AKRON, OHIO, February 2025 – EarthQuaker Devices is proud to announce an international collaboration with KGR Harmony and, through them, Oitomi Ironworks. Together, we have developed a custom run of cast-iron enclosure Blumes and Plumes pedals, which are now for sale exclusively on Reverb.com for a limited time.
KGR Harmony, founded by Keijiro (KG) Fukushima, is based in Iwate, Japan, and specializes in handcrafted guitar pedals. Kejiro’s strong interest in the long-debated topic of how enclosure materials affect tone led him to Oitomi Ironworks. Oitomi is known for handcrafting traditional and modern-style iron teapots and kettles, referred to as Tetsubin, using “Nanbu-tekki” techniques dating back over nine hundred years. “We wanted to collaborate with KGR Harmony to create these extra special pedals using the traditional Nambu-tekki production method. We were drawn to the attention to detail and craftsmanship carried through generations, drawing inspiration from using a traditional technique in a new way,” said EarthQuaker Devices CEO Julie Robins. KGR Harmony and EarthQuaker Devices began working together to develop enclosures for the Plumes and Blumes pedals, which were showcased at EarthQuaker Day 2024. The few pedals made for the showcase generated a lot of excitement and sold out immediately. Soon after, Jamie Stillman and Julie Robbins travelled to Japan and watched in person as the enclosures were cast for this special run of pedals. “It was a very special experience to visit the Oitomi forge to witness the casting process,” said Julie.
Michael Wohl, Head of US Operations at KGR Harmony added, “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with EarthQuaker Devices on the limited edition Nanbu-tekki Plumes and Blumes overdrives. EQD has long been a high watermark to us for their innovative designs, commitment to quality, and work that inspires — not just in how their pedals sound and how they are made, but also in the ethos that guides their making. From first getting to know the EQD team to hosting them at Oitomi Ironworks, every step of this special project has been a thrill and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We hope you love them too.”
100 Blumes and 100 Plumes in these custom cast-iron enclosures are now available exclusively on Reverb.com. These will only be available to customers in the USA until supplies run out.
About EarthQuaker Devices
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Akron, Ohio-based EarthQuaker Devices consistently cranks out top-notch effects pedals the hard way: by hand, one at a time, with an eye for detail, and with golden ears for listening to the classic sounds of future-past. Designed with full-frequency response and backed by a lifetime warranty, products from EarthQuaker Devices are built to last and inspire musicians to achieve their creative vision, no matter what instrument they play. EarthQuaker Devices has been praised for its commitment to inclusion, diversity and cooperation with other pedal manufacturers by Best Guitar Effects.
https://www.earthquakerdevices.com/
https://www.instagram.com/earthquakerdev
https://www.youtube.com/user/EarthQuakerDevices
About KGR Harmony
KGR HARMONY effects pedals are housed in cast iron enclosures made using a centuries-old technique known as Nanbu-tekki (南部鉄器). They are crafted by hand at Oitomi Ironworks in Ōshū City, a forge that has operated since 1848, currently in its 7th generation of craftspeople.
Traditionally used to make items as varied as temple bells, teapots, and hand guards for swords, KGR Harmony’s Keijiro Fukushima has combined the technique with innovative circuit design from his decades of experience, guided by a finely-tuned ear for inspiring, musical tone. KGR HARMONY’s effects are unique: modern, yet deeply rooted in tradition.
https://kgrharmonyusa.com
https://www.instagram.com/kgr_harmony_usa
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