About
Here at EarthQuaker Devices, we like pedals so much that we make them one-at-a-time, by hand, the hard way, in the idyllic post-apocalyptic wasteland metropolis of Akron, Ohio, USA.
We inspire a lifetime of musical adventures for all sonic explorers.
Do you like effects pedals? We do! Here at EarthQuaker Devices, we like pedals so much that we make them one-at-a-time, by hand, the hard way, in the idyllic post-apocalyptic wasteland metropolis of Akron, Ohio, USA - where the soldering smoke blocks out the sun, and the fiery Cuyahoga River pumps white-hot liquid magma into the steam engine that powers our great riff factory in the sky.
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We believe that effects pedals and synth modules should be simple and user-friendly, with lots of practical, useable, and musical sounds, but should also be a launchpad for sonic exploration and aural innovation. Most of all, they should always work correctly all of the time, which is why each and every single EarthQuaker Devices pedal is hand built, hand tested, and guaranteed for life. We use only the highest quality components, but if for some crazy reason your pedal does break, send it back to us and we will fix it for you!
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We create a socially conscious and inclusive community, at home and for our industry at large, where everyone feels like they belong.
We continually look for new ways to create a welcoming space for our customers by maintaining an accessible service team, standing behind our products, and embracing and supporting a diverse group of artists.
We push the envelope filter with forward thinking and unique products designed for endless creativity for all skill levels and musical styles.
Our staff is our most valuable asset, and we wouldn't be who we are without all of their unique contributions. We foster a caring environment where we put our employees' health and happiness first.
We are committed to quality and responsibility within our purchasing and manufacturing processes. We prioritize ethical procurement and sourcing materials locally whenever possible. We maintain sustainable work practices using a combination of human and robotic assembly with an emphasis on superior, enduring Devices… and if that doesn’t work, we offer a lifetime warranty.
We build strong, deliberate partnerships with dealers to ensure that there is a trusting and reciprocal relationship. We create an even playing field for dealers large and small, providing support and care to help them achieve success and positively interface with our customers.
Pre-History (1993 - 2004)
EarthQuaker Devices was founded in 2004 by musician Jamie Stillman (the Party of Helicopters, Relaxer, Fringe Candidate, Teeth of the Hydra, Drummer, Harriet the Spy, “New” Terror Class).
From 1993 until 2002, Stillman operated the Donut Friends record label from his home in Kent, Ohio, releasing more than fifty records by punk, metal, and shoegaze acts, gaining a cult following around the world.
Stillman began designing effects pedals after a successful attempt at repairing a broken overdrive. This hands-on experience ignited a fascination with electronics and he became obsessed with circuit design, selling his one-off builds on eBay while working various day jobs.
Basement Dwellers (2004 - 2011)
In 2007 Stillman released his first full-production run pedal, the Hoof fuzz. The Hoof became a popular topic of discussion on several online forums, and word-of-mouth spread so quickly that Stillman was able to quit his day job, hire his first employee, and focus on designing and building effects full-time. Jamie estimates that he personally built as many as 2000 Devices between 2006 - 2010.
The earliest EarthQuaker Devices (Hoof, Grand Orbiter, Disaster Transport, Hummingbird, Ghost Echo) were built in the basement of Stillman’s West Akron home, where he performed all essential functions by hand - populating circuit boards, soldering, screenprinting enclosures, assembly, packaging, and shipping. To keep up with orders, Stillman converted his basement into a full-time pedal factory where a team of nine employees built hundreds of pedals every week from scratch.
With demand on the rise, a workshop stuffed to capacity, and an abundance of new designs awaiting release, it became obvious to these basement-dwelling pedal builders that it was time to move out - and fast.
In 2011, Stillman’s wife Julie Robbins, (who prior to EQD managed her own talent booking agency) left her position in the banking industry to join the company full-time as CEO, bringing to the organization years of experience in the fields of talent management and finance. With Robbins’ business acumen backing Stillman’s innovative designs, the pair set out to find a new home for the company they’d built from the ground up, relocating to an abandoned glass factory in 2011 and later to a vacant automotive paint warehouse.
Present Day (2015 - ????)
In 2015 EarthQuaker Devices renovated the two-story, 15,000 sq. ft. building it currently occupies. Having found a permanent home for 40+ employees and 40+ Devices, EarthQuaker Devices is staying put for now.
To create unique effects units which meet or exceed the needs of the professional touring musician, R&D is performed in-house by Jamie Stillman, who designs each Device to exacting specifications in order to achieve his creative vision, growing EarthQuaker Devices from one musician’s passion project into a lifeline for the musical community of Akron, Ohio.
