EarthQuaker Devices Plumes

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$99.00 to $143.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (56)

4 Critic Reviews

16 Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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5.0 (99)

$129.00

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5.0 (22)

$129.00

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4.7 (721)

$129.00

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5.0 (161)

$119.00 100 available New

$74.00 43 available Used

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5.0 (5)

$129.00

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5.0 (7)

$119.00

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Sam Ash Music Marketing, LLC

$99.00

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4.8 (153)

$144.00 $143.00 $1.00

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£116.67

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Average Price: $119

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, EarthQuaker Devices Plumes is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EarthQuaker Devices Plumes". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes, an overdrive effects pedal that graces your guitar with a versatile array of overdriven tones. This robust stompbox houses a dynamic circuitry that responds intuitively to your pick attack and volume adjustments, creating an interactive and responsive playing experience.

The Plumes' Gain knob presents a spectrum of overdrive flavors, from a subtle, tube-like warmth at lower settings to a raspy, cutting distortion at higher levels. The broad range of the Gain control enables a multitude of overdrive tones in one compact pedal.

Its Tone knob allows you to shape your overdriven tone, dialing in everything from a darker, warmer sound with pronounced lows to a brighter, more articulate tone with distinct highs. With the sweep of the Tone control, the Plumes can adapt to the tonal demands of any song or guitar.

The Mix knob offers the ability to blend your overdriven signal with your clean signal, providing a range from completely clean to fully overdriven sounds. The Level knob adjusts the overall output volume, ensuring the Plumes can integrate seamlessly into any gear setup.

Encased in a virtually indestructible cast-aluminum enclosure, the Plumes is built to endure the demands of gigging and studio use. Regardless of your genre, this pedal delivers dynamic, responsive overdrive tones that can bring a new level of depth to your sound.

Key Features:

Versatile palette of overdriven tones
Controls for Level, Tone, and Gain
Dynamic circuitry that responds to pick attack and volume adjustments
Wide-ranging Gain control for varying levels of distortion
Tone control for shaping your overdrive tone
Mix control for blending overdriven and clean tones
Durable cast-aluminum enclosure
Standard 9-volt power supply compatibility
Compact size for easy integration into pedalboards

Product specs

Pedal Type	Medium Gain Overdrive
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4" (instrument)
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
True Bypass	Yes
EQ	Tone Control
Controls	3-way Mode Switch
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage	25mA
Height	2.25"
Width	2.5"
Depth	4.75"
Weight	0.8 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes different from a standard Tube Screamer?: The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes offers three distinct clipping modes for versatile tonal options, setting it apart from a standard Tube Screamer. Its circuit is designed to deliver a transparent, warm saturation that works well with valve amps.
Does the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes work with bass guitars?: Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes can be used with bass guitars, providing a clear overdrive that enhances the natural tone without losing low-end frequencies.
What power supply is required for the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes?: The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It has a power usage of 25mA.
Can the Plumes pedal be used for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?: Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes is versatile enough for both rhythm and lead playing, offering medium gain overdrive suitable for a variety of playing styles.
What are the three modes on the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes?: The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes features a 3-way mode switch that allows you to choose between different clipping styles, providing a range of overdrive textures from smooth to aggressive.

Equipboard's Expert Review

Equipboard tested this

Versatile Overdrive with Bright Tones

When it comes to reliable, USA-built pedals, EarthQuaker Devices has a stellar reputation, and the Plumes is no exception. Known for producing some of the greatest pedals, EQD has once again delivered a product that many guitarists will respect and trust.

Our initial impressions of the Plumes were highly positive. The pedal feels solid and robust, built like a tank, and the soft switch is a nice touch that makes engaging the pedal smooth and effortless. The aesthetic is simple yet functional, with a design that promises durability for years to come.

The Plumes features a three-mode toggle switch that provides significant versatility. Mode 1 gives you symmetrical clipping akin to a classic tube screamer, Mode 2 is a more open, clean boost, and Mode 3 offers asymmetrical clipping for a crunchy, distortion-heavy sound. The tone knob is particularly notable for its full range of usability, allowing easy dialing of your preferred voicing.

