-CTM

Used on: "Pounding Pavement", "Sons of Angels", "It Doesn't Matter" (2014), and many more. Sub-main guitar for Kazaly and early SEGA projects.Body: Honduras Mahogany (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Maple
Joint: Neck-thru
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SH-2n
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: 1989 or 1990Notes: Originally trans-purple. Stripped and re-painted trans-black in 2012 with thinner coat Senoue preferred the tone of. Floyd floats. 5th electric guitar owned.

ESP Eclipse Limited FR

Used on: With Me (Massive Power Mix) (?), Thrill of the Feel (?)Body: Mahogany
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm (?)
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: EMG 81
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: late 1990sNotes: Limited-edition model from late 90s. #028/100. Possibly used for "With Me" because the solo requires 24 frets and a floating bridge, though that may have also been recorded on the Horizon-CTM. The possibility exists that the solo could have been played in a higher tuning on a 22-fret guitar, but since the guitar isn't well-intonated in the recording, I'm inclined to believe his Eclipse or Horizon was temporarily tuned down without a setup.Additionally, Senoue mentions using EMG 81 pickups at some point on "Thrill of the Feel". This would've been only one of two guitars he was likely to have owned at the time with those pickups.

ESP x Seymour Duncan Stratocaster

Used on: N/ABody: Ash
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 21
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (?)
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (?)
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (?)
Bridge: 2-point tremolo
Acquired: N/ANotes: Late 90s/early 00s model. Specs from ESP website; pickups may have been changed as the SD logo is not present. Alternatively, the pickup covers may have been changed.

ESP x Seymour Duncan "NO FEAR"

Used on: "Dusk at the Stadium", Sonic Heroes, JxJ, Pro Yakyuu Team o Tsukurou! 3Body: Ash
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: ESP CL-P-S-1
Middle Pickup: ESP CL-P-S-1
Neck Pickup: ESP CL-P-S-1
Bridge: ESP Flicker-III
Acquired: 2000Notes: Originally HSS (maybe Seymour Duncan TB-4/Performance PG-10/Seymour Duncan SHR-1?). Changed to SSS around 2004 during production on Pro Yakyuu Team o Tsukurou! 3. Bridge also changed from traditional 2-point to ESP Flicker model. Bridge is dive-only.

ESP Snapper-7/M-SEVEN*

*Exact model unknown. It may be a modified Snapper-7 or M-Seven.Used on: Sonic X Shadow Generations (?)Body: N/A
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: N/A
Fretboard: N/A
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Humbucker
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Humbucker
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: N/ANotes: Seen at November 2024 live event where it was used to perform "Sunset Heights Act 1". Details unclear, will revise if/when more come to light.

ESP Phoenix-II

Used on: N/ABody: Mahogany
Neck: Maple
Joint: Neck-thru
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SH-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SH-1n
Bridge: GOTOH GE103B + GE101Z
Acquired: 2011Notes: Stock model w/back of neck satinized.

ESP "SONIC"

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Schecter Monstertone
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: 1987Notes: Actually a budget-level George Lynch signature model (SGL) that was later customized. Signed by Lynch in 1991 and largely left unused until 1998 when it was modified and repainted for the Sonic Adventure unveiling at Tokyo International Forum. Original pickups were LH-200 and Power Rail, now Seymour Duncan TB-4 and Schecter Monstertone. A replica was made in 2011 (ESP STH-130) and sold in limited quantities as Senoue's own first signature guitar model...

ESP "SONIC-II"

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-4
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: 2012Notes: Custom made for Sonic's 20th anniversary. Replica model (SONIC-II) and budget model (LTD SN-25TH) were sold later in limited quantities. Senoue owns a second model with an EVH D-Tuna and ESP Arming Adjuster for live use, though since his acquisition of a Digitech Drop, it hasn't been used.

ESP "SONIC-III"

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: ESP LH-200
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: GOTOH GTC-101 w/String-thru-body
Acquired: 2024Notes: Custom "collage" model. A replica was sold in limited quantities.

ESP Viper SL "SHADOW"

Used on: "I Am... All of Me", various songs on "Shadow the Hedgehog", "Shadow Generations", and more.Body: Mahogany
Neck: Maple
Joint: Set-neck
Scale: 689mm
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 24
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: EMG 81
Bridge: GOTOH GE103B + GE101Z
Acquired: 2005Notes: Baritone model purchased to allow low tunings for "Shadow the Hedgehog". Usually tuned to C Standard. Strings w/11p-16-24w-32-42-54.

