A small-shop pedal builder run by Mike "Analog Mike" Piera since 1990s. Revered for hand-built vintage-style effects (e.g. King of Tone overdrive) and pedal mods.
www.analogman.com · Pedals
Browse makers
Boutique Gear Makers
Browse independent builders of pedals, amps, and guitars in one place. Discover new brands, compare product lines, and find the people behind your favorite tones.
Boutique builders are the heart of this site. Every brand in this directory is an independent company or small shop focused on doing one thing well: making great gear. Some are one-person operations soldering boards at night. Others are small teams with custom shops, waitlists, and long-running model lines. All of them sit outside the big-box manufacturing world.
This page pulls those makers together in one place. You can scan the full list, filter by what they build, and dive into individual profiles to see highlighted models, socials, and links out to their main site.
How to use this directory
- Scroll the list to get a feel for the overall boutique landscape.
- Look for vertical tags to see whether a brand focuses on pedals, amps, guitars, or a mix.
- Click through to a maker profile for more detail, notable gear, and external links.
- Use the category hubs (/pedals/, /amps/, /guitars/) when you want to browse makers within a specific silo.
As the Airtable base grows, this page will stay in sync — new makers, updated descriptions, additional social links, and eventually location and service coverage where that makes sense.
If you’re a builder who isn’t listed yet, or you spot anything that needs updating, you’ll be able to submit corrections as the project opens up more tooling for makers.
Pedal makers
Browse pedal makers →Established 1999 by David Barber. Produces hand-built pedals (overdrives, fuzzes, etc.) with a focus on clarity and amp-like responsiveness at musician-friendly prices.
www.barberelectronics.com · Pedals
Small-batch “distortery” founded by Philippe Herndon. Builds acclaimed pedals like the Wave Cannon distortion and Meteore lo-fi reverb, each hand-assembled in SC.
carolineguitar.com · Pedals
Boutique pedal maker creating innovative effects since early 2000s. Known for their Echorec delay and Dirty Little Secret overdrive, all hand-built in Portland.
catalinbread.com · Pedals
Innovative high-end pedal company (founded 2013 by Joel Korte) known for analog effects with digital control and DIP-switch customization (e.g. Thermae, Mood).
chasebliss.com · Pedals
Experimental pedal builder founded by Oliver Ackermann (2002). Renowned for noise-heavy, extreme effects (like the Fuzz War) all handmade in NYC.
deathbyaudio.com · Pedals
Hand-built effects pedal company founded in 2004 by Jamie Stillman. Offers a wide range of creative pedals (fuzz, delay, modulation) all made in Ohio.
www.earthquakerdevices.com · Pedals
Boutique amp brand by Dave Friedman that also produces pedals capturing its famous high-gain British tones (e.g. BE-OD overdrive). All products are built in the USA.
friedmanamplification.com · Pedals
Founded by Mike Fuller in 1991. A pioneering boutique pedal brand best known for the OCD overdrive and Full-Drive pedals; built in the USA (now under new ownership).
www.fulltone.com · Pedals
Founded in 2006 by Chris Van Tassel and Jay Rockett. Produces pedals like the Archer (esteemed Klon-style overdrive) and Dude overdrive, all built with touring musicians in mind.
rockettpedals.com · Pedals
Pedal company co-founded by Brad Jackson in 2016. Designs premium guitar effects (like the Prism preamp, Bloom compressor) with modern features and artist collaborations.
jackson.audio · Pedals
Boutique guitar pedal manufacturer founded by Josh Scott. Known for pedals like the Morning Glory overdrive and the Colour Box preamp.
www.jhspedals.com · Pedals
Founded by Robert Keeley in 2001. Pioneering boutique pedal company famous for its Compressor and transformative mods of classic effects.
robertkeeley.com · Pedals
Synth module and effects pedal builder (est. 2006) known for collaborations and edgy designs. Created pedals like the B:Assmaster fuzz and Sneak Attack, all made in Portland.
malekkoheavyindustry.com · Pedals
Boutique manufacturer of advanced DSP-based pedals (and 500-series modules) founded in 2014. Known for studio-quality creative effects like the Mercury7 reverb and Enzo synth.
