JHS Switchback

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals began in 2007 when founder Joshua Heath Scott modified his own Boss Blues Driver, leading to selling optimized pedals locally in Jackson, Mississippi. By 2008, the brand name JHS Pedals emerged, and Josh released early favorites like the Pulp ’N Peel compressor, Morning Glory overdrive, and All American boost. After moving to Kansas City in 2009, JHS expanded from a mod shop into its own pedal production facility, steadily growing into an internationally recognized boutique brand.

Tone-First Philosophy & Creative Presence

The company is known not only for its pedals, but also for personality. Josh shares his passion through The JHS Show on YouTube—a mix of pedal stories, demos, and lore. He’s been described as “the Bill Nye meets Mister Rogers of guitar”. Their mantra? “If it sounds good, it is good.” They focus on tone above all—no gimmicks, just honest designs.

Standout Models & Collections

Fan-favorite Angry Charlie is revered for its realistic Marshall-style distortion and expressive feel. In collaboration with Boss, they released the JB‑2 Angry Driver in 2017, blending Angry Charlie with Boss’s Blues Driver to celebrate Boss’s 40th anniversary.

Legends of Fuzz & 3 Series

Their Legends of Fuzz line revives classic fuzz tones with modern improvements—models like Bender, Smiley or Crimson reference iconic circuits with fresh tweaks. In 2020, they launched the affordable 3 Series, offering core effects like overdrive, delay, fuzz, and reverb for around $99—ideal for beginners or secondary boards.

Colour Box & Artist Pedals

The Colour Box preamp/DI earned praise for its versatility and tone—available in V2 with built-in boost, chorus, and reverb options. JHS also collaborates with artists like Paul Gilbert (PG-14) and Andy Timmons (AT+ overdrive) to create signature pedals with real musician input.

Culture & Community

JHS’s Kansas City workshop is described as a fun, quirky place where collaboration is key—complete with vintage toys, team hangouts, and Josh Scott working alongside employees on the factory floor. Their cultural values include experimentation, teamwork and authenticity—embodied by slogans like “just try stuff” and “companies don’t make pedals, people do”.

Why Choose JHS?

• Extensive lineup: from fuzz, delay, compressor and overdrive to utilities like buffers and summing amps. • Modding roots: they still offer modified pedals based on classic designs, adding tonal flexibility and boost switches. • Accessible pricing: the 3 Series offers budget appeal, while premium models serve tone purists and collectors. • Content-driven brand: through The JHS Show, musicals like Pedals: The Musical, and blog storytelling, the brand builds an ongoing narrative around every pedal. • American quality with personality: all pedals crafted by hand in Missouri, reflecting precision, creativity, and humor.