In our tests, the sound quality stood out, especially in terms of clarity and natural tone. The Plumes delivers an amazing boost and overdrive that can enhance your sound without making it muddy. It's a pedal that stacks well with other gear, adding volume, sustain, and clarity. However, the high treble response could be a double-edged sword. While some found it added a beautiful sparkle to their tone, others found it too bright, even shrill, making it potentially harsh at higher gain settings. This could limit its usability depending on your setup and genre.

Volume discrepancies between the three modes were also noted, which might require tweaking depending on the context. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Plumes is an "always on pedal" for many due to the significant enhancements it brings to their sound.

The bottom line: The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes is ideal for guitarists seeking a reliable, versatile overdrive pedal that can add clarity and richness to their tone. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate bright, articulate sounds and who enjoy the simplicity of easily memorable settings. However, if you're sensitive to high treble or require a pedal with a broader range of tones, you might find the Plumes a bit too bright and limited for your needs. Overall, at around $100, it’s a high-quality, affordable option in the boutique pedal market.

Rated 5

Videos

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Reverb

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Overdrive | Reverb Tone Report Demo

Reverb

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Guitar Demo

EarthQuakerDevices

Plumes Small Signal Shredder Video Manual | EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Demo

The Pedal Zone

Plumes Overdrive First Impression: Arianna Powell (Nick Jonas, Black Eyed Peas) EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Overdrive Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Designer Notes with Jamie Stillman Ep. 2 - Plumes | EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

Pedals and Effects: Plumes by EarthQuaker Devices

Pedals and Effects

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Bass Demo

EarthQuakerDevices

Plumes First Impression: Sade Sanchez (L.A. Witch) | EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Synth Demo

EarthQuakerDevices

Earthquaker Devices Plumes Overdrive Pedal Demo

Guitarist

EarthQuaker Devices PLUMES Overdrive - Metal

Euge Valovirta

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes OverDrive Pedal

The Studio Rats

Reviews

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PROS

Offers a wide range of tones, from low gain grit to heavy distortion
Three modes provide versatility for different playing styles
High build quality with smooth, true-bypass switching
Can function as a "set it and forget it" pedal due to its musicality
Boost mode enhances responsiveness and tightness in distortion
Compatible with both guitar and bass, adding flexibility
Pedal stacks well with others for enhanced lead tones
Transparent clean boost mode adds sustain without coloring tone too much
Affordable yet offers quality and options comparable to boutique pedals
Bright, articulate sound that cuts through the mix

CONS

Some find the pedal overly bright, with harsh highs at certain settings
Not a faithful Tube Screamer clone, disappointing some users
Volume drop when switching modes may be inconvenient live
Not as versatile for some, with a notable treble emphasis
Modding necessary for some to tame excessive brightness
Can sound thin and clanky on bass, contrary to some advertising

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

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The Plumes is praised for turning a solid-state bass amp into a tube-like tone, with Mode 2 especially effective for bass chord play.
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For players seeking to brighten dark amps, the Plumes is recommended, though caution is advised as excessive brightness may require tone adjustments elsewhere in the setup.
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The Plumes excels when paired with a Gretsch baritone guitar, particularly in Mode 3 with gain cranked, enhancing brightness for B tuning and complementing reverb or modulation effects.
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The pedal is praised for its ability to dramatically alter dynamics when used to clean boost a Fender Strat through a Katana 50MK2, especially with semi-dirty fuzz.
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The Plumes reportedly excels when used as a clean boost before a Fairfield Barbershop, enhancing tonal richness in stack configurations.
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User experience

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Owners report mixed feelings about the Plumes, often influenced by their specific guitar and pickup combinations, such as single coil Strats or P90-equipped guitars.
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Some users initially set aside the Plumes but found renewed appreciation by stacking it with a Sparkle Drive, leading to a satisfying tonal blend.
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Owners mention that the pedal can exacerbate high gain hum, possibly due to setup configurations like running an ABY switch to dual amps.
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Owners report a loud pop when engaging the pedal, attributed to capacitors charging, which might be more noticeable at gig volumes.
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Some owners initially disliked the Plumes' tone but grew to appreciate its unique sound after experimenting with its settings and placement in their pedal chain.
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Comparisons

