What guitar does Plastic Tree use for their rhythm parts?

While the exact models haven't been consistently documented in interviews, Fender Stratocaster-style guitars are commonly associated with their bright, single-coil driven sound. Many visual kei guitarists favor Stratocasters for their clarity and brightness.

How to get Plastic Tree's chorus guitar tone?

Start with a bright single-coil guitar into a clean amplifier like the Roland JC-120. Add analog chorus (Boss CE-1 or similar) and slightly scoop the midrange frequencies to let the highs and lows breathe while maintaining the ethereal, driving character.

What amp does Plastic Tree use for clean tones?

The Roland JC-120 is frequently cited as part of their setup, which makes sense given its popularity in Japanese rock music. The JC-120's built-in chorus and pristine clean tone are ideal for visual kei's shimmering guitar textures.

What chorus pedal sounds like Plastic Tree's guitar?

The Boss CE-1 is mentioned in connection with their sound, though other analog chorus pedals like the CE-2 or modern recreations can achieve similar results. The key is getting that wide, analog chorus character that adds depth without muddiness.

How to EQ guitar for visual kei tone like Plastic Tree?

Slightly scoop the midrange frequencies while maintaining clear highs and solid lows. This creates space for vocals and other instruments while keeping the guitar's ethereal quality and ensuring it cuts through the mix without being harsh.

rhythm guitar from "sink" by plastic tree

sink

plastic tree

rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

A shimmering yet powerful rhythm guitar tone, with a chorus-laden character and a tight, slightly scooped midrange that provides a solid foundation for the song. The sound is both ethereal and driving, typical of visual kei rock.

Shop This Rig

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Fender Stratocaster(instrument)
Roland JC-120(amp)
Boss CE-1(processing)

Signal Chain

Instrument: Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb

Amp: Roland JC-120Shop on Reverb

Processing: Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb

Recording Notes

The rhythm guitar parts likely feature a combination of clean and slightly overdriven amp tones.
Chorus is a key component, adding width and depth to the sound.
Midrange is often slightly scooped to allow the high and low frequencies to breathe.

Recreation Tips

Start with a Fender Stratocaster-style guitar for the bright single-coil sound.
Use a Roland JC-120 or a similar clean amp as the base tone.
Apply a chorus effect like the Boss CE-1 or a similar analog chorus pedal.
Slightly scoop the mids using an EQ to achieve the desired frequency balance.

Original Gear

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Fender StratocasterShop on Reverb(guitar)
Roland JC-120Shop on Reverb(amp)
Boss CE-1Shop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Squier Classic Vibe '70s StratocasterShop on Reverb$400-$450

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Provides authentic single-coil pickup brightness and clarity essential for this shimmering visual kei tone at a budget-friendly price

Fender Player StratocasterShop on Reverb$750-$850

Alternative to: Fender Stratocaster

Modern Fender with the classic single-coil character needed for the bright, cutting rhythm tone in visual kei music

Roland JC-40Shop on Reverb$500-$600

Alternative to: Roland JC-120

Maintains the legendary JC clean tone and built-in chorus that defined this sound, in a more compact format

Boss CE-2W Waza CraftShop on Reverb$200-$250

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Modern recreation of vintage Boss chorus circuits with both CE-1 and CE-2 modes for authentic analog chorus shimmer

TC Electronic Corona ChorusShop on Reverb$100-$130

Alternative to: Boss CE-1

Versatile digital chorus with analog modeling modes that can recreate the wide, ethereal chorus character at lower cost

Neural DSP Archetype PliniPlugin Boutique$100-$120