www.meris.us · Pedals
Experimental effects pedal company (founded 2014) crafting creative, unusual pedals (e.g. Dark Star reverb, Minim delay) often with unique combinations of effects.
www.oldbloodnoise.com · Pedals
Specialty pedal maker focusing on DSP-driven experimental effects. Founded 2009, Red Panda’s notable creations include the Particle granular delay and Tensor time stretcher.
www.redpandalab.com · Pedals
Founded in 2006, Source Audio brings innovative technology to pedals (e.g. motion-controlled Hot Hand and the Nemesis delay). Offers a full line of digitally controlled effects.
www.sourceaudio.net · Pedals
Crafts limited-run, hand-wired pedals with space-themed designs. Founded by Zak Martin, Spaceman is known for meticulous builds like the Mercury IV boost and Orion reverb.
spacemaneffects.com · Pedals
High-end effects pedal maker (formerly Damage Control Engineering) known for studio-quality delay, reverb, and modulation pedals. Designs combine analog circuits with digital signal processing.
www.strymon.net · Pedals
Boutique pedal builder creating artistic, high-quality effects. Established in 2011 and known for pedals like the Julia chorus and ARP-87 delay.
www.walrusaudio.com · Pedals
Established 2007 by Brian Wampler. Produces boutique guitar pedals (drives, distortions, etc.) known for amp-like tones and player-centric designs.
wamplerpedals.com · Pedals
Boutique builder of effects and guitars since 1996. Known for pedals like the EP Booster, RC Booster, and BB Preamp, delivering highly regarded tone shaping tools.
xotic.us · Pedals
One of the original boutique pedal companies (founded 1995 by Zachary Vex). Famous for hand-painted pedals like the Fuzz Factory and inventive designs.
www.zvex.com · Pedals
Amp makers
Browse amp makers →Based in Los Angeles, 65amps are revered for flexible low-wattage combos, pro-level features, and rich hand-wired circuits.
65amps.com · Amps
North Carolina hand-wired circuits inspired by vintage Fenders and classic designs, with superb build quality and tonal tweakability.
allenamps.com · Amps
California maker known for British-voiced and Class A amps, superb cut-through-the-mix dynamics, and point-to-point hand construction. Famous models include Black Cat and Hot Cat.
badcatamps.com · Amps
German-American boutique classic with LA roots, Bogner specializes in high-gain, expressive amps revered in rock, fusion, and metal.
bogneramplification.com · Amps
North Carolina based and dedicated to original, hand-wired tube amp circuits. Carr amps are prized for clean American 6L6 tones and highly musical reverb options, geared to both gigging and studio players.
carramps.com · Amps
Josh Scott’s acclaimed California amps blending classic circuits and original innovation in boutique, point-to-point hand-wired formats.
dividedby13.com · Amps
Founded in Ohio in 1988 by Mike Zaite. Known for hand-wired, original amp circuits that blend British and American voicings, offering clarity and versatility for pro and hobbyist guitarists.
drzamps.com · Amps
Boutique amp manufacturer (Mike Zaite) since 1988 with a cult following. Primarily known for hand-wired tube amps, Dr. Z has also released a few pedals (like the Z-Drive).
drzamps.com · Amps
Founded by Dave Friedman in California, famed for supercharged Marshall-style tones and modern takes on classic rock circuits.
friedmanamplification.com · Amps
Based in California, Fryette (formerly VHT Amplification) manufactures distinct, modern tube amps and power amps. Renowned for signal purity and versatility, favored by touring rock and metal artists.
fryette.com · Amps
New Jersey builder offering Dumble-inspired designs and a range of highly expressive clean and drive tones for pros and studios.
fuchsaudiotechnology.com · Amps
North Carolina boutique builder specializing in blackface and tweed-inspired single-ended amps and combos, with vintage tone focus.
headstrongamps.com · Amps
Texas boutique builder with flexible amp designs enabling American and British voicings and advanced switching technology.
jacksonampworks.com · Amps
New Jersey specialist of hand-wired amps channeling legendary tweed, black panel, and British tones with modern adaptability.
