ACE FREHLEY
& ART of the STOMPBOX
With Mike Matthews, in his office.
Next time I plan on playing “Route 22” with him. His barrelhouse piano will be perfect.
Dr.No, a mad-pedal-scientist working out of France was one of my more intriguing interviews. His pedal, Dybbuk, above is in a league all its own. He did take the mask off but I promised to keep his identity. You gotta love it.
This is a simple flipbook example of “Page 1 and 2” as they will generally look for each of the fifty companies. Pages 3 & 4 will have more in text, smaller photos of 4 other pedals and some candids of the staff and the graphic artist perhaps.
My cover is a work in progress with AllPedal’s amazing “Macrodose.”
I expect to produce the entire book as a flipbook. It will be part of the “Deluxe” package of the hardcover, glossy 12”x12” coffee table book.
More to follow.
I asked my good friend, Ace Frehley, in January of 2025 for a testimonial for my upcoming book on guitar pedal art. As was usual with Ace, he had a very humorous statement as to why I was asking HIM. “I don’t use pedals,” he cackled, “I always step on ‘em.” Of course, he got that signature Ace sound with his Les Paul Custom, his vintage Marshall amps, and his fingers.
He proceeded to write:
"Chris and I have shared a passion for music and the creative spirit for years. His book, "Art of the StompBox," is a stunning tribute to the incredible artistry behind guitar pedals. If you love music, art, and creativity, this book is a must-have."
I believe that if I had enough time, I could have changed his mind about pedals.
Thanks, Ace. I’ll always love you.
Ace signing release for the testimonial in his recording studio. He insisted that I protect myself, saying, “Hey, you never know.”
1-13-2025
52 PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
(as of 10-18-25)
ACLAM
Acorn Amplifiers
AllPedal
Analog Alien
Analog Man
Animals Pedal
Beautiful Noise Effects
Beetronix
Caline Pedals
Cassongs-Keeley
Celebrity Pedals
Colortone Pedals
CopperSound Pedals
Craig Amps
Death By Audio
Dr. No Effects
Drunk Beaver
Earthquaker Devices
Effects Database
Electro Faustus
Electro Harmonix
Eventide
Folktek
Frantone Electronics
GameChanger Audio
Heather Brown Electronicals
Jam Pedals
JHS Pedals
Keeley Electronics
KMA Machines
Kosko
Matthews Effects
MZFX
Old Blood Noise Endeavors
Paradox Effects
Red Noise Pedals
Red Witch Pedals
Reuss Musical Instruments
Sketchy Sounds
Skreddy Pedals
Spaceman Effects
Spiral Effects
Summer School Electronics
SuperCool
Tech-21 NYC
ThorpyFX
UDV Pedals
Walrus Audio
Wampler Pedals
Westminster Effects
Wren and Cuff
ZVEX
New Summary for Amazon
Art of the StompBox reveals the visual explosion on guitar effects pedals, treating their faceplates as a new, museum-worthy art form. Chris Cassone travels the world to interview and photograph over fifty boutique and legacy pedal makers—from Electro-Harmonix and BOSS to garage builders on Etsy and Reverb—capturing high-resolution, full-color images alongside histories, artist/designer profiles, and thematic backstories. The book pairs striking visuals with context: how names, graphics, and sonic intent intertwine to catch buyers’ eyes, featuring curated comparable case studies, customized “museum label” spreads, and insider stories including collaborations with players like Joe Walsh and Jack White as well as endorsements from industry tastemakers. Cassone’s background in music, production, and art appreciation fuels a compelling narrative and outreach strategy. Coffee-table-sized and accessible to players and fans alike, Art of the Stomp Box is both a celebration of pedal culture and a showcase of how design elevates sound, making it essential for musicians, collectors, gift buyers, and all their grandparents and kids.
Some of the more impressionable works of art starting with ACLAM’s “Dr. Robert” with artwork by Klaus Voorman. Yes, the fifth Beatle and cover artist on Revolver.
I was privileged to receive a grand tour of Electro Harmonix from SVP Mike Castellano and Owen Matthews, Mike’s son. I could talk all day about the experience.
Soon to upload a simple flipbook example of “the book as it will generally look for each of the sixty companies. Pages 3 & 4 will have more in text, smaller photos of 4 other pedals and some candids of the staff and the graphic artist perhaps.
My cover is a work in progress with AllPedal’s amazing “Macrodose.”
I expect to produce the entire book as a flipbook. It will be part of the “Deluxe” package of the hardcover, glossy 8.5”x11” coffee table book.
More to follow.
“Art of the StompBox” will be a coffee-table book showcasing the best artwork found on guitar pedals. The growing trend, especially by newer boutique companies, to make their pedals more noticeable is driving up the stakes. Many companies are even hiring established artists to bring their skills to paint the new canvas of the effects pedal.
Expect an electronic “flipbook” within the year that will showcase over 50 companies and their amazing art-faced pedals. Our cover features All-Pedals’ “Macrodose” with artwork by Patrick Valiquette. An envelope filter, “Macrodose” is the brainchild of CEO David Young and Brian Marshall of Subdecay.
Soon after will be the glossy coffee table book (12”x12”) at approximately 250 pages.
Below are a few samples that will be included in the book.
