Founded in 2007 by musician Jamie Stillman, Earthquaker Device has established itself over the years as a major player in the field of hand-crafted pedals, ranging from the classics to experimental and innovative effects.
Brand history
Earthquaker Devices was founded in 2004 by musician Jamie Stillman in Akron, Ohio, USA. From 1993 to 2002, Stillman managed the Donut Friends label, releasing over fifty records that earned him worldwide acclaim. The adventure into pedal design began after Stillman successfully repaired a faulty overdrive, awakening his passion for electronics.
The release of the Hoof Fuzz in 2007 marked the start of a meteoric rise. Rapid word-of-mouth enabled Stillman to devote himself full-time to effects manufacturing, initially in the basement of his home. As demand grew, a team of nine gradually transformed the basement into a thriving pedal factory.
Led by the entrepreneurial vision of Julie Robbins, Stillman’s wife, the company has since moved 2 times, integrating over 40 employees, to continue creating unique effects pedals entirely designed and produced in-house, still under the impetus and vision of Jamie Stillman.
Earthquaker Devices philosophy
EarthQuaker Devices’ vision crystallizes around the belief that effects pedals should be both simple and user-friendly, offering a variety of practical and musical sounds while encouraging sonic exploration and aural innovation. The brand’s ultimate goal is to inspire guitarists to embark on new musical adventures.
The company emphasizes reliability, pointing out that every pedal is handcrafted, hand-tested, and backed by a lifetime warranty. EarthQuaker Devices is also committed to using only the highest quality components. Manufacturing is also carried out ethically, solely by hand in their workshop.
Some iconic pedals from Earthquaker Devices
Hoof Fuzz
EarthQuaker Devices’ first production pedal, the Hoof Fuzz, is a powerful, versatile fuzz that helped establish the brand’s reputation.
Avalanche Run
This pedal combines delay and reverb to create spatial ambiences and immersive sound textures, becoming a popular choice among creative guitarists.
Afterneath
Known for its unique and experimental reverberation, the Afterneath offers atmospheric reflections and reverberations that add intriguing depth to sounds.
Bit Commander
The Bit Commander is a creative octave synthesizer pedal, producing harmonically rich sounds and unique sonic textures.
Rainbow Machine
A bold and creative pedal, the Rainbow Machine generates experimental sounds, including pitch-shifting harmonies and unique sonic textures.
Dispatch Master
This pedal combines delay and reverb seamlessly, offering rich ambience and subtle sustain to enrich the sound of an instrument.
Palisades
Designed as an overdrive supercomputer, the Palisades offers an impressive variety of overdrive tones, making it one of the most versatile pedals in the range.
Dispatch Transport
The Disaster Transport is a versatile effects pedal offering extensive creative possibilities with delay and reverb functions.
Some famous artists using Earthquaker Devices pedals
Albert Hammond JR
Albert Hammond Jr. is an American guitarist and musician, best known as lead guitarist of the Strokes, the iconic alternative rock band, and for his acclaimed solo career, characterized by dynamic, catchy indie-rock melodies. His pedals include Arpanoid, Bit Commander, The Depth, Palisades, Rainbow Machine and Speaker Cranker .
Troy Van Leeuwen
Troy Van Leeuwen is a renowned American guitarist and member of Queens of the Stone Age and A Perfect Circle. His diverse musical style is supported by EarthQuaker Devices pedals, including the Dispatch Master, Rainbow Machine and Tentacle, adding atmospheric textures to his creative playing.
Jonny Greenwood
Jonny Greenwood is Radiohead’s iconic and innovative guitarist, hailed for his major influence on alternative music. His unique, experimental playing combines complex sonic textures with electronic arrangements, helping to define the band’s distinctive sound. In particular, he uses the Hizumitas fuzz pedal from Earthquaker Devices.
Deryck Whibley
Deryck Whibley is the leader and singer of punk rock band Sum 41, renowned for his explosive energy on stage and his central role in the band’s worldwide success. Deryck uses several Earthquaker Devices pedals: Hoof Reaper, Palisades, Afterneath, Disaster Transport Sr, Rainbow Machine and Bit Commander.
Cameron Avery
Cameron Avery is a versatile Australian musician, playing bass for Tame Impala, and having developed a solo career as a singer and songwriter. His musical style combines a variety of influences, from psychedelic pop to soul, offering a rich and captivating palette of sounds. His instruments include Disaster Transport Sr, Hummingbird and White Light from Earthquaker Devices.
Lee Kiernan
Lee Kiernan is the guitarist of British band IDLES, renowned for his energetic guitar playing and his essential role in creating the band’s raw, powerful sound. He uses many Earthquaker Devices pedals, including the Arrow, Bit Commander, Tone Job, Gray Chappel, Organizer and Tentacle.
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder
