The 3rd Effector Modification Contest Overview
Presented by TCGAKKI

ModificationEffector Contest

Results Announcement

TCGAKKIAward

Eleven's work "Bikkuri Mafu!"

Selection Comments
"It makes sound and you can play with it! As a 'Effector enjoyment method', this totally stole the show! The design instantly recognizable as both a BIG MUFF and a certain toy is also great. The sword shaped like a cigar, matching Mike Matthews, shows thoughtful attention to detail and is fun.The fact that it hasn't lost its toy functionality shows both playfulness and dedication. Yet, at its core, it's still a BIG MUFF. While it might seem like a novelty at first glance, upon reflection, the approach of "modifying the enclosure" is a popular method – it's dreamy and wonderful. The fact that it's made from a child's unused toy really resonated as a story. This was a very high-level competition, but this is the undisputed Grand Prix winner!"


Eleven-sama visited our store! We presented the Grand Prix prize shopping voucher! ⭐️ Congratulations ⭐️


Guitar Magazine Award

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Itarian's work "GAS ECHORUS"

Selection Comment
"Surprisingly few people attempt to build their own delay, but this GAS..." ECHORUS excels in matching its appearance with its tone, making it one of the most outstanding pieces in terms of overall balance. While the echo itself has a familiar sound quality, the addition of that exquisite "Mewn♪" chorus effect evokes a soothing sensation reminiscent of the flickering flames seen around a campfire.The knobs for adjusting the original sound and delayed sound are an interesting concept, and the long-press transmission function seems practical for live performances. Above all, I was impressed by its alluring tone, which seems sure to spark a guitarist's inspiration. (Guitar Magazine)


BARKS Award xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal

BARKS Award

Kenji Fujiwara's work "MyRAT"

Selection Comments
"While this TCGAKKI-famous 'Modified Effector Contest' has always attracted perverts and produced countless playful items, this entry truly shook us to the core. It didn't just have a playful spirit—it was pure play itself. Its unapologetic dedication to forging ahead regardless of functionality or practicality makes it the undisputed No. 1 entry in this project."


AKIMA&NEOS Award

Horiei's Work "The Allure of Carbon SD-1"

Selection Comments
"The first time I saw carbon graphite was on the neck of some Bass. More than its strength as a material, I thought its appearance was cool.This pedal incorporates that look into its exterior, and with such meticulous finishing. Normally, you'd only consider changing the paint job for an exterior change, so this concept is brilliant. The careful lettering on top of that is also perfect. If this were subpar, it would feel too DIY and disappointing. Additionally, the parts unified in blue give a flawless impression. Furthermore, the sound modifications aren't pretentious and remain purely practical, which is also appealing. Aki Matsuneo"


Arai Trade Award

matsu_log's work "(Probably) the world's smallest Effector
Bottle Cap FuzzFaceNano"

Selection Comments
"The world's smallest with outstanding impact. At this size, weight isn't an issue, and since it fits in your pocket, it's appealing to someone like me who wants to carry as little as possible."



Sapporo Strobe Lights' work "Pencil BIG MUFF"

Selection Comments
"Amidst another year of outstanding entries that were hard to rank... here it comes... a truly unique concept. As someone who handles EHX gear, I simply couldn't resist modifying the legendary Big Muff. That was the deciding factor.

By the way, pencil leads range from 10B to F to 10B. Those who've studied drawing might be familiar with this, but did you all know? Of course, the composition differs for each, so I imagine the sound changes with the lead's darkness. A new rabbit hole awaits here..."


Studio Penta Award

Forestman's work "Muff Console&Booster cassette"

Selection Comments
"That thrilling feeling when you insert a Famicom cartridge—it comes back. No matter how old they get, men are forever boys. "


SOLID BOND Award

Akira Akai's work "Great Three Dragons Booster"

Selection Comments
"A must-have for mahjong enthusiasts!! "


Birdland Award

Kenta Claus (YSXL)'s work "Echoes of Departure"

Selection Comments
"We were drawn to the impact of including that irresistible 'bus stop button' and the nostalgic visual of signs (?) like 'Passengers Boarding/Alighting' and 'One-Man Operation' extending beyond the cabinet. The 'Next Stop' announcement feature is also an interesting and high-scoring point. The fact that it offers not just visual appeal but also a bit of playful fun was a deciding factor in its selection. "


Kikutani Music Award

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Work by Iki Sugita DIY: "Wind Vibe"

Selection Comments
"The primary reason for selection is that it embodies Effector. However, its greatest appeal lies in its freedom from conventional forms or expectations. We were deeply moved by this kind of creation—something no one would think of, defying fixed notions. Regarding the sound, we hope the performer will fully unlock the potential of Effector." "


Moridaira Musical Instrument Award

Goodsontoys' work "V8 Fuzz / Time Machine Ver.3"

Selection Comments
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First Round Selection

JC893's Work "KANIFACE "

Kazuo's work "Disco"

lenheyvan's work "Ice Wall CLEAN"

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Work by Kanbō Gomibako: "Dist+ Remote Flash"

Robotta's work "WHAT IF?" "

Sushi-Tation's work "BOSS Cabinet Mongoose"

Work by Nakaro Banmin Aaru: "Wearable Fuzz for Pickup on Pick" "

Angus Nakano's work "Sun-Craft Diversity System The Schaffer Replica "

Gen McGuinness's work "Black Cat Overdrive" "

Thanks to everyone's wonderful entries, this contest was a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.


