Dare Devil Pedals

Overview

Daredevil Pedals is a boutique effects pedal manufacturer specializing in hand-built, original-design guitar effects inspired by vintage circuits from the 1960s and 1970s. The brand is known for tour-grade pedals themed around muscle cars and rock and roll aesthetics, offering products ranging from fuzz and distortion to delay and boost effects. Daredevil operates as an independent, Chicago-based builder with a focus on point-to-point and strip board construction techniques, positioning itself in the premium boutique pedal market alongside other handmade effect manufacturers.

History

Daredevil Pedals was founded in 2012 by guitarist and circuit designer Johnny Wator out of necessity, beginning operations in an 8'x10' unheated basement shop. After over a decade of touring in a band, Wator developed the brand to create his own signature tones, initially building old school point-to-point and strip board circuits rooted in vintage designs. The company has since expanded from its basement origins to become an established boutique manufacturer, with Wator also designing circuits for major manufacturers including Dunlop and Electro Harmonix. All pedals have been hand-built in Chicago since the brand's inception in 2012.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

All Daredevil Pedals are 100% hand-built in Chicago, Illinois by Johnny Wator and his team. The pedals feature through-hole components, true bypass switching, and external 9V DC power jacks, utilizing point-to-point and strip board construction techniques inspired by vintage hand-wired designs from the 1960s and 1970s.

Notable Products

• The Chicago Rat - A distortion pedal named in homage to Chicago's rat population, developed as a collaboration with musician Rob Scallon, featuring original circuit design rather than a traditional Rat circuit
• Real Cool Fuzz - A potent fuzz pedal representing the brand's signature fuzzy tone palette
• Bootleg Dirty Delay V2 - An expansive delay effect designed for texture-building and sonic experimentation
• HYPE Fet Boost V.2 - A colored boost pedal offering gain enhancement and tonal shaping
• Northern Creeper Fuzz - A fuzz pedal with vintage-inspired circuitry and rock and roll aesthetic

Reputation

Daredevil Pedals is respected within the boutique effects community for its commitment to hand-built construction and original circuit design rather than copying established pedal topologies. The brand appeals to touring musicians and tone-focused players seeking vintage-inspired effects with modern reliability. Strengths include meticulous build quality, unique sonic character, and the founder's credibility as both a musician and circuit designer who has worked with major manufacturers. The primary limitation is availability and pricing relative to mass-produced alternatives, positioning the brand as a premium choice for discerning players rather than budget-conscious consumers.