louiselectricamps.com · Amps
Legendary US amp brand, revived and modernized, famous for their pitch-shifting vibrato and lush classic clean and rock tones.
magnatoneusa.com · Amps
Legendary boutique amp company (founded 1989) known for Class A tube amps. Though focused on amplifiers, Matchless has offered a few pedals (such as the Hot Box tube drive).
matchlessamplifiers.com · Amps
Founded in California in 1989, renowned for robust AC30-inspired Class-A tube amps, point-to-point wiring, clarity, headroom, and harmonic depth. Widely used by stage professionals.
matchlessamplifiers.com · Amps
San Francisco builder of pro-grade combo amps and pedal platforms, blending classic tube sounds with flexibility and boutique aesthetics.
milkmansound.com · Amps
Boutique amp builder started by Joe Morgan, making British-inspired amps. Morgan also introduced a line of pedals (fuzzes and overdrive) to complement their vintage-voiced amps.
www.morganamps.com · Amps
California builder focused on simple, reliable, hand-wired amps that capture classic Vox and JMI dynamics, as well as American-style tones. Praised by touring and session guitarists for touch sensitivity.
morganamps.com · Amps
Classic Californian builder praised for versatile, powerful high-gain amps favored by touring guitarists seeking reliability and tone sculpting.
rivera.com · Amps
Founded in 1986 by Michael Soldano. Soldano amps are famous for their flagship SLO-100 and SLO-30 heads, delivering thick, high-gain American rock tones and dynamic clean channels. Produced in Seattle.
soldano.com · Amps
Hand-wired, versatile amps from California known for exceptional build quality, British and American sound options, and pro touring reliability.
suhr.com · Amps
Boutique American-made amps known for retro styling, compact designs, and rich tube-driven reverb and tremolo. Hand-wired circuits, especially suited for blues and indie players.
swartamps.com · Amps
Based in Maryland and known for Fender-inspired black panel tones with versatile two-channel amps, built-in attenuation features, and hand-built reliability for both home and live use.
toneking.com · Amps
North Carolina brand famous for British-style and classic American circuits, noted for build precision and expressive, musical tones.
tophatamps.com · Amps
California builder offering ultra-high-end, Dumble-inspired amps with articulate cleans and expressive overdrive. Used by top artists for stage and studio work.
two-rock.com · Amps
Illinois-based Victoria specializes in vintage tweed designs and original circuits, built for dimensional tone and top quality with lifetime warranty.
victoriaamp.com · Amps
Guitar makers
Browse guitar makers →Dana Bourgeois designs high-end acoustic guitars with a dedication to tonal richness and exceptional quality.
bourgeoisguitars.com · Guitars
Custom shop creating high-performance electric guitars for professionals and enthusiasts.
cralsipguitars.com · Guitars
American builder producing uniquely designed electrics praised for playability and tone.
campbellamerican.com · Guitars
Handmade banjos and stringed instruments from North Carolina, blending tradition and creativity.
carolinabanjo.com · Guitars
Texas-based fine acoustic and electric guitar manufacturer acclaimed for craft and sound excellence.
collingsguitars.com · Guitars
NYC luthier focused on innovative custom electric guitars with ergonomic and artistic excellence.
deangordonguitars.com · Guitars
Well-known maker of high-quality acoustics and electrics, balancing tradition and affordability.
eastmanguitars.com · Guitars
Boutique German builder (often selling in USA) known for elegant electric guitars and attention to detail.
hartungguitars.com · Guitars
Acclaimed Michigan luthier building high-end acoustics and teaching guitar construction.
galloupguitars.com · Guitars
Custom electric and bass guitars handmade for artists seeking unique style and sound.
giungiguitars.com · Guitars
Handmade electric guitars crafted in Massachusetts by Trevor Healy, focusing on unique shapes and creative electronic designs.
healyguitars.com · Guitars
Michigan builder founded by former Gibson artisans, specializing in classic American electrics.
heritageguitars.com · Guitars
Boutique electric guitars built by Connor Kelly, combining artistic design and careful handcraft for a vibrant, unique sound.
highspiritguitars.com · Guitars
Huss & Dalton Guitar Co. — Virginia-based boutique builder blending classic acoustic craft with modern design and premium tonewoods.”
