Metallica’s Kirk Hammett has raised the hackles of basement builders and professional pedal companies alike with a tweet published last Friday. Although the tweet was intended to publicize Hammett’s new project, KHDK Electronics, which has three pedals in its line so far, he inadvertently insulted boutique builders instead.
The tweet reads: “I think it’s the first time you’ll see a pedal company actually being driven by an actual guitar player.” Hammett included a link to an interview with business partner David Karon and MusicRadar in the tweet.
I think it’s the first time you’ll see a pedal company actually being driven by an actual guitar player.https://t.co/FHIoLa3Ltk
— Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) February 12, 2016
His comment drew the ire of many Twitter users, including a myriad of pedal companies like Greer Amps, who was first on the scene, DigiTech, EarthQuaker Devices, Daredevil Pedals, Catalinbread, Walrus Audio, Fuzzrocious, Dwarfcraft Devices, and more. Here are some of the choicest responses to Hammett’s original tweet:
Hi @KirkHammett @MusicRadar I run a pedal company w/ my fam, play music/guitar/bass, & have toured. You're not the 1st or last, but welcome.
— FUZZROCIOUS PEDALS (@fuzzrocious) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett REALLY? Almost everybody making new and interesting effects today is a musician. Most of us just can't afford full page ads.
— Dwarfcraft Devices (@dwarfcraft) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett @KHDKElectronics @MusicRadar you would be surprised how many actual guitar players own and operate pedal companies!
— EarthQuaker Devices (@EarthQuakerDev) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett Actual guitarist and actual pedal maker checking in.
— DigiTech (@DigiTech) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett @MusicRadar strange...I have guitars...I play them. Been in business 17 years...crazy, right? #getoffyourhighhorse
— GreerAmps.com (@GreerAmps) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett Nah, yr not the first guitar player making pedals. Kudos for doing something unique like a TS with compression switches!
— Catalinbread (@catalinbread) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett Way off dude. I spent 12 years as a touring guitar player before starting Daredevil. We all play guitar here in pedal land. ⚡⚡
— Daredevil Pedals (@DaredevilPedals) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett @MusicRadar Haha, pretty naive comment.
— Walrus Audio (@WalrusAudio) February 14, 2016
@KirkHammett you didn't do your homework bra
— Mantic Effects (@ManticConcepts) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett @MusicRadar hmmmm nerp
— smallsound/bigsound (@smallsndbigsnd) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett @MusicRadar most ridiculous statement ever.
— Hungry Robot Pedals (@hrpedals) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett That may be the most ridiculous statement ever. Most of us are "actual" guitar players. @KHDKElectronics @MusicRadar
— RST Custom Effects (@RSTeffects) February 13, 2016
@KirkHammett welcome. Many pedal designs come from our experiences as players. Looking forward to yours. pic.twitter.com/2avBGMJPgC
— Caroline Guitar Co. (@CarolineGCo) February 14, 2016
@KirkHammett Looking forward to finding out whether your electronics knowledge and soldering skills are as good as my guitar playing.
— TwinStomp Effects (@TwinStomp) February 13, 2016
Although Hammett undoubtedly meant no umbrage, it does demonstrate a certain lack of knowledge regarding the world of pedal-making. It seems Hammett won’t be receiving the warmest welcome into the ranks of pedal builders after all.
Effects & Pedals