Chelsea

The EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea is a fuzz/distortion pedal developed in collaboration with LCD Soundsystem, recreating the sound of James Murphy’s heavily used vintage bass fuzz purchased in 1989. Designed to preserve the distinctive character of that particular pedal, it ranges from light overdrive to dense distortion while retaining clarity and strong low-end response. Sustain controls distortion and sustain, Level sets output volume, and Tone provides a wide frequency range from treble-heavy attack to bass-rich, darker sounds. A Tone On/Off switch bypasses the tone circuit entirely, producing a more direct, mid-focused response. The Chelsea is suitable for bass and other instruments and is handmade by EarthQuaker Devices in Akron, Ohio.