EarthQuaker Devices Talons

$220.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (14)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using EarthQuaker Devices Talons

1 community setup

22 wishlisted

46 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (20)

$220.00 7 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $220

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, EarthQuaker Devices Talons is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your sound with the EarthQuaker Devices Talons, a high-gain overdrive pedal that's anything but ordinary. Born not from imitation but innovation, the Talons offers a broad range of tones, from a crisp clean boost to a gritty high-gain overdrive. Its unique selling point? An onboard three-band EQ that lets you tailor your tone to perfection. With the Talons, you'll take flight, leaving the crowd in awe of your sonic prowess.

Key Features:

High-gain overdrive pedal with a unique, original design
Capable of a vast range of tones, from clean boost to heavy gain overdrive
Features an onboard three-band EQ for precise tone shaping
Ideal for musicians seeking to break free from conventional overdrive pedals
Crafted by EarthQuaker Devices, renowned for their high-quality effects pedals

Product specs

Brand	EarthQuaker Devices
Model	Talons High Gain Overdrive
Finish	Orange / Black Print
Year	2012 - 2017
Made In	United States
Categories	Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What type of overdrive tones can I expect from the EarthQuaker Devices Talons?: The EarthQuaker Devices Talons offers a versatile range of overdrive tones, from clean boosts to rich, saturated high-gain distortion. It excels in providing articulate and dynamic response, making it suitable for various music genres.
How does the EarthQuaker Devices Talons differ from other overdrive pedals?: The Talons stands out with its comprehensive EQ section, featuring controls for bass, mid, and treble, allowing precise tonal shaping. This makes it more versatile compared to many overdrive pedals that offer limited tone control.
Is the EarthQuaker Devices Talons suitable for use with both guitar and bass?: Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Talons can be used with both guitar and bass, thanks to its wide frequency response and adjustable EQ, which allows it to accommodate the tonal needs of both instruments effectively.
What power supply is required for the EarthQuaker Devices Talons?: The EarthQuaker Devices Talons requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center, similar to most effects pedals. It does not support battery operation.
Does the EarthQuaker Devices Talons work well with other pedals in a signal chain?: Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Talons integrates smoothly with other pedals, offering transparent overdrive that complements both clean and distorted signals, making it a great addition to any pedalboard.

Videos

Add video

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices TALONS Overdrive

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Talons Overdrive

Prymaxe

Earthquaker Devices - Talons

Dennis Kayzer

EarthQuaker Devices Talons

JetCityMusic

EarthQuaker Devices - Talons Hi Gain Overdrive

Iga Massardi

EarthQuaker Devices Talons High Gain Overdrive

Uncommon Guitar Shop

Strings Quick Demo : EarthQuaker Devices Talons

Strings Shop

Demo/Review: Talons Earthquaker Devices

PedaiseEfeitos

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Unique circuit provides distinct, fun sound
Versatile 4-band active EQ for expansive tone shaping
Operates well on 18v for enhanced clarity
Pairs excellently with other pedals for diverse sonic landscapes
Sufficient controls for detailed tone tweaking without overwhelm
Capable of achieving a wide range of overdrive sounds, from clean boost to heavy chunk
Delivers lively, saturated sounds, especially on bass
Uniquely voiced for standout effect in mixes

CONS

Bass knob lacks power, limiting low-end impact
Presence and EQ knobs offer subtle adjustments, might not satisfy all users
Slightly compressed/mushy sound on 9v power

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Talons excels in providing a gritty, crunchy tone, particularly effective with humbucker pickups for lead and heavier styles, rather than as a light overdrive.
Source
0 0

Suitable for stacking with other drives, such as the Tumnus Deluxe, to shape sound without necessarily adding more dirt.
Source
0 0

Effective as a clean color booster when used after a Muff pedal, adding unique tonal characteristics without additional dirt.
Source
0 0

Functions well as a gain stack with the Palisades, allowing for creative signal combinations and boosts.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Talons is more suited for crunchy lead tones, whereas the Palisades offers greater versatility for users seeking an "always on" overdrive pedal.
Source
0 0

The Talons is distinct from the Tumnus Deluxe, which is Klon-based with a blend of OD and clean signals, whereas the Talons focuses on active EQ shaping.
Source
0 0

Unlike TubeScreamers, the Talons does not have a mid-bump EQ, making it less specific in mid-range emphasis.
Source
0 0

Offers a distinct breakup character compared to the Rat or Boss distortion pedals, making it suitable for different sonic textures.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners find that the Talons may not clean up well for use as an "always on" pedal, suggesting it works better for specific tonal applications.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Talons uses LEDs in the feedback loop of an op amp for soft clipping, providing a more open sound that requires a louder signal to clip compared to diodes.
Source
0 0

Talons includes a 3-band active EQ section, offering more control over the overdriven signal compared to pedals with passive EQ controls.
Source
0 0

Operating the Talons at 18V provides significant headroom, enhancing its performance as a clean boost.
Source
0 0

Includes a four-band EQ, which provides extensive tonal shaping capabilities, contributing to its versatility on pedalboards.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Discontinued status means it must be purchased used, but retains value well for resale if it doesn't suit user needs.
Source

Critic Reviews

EarthQuaker Devices Talons Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The EarthQuaker Devices Talons pedal is hailed for its versatility and impressive range of tones, making it a standout in the realm of overdrive pedals. Its six-knob control layout offers users a broad array of sonic possibilities, from clean boosts to high-gain distortion, and a unique midrange control enhances its appeal. The build quality is top-notch, providing durability and reliability. However, its price tag of $195 may deter budget-conscious musicians, and some might find it requires patience to dial in the perfect tone. Overall, the Talons is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium overdrive experience.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star