Like so many boutique pedal makers, Xotic began producing pedals in a tiny garage-based workshop, but unlike most of the successful ones, they stayed there for over a decade, even after they'd gained a considerable following. That's probably one of the biggest reasons that Xotic never lost their boutique mentality, prioritizing premium parts and quality craftsmanship over mass production. While the long lead times and high, one-off prices are now a thing of the past, modern Xotic pedals are every bit the quality guitar processors that put them on the map, and Sweetwater is proud to be able to offer them to our discerning guitar players.
In 1998, something awesome happened: a small-time bass and bass preamp maker working out of his garage-turned-workshop in San Fernando Valley, CA began making his first-ever effects pedal. This pedal would come to be known as the Robotalk 1, and it would soon become the cornerstone of the yet-to-be-named Xotic brand. It was made from scratch and built from the finest available components, setting the precedent for the fledgling effects line. This entirely hands-on approach is still the foundation of Xotic, and even as they've expanded well past a dozen popular effects, plus a successful line of instruments and electronics, their philosophy has never wavered.
Over the next few years, Xotic grew and expanded into overseas markets via the Japanese base of operations of their parent company, Prosound Communications Inc. By 2005, Xotic had grown a faithful following, and several new pedals joined the lineup, including the "Tremendous Trio" — the AC Booster, RC Booster, and BB Preamp. This success led to PCI’s decision to dedicate there focus on Xotic products and encourage the brand’s expansion. In addition to a new lineup of instruments, Xotic released new and innovative pedals, firmly establishing the brand's popularity.
By the time their newfound popularity in 2009 forced them to move to their present-day headquarters in Van Nuys, California, (the same year they released their best-selling EP Booster), Xotic had secured the loyal endorsement of a number of major artists. Even back in 2001, jazz fusion/blues legend Scott Henderson adopted the original Robotalk, and over the years others, including Paul Jackson Jr., Oz Noy, Michael Thompson, Dean Brown, and Allen Hinds, all came onboard. And both Xotic's artist roster and their pedal lineup have only continued to expand.
In addition to premium instruments and electronics, Xotic's product lines today include over 18 pedals. They designed each of these pedals to meet the needs of top performers, either by filling a special niche or dramatically improving a time-tested concept. For example, Xotic's Wah Pedal is an innovative redesign of the late '60s Clyde McCoy models, featuring a nearly infinite range of wah tones. Similarly, the "Three Little Giants" (EP Booster, SL Drive, and SP Compressor) bring boutique favorites to small pedalboards. There's no telling what will come next, but whatever it is, the guitarists here at Sweetwater know that it's going to be cool.
