Sarah Lipstate's unbelievable gear collection

It's time for another episode of "Show Us Your Junk," and this one is for the hardcore pedal nerds and collectors. Sara Lipstate, a.k.a solo artist Noveller and guitarist and collaborator with Iggy Pop, takes us on a beautiful journey into her impressive collection of pedals and several cool guitars that populate her SoCal home. Sara also gifts lucky viewers with a few of her signature melodic ambient soundscapes. Sara talks of her teenage years as an aspiring guitarist in her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, her collegiate years in Austin, and how she began recording as Noveller. Eventually, she blossomed into an in-demand, working, creative musician, meeting and performing with many of her musical heroes, including Sonic Youth, composer Glenn Branca and, of course, Iggy Pop.
"It's been an incredible gift getting to collaborate with one of my musical heroes and getting to be a part of the long history of performing his iconic songs live," she says of her experiences with Iggy.
Pedal lovers are sure to utter several involuntary "oohs" and "aahs" as Sarah proudly shows and talks about the pedals featured on her living room shelves serving as "functional art." These include her beloved collection of Maxon and vintage Lovetone pedals and an Ibanez AD-80 delay. She also picks up a few favorite guitars, such as her pristine Ed O'Brien signature Stratocaster and her main guitar, a Fender American Professional Series Jazzmaster.
Next, we get a look inside her home studio, where the walls are covered in pedals from an impressive array of big and small pedal makers, including Old Blood Noise Endeavours, Red Panda, Meris, Montreal Assembly, Dr. No, and of course EQD. Pedal lovers will smile knowingly as Sarah talks about why she doesn't trade pedals like she used to and why having a couple of rooms full of stompboxes is more than just the coolest version of hoarding.
"Just being able to go and grab stuff and put it together is hugely inspiring to me," she says.
"A lot of times, the magic of a pedal isn't immediately apparent. Sometimes the magic of a pedal is how it interacts with other pedals. So, I find having a personal library of effects is my new mode of viewing my gear."
Directed and Edited by Vice Cooler @vicecooler
DP Dalton Blanco @dalton420sich
Audio Scott Cornish @actuallyadog
Hair and Makeup: Kylie Chavez-Gruss @kyliegrussmakeup
PA Henri Cash @henricash
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[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks for watching Sarah's SHOW US YOUR JUNK! Be sure to subscribe for more content like this!

[@RokDAWG1]

I would love to sit down with her & bust out guitars & effects….just create amazing tunes!

[@bunnyadrian]

I always dig how EQD acknowledges that other gear exists in the world and doesn't feel threatened by featuring a wide variety of stuff in their promos. Cheers, everyone!

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

Same with the JHS KZbin shows - Josh seems genuinely happier talking about other companies pedals. There seems to be more of a cooperative camaraderie between pedal companies now.

[@rikkousa]

Agree., Josh smith from JHS and Mason (Rig Dr) from Vertex are the same. When they halo the industry/gear…everyone wins….

[@paulillingworth90]

@@rikkousa I thought his name was Josh Heath Scott

[@matthewsouthworth3848]

Yeah, I really love this, too.

[@nicholaschavira1743]

I agree! I think it is so awesome and it really makes me want to buy the pedals from the companies that are comfortable sharing other sounds and pedals. The purpose of pedals is to dial your own unique sound and it really feels like they are promoting that experience overall, versus hoarding customers to just buy their own stuff. It just feels like a really genuine pursuit in helping artists be as unique as they can be to produce good music and sounds.

[@reginaldperiwinkle]

She charted a completely unique path personally and musically and by being true to herself and following through, opportunities arose. It's admirable.

[@BelligerentHeritage]

I got to meet her when she opened up for St. Vincent and was incredibly impressed by her. I love seeing that she continues to gain recognition.

[@tylermarshall6180]

That’s a fantastic lineup!

[@michaelcraig9449]

She is way better than St. Vincent, totally different. She should tour with Ally Venable, Danielle Nicole, or Samantha Fish, that would be awesome. Have you listened to them yet? Check them out!