hussanddalton.com · Guitars
Innovative electric guitar company blending classic influences and modern playability, made in California.
kauerguitars.com · Guitars
California custom shop building versatile guitars with modern electronics and playable necks.
kieselguitars.com · Guitars
Portland-based builder by Saul Koll, producing innovative, custom electric guitars with sustainable materials and unique aesthetics.
kollguitars.com · Guitars
Larrivée Guitars — hand-built in North America with all-solid woods, legacy Jean Larrivée craftsmanship and affordable luxury tone.
larrivee.com · Guitars
Scott Lentz crafts highly regarded solid-body electrics, known for vintage restoration and premium finishing.
lentzguitar.com · Guitars
Modern minimalist design for electric guitars, handmade in Montreal for adventurous players.
millimetric.ca · Guitars
Custom electric guitars built for discerning players, blending classic shapes and personalized features.
morgankelseyguitars.com · Guitars
Design-driven guitars with patent innovations for tone and comfort, crafted by small Montreal team.
morifoneguitars.com · Guitars
Dennis Fano's Nashville shop creates hand-built electric guitars blending vintage style with modern playability.
novoguitars.com · Guitars
Inventive boutique shop creating modern, ergonomic electrics with advanced materials and craftsmanship.
odguitars.com · Guitars
Russian-American luthier making visually striking electric guitars for global clients.
padalkaguitars.com · Guitars
Andy Powers builds innovative electrics inspired by California surf, skate, and auto culture, known for distinctive design.
powerselectricguitars.com · Guitars
Oregon shop specializing in pre-war inspired acoustic guitars, known for superb craftsmanship and rich tone.
pktguitars.com · Guitars
Damian Probett hand-builds electric guitars combining vintage inspiration and modern craftsmanship in every detail.
probettguitars.com · Guitars
Custom guitars crafted with a focus on tradition, sound, and craftsmanship for unique musical expression.
rrobinsonguitars.com · Guitars
Glenn Nichols crafts unique, old-world guitars in Rhode Island, focusing on classic style and hand-rubbed varnishes.
retrogradeguitars.com · Guitars
High-quality electric guitars driven by innovative design and solid craftsmanship, appealing to modern musicians.
rivoltaguitars.com · Guitars
Small batch boutique builder focused on one-of-a-kind designs and premium materials.
sankeyguitars.com · Guitars
Legendary acoustic guitar shop in California, known for custom builds, vintage tone, and meticulous luthiery.
santacruzguitar.com · Guitars
Boutique luthier specializing in acoustic and electric guitars built for resonance, clarity, and beauty.
shevlinguitars.com · Guitars
Innovative acoustic guitars featuring side sound ports and beautiful wood selection, handmade in NY.
skytopguitars.com · Guitars
Unique, artful electric guitars handcrafted in the USA, blending visual creativity and great tone.
spaltguitars.com · Guitars
Boutique luthier building expressive, custom guitars for individual players.
spohnguitars.com · Guitars
Popular modern headless design for ergonomic playability and advanced features, Swedish-American brand.
strandbergguitars.com · Guitars
Hand-built boutique electric guitars with unique woods and custom finishes.
sturnerguitars.com · Guitars
Boutique electric guitar builder noted for classic style, hand-selected woods, and expert luthiery.
tausch-guitars.com · Guitars
Virginia luthier making classical and electric guitars, emphasizing vintage tone and reclaimed woods through hands-on techniques.
rodriguezguitars.com · Guitars
Masterbuilt electric guitars by Ron Thorn, blending artistry and engineering excellence for custom designs.
thornguitars.com · Guitars
Boutique builder creating artistic, hand-built electric guitars for musicians who crave creativity and personality.
tonerangerguitars.com · Guitars
Boutique builder focusing on craftsmanship and unique wood choices for distinctively sounding electric guitars.
verandaguitars.com · Guitars
Custom guitars with distinctive looks and innovative acoustic properties, handmade for originality.
versoinstruments.com · Guitars
Handmade electric guitars with unique vintage-style touches, specializing in distinctive slide guitars.
www.waterslideguitars.com · Guitars