EarthQuaker Devices Monarch

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Page last updated Jun 11, 2026

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Description

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The EarthQuaker Devices Monarch is an overdrive pedal designed for the discerning guitarist who craves the unmistakable vintage Orange amp tones. This discrete, FET-based overdrive powerhouse offers you the opportunity to amplify both your bass and treble frequencies, providing an enriched, vibrant tone with a solid low end and sparkling highs. The Monarch doesn't just reproduce sound; it reigns supreme in the realm of colorful, organic tones.

Key Features:

Emulates the distinctive sound of vintage Orange amps
Discrete, FET-based overdrive for superior sound quality
Dual control for both bass and treble frequencies
Offers a full low end and bright highs for a balanced tone
Ideal for achieving a colorful, organic tone

Product specs

Brand	EarthQuaker Devices
Model	Monarch Overdrive
Finish	Orange / Black Graphic
Year	2010 - 2015
Made In	United States
Categories	Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive?: The Monarch Overdrive is known for its amp-like response, offering a natural, dynamic overdrive that ranges from subtle grit to full-bodied crunch. It's designed to mimic the sound of a vintage British amplifier, making it versatile for various rock and blues styles.
Does the EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?: Yes, the Monarch Overdrive is designed to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a rich, responsive tone that adapts well to different guitar types.
What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive require?: The Monarch Overdrive operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, typical for most pedalboards, and it can also run on a 9V battery for convenience.
Is the EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive true bypass?: Yes, the Monarch Overdrive features true bypass switching, ensuring your guitar's tone remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.
How does the EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive differ from other overdrive pedals?: The Monarch Overdrive is unique for its amp-like dynamics and the ability to deliver a wide range of overdrive tones, from subtle to aggressive, while maintaining clarity and articulation. It's particularly favored for its ability to enhance the natural character of your guitar and amplifier setup.

Videos

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ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Devices Monarch

ProGuitarShopDemos

EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive

EarthQuakerDevices

Earthquaker Devices Monarch guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

Earthquaker Devices Monarch

Prymaxe

Earthquaker Devices Monarch Overdrive

JetCityMusic

Earthquaker Devices - Monarch

Dennis Kayzer

Reviews

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PROS

Highly flexible with a super useful EQ
Provides ample volume for diverse setups
Excellent for both guitar and bass, versatile
Produces a warm and gritty tone, especially on bass
Best for drive stacking, enhances amp distortion and other dirt pedals
Maintains low/thickness of bass while cutting through mix
Capable of subtle to heavy overdrive, adaptable gain range
Unique in mimicking specific amp tones (Orange AD200 and Thunderverb)

CONS

Unity gain is really low, requiring significant volume adjustment

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The EQ knobs cut frequencies below 12 o'clock and boost them beyond, offering effective tone shaping.
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Known for an uncompressed, loose, and open feel, but can be tightened with a TS type pedal for early metal riffs.
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The Monarch offers a significant bass control impact, particularly noticeable at high gain, enhancing its tonal versatility.
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User experience

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Owners describe the pedal as loud, often requiring careful level adjustment to avoid overpowering other gear.
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Users report the Monarch's responsiveness to picking attack, providing dynamic control over sound expression without compression.
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Use cases and applications

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Works well as a clean boost when the gain is minimized and level is maxed, enhancing preamp without coloring tone.
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Popular as an always-on, low-gain pedal at the beginning of a dirt chain, providing a sparkly edge-of-breakup sound.
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Works well with a variety of guitars, including Gibson LP Special with P90s and Fender Mexican Strat in SSH configuration, highlighting its versatility across different pickups.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the Wampler Catapulp for modern Orange sound, with Monarch leaning towards natural drive and lacking compression.
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Owners often transition from Marshall DriveMaster to Monarch for an Orange amp-style sound with a big bottom end and bright top.
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Setup and maintenance

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The pedal can operate between 9-18 volts, potentially offering more headroom, though some users prefer the dirtier tone at 9 volts.
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Mods and upgrades

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PedalPCB offers a PCB for the Monarch with mods, including an extra footswitch for boost control, allowing for customization beyond the original design.
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