[@unemployablegraduate]

I’m genuinely admiring how Sarah seems to have achieved such order and neatness in her life. I have far fewer pedals and guitars than this and they seem to dominate my entire flat! If I did have this many pedals, I doubt I’d be able to see the floor any more, or indeed leave the house to buy groceries. I’d be found dead by paramedics in a tangle of adaptor wires and patch cables…

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

but at least your scissors would be sticky from cutting velcro. I MEAN, HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER!

[@hissquiet]

Oh I 105% believe that she cleaned the heck out of her studio for this documentary hahaha

[@spieglass3211]

I love her style, both musically and sartorially.

[@wheresallthezombies]

I love your choice of words

[@foljs5858]

Her interior design of the space ain't bad either

[@PunkIsDead...LikeMe]

She even coordinated her outfits with her gear!

[@billyghostal]

thank you for teaching me a new word.

[@theshuriken]

thats my first thought too, dreamy

[@brianmcwilliams4904]

Never heard of Sarah, but this ended up in my feed. Thoroughly enjoyed her music, stories and collection of pedals. So jealous of the pedals. Great video!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checkin' it out

[@Bean15_]

This is one of the best gear videos I’ve ever seen. She’s amazing.

[@wavertone]

sarah is one of the best, so glad folks are finally getting hip to her. we took a tour of the EH pedal factory back in the day to try out some new gear; she did an improvised piece, it was so effortless and beautiful, a privilege to see her work and to hear.

[@stuminnis4050]

I want to see her on That Pedal Show. It should be at least 2 hours long.

[@Cesiumswimsuit]

I geeked out quite a bit on this episode… the Chicago Specials pickups, SY…Glenn Branca, and a Super Fuzz?! Too awesome. Thank you for sharing and spotlighting her creative approach to music

[@Jeffero28]

KZbin algorithm brought me here, like it brought Iggy Pop to her. Such a great reminder of what's possible with a guitar, but also what's possible in this crazy life we lead. Funnel out the negative, remain open to new ideas. Everything in this video embodies that. Inspiring.

[@omnaraiya]

Love Sarah’s music. She is the gold standard for ambient electronic guitar music. She is more much than just a gear-head, she finds unique ways to use effects beyond simply stacking a bunch of delay. Thanks EQD for this deep dive.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Well said :) Thanks for watching!

[@nsmtyler7]

Best episode yet! Very well done and of course Sarah is ultra cool.

[@violinmiata]

What a beautiful story, was completely drawn in. It’s amazing how all sound and pedal nerds unite and accept that all sounds and pedals are good. My kids tried to count how many pedals and guitars I have, but there wasn’t really a finite number in the end. Stuff shows up, and that’s ok. More sounds=more better

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aki_gong6271]

One of the most inspiring chapters. Simply amazing. Big thanks for sharing!

[@scottrrand37]

I am grateful for having stumbled across this video this morning. WOW...Sarah, you are inspiring!

[@mr5811]

I can't believe I'm just learning about this creative powerhouse.

[@terriblecrayon]

Me too!

[@scotthayes83]

This is my first introduction to Sarah, she is so inspiring. I will definitely be diving head first. Great video!!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Nice! Thanks so much!

[@PonchoTorresJAT]

She’s so musical on everything she plays. This is fantastic

[@SevinHertz]

Such a unique talent. 39:56 "sometimes the magic of a pedal is in it's interaction with other pedals" 🔥 @EuroTrashPanda

[@Bits_N_Pixels]

What a great video... to see an artist grow and use the tools to develop their style is priceless!

[@sarghumaincoxis]

Her music and her approach working with different technologies is really inspiring. Saw Iggy's band this past tour in Europe and they blew my mind, specially her soundscapes and angry fuzz. Also got my first Earthquaker first pedal after watching some videos of her showing her gear. Now it is part of my basic pedalboard while recording.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

That's so awesome! Glad it inspired you 😎 Hope you're digging the new pedal!!

