Keeley

Keeley Electronics was started in 2001 by Robert Keeley, an electrical engineer who had hoped to build guitar amplifiers but found that market saturated. Instead he rebuilt and modified existing effects units, starting with a Ross compressor, and began selling on eBay; he shipped his first pedal in September 2001, and sales doubled each year. In 2004 and 2005 his pedals were added to a Fender catalog that reached dealers nationwide.

The 4-Knob Compressor is the best-known product, and Premier Guitar reports it has sold more than 27,000 units. Early work included modification kits for Boss and Ibanez pedals, and the Katana Boost was Keeley's first original design. Other products include the Dark Side multi-effect, inspired by David Gilmour and Pink Floyd, the Fuzz Head and the Luna Overdrive.

The company is based in Oklahoma, with sources differing between Oklahoma City and Edmond. Keeley says he aims for simple concepts built with hi-fi or commercial-grade parts. Guitar Radar follows new Keeley pedals and limited editions.