We were lucky to catch up with Austin Bryan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Austin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
1.) In the guitar pedal industry, specifically on the topic of guitar pedals & effects, I’ve found there to be different types of customers and players who look for specific tonal aspects which can make them sonically identifiable. Pretty straightforward.
2.) Small boutique pedal builders are considered legends by many consumers for the pride in their work and the personal connection between the builder and player/customer. However, customer service is the biggest factor and the most important (service) one can provide aside from the product (pedal). Always be cool, which leads me to point #3
3.) Kindness and respect will always go far. The third point but the most important point. Always be kind and respectful of the opinions and musical tastes of other guitarists and pedal-fanatics. Everyone is trying to have fun and enjoy their “tone”.
4.) There are collectors and there are players… sometimes, (and oftentimes), both. Your pedal can become collectible if you invest in making it worthwhile to players too.
Austin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Austin Bryan and I’m 30 years old living and running ‘Anvil Audio’ in the small town of McEwen, TN. I’m a guitar player, guitar pedal builder, and an obsessive compulsive pedal fanatic.
I got into guitar pedal building after attending a guitar pedal workshop at Sweetwater in Ft. Wayne, IN. Hosted by JHS Pedals and their founder Josh Scott. Having attended a workshop back in November 2018, I became obsessed with building pedals and effects. The term used at the workshop was “bit by the bug”, and boy was I bitten.
I came home from the workshop and got started on building effects pedals based on original, rare, and often forgotten circuits from yesteryear. Since it’s founding as “Anvil Audio” in 2020, the mantra is to “build pedals, build relationships”. We want to make cool guitar pedals, but we always want to make friends and build connections.
Our first pedal, “Fuzz”, took off pretty quickly and has been a favorite for psychedelic blues rockers and folks looking to achieve the earlier fuzz guitar tones from the mid-to-late 1960’s. The pedal was based on an original “built-in” fuzz circuit, from a major British guitar company’s, multi-effects electric guitar.
Since then, we have added a “Boost” pedal, (based on a discontinued and rare Boost circuit), and a 1970’s style Overdrive/Distortion pedal called the “PowerDrive”
On top of our original line of pedals, I also buy/sell/trade effects pedals. Most of my business is conducted through Reverb.com, a widely trusted and popular site to sell and reach many artists, collectors, and musicians.
We pride ourselves on making original, “point-to-point”, simplistic guitar effects pedals to meet the tonal needs of players. On top of this, we focus on customer service and relationship building to create a roster of artists and players who enjoy our products/pedals. And boy do I enjoy them too!
Lastly. The guitar effects pedal industry is full of many key players and builders, each with a unique fingerprint. All of these builders, (big companies & small boutique businesses) play a key role in helping musicians (primarily guitarists, bassists, and experimental instrumental sound-scape players) find their sound.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
It became a full-time business when I realized how important it was not only to myself, but to the folks who have bought an Anvil Audio pedal. I have had to struggle to get to a point of consistency in making revenue and building product. Not everything moves as quickly as you want it to some days, and thus you have to focus on the better points in order to move forward. After attending the Sweetwater/JHS Pedals workshop I knew where my future would be.
At this point in time it is crazy to know we produce 3 individual models and 1 limited-edition version of our Fuzz. I’d say our biggest achievement has been building connections and relationships with players seeking the tones these pedals provide!
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Through social-media, personal business card, and via phone. I’m always a click or call away to discuss guitar pedals or to help with something customer service related. Being small has helped me stay connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reverb.com/shop/austins-shop-133?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=shop&utm_content=811656
- Instagram: @anvilaudiopedals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anvilaudiopedals