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“They don't make 'em like they used to!” We've all heard it—usually from a parent watching some flimsy plastic toy break in their kid’s hands, thinking back to their own childhood version made of metal and wood and thick rubber, painted or powder coated, maybe with screen-printed graphics. Those were the days. But in the world of effects pedals, they don’t make ’em like they used to—they make ’em better!I’d like to state for the record that any company I reference here as an example is one I believe is building its products better than ever. A few that come to mind: the old MXR pedals, with the foam over the circuit board that dries up and crumbles all over the inside; the Line 6 4 Series (most notably the DL4), notorious for footswitch quirks; or even the Russian-era EHX/Sovtek units, made with whatever Mike Matthews could get his hands on—enclosure durability notwithstanding.Let me expand upon that sentiment, because within it lies the root of what makes modern pedals so great. As a manufacturer in the U.S., we don't really have many restrictions on what we can procure or even what we can have custom made for us. Need a certain component? Hop online and find it. Need a specific material composition? Select it in the search. Need a knob? Find one with the right material, color, diameter, shaft type, and style within a browser window. It’s safe to say that we’re spoiled in this modern era of pedal manufacturing. But let’s go a step further and look past components in a drop-down menu. What if we want to take an idea for a custom enclosure or piece of hardware and bring it to life? Well, we can design it in a CAD program. Or contract someone to do so. Then we can find a metal fabrication house that will make it to our exact specifications. Heck, anyone in a city or suburb can probably find one or more in their greater area! High-end, custom quality might be right around the corner.“Peace of mind on a product can feel as valuable as the product itself.”If we turn our attention to the inside of these pedals, we find a similar story. Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing has become better than ever. Standard, everyday fabrication houses can manufacture PC boards with more accuracy, detail, and precision than ever achieved in the past. This leads to better boards for the designer and the player. And what about the components used in that modern PC board? Also the best they’ve ever been. When designing with robustness, digital controls, or even mini-pedal confines in mind, these modern surface-mount components have achieved no small feat. Footprint sizes are smaller than ever, but they don’t compromise on key features like tolerances or dielectric material. Now, I’ve already shared my thoughts on through-hole vs. surface mount in a previous column, so I don’t want to go down that path. But suffice it to say that these tiny parts open up a world of possibilities when designing a pedal today—one that’s better than those of yesteryear.Let’s shift again. Only this time, let’s discuss manufacturers living in the modern retail space, and how that can be a hidden factor contributing to the quality of these products. We’re in a golden era of pedals—which means there are a lot of companies fighting for your attention. One of the absolute best things we manufacturers can do to add to the value of our products is to offer great support. Peace of mind on a product can feel as valuable as the product itself. We might forget about it, or take it for granted, but the boutique market is filled not only with great pedals from great people, but with full warranties and customer service from those great people. Service that makes customers want to keep doing business with those companies. Not to mention accessibility for the customer. If you experience an issue with a pedal nowadays, you can contact the manufacturer by phone, email, website chat, or even social media.Now, a lot of us are going to have a romance for the gear of previous generations. Heck, most of this industry is built on replicating the sounds and looks of what was done before the modern era of manufacturing. But I’d say manufacturing is at a premium right now, and the customer service is the cherry on top. So, no, they don’t make ’em like they used to. They make ’em better!
These are the industry staples—pedals that transcend trends and feel almost like part of the public domain. They originate from large manufacturers whose advanced production capabilities and buying power enable them to scale efficiently and keep costs low, resulting in affordable, player-friendly options ideal for those just starting their pedal journey. Classic examples include the Fuzz Face, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Pro Co RAT, and Boss DS-1.
Brands that become well known for one or several dirt pedals will inevitably and subsequently release new versions with updated and/or added features. These releases help carry the lineage forward and keep it in the public eye. A classic example is the Big Muff Pi, with more contemporary counterparts like the JHS Morning Glory, Fulltone OCD, and Way Huge Green Rhino.
Customers looking for a specific dirt circuit or tonal style tend to seek out their preferred brand’s take on it. For instance, if you’re after a Tube Screamer and happen to be an EarthQuaker Devices fan, you might reach for a Plumes.
This category centers on the appeal of both subtle and significant tweaks to well-known circuits. Take the Tube Screamer, for example: Voodoo Lab’s Sparkle Drive adds a simple but beloved clean blend, while EarthQuaker’s Palisades takes the classic three-knob overdrive to extremes with seven knobs, two toggles, and three footswitches.
