Stompbox

As soon as the first effects pedals were introduced in the 1960s, the diminutive devices were adopted by many of the world's most celebrated musicians to craft their iconic sounds. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine speaks for countless sonic innovators when he says, "Before I stepped on it, I had never made rock 'n' roll, but the second I stepped on it I was rock 'n' roll, and I haven't looked back!" Until now, however, the pedal hasn't been given its due.

Stompbox illustrates the connection between 100 musicians and the colorful little boxes that help them shape their music. This striking celebration of the guitarist's secret weapon uses bold, bright photography to capture the character of each pedal and the relationship between the pedal and artist. Reflections and anecdotes from Alex Lifeson, Dave Navarro, Ed O'Brien, Joe Satriani, Andy Summers, Steve Vai, and many more--from rock legends to rising stars--bring their stompboxes to life the same way the devices bring unique guitar sounds to life.

A visual treat for obsessive collectors, guitar players, and music fans, Stompbox reveals the essential but lesser-known marvels behind some of rock 'n' roll's signature sounds.