Akira Takasaki

Akira Takasaki born February 22, 1961, in Osaka, Japan is the lead guitarist and founding member of the Japanese heavy metal band Loudness.

Takasaki uses ESP Signature Random Star guitars and several Killer guitars, mostly the KG Prime model. He is co-owner of the Killer Guitars label, which are made and distributed by ESP.

Throughout Loudness' tenure, he has mostly used Marshall amps, ranging from Lee Jackson-modified Super Leads in the early-mid '80s, the JMP-1 preamp throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the JCM2000 DSL100, TSL100, and Modefour MF350 in the early-mid 2000s, and the JVM410H in the late 2000s, which is currently his main amp. Starting in the early 1990s, after the release of Loudness, Takasaki began using the Marshall JMP-1 preamp, which would be the center of his rig ever since, with other amps being along the side.

Guitarist Akira Takasaki uses the CAT'S Factory AT-222 AKIRA TAKASAKI Signature Pedal, as shown on his pedal board in a photo shared by progbusters on Instagram.

In a video by Friedman Amplification, Akira Takasaki of Loudness is featured using the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head.

Akira used the Lee Jackson Metaltronix M-1000 head on the "Soldier of Fortune" and "On the Prowl" studio albums and tours.

Akira Takasaki uses the Shin's Music Dumbloid guitar pedal, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

Seymour Duncan SH-16 59/Custom Hybrid Bridge Pickup

Akira Takasaki RANDOM STAR Signature by ESP Japan

Akira Takasaki uses the TC Electronic Stereo Chorus Flanger pedal, as seen on his pedalboard in a photo shared by progbusters on Instagram.

In an interview, he said that he started using it in combination with Marshall JMP-1 in 1992.

Akira Takasaki uses the Seymour Duncan SH-1N '59 Neck pickup, as highlighted on the Seymour Duncan website.

Akira Takasaki uses the Seymour Duncan Custom 5 Alnico, as highlighted on the Seymour Duncan website.

In a video by Friedman Amplification, Akira Takasaki is seen using the Killer KG-PRIME Signature 2014 guitar while showcasing the Friedman BE-100 amplifier.

Akira Takasaki uses the MXR M169 Carbon Copy delay pedal, as shown on his pedal board in a photo shared by progbusters on Instagram.

Akira Takasaki uses the Marshall The Guv'nor Mk1 Overdrive Pedal, as shown on his pedalboard in a photo by progbusters on Instagram.

In an interview, he said that he started using it in combination with Roger Mayer's power amplifier in 1992.

Akira Takasaki uses the Rocktron Intellifex, as detailed in the Marshall Blog, where it is noted to be rack-mounted alongside his Marshall JMP-1.

Akira Takasaki uses the RANDOM STAR -THE BLACK STAR- guitar by ESP, as highlighted on the ESP Guitars website.

Akira Takasaki RANDOM STAR GREEN BURST Signature model guitar by ESP Japnan

Akira Takasaki RANDOM STAR TARAKU signature guitar by ESP JP.

Akira Takasaki uses the Dunlop Cry Baby GCB-95 wah pedal, as seen on his pedal board in a photo shared by progbusters on Instagram.