Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $158
Standard/Professional
$80
$181+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EarthQuaker Devices Zoar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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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
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What type of power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar require?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar requires a 9-18V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It has a power usage of 10mA.
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Does the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar have true bypass switching?
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Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar features true bypass switching with a Flexi-Switch for both latching and momentary operation.
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What kind of EQ controls does the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar offer?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Zoar includes a 3-band EQ and an additional "Weight" control to shape your distortion tone.
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Is the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar suitable for high-gain distortion sounds?
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Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar is designed as a medium-high gain distortion pedal, providing touch-sensitive, amp-like distortion.
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Can the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar be used for both guitar and bass?
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While primarily designed for guitar, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar can also be used with bass, offering versatile distortion tones across different instruments.
Videos
EarthQuakerDevices
Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Guitar & Bass Demo | EarthQuaker Devices
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional versatility, from light breakup to intense fuzz
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Dynamic response enhances expressivity with volume knob adjustments
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Excellent for both vintage and modern tones
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Integrates well with other pedals for expanded soundscapes
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Offers a wide range of sounds suitable for various instruments
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Low noise level, even with high gain settings
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Three-band EQ and "Weight" knob for precise tone shaping
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Compatible with both guitar and bass, offering rich, punchy sounds
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Fair price for a pedal made in the USA
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Runs on 18v for added headroom and tonal variety
CONS
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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
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The Treble knob has significant impact on tone, where small adjustments can drastically change sound, unlike typical EQ knobs.
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The pedal's Weight knob is praised for adding low-end thump, reminiscent of Catalinbread foundation drives.
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Zoar is described as sounding between a cranked Orange amp and a Fender Bassman, making it suitable for classic rock and Black Metal tones.
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Works well with low gain settings, providing clear tones with improved clarity and sparkle, particularly effective with a Fender Super amp.
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It cleans up well with guitar volume knob adjustments, offering a wide range of distortion tones from light breakup to saturated gain.
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The pedal excels when used with a Telecaster, providing versatility from medium overdrive to full fuzz, especially effective with broken-up amps.
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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.
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Comparisons
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The pedal can match the Jackson Audio Golden Boy (a BB circuit) and also emulate Muff and Rat characteristics, showcasing its versatility.
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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.
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The BD-2 is described as having a fixed variation of a Fender Blackface tone stack, emphasizing its classic Fender voicing.
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User experience
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Owners report the pedal being exceptionally quiet even with gain maxed, highlighting a key advantage for live and studio settings.
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Owners highlight its ability to boost mids for an enhanced lead sound, making it versatile for different guitar pickup configurations, particularly single coils.
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Customers appreciate supporting EarthQuaker Devices, a small family-run business, especially amid tariff challenges, highlighting a community-driven purchasing decision.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In this instagram post Frank says that "folks over @earhquakerdev were rad enough to send me their new Zoar pedal"
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.
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.
Community setups
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