Your work featured in Guitar Magazine!

We're doing it again!
Popular Feature: "Modified Guitar Contest"

This feature began as a sister event to the Modified Guitar Contest. Supported by the unique creations of all entrants and the backing of our sponsors, we've already reached our third edition. We look forward to seeing your fun creations again this year. The theme is "Make Effects Even More Fun!"

Winning entries will be announced in the December issue of Guitar Magazine, on sale November 13!
They will also be featured on BARKS and our store's homepage.


Registration is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.
Stay tuned for the results!

How to Apply

< Application Guidelines >

First Screening: Photo Selection
Second Screening: Physical Item Screening

【First Screening】
Please email us your photos and a description of the modifications.
We will contact those who pass the first screening directly.
【Second Screening】
This stage will be conducted using the actual item from among the works that passed the first screening.
You must bring your work to TCGAKKI or submit it by mail, and it must be playable in-store.
(Entries will be returned after the results announcement and exhibition of winning entries.)
Works that pass the first screening will be featured at the TCGAKKI store and on our official YouTube channel.
The Grand Prize winner will be determined by a combination of in-store and online popularity voting, as well as staff voting.
Simultaneously, our sponsoring companies will select category awards.
Results will be posted on the TCGAKKI official website and BARKS.

 

< Eligibility Requirements >

Anyone can apply as long as the item is modified based on your own idea.
Modifications to appearance only are also welcome.
The key point is being able to share the fun through video, so we look forward to your creative ideas.

Application Deadline

August 31, 2025

<Application Guidelines>

First Screening: Photo Selection
Second Screening: Physical Item Review


Please email your photos and description of modificationsto:
We will contact those who pass the first screening directly.
【Second Screening】
This screening will be conducted using the actual instruments from among the works that passed the first screening.
Works must be brought to TCGAKKI or submitted by mail, and must be available for in-store trial playing.
(Works will be returned after the results announcement and award-winning works exhibition.)
Works that pass the first screening will be featured at the TCGAKKI store and on the official YouTube channel.
The Grand Prize winner will be determined by in-store and online popularity voting, as well as staff voting.
Simultaneously, category awards will be selected by our sponsoring companies.
Results will be posted on the official website and BARKS.

 

<Eligibility Requirements>

Anyone can apply with a vehicle modified based on their own ideas.
Modifications to appearance only are also welcome.
The key point is being able to share the fun through video, so we look forward to your creative ideas.

Application Deadline

August 31, 2025

Sponsor


Guitar Magazine
BARKS
AKIMA&NEOS
Arai Trading
Kyōritsu Corporation
Studio Penta
SOLID BOND
Birdland
Kikutani Music
Moridaira Musical Instruments

Grand Prize: "30,000 Yen Shopping Voucher" xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal

Grand Prize: "¥30,000 Shopping Voucher"

Additionally, winners will be featured in Guitar Magazine!

Sponsor prizes will be added periodically!

Guitar Magazine Award

BARKS Award

Kyōritsu/D'Addario Award

Studio Penta Award

Arai Trading Award

Arai Trade Award

Moridaira Musical Instruments Award

Kikutani Music Award

Birdland Award

AKIMA&NEOS Award

Solid Bond Award

About Selection/Judging

First Round: Photo Screening
Second Round: Physical Item Screening

The first screening is based on photos and descriptions. Please tell us what kind of modification it is. We look forward to seeing works that shine with personality, such as innovative ideas or visually appealing designs.

Works passing the first screening will proceed to the second screening. It is a requirement that you bring or send your work to TCGAKKI by September 10, 2025, and allow us to hold it until the results are announced.
(If your work wins an award, it will be displayed at TCGAKKI for one month after the announcement).

Submission Requirements

Anyone may submit entries that align with the purpose of this event.
Entries modified based on your own ideas are acceptable, even if not entirely modified by yourself. Submitted works will be featured on our official YouTube channel, so only publicly shareable content is permitted. (Please note that entries potentially infringing on others' copyrights—such as unauthorized use of copyrighted illustrations or brand logos—may be excluded.)

Tips for Winning

EffectorIf you love it, you'll want to be particular about the sound. Modifications for that purpose are important, and you can probably name the primary factors to consider. However, the purpose of this contest is to modify and enjoy together! To show it off to everyone! Therefore, customizations that show no visible changes are unfortunately ineligible.

While appearance-free customization is a valuable skill and a key element, we feel it would be disrespectful to judge and rank such entries against sound-focused modifications. We appreciate your understanding.

The concept is not to compete over modification techniques, but rather "Let's enjoy free ideas!" Even just applying a sticker could win the Grand Prix if the sense is outstanding!

Past Award-Winning Entries