Boutique guitar pedal manufacturer founded by Josh Scott. Known for pedals like the Morning Glory overdrive and the Colour Box preamp.
www.jhspedals.com
Browse pedals
Boutique Guitar Pedals
Overdrive, fuzz, delay and more from independent builders.
Boutique guitar pedals continue to be one of the most creative corners of the music world. Independent builders are pushing circuits forward with new textures, smarter control layouts, and a level of craftsmanship that big-box manufacturers rarely match. Whether you’re chasing a specific overdrive voice, shaping ambient soundscapes, or searching for a transparent “always-on” preamp, the right pedal can completely reshape the way you play.
This directory is designed to make discovery simple. Every maker listed here produces pedals in small batches, often by hand, with a focus on tone, musicality, and long-term reliability. You’ll find everything from legendary analog designs to modern DSP creations, as well as niche circuits that only exist in the boutique world.
What you’ll find here
- Independent pedal builders with verified websites, socials, and product lines
- Product pages for widely known models and hard-to-find units
- Categories including overdrive, fuzz, delay, reverb, modulation, filters, boosts, compressors, and more
- Repair & mod services, for when your favorite pedal needs some attention
Most pedals in this space are limited-run, highly refined, and built by people who care deeply about tone. If you’re exploring a new board idea or refining a current rig, this is the place to browse, compare, and discover what’s possible.
How to explore
Start by browsing the makers below — many have unique voices or signature circuits. From there, dive into highlighted pedal picks or jump to specific categories such as /pedals/overdrive/ or /pedals/delay/ as more sub-hubs come online.
This hub will continue growing as new builders, models, and services are added. If there’s a maker missing or a product page you’d like to see, feel free to reach out anytime.
Featured pedals makers
View all makers →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
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
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
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
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
Founded by Robert Keeley in 2001. Pioneering boutique pedal company famous for its Compressor and transformative mods of classic effects.
robertkeeley.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Experimental pedal builder founded by Oliver Ackermann (2002). Renowned for noise-heavy, extreme effects (like the Fuzz War) all handmade in NYC.
deathbyaudio.com
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
Established 2007 by Brian Wampler. Produces boutique guitar pedals (drives, distortions, etc.) known for amp-like tones and player-centric designs.
wamplerpedals.com
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
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
Need your pedals repaired or modded?
Find trusted techs offering pedal repair and mods in your area.
Browse pedal repair services →