[@JustRockMySoul]

As a purist, i'm kinda opposed to too many effects and think many times people try to hide a lack of skill and feel behind them. But with that intro alone you can already tell she's an artist, truly exploring that side of the sound universe. Gonna have to check out her band, or solo project rather, too. Also: Good on you featuring other brands, too, letting her show her whole collection unedited. Goes to show how your company earned being on the shelf of such an accomplished artist specializing in that field.

[@michaelcraig9449]

Well some guitarist play real great, and just use some effects to get some cool sounds to go with their songs. Others, like you said, 100% rely on pedals and they basically can not play anything at all with no pedals. We know who they are, no sense mentioning it.

[@robertdouble559]

@@michaelcraig9449 Who cares about super playing skills and technique? So long as the songs are cool and have a vibe, all that "musicianship" stuff doesn't matter to anyone other than music snobs.

[@wavertone]

one could say the same about too many colors being used in a painting to hide lack of drawing skill, but what would museums look like? i would rather live in a world where black and white ink purists can sit side by side with people who like to drench a canvas in a riot of red, and not be derided for not knowing how to draw feet the 'technically' correct way. technical skill can only help one hit the right note on an instrument with precision, but it cannot tell you when to play the right note or why.

[@hisscracklerecords4096]

Love the special pedal wall and that Earthquaker doesn’t shy away from the world of pedals outside of their own devices . Incredible etheral vibes throughout this great vid! Thank you !

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Lots of great stuff out there. We use everything too! thanx for being here, friend☺️

[@PedalPlayhouse]

This was amazing! I’ve always loved Sarah’s work but to hear her talk about effects pedals similarly in a way that I feel when I explore them was really great. Like a sort of mirror in some ways. Thank you EQD for this so much. You’re amazing Sarah!

[@tommynikon2283]

I'm no musician, definitely not a guitarist, BUT.....this was fascinating! Never heard of Sara- but her talent is undeniable, as is the worth of this channel. Subbed.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

thanks for your sub and interest!

[@poesybeat]

Such a great episode! Saw Noveller live a few years back - totally inspired performance.

[@adamwhaley]

What an incredible video - great story and a beautiful talent. Instant fan of both the channel and Sarah.

[@darin1697]

This was awesome. I love her music I've seen her live as Noveller three times

[@etherian]

I am flabbergasted by the amount of coolness in this video. I love the way she composes her music and think she has quite a unique style of playing. Thanks for the amazing vid!

[@leascaart]

SUPER COOL!! She seems so serious and she should be. But you pay close attention to her decorations and pedals, she's got a sense of humor. Lovely, hardworking, and smart lady.

[@dour96]

this has totally inspired me !!! Time to get a loop pedal and makes some soundscapes!!! ☮️

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

fun times!

[@texanfournow]

I admire Sarah, not only for her music and proficiency with gear, but more so because she carved her own path and made it work. I was pleased to see the Ed O'Brien Strat. Being a big fan of Radiohead, I bought my EOB Strat in 2018 when they came out. It is a fantastic guitar, even without the gizmo! Now if only Fender would come out with a Jonny Greenwood Tele Deluxe...

[@michaelcraig9449]

Can you post up a video of you playiung and show all the stuff the EOB guitar does?

[@Da1AliBi]

I am so happy that I came across this video. I instantly subscribed to Sarah's channel. What she does blows me away. Absolutely stunning!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Awesome, glad you did too! Thanks for watching!

[@2112zabrinskie]

A light in the shadow. I love her style and ideas of music. I wanna thanks her for make me discover new sound and new way to think music and gear. I love her taste. Great artist. Thanks for this documentary, it is very interesting.

[@adammarx5310]

These videos are so fantastic.. Bravo Earthquaker and absolutely beautiful music and interview to both you and Sarah!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thank you so much!

[@davidburns862]

She. Is. Amazing. Everything about her.

[@FFGG22E]

Meh

[@RustyTonesJr]

Totally agree. Meh-lol.

