Tone Report Weekly Issue 138 | Page 31

A WORDS BY NICK RAMBO fter a decade of owning and operating a successful pedal company, Greg Djerrahian has learned to appreciate the invariable nature of change in an everevolving industry. “Some of the biggest changes have come in the form of perspective,” he says. “I appreciate everything on a different level these days.” Understanding the ebb and flow of life as a small business owner has moved him—and his Montreal-based SolidGoldFX—to develop new approaches to design, while staying true to some of the guiding principles he holds dear. “SGFX is driven by my desire to produce innovative and intuitive effects that enhance tone and inspire creativity. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to work with amazing people and do something I love.” Prior to 2006, Greg was focused on another of his passions: cars. “I was studying finance in university while working at an auto body shop as an apprentice, fixing and welding cars.” But, always wanting to have a business of his own, he started out repairing and modifying pedals—something SGFX still does—and eventually began designing his own circuits out of a profound love for vintage gear. “Our earliest pedals were singletransistor boosters and a drive based on the DOD 250, which is still one of my favorite drive circuits.” Ten years in though, the team is bigger—but it’s lean and highly efficient, too, with a great deal of shared responsibility. Greg’s primary role is developing new pedals, but he also handles purchasing, shipping and sales, as well as building, testing, tech support and all the other GREG DJERRAHIAN ToneReport.com 31