Masayoshi Takanaka

In this live performance at Super Live 2008 at 15:36, Masayoshi Takanaka can be seen playing a sunburst-finished Fender Stratocaster with a maple fretboard.

Masayoshi Takanaka uses the Neumann TLM 103 both on stage and during practice sessions, as noted in the Sweetwater article about the Universal Audio Sphere DLX Modeling Microphone System.

(Part of the article is referenced and translated into English.) "I mainly make my distortion with MESA BOOGIE's TRIAXIS."

(Part of the article is referenced and translated into English) "I mainly make distortion with MESA BOOGIE's TRIAXIS, before using the TRIAXIS I also used the Mark II, and when recording in LA I used the RECTIFIER and others, although they have a metal-ish image."

Playing Yamaha SG1000 in this photo(Around 1980) . The website also states that this was the first SG he ever held in his hand, and that it was used to record the classic BLUE LAGOON. http://k-studio.music.coocan.jp/takanakasg1000.html

At the 2:56 mark in the video, Masayoshi Takanaka is observed utilizing a Suhr Badger 30 amplifier. The Suhr Badger 30 is known for its versatile tones and high-quality sound output. In this particular moment of the performance, Takanaka incorporates the Suhr Badger 30 into his setup, showcasing its capabilities in delivering the desired guitar tones for his music.

In this video, Masayoshi Takanaka is seen playing a Godin Multiac Nylon SA while performing on the water. Although specific details about which nylon guitar he used in his albums aren't available, the Godin Multiac is known to be a popular choice for nylon-electric guitars.

Playing Yamaha SG-T2 MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA Signature in this video.

Masayoshi Takanaka can be seen playing a Yamaha SG2000MT in the video titled "Masayoshi Takanaka - SUPER COLLECTION (2011) [Full Show]" on YouTube.

In the "Super Live 2012" performance, Masayoshi Takanaka is seen playing a Gibson ES-335 at the 15:42 mark.

Masayoshi Takanaka uses the Akai MG1212 12 Channel Mixer/Recorder, as seen in his home studio during an interview recorded for a TV program in 1985, posted by takanaka_vibes on Instagram.

Playing his signature guitar in this video.

Masayoshi Takanaka is in an advertisement for Pioneer S-180 Ⅲ, according to an Instagram post by user ilovetakanaka.

Masayoshi Takanaka is in the ad of Pioneer S-180A, as evidenced by a post by instagram user "japanjazzfusion," which is captioned with "#高中正義 #MasayoshiTakanaka ‘Ready to Fly’ Pioneer ad."

Masayoshi Takanaka is featured in an advertisement for the Maxon UE-300, as evidenced by the photo in the source image.

In this instagram photo of takanakas board one of the pedals identified is the dyna comp compressor by mxr.

In the video titled "高中正義　BELEZA PULA," uploaded by ai71382, Masayoshi Takanaka is clearly seen playing a Yamaha SG2000 at 0:08. This identification is supported by the instrument's distinctive body shape, gold-colored bridge, and the design on the headstock. The video was recorded in 1981 at Yokohama Stadium.

Masayoshi Takanaka is confirmed to use a Martin D-21 acoustic guitar, specifically a model made in 1967, which he acquired in Los Angeles. This information is supported by a post shared by the Instagram user "ilovetakanaka," which references details from “Super Guitar Magazine” in 1982. The Martin D-21 is noted for its rarity and value due to its limited production numbers.

Masayoshi Takanaka is associated with a custom made surfboard guitar, created for him by luthier Takeda Yutaka. The instrument made its initial debut in a pelham blue finish, during a 2004 tour, before receiving its current red paint job. The guitar's most recent appearance was during his run of US shows in 2026.

During Masayoshi Takanaka's performance of "Sheba the Freak" at Kawasaki Club Citta in 1990, as part of the 'One Night Gig', he is seen using a 1987 Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar. This information is supported by the footage available on YouTube, provided by ccl1022, titled "高中正義 ONE NIGHT GIG - Sheba The Freak."

Credit to K-Studio (https://k-studio.music.coocan.jp/contents.htm) for information about the guitar.

Masayoshi Takanaka is confirmed to use a custom rainbow-finished Yamaha SG1000 “Rainbow Goblins” (1981 Custom) during his performance of The Rainbow Goblins at Nippon Budokan in 1981, as seen in a YouTube video provided by Dave's Archives. The video captures the guitar prominently throughout the performance, with multiple close-up shots highlighting its body and neck. The guitar features a custom airbrushed rainbow gradient finish with a high-gloss clear coat, designed to align with the visual theme of The Rainbow Goblins project. Further details about the guitar's gear and finish are documented by K-Studio. (https://k-studio.music.coocan.jp/sg-rainbow.html)

Masayoshi Takanaka is confirmed to use the ESP EDWARDS Karmaster Platinum Edition guitar, as evidenced by a photo from the SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2025–2026 tour. The guitar, identifiable by its satin black finish, features a dual humbucker (HH) configuration with a zebra-style bridge pickup, a minimalist control layout with a single volume knob, a top-mounted output jack, a fixed hardtail bridge, and a set-neck construction. The proof can be seen in the image from the tour.

Masayoshi Takanaka is known to use the MXR MX-104 Distortion + in his studio recording setup from around 1979-1980. In an interview, Takanaka mentioned:

"I use a lot of effects. To list them in order: From MXR, I use the Dyna Comp, Distortion, and... what's it called that auto-wah type of effect."

This information was provided by user EJxcix on Reddit and takanaka_vibes on Instagram, along with visual proof of the setup.

Masayoshi Takanaka is known to use the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble in his studio recording setup from around 1979-1980. Also, In an interview, Takanaka mentioned:

"I use a lot of effects... Then there's the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, Roland Chorus Ensemble, and something called Stereo Box - I forgot the manufacturer."

This information was provided by user EJxcix on Reddit and takanaka_vibes on Instagram, along with visual proof of the setup.

In the live performance Blue Lagoon in 1986, Masayoshi Takanaka is seen using the Ibanez IMG2010 X-ING. This performance is part of the Jungle Jane Tour and can be viewed on YouTube, uploaded by user ongaku.

In this photo shared by user EJxcix on Reddit, the Boss FB-2 Feedbacker/Booster is half visible under a paper sheet (item 5). This image is from Masayoshi Takanaka's rig in the 2025 tour.

In this photo shared by user EJxcix on Reddit, the Fractal FM9 Multi Effects Pedal is clearly visible as part of Masayoshi Takanaka's rig during his 2025 tour.