About Us

Recovery Effects has been creating useful, original tools for musicians since 2009. Each device has a unique functionality with distinct, unmistakable character. All of our products are designed and assembled at our home workshop in Seattle, Washington. We take pride in our workmanship, so you can rest assured you are getting a quality, tested device that will stand the test of time.

 
.Hello! Our names are Graig and Zera. Graig is from Nebraska, and I grew up in Rhode Island. We met in Charleston, South Carolina in 1997 when Graig’s band was on tour from Seattle. I had just moved to Charleston and didn’t feel like I fit in so I hopped in the van with Graig and his bandmates and went on tour with them. Upon returning to Charleston, I packed a bag and a guitar and bought a one-way bus ticket to Seattle. I moved in with Graig and we started a band. Over the last 26 years, we’ve released several records, played local clubs, and toured the US a few times. We also got married, adopted cats and dogs, and bought a fixer-upper with an outbuilding where we built our dream recording studio called the Recovery Room.
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.Dead Ship Sailing
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Graig often found himself repairing gear and became intrigued with creating his own tools. In 2009 he started building pedals that he sold on eBay, and that grew into Recovery Effects. I helped along the way by building a website and social media accounts. We daydreamed about joining forces but the prospect of leaving my job was daunting. Then Covid came along. In 2020 I learned how to solder and designed my first pedal, Gallows In The Morning. Since coming on board full time I am in awe of what Graig did on his own for so many years. We love working together, take pride in our work, and appreciate you following our device-making adventures!

 

Dead Ship Sailing (Black Cloud)

 

GRAIG MARKEL
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Music projects: the Animals at Night, Dead Ship Sailing, and solo work.
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Zera Marvel
ZERA MARVEL
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Music projects: Dead Ship Sailing, and solo work.
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Why are we called Recovery Effects?
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Graig called our first rehearsal/recording space, "The Recovery Room". It was a sanctuary where we could escape from reality and create music. Out of necessity, Graig learned to repair our gear, which eventually led to him creating effects pedals. The effects became an extension of the studio, as did the name.

People often ask if the name has anything to do with recovery from addiction. While we have family members who have struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, luckily we have not. To us "recovery" means regaining control and using difficult situations to grow, learn, and create.

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It's just the two of us!

We are a two-person company; all our devices are made-to-order and wired by hand. We firmly believe in putting out quality work that will stand the test of time. We recognize that waiting can be challenging, and we truly appreciate your patience. If you need an item by a certain date, please send us an email and we will do our very best to accommodate you!

  

Graig Markel effects pedal builder
Zera Marvel woman guitar effects pedal builder
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Emotional support staff:
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Marina
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Pearl (Pearl has Cerebellar Hypoplasia and Epilepsy and can not walk unassisted.)

Charleston

Reckless Jackson mini Australian Shepherd puppy

New to the team, Reckless Jackson (Jack)

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Stella Marvel K-9 Carts

And our dear, sweet dog Stella, who we lost October 4, 2021.