Intro

For the first episode of Tone Chalet, we took the time to get some background on Smirmoor Pedals. The project is the work of a Swiss based builder driven by curiosity, patience, and a clear ear for sound. What started with a broken Metal Zone and a desire to understand how things really work slowly evolved into a personal approach to pedal design. Focused, uncompromising, and never rushed, Smirmoor Pedals exists outside of trends, built for players who connect with character rather than convention.

Origins and Background

How did Smirmoor Pedals come to life? Do you remember the exact moment you decided to build your first pedal?

A while ago my Metal Zone started malfunctioning, and naturally I tried to repair it myself, but only made it worse. That experience highlighted the complexity of pedal building and ignited a powerful curiosity. That curiosity became the catalyst for a deep dive into circuit design, a journey that ultimately led to the creation of Smirmoor Pedals.

What was your very first circuit?

My first project was arguably the most interesting circuit I could imagine: a five-band EQ octafuzz with booster and phaser all in one, which of course sounded “great” in theory, at least. I never even put that monster into an enclosure.

Were you a musician first, or a builder first?

I was a guitar enthusiast who wanted, and still wants, to understand a bit more. Building pedals became a way to explore that curiosity.

Philosophy and Sound

What attracts you most to building pedals instead of buying or modifying existing ones?

Freedom.

Is there a “Smirmoor sound” you consciously aim for?

I’m chasing that love-it-or-hate-it edge.

Do you start from sound in your head, or from an electronic concept?

Both are involved in the process, with one influencing the fine-tuning of the other. The work typically begins by studying established circuit concepts, which then serve as inspiration for original designs.

Craft and Process

Walk us through a typical build day in your workshop.

Pretty standard stuff: fun soldering activities, staying caffeinated, clearing the inbox, and some unnecessary guitar noodling.

Which part of the process do you enjoy the most: design, assembly, testing, or finishing?

I love seeing my creations used in the wild. Pedals are meant to be played. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch a concept evolve from your imagination into a tool that empowers someone else’s creativity.

What is the one step that still stresses you out, even after many builds?

When the coffee supply vanishes unexpectedly, all creative drive seems to vanish with it, haha. Jokes aside, the moment of the first trial of a fully assembled, finalized circuit is always nerve-racking. That moment can either make your entire day or completely destroy it.

Switzerland and the Local Scene

What does it mean to you to build pedals in Switzerland specifically?

Thanks to the internet, my perspective feels really global.

Do you feel there is a real Swiss builder scene emerging?

Meeting Simone and Thomas from RhPf Electronics and joining the Touring Board project was a huge moment. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and it really made me feel that the Swiss builder scene is genuinely evolving.

What are the biggest difficulties of being a small builder here compared to larger markets?

Lower demand, I suppose.

Personal

Which pedal of yours feels the most personal?

Smarve.
It required some courage and gutsy steps on my part to make it happen.

Is there a sound you are still chasing but have not cracked yet?

I’m continuing my pursuit of a specific, mighty high-gain black metal tone in a pedal format.

What keeps you building when things get slow or difficult?

Appreciation is my main fuel. That said, I’m pretty slow with my pedal production, to be honest.

Looking Forward

What can people expect next from Smirmoor Pedals?

It will be a brutal and intense distortion or fuzz pedal, of course, haha.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting today, what would it be?

Digital gets the job done, but analogue captures the heart.

Closing

Smirmoor Pedals is not about chasing numbers or shortcuts. It is about ideas that take time, sounds that divide opinion, and pedals that are meant to be played. We are grateful for the openness and honesty behind these answers, and excited to see where the next circuits lead.

Find out more about Smirmoor Pedals

Smirmoor Pedals can be found on their website:
https://www.smirmoorpedals.com/

Follow Smirmoor Pedals on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/smirmoorpedals/