[@ghostnote1678]

@@FFGG22E ​ Sometimes when I see an a-hole comment, I click on the user and check to see if their subscriptions are visible. They usually are, and they usually look very similar like yours. Funny, that. And John Schneider is almost always the first or second for some reason. Anyways, just an observation.

[@2007bmpgti]

I absolutely love the on-board effects on the guitar, it's so sick.

[@SeanMRoberts]

She didn’t get to meet Sonic Youth. Sonic Youth got to meet her. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Sarah perform a number of times as Noveller and with Parts and Labor. She’s extremely talented and I have so much respect for her and her work.

[@BelligerentHeritage]

When she opened for St. Vincent and I saw her, I went to the merch booth and she was running her own side. Not a single person was there so I got to just walk up, thank her for her music (because what else was I going to say?), and then after a quick chat of her appreciating it, she signed the copy of the album I bought from her. Made me really sad she wasn't getting the recognition she deserved, but seeing this now and following her career since has been awesome.

[@ProckGnosis]

As a guy who does love playing the electric guitar occasionally, I wasn't aware of Sarah's work, but I'm looking into it now. Thanks for the vid....

[@benhanbury]

What a great video, very inspiring to hear about Sarah's musical journey

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@headlessspaceman5681]

Iggy Pop's version of the Dylan Thomas poem is SO GOOD. Excellent choice, perfect delivery. But when I started out watching this video I would not have guessed she is the artist behind the stormy soundscape that accompanies Iggy's reading of the poem. SO GOOD. Let's hear it for that youtube algorithm that brought these two together! It's hard to think of a more random way of finding a quality musical collaborator! Thanks to Earthquaker for doing this episode!!! Really appreciated hearing her tell her own story at her own pace.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks so much!

[@dr.gregoryweisswassernd7251]

Great musical artist with fantastic taste on gear and her fashion. I’m impressed.

[@RustyTonesJr]

All I can say is Wow. She is a mad scientist of guitar pedals. New fan here.

[@stevenvenn]

She's so great (and creative). Big fan of her work. Thanks for this, EQD and Sarah/Noveller!

[@brianaaland5263]

This is great, I am happy to know there are other gear heads out there with similar size collections of gear. I don't have as many shelfs though, and I need to fix that asap

[@R1GAMBLER]

she should play her Gizmotron EOB Sustainer through a Digitech FreqOut with an Ebow

[@Margilio5150]

Super inspiring, didn’t finish seeing the video and got up, played some guitar, then 1 hour later came back to add this comment, great episode!

[@BitcoinTakeover]

This was incredibly great, thanks for producing & uploading!

[@TUNNELOFREVERB]

This is excellent. Love Sarah's work

[@denverrandy7143]

One of my favorite musicians at this time.Has a great ear.

[@lucasaraya5368]

Great episode! Sarah is 100% cool and amazing :)

[@rabidgoon]

I keep forgetting that I need to dive into this woman’s catalog. Every time I see a video where she’s playing it is awesome.

[@scottvalk]

Didn't know until watching this how much we have in common... I had also met Thurston & Lee (Sonic Youth) and also performed with Rhys Chatham and I'm also on his 3cd boxset (Guitar Trio Is My Life! Table of The Elements - Buffalo, NY performance) being a part of Rhys' performance and live recording is a cherished highlight for me playing guitar. I missed Noveller perform in Buffalo, in an old, no longer functioning grain silo since the band I was in at the time had a rare out of town gig. That was bit of a bummer because the grain silo has a natural up to 6 second echo/reverb that seems to fit her soundscape tones. In a solo context, we both kinda share the same sound aesthetic, though she is making music her career and for me music is a hobby that I didn't pursue into a career... Also the EQD Black Ash is my primary fuzz pedal too.

[@unholyaudiochannel]

This was really inspiring. Ever since I was a boy and saw L7 on the Word in the UK I was always in awe of the power of women in music, esp heavy rock music. Love it.

[@GrimKardashian]

L7 changed my life

[@johncollins5552]

Throwing Muses are much more interesting, check them out.

