Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $170

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$60

$181+

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High-end

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Description

Dive into the sonic landscape of your dreams with the EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher, a compact yet powerful fuzz pedal that brings a rich palette of tones to your guitar setup. With its germanium transistors, this pedal pays homage to the iconic Fuzz Face while carving out its own unique space in the realm of fuzz effects. Whether you're chasing the subtle ambiance of a lightly-fuzzed boost or the aggressive snarl of full-on fuzz grit, the Dream Crusher's intuitive two-knob design ensures you can sculpt your sound with ease. Ideal for genres spanning from stoner rock and psychedelia to metal, this pedal is a versatile tool that invites experimentation.

Key Features:

  • Germanium transistors for warm, vintage fuzz tones
  • Simple two-knob layout for easy tonal shaping
  • Capable of a wide range of sounds, from light boost to heavy grit
  • Perfect for stoner rock, psychedelia, and metal genres

Product specs

Brand EarthQuaker Devices
Model Dream Crusher
Finish Various
Year 2011 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of fuzz tone does the EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher produce?

The Dream Crusher delivers a classic germanium fuzz tone that is rich and warm, ideal for vintage-style rock and blues. Its dynamic response allows for expressive playing, responding well to guitar volume adjustments.

Is the EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?

Yes, the Dream Crusher is versatile enough to handle both rhythm and lead roles, providing a thick, saturated fuzz that cuts through the mix while maintaining clarity and definition.

How does the EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher handle guitar volume knob adjustments?

The Dream Crusher is highly responsive to guitar volume knob adjustments, allowing players to clean up the fuzz for a more overdriven tone or crank it up for full fuzz saturation.

Does the EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher work well with other pedals?

The Dream Crusher integrates effectively with other pedals, particularly when placed early in the signal chain. It pairs well with overdrives and delays to create complex textures.

What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher require?

The Dream Crusher operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, compatible with most pedalboard power setups.

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher Fuzz

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher Fuzz by EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher Fuzz

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher by JetCityMusic

Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher

JetCityMusic

JetCityMusic

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher by Prymaxe

Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher guitar effects pedal demo by gearmanndude

Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher Fuzz Demo by Phil Vickman

Earthquaker Devices Dream Crusher Fuzz Demo

Phil Vickman

Phil Vickman

Video thumbnail for Dream Crusher Fuzz pedal by EarthQuaker Devices by Guitar Learner

Dream Crusher Fuzz pedal by EarthQuaker Devices

Guitar Learner

Guitar Learner

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional responsiveness to playing style and volume changes

  • Offers a unique blend of burly, bassy gain and gritty character

  • Maintains guitar and amp's inherent tone even with heavy fuzz

  • Highly versatile, ranging from low gain to brutal, ripping fuzz

  • Early versions praised for superior germanium-based design

  • Stacks well with other pedals for enhanced soundscapes

  • Can produce clean singing feedback at high levels

  • Simple, effective design without unnecessary complexity

CONS

  • Discontinued, making it harder to find

  • Variability in sound quality between different production runs

  • Lacks the apocalyptic octave capabilities of some fuzz pedals

  • Some later versions perceived as having a different, less preferred sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher.

Features and functionality

  • The Dream Crusher employs a military-grade version of the AC128 germanium transistor, enhancing its reliability and performance compared to standard versions.

    Source
  • It includes a higher value resistor, likely around 820Ω, which contributes to its unique sound profile compared to traditional 470Ω configurations.

    Source
  • An internal bias pot adjusts from spitty to woolly tones, enhancing versatility beyond the standard settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners note the pedal's versatility in recording settings, stating it can mimic an amp when used directly with a board or I/O device.

    Source
  • The pedal is highlighted for its thick sound due to the absence of a tone control, making it suitable for players seeking a dense fuzz texture.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's been compared to a Fuzz Face circuit but with more gain, providing a distinctive twist on a classic design.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Caution advised when daisy-chaining power due to the positive ground; newer models may allow it but verification is necessary.

    Source

User experience

  • Switching Velcro can lead to losing important labels; owners should document details before modifications.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Misha Mansoor uses EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via YouTube

Earthquaker Dreamcrusher Fuzz / Seymour Duncan Shapeshifter Tremolo

See how Isaiah Mitchell uses EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher

Isaiah Mitchell

Guitarist

Howlin Rain

...
Verified via EarthQuaker Devices

Listed on Isiah's official EQD artist page.

See how Matthew Embree uses EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher

Matthew Embree

Guitarist, Bassist

Rx Bandits

...
Verified via Instagram

Matt Embree uses an EQD Dream Crusher in an Instagram post The Sound of Animals Fighting playthrough

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EarthQuaker Devices Dream Crusher, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Boss DM-2 Delay
Boss DM-2 Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1

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