Current favourite pedal builders/companies?

nickb_boy

This has probably been asked before but I didn't have time to trawl through all the old posts!

I'm always interested to come across new builders, especially ones who are trying something different. Thought this post may help direct me and others in some new directions.

For me personally I still really dig the Fairfield Circuitry builds. They've been around for a while but they keep bringing out some exciting pedals which don't fit the standard clone approach of many boutique companies. Can't wait for their new analogue delay Maude to come out!


So who else is worth checking out?

JDE

I also dig Fairfield - loved the Barbershop and Four Eyes in particular. Immaculate build quality, too.

Hudson Electronics make superb retro voiced stuff. Again, immaculate builds and super nice to deal with. I have a few of their pedals and all are awesome.

Not particularly small or new, but I like Mojo Hand and Skreddy stuff a lot. While obviously still the "upper end" the price points of the Mojo Hand stuff is very appealing. I've owned/used several of their OD's, a few of their fuzzes, both the Sugar Baby and Bayou trems, the Villanova and the Nebula and they've all been very, very good.

allicio

Ive got a few custom pedals on order with arcane Analog of Canada. Lovely lovely build and attention to detail

samzadgan

for the last 2 years now i've really dug everything Black Arts Toneworks has put out for all dirt and fuzz needs.

everything else i really like Earthquaker Devices...they just seem to nail every effect the way i think it should sound.

as far as stock standard brands, its a toss up between MXR and EHX...something about the "X" i think?!?

hywelg

I'm still mightily impressed with Menatone. I wish it was easier to get them over here.

timmysoft

I've always loved the shape and visual of the Proco rat2, when I see one on someone's board I know my ears are in for a nasty party.

JohnPerry

This isn't new. I bought mine in 2008 and have gone through scores of pedals since. But i still have yet to see anyone match exactly what it does, and how much it does, in one box: Roger Linn's Adrenalinn 3.

mark_jwedge

Forge effects of this very forum, great service and prices and a cracking rangeof fuzz pedals, or will often build a special one off to fit your needs (i have two!). Also loving oxfuzz

juansolo

Me. Though I'm slightly biased.

JDE

mark_jwedge said:

Forge effects of this very forum, great service and prices and a cracking rangeof fuzz pedals, or will often build a special one off to fit your needs (i have two!). Also loving oxfuzz

I have a Forge on the way. Very excited about it, too.

@juansolo - I must agree. I have had a fair few of his builds through my grubby chain and they have all been excellent. Your Mutron Phase clone haunts my dreams, along with my pedalboard real estate.

Wazmeister

Paul Trombetta.

Completely unique designs. Known for being mainly 'fuzz' pedals (i don't like fuzz !), but his stuff overdrives and cleans up superbly. Very powerful and flexible pedals.

viz

Robert Keeley

citizen68

3 quality builders that I know of over here although I'm sure there are more- have a klone built by one & it's very nice - AC Tone clone on order now too.. Jimmy Behan Effects, Alan Byrne (Pyr0man) and Cian Moose - Moose Electronics

ThePrettyDamned

viz;204670" said:

Robert Keeley

I've never heard of someone owning so many

Richardj

I've been really boring and focused on Boss for many years.  However I now find them a bit sterile so have been branching out.  Digitech's Hardwires are more interesting and I think as well made.  For more 'boutique' solutions I have recently got a couple of Catalinbread pedals and I like the quality of build and tone.

viz

ThePrettyDamned said:

viz;204670" said:

Robert Keeley

I've never heard of someone owning so many

neither have I! But i just think if you can get a 2nd hand keeley modded pedal for the same price as a new unmodded one, then why not! The last one I got, a Boss TR2 tremolo, was 45 euros and it's absolutely fine. And he's got a very good name.

kelvinburn

Mr Black and Malekko are my current favourites although I am gassing for practically the entire Earthquaker Devices catalogue.

Emanating fist are a new division of D*A*M that have some interesting sounding fuzz pedals with bizarre names.

xHymnal

Hugely into D*A*M and emanating fist atm. Love the fairfield stuff also. A few that i've tried recently and loved are

-castledine

-skinpimp

-Pigdog

-Pigeon FX

meltedbuzzbox

ZVex for me

love the variety of sounds, love how they are on the verge of disaster as well.

A fuzz factory can be like taming a wild horse, in a good way :-)

ThePrettyDamned

Hymnal;205817" said:

Hugely into D*A*M and emanating fist atm. Love the fairfield stuff also. A few that i've tried recently and loved are

-castledine-skinpimp-Pigdog-Pigeon FX

I've heard good things about dam, but they are some properly expensive fuzz pedals...

I like the classics - boss, mxr, Digitech. Between them, I could quite happily get great tones for recording and gigging.

Majorscale

Bearfoot are really really good and my personal favourite.