EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Pedal

The Chelsea pedal brings the legendary fuzz tone of LCD Soundsystem’s bass to your setup. With rich, powerful distortion and incredible versatility, it delivers everything from smooth overdrive to massive, grinding fuzz—all in a reliable, road-ready design. Whether you’re chasing that iconic bass sound or pushing your guitar into new sonic territory, Chelsea is ready to deliver.

Developed in close collaboration with James Murphy, Chelsea recreates the magic of a long-lost vintage-style fuzz pedal that became an essential part of LCD Soundsystem’s sound. It’s heavy but not overpowering, clean but still raw, with just the right amount of grit. No matter what you plug into it, Chelsea offers the same clarity, punch, and depth that made the original pedal a legend.

EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Review

Designed with James Murphy, the EQD Chelsea perfectly replicates the one-of-a-kind analog fuzz pedal that shaped LCD Soundsystem’s records. Featuring three intuitive controls and a Tone On/Off switch, this pedal gives you everything from deep, growling bass tones to cutting, high-energy distortion. Built to handle any stage or studio, Chelsea captures the magic of the original pedal while ensuring long-term durability.

The secret to the EarthQuaker Devices’ bass pedal Chelsea sound lies in its ability to balance clarity with grit. Crank up the Sustain for thick, sustaining notes that cut through the mix, or dial it back for a more subtle, textured drive. The Tone control adds even more flexibility, letting you shape your sound from aggressive highs to a rumbling low end. Whether you’re laying down tight grooves or pushing the limits of fuzzed-out chaos, the Chelsea bass fuzz pedal delivers with precision and power.

Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Features

• Captures the exact fuzz tones heard on LCD Soundsystem’s albums
• Three simple controls for effortless dialing in of your sound
• Tone On/Off switch for a choice between midrange grind or full-bodied distortion
• Works great on bass and guitar for a thick, dynamic sound
• Handmade in Akron, Ohio, for top-notch quality and reliability

Chelsea Bass Pedal Specs

• Power supply 9V DC, center-negative
• True bypass switching for pure signal when off
• Sturdy, road-ready enclosure for long-lasting performance
• Designed in collaboration with James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem

EQD Chelsea Bass Fuzz FAQs

What Kind of Instruments Does the Chelsea Fuzz Driver Work Best With?

The Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver was specifically designed to replicate LCD Soundsystem’s iconic bass fuzz, making it a powerhouse for bass players looking for a wide range of thick, gritty, and dynamic tones. However, its versatility extends beyond bass – it also delivers incredible results on guitar, synths, and other instruments. Whether you need deep, rumbling distortion or a cutting, midrange-heavy fuzz, Chelsea adapts beautifully to your playing style.

Does the Chelsea Pedal by EarthQuaker Devices Use the Exact Same Circuit as the Original Pedal?

The original boutique fuzz pedal that inspired Chelsea by EarthQuaker Devices had been modified over the years, with parts swapped and replaced. Rather than cloning a single version, EarthQuaker Devices carefully analyzed James Murphy’s fuzz pedal unique characteristics and recreated its legendary sound in a modern, roadworthy design. While the internal circuitry is not identical to LCD Soundsystem’s fuzz pedal, the EarthQuaker Chelsea captures every nuance of the original’s thick, sustaining fuzz with enhanced reliability and consistency.

How Does the Chelsea Fuzz Handle Different Playing Styles?

The Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver is highly responsive to your playing dynamics, making it an excellent choice for a variety of techniques. When played with a pick, it delivers a sharper, more aggressive attack, perfect for cutting through a mix with clarity and bite. When played with fingers, it responds with a warmer, rounder fuzz that retains articulation while adding rich harmonic depth. Whether you prefer a tight, punchy feel or a thick, sustaining grind, Chelsea by EarthQuaker Devices adapts to your style effortlessly.

What Does the Tone On/Off Switch Do on the Chelsea Pedal?

The Tone On/Off switch is a powerful feature that gives you two distinct tonal options. When the switch is off, the tone circuit is bypassed, delivering a raw, aggressive midrange grind that cuts through any mix. When the switch is on, the pedal engages its tone control, shaping the sound with a natural low-end scoop that adds depth and body. This flexibility makes the EarthQuaker Devices fuzz pedal Chelsea perfect for dialing in the exact character of fuzz you need.

Is the EQD Chelsea a True Bypass Pedal?

Yes! The Chelsea fuzz pedal by EarthQuaker Devices features true bypass switching, meaning your clean tone remains completely unaffected when the pedal is turned off. This ensures that your signal stays as pure as possible, making it a great addition to any signal chain, whether in the studio or on stage.

What Kind of Power Supply Does the EQD Chelsea Require?

The Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver runs on a standard 9V DC center-negative power supply (not included). For optimal performance, EarthQuaker Devices recommends using a high-quality, isolated power source to eliminate noise and maintain consistent operation.

What’s in the box of our Chelsea Pedal?

• EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Pedal
• Pedal box
• Cloth pedal bag
• EarthQuaker Devices sticker
• Manual
• DeathCloud merch
• Candy

EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Bass Pedal Dimensions

• Dimensions: 2.6″ x 4.8″ x 2.2″
• Weight: 0.59 lbs

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