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Jazz Fusion1979An Insatiable High

Blue Lagoon Amp Settings

by Masayoshi Takanaka

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Original Recording Settings

EstimatedResearched tone data for "Blue Lagoon" by Masayoshi Takanaka

Original Gear

Guitar
Yamaha SG1000
Pickups
Stock Yamaha Alnico V humbuckers (bridge (lead melody), neck (warmer passages))
Amplifier
Not documented for the 1979 studio recording
Channel
Clean / light crunch
Tuning
Standard E
Pickup Selector
bridge for lead, neck for warm rhythm passages
Strings
Not documented

Takanaka's early recordings used clean to slightly overdriven tones typical of late-1970s Japanese fusion. The Yamaha SG1000 was confirmed as the guitar used to record Blue Lagoon by a Japanese fansite (k-studio.music.coocan.jp). In later live performances, Takanaka has been seen using a Suhr Badger 30 and various other amps, but the original recording amp is undocumented.

Amp Settings

Gain
3.0
Bass
5.0
Mid
6.0
Treble
6.0
Presence
5.0
Master Volume
4.0
Volume
5.0
The original recording amp and settings are completely undocumented. These estimates are based purely on the audible tone characteristics: a clean to lightly overdriven sound with balanced EQ, warm mids, and smooth top end typical of late-1970s Japanese fusion production. The tone suggests a clean tube amp with the volume pushed just to the edge of breakup.

Effects Chain

→
Unknown (likely Roland/Boss chorus or similar 1970s unit)
chorus
→
Unknown (Takanaka later associated with Mu-Tron Bi-Phase style effects)
phaser
→
Studio tape delay (likely)
delay
→
1.Unknown (likely Roland/Boss chorus or similar 1970s unit) — A subtle chorus or ensemble effect can be heard on some passages, adding width and shimmer. The specific unit is not documented.
2.Unknown (Takanaka later associated with Mu-Tron Bi-Phase style effects) — A Blue Lagoon-branded parallel phaser pedal was later produced by Kanda Shokai, suggesting phaser was associated with this song's sound. Likely a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase or similar unit was used on the original recording.
3.Studio tape delay (likely) — Subtle slapback/short delay audible on the lead tone, typical of late-1970s studio production.

Playing Technique

Smooth, fluid legato playing with jazz-influenced phrasing. Clean, articulate alternate picking for melodic runs. Expressive bending and vibrato with a vocal quality. The melody is played with a relaxed, laid-back feel that perfectly matches the breezy, tropical mood. Hybrid picking (pick + fingers) for chord-melody passages. Takanaka's tone comes significantly from his touch — light to medium pick attack with excellent dynamic control.

Sources+
  1. Equipboard.com — Masayoshi Takanaka (Yamaha SG1000 confirmed for Blue Lagoon recording via Japanese fansite)
  2. Wikipedia — Masayoshi Takanaka (trademark 'lagoon-blue' Yamaha SG, career overview)
  3. Yokogao Magazine — Masayoshi Takanaka profile (signature guitars, Blue Lagoon cultural significance)
  4. Reverb.com — Blue Lagoon Parallel Phaser pedal listing (Kanda Shokai phaser branded for Takanaka)

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