[@davidjameschamberlain]

L7's music is the epitome of cool, like it's impossible not to feel like a badass when listening to L7

[@nickhynes9247]

This is great! How come I've never come across Sarah Lipstate's work until now?

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

dunno but here you are! enjoy😃

[@yupihaveone4070]

Did u listen to college radio! She was huge on NYC stations WNYU and WFMU back in 2008, 2009 as she was starting her journey as Noveller. I’m sure just about every college station in the country were playing Noveller by then.

[@meatsuitsublimator8506]

After watching hours upon hours of videos teaching arpeggios, licks, modal exercises, etc., it's sort of bittersweet to be reminded that being recognized as an important guitarist often comes down to a matter of who can make the coolest noise. That's art for ya!

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

Being super attractive doesn't hurt either!

[@denverrandy7143]

I lived in Lafayette for about 5 years.Probably my favorite town i ever lived in.👍

[@AhYesIndeedItsFunTime]

She has a double neck Chibson! Very cool stuff.

[@telecasteroil]

This was wonderful!!!!!! I love the ambient sounds!

[@blakeingleby1039]

That is a sweet collection of pedals and guitars, Univox Super Fuzz, if only they weren’t 1,000 dollars and up, such a sick pedal. I love your creativity and approach to songwriting, very captivating and interesting. Sonic Youth, brilliant band, they have influenced and inspired a whole lot of musicians, just listened to Sister the other day. Thanks to all involved making this possible.

[@coreyw5981]

This was so engaging i didn't realize i just watched 40 mins haha. i would love to eventually acquire a quarter of her studio room gear even

[@johnmossey]

Yes! The legend. Lipstate herself. Amazing stuff as usual EQD

[@dorianford6227]

She inspires me very deeply she is so amazing

[@Paddistic]

17!? I’m 35 and I want to learn the guitar. Never too late.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

DO IT. Just do whatever you want. Play it upside down and backwards. Remember who told you that.

[@jtf2dan]

Wow!...amazing collection...and such an inspiration to buy different things and try them out to make sounds with!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Have fun!

[@stevemora7845]

Fascinating, she is a wonderful musician! 👍🎸

[@pickinthatbanjo]

I remember running a bunch of effects and bowing my SG over a decade ago after renting a Fiddle I couldn't play, nice to see somebody make that their style.

[@nsiepmann]

First encountered Sarah through hearing a Radiolab live show, where if I remember correctly she was part of an incredible musical depiction of the end of the universe.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Sweet! :)

[@davidrossmusicalinstruments]

I was introduced to the music of Noveller literally on Monday, and now I'm seeing this video show up and I watched the whole thing. I'm glad for the serendipity and it's good to see an approach to music that's unusual.

[@castawaymusic144]

Watching this video and using Aphantasia as background music. Goes together perfect. Great video!

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

This person is awesome. I am glad she exists. What an amazing and quality music gear collection.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Couldn't agree more!

[@JokerLokison]

Wow... this is my first experience with this artist and I'm blown away by some of the parallels in our musical and artistic development. The experimentation, the pulling pedals down and creating a board for a particular sonic idea, the use and exploration of nontraditional instruments, and many of the pedals she highlighted are either favorites in my collection or are pedals I've been fascinated by and hope to acquire. I think the only difference being I have a more extreme musical foundation, but have loved ambient/soundscaping music since my days working at Relapse Records in the mid 90s and being turned onto that type of stuff by Bill Yurkewicz there. Very cool piece here. I will be exploring Ms Lipstate's work more extensively for sure. I think she's pretty neat!

[@simpleboxconstruction]

This was awesome. One of the coolest soudscapers out there.

[@compucorder64]

You're great video with the Meris Polymoon just made me go and buy one today. Really liked that oxblood Jazzmaster too; it looks a bit like some of Matt Johnston's KZbin series 'Beautiful but Expensive guitars. And his series of 'pedals that I can just about afford' :) Nice to find out it's the Troy Van Leeuwen. For now, I'll a Squier J Mascis Jassmaster is as much as I can afford for my next guitar - but the Troy or Pro Jazzmasters aren't made out of solid unobtanium / vibranium. So, maybe next year. If you haven't check out the Soma Labs Cosmos, I think you'd make amazing soundscapes with it. If you want to just kind of get lost in enjoyable improvising for hours. Just don't forget to record your journies through space+time.