ESP "SHADOW-II"

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Ebony
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: N/A
Bridge: Floyd Rose
Acquired: 2012Notes: Custom made for Shadow's 10th anniversary. Has kill switch. Replica model (SHADOW-II) and budget model (LTD SD-15TH) were sold later in limited quantities.

ESP MR "BLACK KNIGHT"

Used on: N/ABody: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: ESP CL-P-S-2
Neck Pickup: ESP CL-P-S-2
Bridge: ESP Flicker-III
Acquired: 2008Notes: Custom made for "Sonic & the Black Knight".

ESP Ron Wood TE "Red Tele"

Used on: "Watch Me Fly", "Live Life", "It Doesn't Matter" (SA2), "Fuel Me", "Follow Me", and many more.Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Schecter Monstertone
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Schecter Monstertone (?)
Bridge: Flat 6-way Saddle Bridge
Acquired: late 1990sNotes: Stock Ron Wood (Rolling Stones) signature model heavily modified. Neck replaced, forearm + tummy cuts added. Pickups originally ESP TS-120, but replaced w/Schecter Monstertone (bridge, possibly neck as well) in 2014.

ESP SEC "82 Custom"

Used on: Thrill of the Feel, OutRun 2, "You Say Run" cover, and many more. Primary lead/solo guitar alongside Roadrunner.Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Schecter Super Rock
Middle Pickup: N/A
Neck Pickup: Schecter Monstertone
Bridge: Floyd Rose (w/Performance Big Block)
Acquired: 1999Notes: Custom model made in 1999 for GiGS April 2000 issue, themed around NASCAR ARCADE. Has floating bridge and PU direct switch. Performance "Big Block" added in 2016.

ESP SEC "Jasperwood"

Used on: Main guitar for "Kazaly" band days, also Daytona USA Circuit Edition and other early SEGA projects until Koa Maple was built in 1997. Also used on "Won't Stop, Just Go!".Body: Aesculus turbinata
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan TB-4
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-4
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-4
Bridge: Floyd Rose (w/Performance Big Block)
Acquired: 1990Notes: Sub-main guitar, stock model made of Japanese horse-chestnut that's been modified heavily throughout its life. Floyd floats as of 2015. Autographed by Ronni LeTekro of TNT.Modification history:
1990: Originally purple w/ebony fretboard, "Jackson"-style neck and HS pickup config. Senoue had the neck, bridge, and pickups replaced before purchase.1994: Neck replaced w/Performance. Pickups at this time were Seymour Duncan TB-4 and Performance PG-10.1998: Neck replaced with stock neck from Roadrunner. Paint stripped, PU direct switch added, pickups replaced and middle pickup added. Pickups at this time were Schecter Super Rock and two Schecter Monstertones.2015: Pickups replaced again w/Seymour Duncans and body routed to float bridge. The neck was also changed once more, though this may have happened before then.

ESP Vintage Plus "Roadrunner"

Used on: "Open Your Heart" guitar solo, "Live & Learn" fills, "Azure Blue World" guitar solo, "Welcome to Station Square", and many more. Used often for leads and solos.Body: Ash
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: EMG 89
Middle Pickup: EMG SA
Neck Pickup: EMG SA
Bridge: Floyd Rose (w/Performance Big Block)
Acquired: 1997Notes: Sub-main guitar, secondary and backup to Koa Maple. Stock model heavily modified whose original neck was applied to the Jasperwood in 1998. Floyd Rose floats. Equipped with PU direct switch.

ESP SEC "Koa Maple"

Used on: "Open Your Heart", "Live & Learn", "What I'm Made Of...", "Revvin' Up", "Azure Blue World", and many many more. Used more often for rhythms than leads.Body: Koa (w/Maple cap)
Neck: Maple
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale: 648mm
Fretboard: Maple
Frets: 22
Bridge Pickup: EMG 89
Middle Pickup: EMG SA
Neck Pickup: EMG SA
Bridge: Floyd Rose (w/Performance Big Block)
Acquired: 1997Notes: Main guitar custom-built by Hiroki Hayashi at ESP. Floyd Rose is flush to body and dives only. Equipped with PU direct switch.Pickups changed temporarily to Seymour Duncan (TB-4/SSL-4/SSL-4) in December 2017, then back to EMG by June 2019.