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The Plumes is described as offering a fuller sound compared to the Ibanez 808, yet the VHT V Drive is preferred by some for its texture control, providing more tonal flexibility.
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Users compare the Plumes favorably to the Darkglass for bass applications, noting its cost-effectiveness and versatile use for both guitar and bass.
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Owners find the Plumes brighter and less compressed than a traditional TS-9, making it more suitable for those seeking a clearer tone.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users suggest adding a pull-down resistor to mitigate the switch pop, though this modification may require soldering expertise.
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Features and functionality

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The Plumes offers three different clipping modes, with the center position popular for a slightly dirty boost, adding dynamic range to other overdrives.
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Mode 1 on the Plumes offers a punchy mid boost with LED clipping, giving clarity and note definition while maintaining a characteristic mid-push.
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Value and pricing

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It's noted that for $99 (at the time of review), the Plumes provides selectable clipping and substantial volume, which is considered a competitive feature set at its price point.
Source

Critic Reviews

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes stands out in the crowded overdrive market, offering a versatile and nuanced take on the classic Tube Screamer. With three clipping modes, players can explore a wide range of tones, from aggressive crunch to smoother boosts. This pedal excels in clarity and articulation, avoiding the typical muddiness of its predecessors. However, the drastic volume changes between clipping modes can be a hassle mid-performance, requiring adjustments that may disrupt the flow. Despite this, the Plumes delivers unique sounds and excellent value, making it a worthy addition for any guitarist's pedalboard.

positive

Full Review

EarthQuaker Plumes Pedal REVIEW | Performer Mag

performermag.com

EarthQuaker Devices' Plumes pedal rises above the crowded overdrive market with its practical versatility and refined tone. The familiar control layout and three distinct modes offer a range of sounds, from crunchy warmth to clean boost, making it an excellent companion for various setups. However, the noticeable volume jumps between modes can be inconvenient during live performances. Overall, it’s a compelling choice for guitarists seeking depth and character in their sound without the need for a complex power setup.

positive

Full Review

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes is a standout overdrive pedal that excels in versatility and sound quality, boasting three distinct clipping modes that cater to various playing styles. With its intuitive controls and top-mounted jacks, it’s user-friendly and space-efficient for any pedalboard. The Flexi-Switch feature enhances functionality, allowing for seamless toggling between effects. While it might not break new ground in overdrive design, its organic sound and dynamic response make it a worthy addition to any guitarist's arsenal. At around $100, it’s a no-brainer for those seeking quality and variety in their overdrive.

positive

Full Review

Review: EarthQuaker Devices Plumes

guitar.com

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes stands out with its refined core tone and versatility, moving beyond a standard Tube Screamer clone. With three clipping modes and a reimagined EQ circuit, it offers a range of sounds, from clear and bold to classic warmth. However, its tendency to expose a guitar's rawness may not be forgiving for all players, particularly in the wrong hands. While lacking some switching flexibility, it compensates with clever features like the Flexi-Switch. Overall, the Plumes is a superb addition for those seeking a sophisticated overdrive pedal, though its distinct character may require some adjustment for traditionalists.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 16 Reviews and 56 Ratings

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1 star

mayheaven

168

over 4 years ago

The Tube Screamer To End All Tube Screamers

Does every possible thing I could want from an overdrive without too many controls. Designed with efficient pedal boards in mind. Fantastic

Preferred Settings + Usage:

-Toggle switch setting 3, level at 11:00, gain at 1:00, tone at noon. Use with a clean or lower gain amp.

-Toggle switch setting 2, level at noon, gain at 7:00, tone at 1:00. Run into high gain amp to boost and tighten.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Metal

janosy_balazs

174

over 3 years ago

My favourite OD

I needed an OD wich isn't a one trick pony but sounds good at every mode. It is amazing.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

I use it with mode 3 (classic TS sound with more clarity) with the tone and gain knob at almost 0. It delivers a sweet overdrive sound with a lot of dynamics.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Blues Alternative rock Indie rock

From Gear Setup

emuemulator2

3670

almost 4 years ago

Absolute trash for bass.

I don't know why they market this for bass. It sounds like total garbage. It's way too clanky even for metal and drastically changes your bass tone in a very unpleasing way.

Roles:

Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Metal Hard rock