MEET YOUR MAKER: Morgan Phelps
Guest User
In this week’s Meet Your Maker, we want to introduce you to a real mensch, Morgan Phelps. Father to two budding pedal builders and an adorable yet murderous cat, Chapman Stick player, podcaster, prog rock aficionado and quite possibly the biggest Star Wars fan of the whole staff (and, uh, we got a lot of Star Wars geeks here), Morgan is a true joy to be around, and is always up for whatever crazy things we ask him to do. Also, is it just me or does he totally have a movie star name? Anyway, we eagerly await the day when we can sit next to Morgan again at work and he can fix all our mistakes.
Role at EarthQuaker?
Builder 3 (Wiring, Testing, Repairs, Quality Control)
How long have you been at EarthQuaker?
5 years this November!
What’s a typical (non-quarantine) day for you like?
My day usually consists of wiring and testing pedals, as well as repairing any issues that may occur during production. I work closely with the production management team and also handle some minor inventory tasks, like moving parts in the system for other builders. I also work as a rep for live events like trade shows and EQD sponsored concerts.
What’s your favorite thing about working at EarthQuaker?
First and foremost, I take pride in working for a company that makes amazing products that are exactly what the owner wants to make, not just following the next trend, and that they are made with passion and integrity. Next, the people! The group of high powered mutants I work with have truly become like family!
What instruments do you play, and what bands are you in?
My primary instrument is touch guitar (aka Chapman Stick). I play the touch guitar in Akron Prog-Metal band Co_conspirator. I also have some solo material. Plus, I am part of an improvisational collective called Operation Tomorrow. And, I have a newly released podcast called Tapperist.
What’s on your board(s) right now?
EQD Dispatch Master, Plumes, Sea Machine, Avalanche Run and Westwood. EHX Super Ego and Boss RC-300 Loop Station. That is all subject to change.
First pedal you owned?
DOD FX-52 Classic Fuzz
What band would you sign a deal with the devil to play in?
Best concert you ever saw?
King Crimson and John Paul Jones Trio at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium in 2003. My mind was thoroughly blown!
Best thing to eat in Akron?
Vasili’s Greek Cuisine. Hands down, the best gyro I have ever eaten!
Favorite Ohio city, after Akron?
Columbus is pretty rad.
Pre-EarthQuaker job?
eWaste, LLC is the electronics recycling company I worked at immediately before EQD. Before that I worked as the guitar/keyboard department manager at Akron music store, The Musicians Bargain Basement, where Jamie Stillman and Jeff France of EQD were my customers.
Favorite band?
Favorite podcast?
Favorite book?
The Expanse series, A Song of Ice and Fire and Dune.
Favorite movie?
That’s a huge list. Top 3: Star Wars, Alien and Dune.
Favorite TV show?
Right now, The Mandalorian.
Coolest skill, besides pedal building?
Playing the touch guitar, which is essentially like playing a piano on a guitar neck with both hands often playing separate parts.
Favorite holiday, and why?
I love seeing my kids super excited for Christmas.
Do you have a pet?
I have a cat named Mara. She is super sweet and cuddly, but the gnarliest thing I have ever seen her do is, essentially, play hacky sack with a live mouse all over my living and dining rooms, for at least a half hour before killing it.
Dumbest thing you ever bought?
I buy lots of Star Wars toys, so........
Best Halloween costume you ever wore?
I have a custom made Jedi costume!
Best beauty tip?
Be yourself!
Favorite EarthQuaker pedal?
Quarantine survival tips?
Sunlight, a cat to cuddle, good coffee and healthy food are getting me through.
