Work/Shop: Electronic Audio Experiments x D'Addario

Summary

In this engaging discussion, John Snyder, owner and head designer of Electronic Audio Experiments, shares his journey from a basement startup in 2015 to a thriving pedal company. He emphasizes the creative process behind designing pedals like the Longsword and Prismatic Wall, highlighting the balance between artistry and engineering. Snyder reflects on his passion for modifying instruments and the quick feedback loop of sound experimentation. Collaborations and a unique pedal community further enhance the narrative, showcasing a commitment to innovation and musical diversity, ultimately aiming for user-friendly designs that inspire musicians across genres.

Takeaways

• 😀 John Snyder, owner of Electronic Audio Experiments, started his journey in 2015 from his basement apartment, driven by a passion for creating unique guitar pedals.
• 🎸 The Longsword pedal was designed to address the need for better EQ control when using distortion, combining features from studio devices with traditional guitar pedals.
• 🍕 Snyder's early experimentation involved long hours with simple tools like a breadboard and frozen pizza, highlighting his DIY approach to music and engineering.
• 🔧 A physics background helped Snyder understand the complexities of sound design, emphasizing the immediate feedback loop that music provides compared to traditional engineering.
• 🤝 The pedal community is characterized by a collaborative spirit, with designers openly sharing knowledge and supporting each other to improve their craft.
• 🧙‍♂️ Snyder's naming philosophy for pedals incorporates fantasy themes, adding a whimsical element that resonates with musicians and evokes creativity.
• 🔍 The design process involves a balance between complexity and intuitiveness, ensuring that pedals are user-friendly even as they offer deep functionality for advanced users.
• 🎶 The joy of unexpected results in analog electronics is embraced, as happy accidents often lead to unique sounds and features in the pedals.
• 📦 Collaboration with other engineers and musicians has been vital for Snyder, leading to the development of innovative products like the 0xEAE Boost.
• 🎵 High-quality components, such as D'Addario cables and NYXL strings, are essential for ensuring reliability and enhancing the overall musical experience.

Q & A

What inspired John Snyder to start Electronic Audio Experiments?

John Snyder was inspired to start Electronic Audio Experiments after spending time in his basement apartment, experimenting with classic pedals and wanting to create his own sound. His passion for modifying instruments and electronics from a young age fueled his desire to design pedals.

What is the significance of the Longsword pedal in John's journey?

The Longsword pedal was significant because it was John’s first successful prototype, which he used in a record with his band. Its positive reception led him to build more units, marking the beginning of his business.

How does John's background in physics influence his work in pedal design?

John's background in physics helped him understand the technical aspects of designing pedals, although he acknowledges the challenges of math. The immediate feedback he receives when testing pedals resonates with his scientific approach, allowing him to fine-tune designs based on real-time sound.

What unique approach does John take when naming his pedals?

John prefers fantasy-inspired names for his pedals, often drawing from Dungeons & Dragons and other whimsical references. He finds it amusing to combine magic-inspired phrases with electronic devices, which adds an element of creativity and intrigue.

What is the 'three beers rule' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'three beers rule' is a humorous guideline that suggests if a pedal's user interface is too complicated to understand after three beers, it needs to be simplified. This reflects John's focus on ensuring that musicians can intuitively use their pedals, especially in live performance settings.

What are some notable collaborations John has engaged in within the pedal community?

John has collaborated with various individuals in the pedal community, including Hawker from National Music Tools and Bill from Klon. These collaborations often involve mentoring and shared projects, reflecting a strong community spirit in the industry.

How does John balance complex features with usability in his pedals?

John emphasizes the importance of intuitive user interfaces in his pedals. Even when designs become complex, he ensures that basic functionalities remain straightforward, allowing users to play without needing to delve into intricate controls unless they choose to do so.

What innovative technique did John use when creating the Prismatic Wall pedal?

The Prismatic Wall pedal was inspired by a studio trick involving a piano used as a reverb tank, where a cinder block was placed on the sustain pedal to create sympathetic resonance. This unique approach influenced the pedal's design and sound.

Why does John choose D'Addario cables for his pedals?

John prefers D'Addario cables due to their reliability and quality. He has found that many commercial cables lack the consistency he desires, and D'Addario's custom plug design has proven to enhance his overall experience with pedal performance.

What is John's philosophy on the pedal community?

John believes that the pedal community is unique due to its collaborative spirit, where individuals openly share information and support one another. This culture fosters creativity and innovation, allowing for a diverse range of designs and projects.