Tired of the all same pedals you see in all of the big guitar stores? Boutique guitar pedals are a great option when you are looking for something that is a little more specialized than the mainstream brands. The giant pedal manufactures are great, but sometimes there can be a little lacking. Boutique pedals tend to be handbuilt and tailored to a specific sound or audience. Here are a few of our favorite pedal builders.
Tapestry Audio
Tapestry Audio has recently taken centerstage with their Bloomery Volume Pedal. This pedal really changed the game when it comes to volume pedals. It's innovated and rugged design has captured all of our attention. It also is one of the smallest volume pedals we have ever seen with such a comfortable sweep. Tapestry Audio has a smaller inventory to offer, but all of their products solve solutions most players face everyday. They have hinted at a new solution being offered this year, but there are little to no details at this point.
MVP:
Bloomery Volume Pedal
Bondi Effects
Australian couple Jon and Anna Ashley are the couple behind this great pedal company. In 2013 we saw them release their flag-ship pedal the Sick As Overdrive. Rather than cloning the Klon circuit they took and made it their own and in the process developed one of our favorite overdrive pedals. Since then they have released the Del Mar Overdrive and February 2017 will be releasing the 2026 compressor.
Hailing from Kansas City JHS has built an impressive collection of all the essential guitar pedals. Whether you need dirt, delay, or modulation these guys have you covered. Started by Josh Scott this company how grown rapidly and their pedals have become a favorite of artists and players all over the world.
Pedals to check out:
Morning Glory
Colour Box
Pulp n’ Peel Compressor
Walrus Audio
Based out of Oklahoma City this builder earned its place on the map with the Voyager Overdrive. A transparent overdrive, this pedal is one of the best when it comes to low gain settings. Since then, the team at Walrus Audio has built up an impressive suite of guitar pedals. Besides pedals Walrus has also given us an impressive pedal power supply with the Phoenix and Aetos.
Pedals you need right now:
Voyager
Bellwether
Deep Six
Julia
Strymon
Formerly known as Damage control for their tube Based effects, Strymon has been setting the bar when it comes to modulation and time based effects. Strymon offers top-notch pedals that ca create sounds you have never heard before. Most notable is their take on delay and reverb. No matter what genre you play, Strymon has something you need.