The gear market is perpetually chasing the next new thing. Online buzz can fuel hype around both familiar formats and groundbreaking designs alike. On the classic side, there’s the 1981 DRV; on the innovative end, the Chase Bliss Automatone Preamp MKII.
“The gear market is perpetually chasing the next new thing. Online buzz can fuel hype around both familiar formats and groundbreaking designs alike.”
Artist versions
Musical artists could be categorized as the original “influencers.” For decades, they’ve partnered with guitar and amp makers, and in recent years, those collaborations have expanded into the pedal world. Fans of these artists often gravitate toward the gear that bears their name. Notable examples include the Wampler Paisley Drive with Brad Paisley, the EarthQuaker Gary with Lee Kiernan of IDLES, the Union Tube & Transistor Bumblebuzz with Jack White, and Horizon Devices, founded by Misha Mansoor of Periphery.
Collaborations
Just as artists collaborate with brands, we’ve also seen pedal companies team up with one another. These partnerships create double the exposure and broaden awareness for both brands. Notable examples include the JHS/Boss Angry Driver, Chase Bliss/Analog Man Brothers AM, Spruce Effects/Pelican Noiseworks Pelitaur GE, and MXR/Fuzzrocious Bass Distortion.
2-in-1 combos
Most brands offer multiple dirt pedals in their lineup, and many include 2-in-1 or dual-drive options. These are a great way to save space, power, and money—all while expanding tonal flexibility.
Limited editions (or colors)
Limited-edition models—and even limited finishes of standard models—have become commonplace in today’s gear world. Larger manufacturers have taken note of this boutique trend and joined in. Examples include Ibanez’s hand-wired 808 with its metal enclosure, MXR’s gold-finished Phase 90, and even JHS’s Germanium Boost.
Legacy reissues
When a brand has been around for a decade or more, it often builds a loyal fanbase that knows its entire catalog, past and present. To honor that history, some manufacturers release small-batch reissues of legacy models. Recent examples include EarthQuaker’s Dirt Transmitter and White Light, the original-format JHS Morning Glory, and the iconic EHX Ram’s Head.
Same model, different size
Whether driven by manufacturer design or consumer demand, some brands offer a “family” of a particular model. This approach provides options to suit a wide range of needs. Two companies that do this especially well are Analog Man, with the Duke, Prince, and King of Tone, and Wampler, with the Mini, Standard, and Deluxe Plexi Drive.
Multiple on boards
Simply put, dirt is an effect category that often appears multiple times on a single pedalboard. It’s not uncommon to see a setup featuring a boost, an overdrive, a distortion, and a fuzz all together.
Cost friendly and artisan
From a purely financial standpoint, boost and fuzz pedals typically have fewer components, allowing them to be sold at very appealing prices. An $80 boost that does its one job effectively solves a problem while remaining low-risk for the buyer.
At the other end of the spectrum are companies operating on a “beyond artisan” model. These makers produce small batches using rare, vintage, or unique components, often built on stripboard, tagboard, or even point-to-point wiring—a meticulous and impressive approach that draws enthusiasts. Notable examples include Reeves Electro, Elephant Pedals, and R2R Electric.
This is the condensed version of the argument, but I still find it compelling in supporting the idea that the dirt pedal market is unlikely to become oversaturated. Do you find it convincing?
| # | Наименование новости | Тональность | Информативность | Дата публикации |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | State of the Stomp: It’s Not the Pedal—It’s Your Pickup | 0 | 6.79 | 01-03-2026 |
| 2 | State of the Stomp: Why Some Pedals Will Never Go Digital | 0 | 6.79 | 23-04-2026 |
| 3 | State of the Stomp: Find Your Pedal Knob’s “Sweep” Spot | 0 | 10.19 | 08-02-2026 |
| 4 | State of the Stomp: Why the Boss Digital Delay Endures | 0 | 8.8 | 04-07-2026 |
| 5 | State of the Stomp: The Boss HM-2 | 0 | 9.38 | 18-06-2026 |
| 6 | The Good Stuff: The Eventide TimeFactor and the Case for Big Pedals | 0 | 10.34 | 15-03-2026 |
| 7 | On Bass: Are You Playing With Your Ears or Your Eyes? | 0 | 6.3 | 15-08-2026 |
| 8 | Electronics stays ahead of the curve | 0 | 10.28 | 15-06-2026 |
| 9 | Каждая пятая печатная плата производится в Москве | 5 | 7 | 17-07-2026 |
| 10 | Can’t Afford To Build A New PC But Maybe You Could Do A Rebuild | 0 | 8.22 | 10-08-2026 |