Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$179.00
Amazon
4.8 (22)
$149.00
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$129.00 New
$85.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$179.00
Thomann
4.6 (8)
$184.00 $183.00 $1.00
Gear4Music
ยฃ159.00

Average Price: $158

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

* 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

EarthQuaker Devices Zoar is not just another distortion pedal. With its all-analog, transistor-based design, it offers a broad spectrum of tones, from a delicate tube-like overdrive to a ferocious fuzz. This pedal's dynamism and touch sensitivity offer a playing experience that mirrors a top-tier tube amplifier.

Primed for sound exploration, the Zoar's Weight control and 3-band EQ are your tools for superior sonic sculpting. The Weight control adjusts the amount of bass that is fed into the circuit, dramatically changing the pedal's voice and overall feel. This is highly reactive to the pedal's EQ and Gain/Level controls, offering a range of unique overdrive, distortion, and fuzz voices to discover.

Furthermore, the Zoar can be powered at standard 9V DC, but its range and clarity get a significant boost when powered at 18V DC, presenting tighter bass frequencies, enhanced dynamics, and a fuller spectrum of tone.

Key Features:

  • All-analog, transistor-based distortion pedal
  • Highly interactive with a touch-sensitive feel
  • Powerful 3-band EQ for modern dirt tones
  • Unique Weight control for altering the pedal's voice
  • Operates at standard 9V DC and up to 18V DC for a more dynamic response
  • Silent relay-based switching and true bypass design
  • Handmade in the USA
  • Passive 3-band EQ
  • Level, Weight, Gain, Bass, Middle, and Treble controls
  • Flexi-Switch technology for silent relay-based switching
  • Capable of being articulate and crushing on both guitar and bass
  • Wide range of tones, not just high gain distortion

Product specs

Pedal Type Distortion
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching True Bypass Flexi-Switch (latching/momentary)
EQ 3-band EQ, Weight
Power Source 9-18V DC power supply (Sold Separately)
Power Usage 10mA
Height 2.25"
Width 2.5"
Depth 5.25"
Weight 0.63 lbs.

FAQs

What type of power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar require?

The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar requires a 9-18V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It has a power usage of 10mA.

Does the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar have true bypass switching?

Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar features true bypass switching with a Flexi-Switch for both latching and momentary operation.

What kind of EQ controls does the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar offer?

The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar includes a 3-band EQ and an additional "Weight" control to shape your distortion tone.

Is the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar suitable for high-gain distortion sounds?

Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar is designed as a medium-high gain distortion pedal, providing touch-sensitive, amp-like distortion.

Can the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar be used for both guitar and bass?

While primarily designed for guitar, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar can also be used with bass, offering versatile distortion tones across different instruments.

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Guitar & Bass Demo | EarthQuaker Devices

Video thumbnail for Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Guitar & Bass Demo | EarthQuaker Devices by EarthQuakerDevices

Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Guitar & Bass Demo | EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for Vixen's Diary dials in 4 distinct sounds with Zoar | EarthQuaker Devices by EarthQuakerDevices

Vixen's Diary dials in 4 distinct sounds with Zoar | EarthQuaker Devices

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for Bohlinger Tries a Dynamic Audio Grinder Distortion โ€” the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Demo | First Look by Premier Guitar

Bohlinger Tries a Dynamic Audio Grinder Distortion โ€” the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Demo | First Look

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Zoar by EarthQuaker Devices - a distortion pedal with a unique and modern sound by We As A Company

Zoar by EarthQuaker Devices - a distortion pedal with a unique and modern sound

We As A Company

We As A Company

Video thumbnail for ๐ŸŽธ EarthQuaker Devices' Zoar: The Ultimate Dynamic Audio Grinder Demo | B's Music Shop ๐ŸŽธ by B's Music Shop

๐ŸŽธ EarthQuaker Devices' Zoar: The Ultimate Dynamic Audio Grinder Demo | B's Music Shop ๐ŸŽธ

B's Music Shop

B's Music Shop

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Distortion | Russo Music by Russo Music

EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Distortion | Russo Music

Russo Music

Russo Music

Video thumbnail for Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder by Earthquaker Devices by GuitarPedalHub

Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder by Earthquaker Devices

GuitarPedalHub

GuitarPedalHub

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional versatility, from light breakup to intense fuzz

  • Dynamic response enhances expressivity with volume knob adjustments

  • Excellent for both vintage and modern tones

  • Integrates well with other pedals for expanded soundscapes

  • Offers a wide range of sounds suitable for various instruments

  • Low noise level, even with high gain settings

  • Three-band EQ and "Weight" knob for precise tone shaping

  • Compatible with both guitar and bass, offering rich, punchy sounds

  • Fair price for a pedal made in the USA

  • Runs on 18v for added headroom and tonal variety

CONS

  • Top jack placement may be inconvenient for some pedalboard setups

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Treble knob has significant impact on tone, where small adjustments can drastically change sound, unlike typical EQ knobs.

