administrative tasks that “keep the
wheels on the bus.” Alex, the marketing
director, develops and schedules various
marketing initiatives, is the primary
contact for artist relations, helps
develop new designs, holds down the
fort sometimes and manages the
SolidGold social media presence—
something SGFX sees not only as a
creative outlet of expression, but also as
a tool that allows them to directly
interact with users in real time to gather
feedback and forge lasting connections.
Caroline is the lead builder and
assembler—as well as the bookkeeper—
and recent-addition Tyler helps build,
too. Finally, local engineer Christian
helps with code and certain design
aspects.
And while juggling hats and deadlines
and responsibilities, SGFX tries to keep
everything in balance.
“We look to design pedals that are
inspired by sounds we love, with
musically useful features that make you
want to pick up an instrument and play
it. Overall we try and keep things fresh,
yet familiar—appealing to a broad
audience without being vanilla. We have
really tried to focus on developing a
comprehensive array of effects with
interesting features that are distinct
without being derivative.“
Each pedal is designed with a unique
sense of character and personality.
For example, consider the brash texture
and bite of the Sasori, the SGFX take on
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INTERVIEW //
the classic Shin-Ei Companion FY-2 fuzz.
Greg says its assertive attitude is
designed to inspire players to play
differently and reach for notes and
combinations they might otherwise
avoid.
Conversely, a pedal like the Apollo II—
with its array of distinct waveforms—
provides players the opportunity to
rethink the sonic role of a phaser and
transform a simple riff into an all-out
rhythmic swirl.
“Ultimately, it is the character and
personality of our pedals that we hope
serves to both inspire and enhance the
playing experience.”
New pedals are born from personal
interest and a desire to create
something different, rather than being
being purely market driven, Greg says.
And inspiration can come from a wide
variety of sources, ranging from vintage
gear and interesting schematics to
random thoughts that come to him in
the shower—something, he jokes, that
happens more often than not.
Certain pedals come together quickly,
while others can put up a fight and eat
up precious months of prototyping time
trying to perfect.
“When the electronics are finalized and
we have the feel and features we want
to achieve, we have to address case
color and artwork. Which, once again,
can come together easily or take weeks
of going back and forth before arriving
at a decision.
Stay Gold: A Chat with Greg Djerrahian of SolidGoldFX