As we celebrate our centennial, we want to showcase the customers who have helped support us throughout the years with a Customer of the Month showcase, a series dedicated to recognizing our Paper Mart customers and their stories.
Do you ever hear a song riff or a melody that gets you a little nostalgic? How about that twang or that ow-wow when you hear your favorite blues tune? Music can be a very personal and moving experience, with every element of a song specially crafted to capture a moment or a feeling. To help create and capture this intent, musicians and sound designers can use tools like effects pedals.
Our latest Customer of the Month, Aaron Wahl of AWOL Pedals handcrafts these guitar pedals! Aaron generously took a moment to offer us a little insight into what inspires them to create their pedals and how Paper Mart helps support AWOL. Check out our conversation with Aaron here!
Our Chat With AWOL Pedals
Before we get too far into it, I just wanted to let you know that I liked the feature that Ryan did with your pedals on 60 Second Hum. Your sound is really great.
AWOL: Sure thing! Thank you so much! Ryan did an excellent job with that!
No problem! So for our readers who don’t know, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?
AWOL: I design, build, and sell guitar pedals out of Nashville, Tennessee. I love developing new sounds, and love making things that catch ears and eyes.
That’s great! Could you tell us a little bit about you and Paper Mart? How did you hear about us, how long have you been with us, etc.
AWOL: I have been using Paper Mart for a very long time! You’ve got a great selection.
That’s very much appreciated. We put a lot of work into our product line and take a lot of pride in being able to offer a wide variety. What are your thoughts on shopping family owned and local?
AWOL: Keeping things as local as possible helps cut down on shipping cost and pollution, while helping out your local community’s businesses as well.
What are your favorite Paper Mart products?
AWOL: The Kraft mailer boxes and the shipping boxes.
Shop Aaron’s Favorites
A Little Pedal Perspective
What really sets AWOL Pedals apart is the labor of love that each handcrafted pedal requires. Each pedal is carefully made by Aaron himself and depending on the sound intent, can produce a truly unique effect that resonates to the listener and enhances the overall feel of the song.
Each pedal is also uniquely small. To help put it into perspective, guitar pedal sizes are typically the size of a pocket-sized sketchbook or notepad (2-7/8” x 5” or 10” x 6”) and they can take up a lot of room on a pedalboard. AWOL Pedals are famously 2” x 2” squares. The labor and intense attention to detail has been likened to constructing a ship in a bottle. That’s why it’s so important to protect the integrity of each pedal and keep them safe during shipping.
Paper Mart Supports The Makers & Creators
If you’re looking for ultra-protective shipping and cushioning supplies to keep your handmade goods safe, we want you to know that we’re here for you. Our wide range of quality packaging supplies, professional advice, and award-winning customer care is here to help support you and your business. From flexible cushioning to drop-tested boxes, we’ve got you covered.
These images are courtesy of AWOL Pedals. If you want to check out Aaron’s handmade pedals, visit their website, AWOL Pedals or their Reverb store. Don’t forget to follow AWOL Pedals on social media (Instagram). If you wanted to check out the feature referenced earlier in our conversation, here’s a link to the 60 Second Hum video featuring the AWOL Flow pedal.