The Realities of Running a Pedal Company: Why Quality and Commitment Come First

If you’re in the guitar pedal world, chances are you’ve stumbled across the JHS Show and its deep dives into the stories behind music gear. Recently, Josh Scott from JHS Pedals addressed a video circulating online accusing pedal companies of ripping people off. In his signature thoughtful way, Josh broke down the realities of what it actually takes to run a pedal company—and let’s just say, we’re nodding along over here at M2 Labs.

The True Cost of Doing Business

Josh hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that the cost of running a business is high. That’s not just an excuse; it’s the truth. From sourcing quality components to meeting safety certifications and regulatory standards, every piece of the puzzle has a price tag. Add to that the realities of running production, marketing, customer service, and shipping, and the overhead starts to look like a mountain.

At M2 Labs, we feel this every day. Nick and I (your friendly M2 co-founders) are still balancing our day jobs while pouring every single dime we make right back into the company. Why? Because we believe in building something real. Something that musicians—whether they’re playing small clubs or headlining arenas—can count on.

Why We Don’t Cut Corners

Let’s face it: it would be easy to take shortcuts. Cheaper parts, faster but less reliable production methods, or even just slapping a higher price on the pedals to pad our bottom line. But that’s not how we operate, and it’s not how we ever will.

Every component that goes into an M2 Labs pedal is handpicked for quality. Every circuit is tested to make sure it delivers the warmth and depth analog pedals are known for. Every design decision is made with care, because at the end of the day, the gear we build has to earn its place on your pedalboard.

It’s a commitment, and it comes at a cost—both financially and personally. Like Josh, we want to emphasize that this isn’t about greed or getting rich quick. It’s about creating something that lasts.

Building a Brand You Can Stand Behind

The truth is, it’s going to take years before Nick and I can even think about paying ourselves. For now, our “profit” is the satisfaction of seeing M2 Labs pedals in the hands of musicians around the world. We’re in this for the long haul, and our vision is simple: to build a brand that stands the test of time.

We’re not just creating pedals; we’re creating trust. When you plug in an M2 Labs pedal, you know it’s been built with intention, integrity, and a lot of late nights. That’s the kind of gear we want to use ourselves, and it’s the only kind of gear we’ll ever put our name on.

Why It’s All Worth It

Yes, the cost of doing business is high. But the reward? It’s even higher. Seeing musicians create something beautiful with a pedal we made—there’s nothing like it. And just like Josh and the folks at JHS, we’re here for the long journey, not the quick win.

To the players, the dreamers, the builders, and the skeptics: we hear you. We’re doing this the right way, not the easy way, so that M2 Labs is a name you can trust now and for years to come.

So the next time you hear someone question the value of a pedal or the motives of a company, remember this: behind every great pedal is a team of people who pour their lives into making it happen. For us at M2 Labs, that’s the heart of what we do—and why we do it.

Thanks for being on this journey with us. Let’s keep creating.