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The 5 Iconic Guitars Of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad—And Why They’re Still Legendary In 2025

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For a generation of musicians, the anime and manga series BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad was more than just a story about a band; it was a masterclass in guitar culture, gear obsession, and the pursuit of rock and roll glory. As of late 2025, the instruments wielded by Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka, Ryusuke Minami, and Yoshiyuki Taira remain some of the most recognizable and sought-after fictional guitars in the world, inspiring countless fans to pick up a Telecaster or a Les Paul. This deep dive explores the specific, real-world models of the legendary gear that defined the sound of BECK, the band that defied the odds from a small Tokyo club to the legendary *Greatful Sound* festival and beyond.

The genius of mangaka Harold Sakuishi was his meticulous attention to detail, grounding the fictional band’s journey in authentic, high-end gear. This realism is why discussions about the "Koyukicaster" or the story behind Ryusuke's "Lucille" are still vibrant on forums and among collectors today, solidifying the series' place as the ultimate music anime.

The Holy Trinity: Koyuki's, Ryusuke's, and Taira's Iconic Gear

The core of BECK's sound is built on the specific instruments chosen by the three primary string players. Each guitar and bass is not just a prop, but a character in its own right, loaded with backstory and real-world pedigree. Understanding these instruments is key to appreciating the band's musical evolution.

1. Koyuki's Signature: The Fender Japan TL68-BECK Telecaster

Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka's main electric guitar is arguably the most famous instrument in the series, a blonde Telecaster with a rosewood fretboard. This model is directly based on a 1968 Telecaster, but its fame led to an extremely rare, official signature release: the Fender Japan TL68-BECK Signature Edition.

  • Model: Fender Japan TL68-BECK (often called the "Koyukicaster").
  • Aesthetic: Vintage Blonde finish, rosewood neck, and an aged look that reflects its journey with Koyuki.
  • Legacy: Released exclusively in Japan around 2004/2009, this limited-edition model is now a highly valued collector's item, a testament to the anime's cultural impact.
  • Other Guitars: As Koyuki’s skill grows, he also uses a Fender Highway One Telecaster, an Epiphone acoustic (a gift from Eddie Lee), and a Gibson SG later in the manga, showcasing his versatility.

2. Ryusuke's Mystery: The Gibson Les Paul 'Lucille'

Ryusuke Minami's primary weapon is the most enigmatic and visually striking guitar in the entire series: a vintage Gibson Les Paul Standard, famously riddled with seven bullet holes. This guitar is known by two names: Lucille (in the original Japanese version) and Prudence (in the English dub).

  • Model: Gibson Les Paul Standard (often speculated to be a '59 model).
  • Key Feature: The seven bullet holes, which are integral to the guitar's dark and intriguing backstory.
  • Real-World Influence: Ryusuke's character and his use of the Les Paul often draw comparisons to legendary guitarists like Jimmy Page, known for his Les Paul work with Led Zeppelin.

3. Taira's Foundation: The Music Man Stingray Bass

Yoshiyuki Taira is the stoic, technically brilliant bassist of BECK. His choice of instrument reflects his role as the band's rock-solid foundation. Taira's bass is an instantly recognizable classic, known for its powerful, punchy tone that cuts through the mix.

  • Model: Music Man Stingray Bass.
  • Details: Taira is most often seen with a white Stingray, specifically identified by fans as a model from the 1993–1996 era.
  • Importance: The Stingray is an iconic bass, renowned for its active electronics and distinct sound, perfectly suiting Taira's complex and driving basslines in songs like *Devil's Way*.

The Legend of Lucille: Ryusuke's Bullet-Hole Gibson Les Paul

The story behind Ryusuke's Les Paul, "Lucille," is the central piece of gear lore in BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad and a crucial plot device. The guitar's dark history elevates it from a simple instrument to a legendary artifact of rock mythology.

A Stolen Legacy and a Dark Secret

The mystery of Lucille begins with Ryusuke's former life in the United States. The guitar was stolen by a young Ryusuke and his friend, the blues guitarist Eddie Lee, who later becomes a major figure in Koyuki’s life. The seven bullet holes are a permanent scar from a violent incident in the guitar's past, giving it a unique, almost cursed aura.

The name "Lucille" is a direct homage to B.B. King's famous guitar, but Ryusuke names his after a waitress he met during his tumultuous time in America. The name serves as a grim reminder of a promise he made to himself: never to get into a fight over a woman or run into a burning building again.

The Sunny Boy Waters Connection

Adding another layer to the lore, Ryusuke believes Lucille is the legendary Gibson used by the fictional blues musician Sunny Boy Waters, a figure who represents the deep, authentic roots of American blues music. This connection gives the guitar an almost spiritual significance, symbolizing the powerful, raw talent that Ryusuke possesses and the musical heritage he seeks to embody in BECK. The guitar's mystique is what drives much of the band's early narrative, particularly in their quest to make it big in America with the album *Hit in America*.

Fender Japan's 'Koyukicaster' and the Real-World Legacy

While Ryusuke's Lucille is the focus of the lore, Koyuki's Telecaster is the instrument that had the most tangible impact on the real-world gear market. The Fender Japan TL68-BECK is one of the few anime-inspired signature guitars to ever be officially produced by a major manufacturer, making it a true collector’s piece.

A Collector's Dream

The limited-run Fender Japan TL68-BECK was a meticulous recreation of Koyuki's guitar, down to the matte blonde finish and the feel of the rosewood neck. Its scarcity today—only being released in the Japanese market—means that when a "Koyukicaster" appears on a site like Reverb or eBay, it commands a premium price, a clear indicator that the demand for authentic BECK gear is still incredibly high in 2025.

The Full Mongolian Chop Squad Instrument List

To truly capture the topical authority of the band, one must acknowledge the full lineup of BECK (Mongolian Chop Squad) members and their unique contributions:

  • Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka: Fender Japan TL68-BECK Telecaster (Guitar/Vocals).
  • Ryusuke Minami: Gibson Les Paul "Lucille" (Lead Guitar).
  • Yoshiyuki Taira: Music Man Stingray Bass (Bass Guitar).
  • Tsunemi Chiba: Microphone (Lead Rapper/MC). Chiba's aggressive vocal delivery is often compared to real-life artists like Zach de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, providing the band's unique hip-hop/rock edge.
  • Yuji "Saku" Sakurai: Drum Kit (Drums). Saku’s steady, reliable drumming provides the rhythmic backbone for the band's complex sound.

The enduring legacy of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad is that it did not just tell a story about music; it taught a generation about the instruments themselves. From the distinct Telecaster tone of Koyuki's rhythm guitar to the powerful punch of Taira’s Music Man, the gear of BECK is as legendary as the band's journey to the *Greatful Sound* stage.

beck mongolian chop squad guitars
beck mongolian chop squad guitars

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