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 did not take his Horizon-CTM to America when it can be seen in a photo from 2004), so I've cross-referenced everything wherever possible.

RIG HISTORY

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

EARLY 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, Horizon, and later his Performance. All three of these guitars has 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.

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 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.In other words, his typical signal chain at this time consisted of a guitar running into a VHT Valvulator I, then the POD Pro and/or PodXT, with the occasional addition of a compact effect pedal.At this point, his primary guitars were still the Koa Maple, Roadrunner, and Jasperwood, with the addition of his Red Tele and his 82 Custom, though 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.

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", 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.The last known song recorded with the POD Pro was "Chemical Plant Act 2" from Sonic Generations.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.

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. His is the "bean" unit, not the XT Pro, though in theory, they sound the same.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, so the sound of Shadow the Hedgehog and future games is quite different to that of Sonic Heroes.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.For information about Senoue's pedalboards and rigs, see the studio and live rigs pages.Effects uniquely common to Senoue's sound are listed below:

ALL EFFECTS (INCL. UTILITY)

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.

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: 22
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) (?)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: N/ANotes: 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.

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: 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 for NASCAR ARCADE with 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.