[@thomaschumley3904]

I'm a little late finding this episode, but what and amazing video. She is an Incredible talent.

[@ryan2stix]

Great gear, great fashion sense and wonderful hair... what a stunner... never head of this gal, look forward to exploring her tunes.. thanks youtube.

[@PDXLimey]

Wow!! Epic pedals, guitars and sound-scapes, and to top it off- Iggy and Anthony Bourdain. Thanks EQD and Sarah for blowing my mind... and inspiring me to go try stuff.

[@cortmiller]

Never heard of her. But this was an awesome video. Brought to me by the KZbin algorithm as well!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@gregniel]

Do you ever find an artist that you immediately click with? I just did. I would just like to add that the intro/outro she is playing gave me the chills. . . . it is one of the most beautifully haunting pieces of music I have ever heard.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

BOOM!

[@randysutton2120]

One of the coolest collections I've seen. Those Dr. No pedals are amazing.

[@JohnWWarrenGuitar]

Sarah is really a great artist; unique and special. Great video, listening to her and viewing her collection. (Interesting, I don’t see a Microcosm or other Hologram Electronics pedals; it seems a natural for her style.)

[@thomaswhudson]

Amazing, never heard of here but I am checking out her music now. She has a cool look into things. I am just now getting into pedals but she has gone far beyond that.

[@llywelyngruffydd8474]

That Laura Palmer picture in the frame is cool

[@rob9340]

So great, what an amazing and unique musician. I am a new fan!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

rad!

[@marzbitenhaussen]

that tape pedal from Montreal assembly is one of the most amazing effects I have ever tried

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

Never heard of her. Glad I clicked! She's awesome! 🤘😎

[@radewar]

Truly an admirable artist, great video 👌

[@size14steeltoes]

She's amazing. First time hearing her. Definitely a fan now. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

mission accomplished! thanks!

[@MajicFreeman]

A couple minutes in and somehow i knew Rhys Chatham and Sonic Youth would come up. Dig her style and Talent. Amazing sounds, cheers! I had to have my questions about that ed o brian guitar answered and I stayed til the end. Great Show Eqd

[@robcobi]

Wow what a cool story and career! I'll have to learn more about her music! Great video EQD!

[@justinbard7710]

I saw Sarah play with Parts & Labor many moons ago. Been listening since. Very creative guitar player.

[@JustinPittman]

Ok... at 29:34. What's the pedal between the Avalanche Run and the Rever in the top left corner? Side note: This was absolutely the most inspiring interview in this series yet! I've been following Sarah (Noveller) online for years in awe, and this longer format interview with her left me wanting to listen to her more. I was a bit surprised with how we went through everything on the wall, but oddly NOT what she was currently using on her pedalboard. If that footage exists, please post that as an extra 'directors cut'! Thanks for bringing this to the internet EarthQuaker!!

[@proteusswarm7291]

Pladask electrisk. Norwegian pedal builder.

[@crimsonfancy]

Lafayette? I'm so close and grew up so close. I'm just browsing YT and got here. I also own the Meris Mercury 7. :) cheers from South Louisiana

[@MusicLandria]

Having access to that inspiration when you need it. Love that. Heck yes

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

yeah what's wrong with that, AMMIRITE?

[@bluemtoo]

Thanks for introducing a new (to me) musician. I intend on exploring more of her music.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

You should! 😎

[@avjake]

Thanks for the introduction to Sara and her music. The effort put into this video is remarkable. Is the song she played on this vid one of her recordings or did she just make it up? Sounds pretty strong to me.

[@sarahhey8654]

Love the custom pedal shelves !

[@electronictiger]

Another great one! I much appreciate these videos.