Earthquaker Devices Chelsea Fuzz - Low End Driver Pedal | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls
The Earthquaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver brings LCD Soundsystem's signature bass fuzz tone to guitarists and bassists seeking robust, tour-ready performance. Developed in collaboration with James Murphy, this pedal reimagines his modified classic fuzz circuit with enhanced durability and expanded tonal range. From subtle overdrive crunch to heavily saturated fuzz with extended low-end presence, the Chelsea delivers exceptional clarity and sustain across its entire gain spectrum, making it an indispensable tool for funk basslines, aggressive rhythm work, and singing lead tones.
Product Overview
The Chelsea draws its inspiration from the modified fuzz pedal heard throughout LCD Soundsystem's discography, a sound that has defined modern dance-punk and electronic rock bass tones. When James Murphy approached EarthQuaker Devices to create a more robust, road-worthy version of his beloved circuit, the result was a pedal that maintains the character of the original while offering improved reliability and expanded sonic capabilities. The tank-like die-cast aluminum enclosure provides exceptional durability for the demands of constant touring and frequent gigging.
At its core, the Chelsea features three wide-sweeping controls that provide comprehensive command over gain structure and tonal character. The Level control functions as both a volume boost and overdrive gain stage, capable of pushing your amplifier into natural saturation or simply providing clean headroom for cutting through band mixes. The Sustain control extends fuzz saturation into a massive sonic wall, holding single notes with impressive duration while maintaining articulation and clarity even at extreme settings.
The Tone control offers a broad frequency sweep from deep, subsonic bass to aggressive, cutting highs. This wide-ranging EQ section allows precise tailoring to different instruments, playing styles, and musical contexts. A unique mini toggle switch can remove the Tone control from the signal path entirely, sending a more focused midrange attack that enhances punch and presence. This Tone bypass feature provides additional versatility, effectively giving you two distinct voicings within a single pedal. Each Chelsea is handcrafted in Akron, Ohio, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail.
Ideal For
- Bassists seeking the LCD Soundsystem fuzz tone for funk, dance-punk, and electronic music
- Guitarists who need versatile drive tones ranging from overdrive to full saturation
- Studio players recording bass tracks that require clarity and extended low-end response
- Live performers who demand tour-grade reliability with simple, intuitive controls
- Multi-instrumentalists playing both guitar and bass through the same pedalboard
Key Features
LCD Soundsystem-Inspired Circuit
The Chelsea captures the modified fuzz tone that James Murphy used throughout LCD Soundsystem's groundbreaking albums. This collaboration between Murphy and EarthQuaker Devices resulted in a pedal that maintains the character and musicality of his personal unit while adding the ruggedness and reliability required for professional touring. The circuit excels at delivering punchy, articulate fuzz that cuts through electronic productions and band arrangements.
Three Expressive Controls
The Level, Sustain, and Tone controls provide comprehensive sonic shaping with exceptional range. Level moves from unity gain to significant volume boost and classic overdrive crunch. Sustain extends from light breakup to massive, sustained fuzz walls that hold notes seemingly forever. Tone sweeps from deep bass frequencies perfect for low B strings to aggressive highs ideal for cutting guitar leads, all while maintaining clarity and definition.
Tone Bypass Switch
A mini toggle switch allows you to remove the Tone control from the signal path entirely, creating a more focused midrange attack with enhanced punch and presence. This feature effectively provides two distinct voices within one pedal, expanding your tonal palette without requiring additional footswitches or complex switching systems. Engage the Tone circuit for broad frequency shaping or bypass it for immediate, aggressive midrange.
Exceptional Clarity Across Gain Range
Unlike many fuzz pedals that become muddy or indistinct at high gain settings, the Chelsea maintains remarkable clarity and note definition throughout its entire range. This characteristic makes it equally effective for complex chord work, fast single-note runs, and sustained power chords. Bass players particularly appreciate how the pedal preserves low-end articulation while adding harmonic richness and sustain.
Universal Guitar and Bass Compatibility
The Chelsea's extended low-end response and clarity make it equally suitable for guitar and bass applications. Bass players can drive aggressive funk lines or thunderous rock tones without losing definition, while guitarists benefit from the pedal's ability to deliver everything from vintage-style overdrive to modern high-gain saturation. The versatile EQ section accommodates different instrument voicings seamlessly.
What's Included
- Earthquaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Pedal
- Earthquaker Devices limited lifetime warranty
- User manual with operation instructions
Power Supply Note: This pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply with 2.1mm negative center barrel (not included). Current draw is 10mA. We recommend using pedal-specific, transformer-isolated wall-wart power supplies or multiple isolated-output supplies for optimal performance and noise reduction. DO NOT RUN AT HIGHER VOLTAGES.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Pedal Type | Low-end fuzz driver |
| Circuit Type | Analog |
| Controls | Level, Sustain, Tone |
| EQ Features | Variable Tone control with bypass switch |
| Switching | Relay-based true bypass |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" instrument input |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" output |
| Power Requirements | 9V DC center-negative (not included) |
| Current Draw | 10 mA |
| Dimensions | 4.75" x 2.50" x 2.25" (121mm x 64mm x 57mm) with knobs |
| Construction | Powder-coated die-cast aluminum enclosure |
| Manufacturing | Handmade in Akron, Ohio, USA |
| Manufacturer Part Number | EQDCHELV1USA |
Get Your Hands on This Fuzz Driver Pedal Today
Experience the low-end authority and versatile gain range of the Earthquaker Devices Chelsea Fuzz Driver at No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls. Our experienced staff can demonstrate how the Chelsea transforms both guitar and bass tones, from subtle overdrive to massive sustained fuzz. Visit us in-store to test the pedal through various amplifiers and hear the difference the Tone bypass switch makes, call to discuss how the Chelsea fits your specific playing needs, or browse our complete selection of guitar effects at No Limit Guitar Co, your trusted Idaho Falls guitar store.