When I think about pedal manufacturers, I am thinking about those big ones, because they have the majority of the market.
Those companies also see the low hanging fruit aspect of it, and it's why they got into it.
I have to disagree. I've spoken to more than a few designers (big and small) and these guys know what they're talking about. Especially the big ones who get input from all the big names in the world of guitar and bass. So they've got a heck of a lot more than just their own ability, opinions, and experience to draw on.
From my experiences talking with them, they ALL knew as much about music, and music performance, as I did. But they also knew fifty times more than I do about circuit design.
As far as being in t for the money, they damn well better be if they want to stay in business and grow. The ones that don't stay small and go boutique. Which is fine. These people are half patrons of the art. They can create things it makes no sense (due to lack of demand) to produce in quantity, But for the player who wants something unique, these folks are the bee's knees. They build em' - others buy them - and it's a win-win.
But what the big guys can do that the boutiques shops can't, is deliver some gems like the EHX
East River Drive or
Analogizer for under $75. Which is great because not everybody can swing something like a
Klon Centaur or a
Hermida Zendrive when they want to build a little sonic spice rack for their toolkit.
There's room for big and small pedal makers. And to quote Spinal Tap:
I see you dancing there in front of the band
You're playing those solos with no guitar in your hand
I don't pull no punches, I wouldn't waste your time
And just 'cause it pays, that ain't no crime.
I don't need a woman, I won't take me no wife
I get their rock and roll and that'll be my life
No page in history, baby
That I don't need
I just want to make some eardrums bleed.
