ACE FREHLEY

& STOMP BOX ART

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, "Stomp Box Art," 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, 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

Stomp Box Art 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, Stomp Box Art 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.