Xotic Guitars have managed to expand to a worldwide operation while still keeping a lot of the hand-manufacturing in the U.S. Even the manufacturing they do export is still done by hand. Xotic provides charts that show what percentage of each product originated from which country, so you can be sure of the quality.
They make guitar effects pedals and guitars.
From Garage Days to the Big Time
Back in 1996, Xotic was a one-man operation dedicated to producing basses in the San Fernando Valley. To stand out from the crowd, they invented the Tri-Logic Bass Preamp. This gave them the confidence to produce their first pedal, the Robotalk 1. It was a three-in-one random arpeggiator, envelope filter, and low-pass filter. It’s still a popular pedal today and has received several sequels.
In 2015, Xotic broadened their base with the California Classic guitar series, split into the XTC and XSC models (Telecaster and Stratocaster shapes respectively). They use ash and alder tonewoods from the U.S’ Midwest and Pacific Northwest, just like the founding fathers used in their original bass guitars. To top it off, they use a roasted maple neck which gives the guitars a unique feel.
Raw Vintage Pickups
The guitars also come with Raw Vintage pickups, handwound in Xotic’s L.A shop. These pickups have a character, attack and spank that you won’t find anywhere else. They are modelled off 1963-style pickup tones and have been endorsed by some big-name guitarists.
Relic’d Finish
Xotic also give you the option of a relic’d finish, which is sure to spark some debate. But Xotic stands by it, saying it’s like hanging out with an old friend or wearing your favorite pair of worn out jeans. You can choose from light, medium or heavy aging. Plus, the nitrocellulose lacquer finish means the guitars will age better than their non-relic’d competition.
So if you’re looking for a guitar with a vintage sound and feel, Xotic is the way to go. You can fill out a quick form online with your own specs and see the unique aged finishes for yourself.
Conclusion
Xotic is a brand that has been around for decades, and it’s clear to see why. Their guitar pedals are of the highest quality, and they have a wide range of options to suit any player’s needs. From the classic EP Booster to the modern-day Katana Boost, Xotic has something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile pedal, Xotic is the way to go! Just remember: don’t get too carried away with the knobs, or you’ll be in for a real TREAT!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