    Source
  • The pedal's Weight knob is praised for adding low-end thump, reminiscent of Catalinbread foundation drives.

    Source
  • The Weight knob is likened to a bias knob on a Rat pedal, transforming the sound from overdrive to fuzz as it's turned right.

    Source
  • The Zoar's versatility is noted, with it being able to cover more sounds than the BD-2, appealing to those seeking a wide sonic palette.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Zoar is described as sounding between a cranked Orange amp and a Fender Bassman, making it suitable for classic rock and Black Metal tones.

    Source
  • Works well with low gain settings, providing clear tones with improved clarity and sparkle, particularly effective with a Fender Super amp.

    Source
  • It cleans up well with guitar volume knob adjustments, offering a wide range of distortion tones from light breakup to saturated gain.

    Source
  • The pedal excels when used with a Telecaster, providing versatility from medium overdrive to full fuzz, especially effective with broken-up amps.

    Source
  • Works well in conjunction with a Greer Lightspeed pedal, which smooths out fuzziness and enhances volume for solos, making it ideal for clean Fender amps.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The pedal can match the Jackson Audio Golden Boy (a BB circuit) and also emulate Muff and Rat characteristics, showcasing its versatility.

    Source
  • The Zoar is likened to a fuzz face into a cranked Fender, offering a broader tonal range than the BD-2 due to its additional knobs.

    Source
  • The BD-2 is described as having a fixed variation of a Fender Blackface tone stack, emphasizing its classic Fender voicing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the pedal being exceptionally quiet even with gain maxed, highlighting a key advantage for live and studio settings.

    Source
  • Owners highlight its ability to boost mids for an enhanced lead sound, making it versatile for different guitar pickup configurations, particularly single coils.

    Source
  • Customers appreciate supporting EarthQuaker Devices, a small family-run business, especially amid tariff challenges, highlighting a community-driven purchasing decision.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder is a versatile distortion pedal that masterfully balances a wide dynamic range with nuanced tone-shaping capabilities. Its six-knob layout allows musicians to sculpt everything from amp-like overdrive to rich fuzz, making it highly interactive and responsive to playing style. However, the absence of battery operation may limit portability for some users. Overall, the Zoar impresses with its clarity and punch, particularly at higher voltage levels, ensuring it remains a reliable choice for those seeking a full-bodied and expressive drive.

positive

EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar is a versatile distortion pedal that seamlessly blends heavy tones with subtlety. Its dynamic range and touch sensitivity allow players to explore a wide spectrum of sounds, making it suitable for various styles. However, higher gain settings can introduce noticeable noise, which may detract from its potential in quieter passages. Overall, while the Zoar excels in delivering impressive fuzz and distortion, it requires careful gain management to fully appreciate its nuanced capabilities.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses EarthQuaker Devices Zoar

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post Frank says that "folks over @earhquakerdev were rad enough to send me their new Zoar pedal"

See how Gina Gleason uses EarthQuaker Devices Zoar

Gina Gleason

Guitarist

Baroness

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 33:45 mark in the Premier Guitar video titled "Baroness Rig Rundown with John Baizley, Gina Gleason & Nick Jost Guitar & Bass Gear Tour [2024]," the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder is clearly visible on Gina Gleason's pedalboard.

See how Sarah Quintero uses EarthQuaker Devices Zoar

Sarah Quintero

Bassist

Spotlights

...
Verified via Photo

Sarah Quintero uses the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar pedal. The proof is an Instagram post by spotlightsmusic, stating, "Weโ€™ll have Zoar out with us on tour starting 11/14/23." The image shows the Zoar pedal next to an ODB-3 bass pedal, suggesting it is on Sarah's board.

Album Usage

The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar has been featured on the following albums:

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 Zoar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
holdengarciamusic

holdengarciamusic

Gear IQ 446

holdengarciamusic

holdengarciamusic

Gear IQ 446

L

lay_sea

Gear IQ 76

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