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About Robert Keeley

About… yeah about time I filled this page out!  Heck it’s December 2014!

First of all, a big HOWDY from Robert Keeley. It has been a joy to work with so many amazing people over the years, finding tone and searching for that final touch that defines your tone. I’m even more proud to say that it has worked! People have finally found the tone that’s been in their heads for years! They have found the perfect compressor, found the perfect booster, the perfect delay or mod to their unit; and yes, they have found the Perfect Distortion!  Read below for a little history about myself.

So come on in and enjoy our laid-back Web site where you still have all of the features and comforts of a bigger business. We have email and phone support, we work hard to make sure backorders are constantly being addressed and solutions found, we honor our warranties, we care about your tone AND you. Please take an evening to read the reviews on the web at www.harmony-central.com under Keeley, and you’ll see why Keeley Electronics, Inc. isn’t just a manufacturer of high-end musical electronics, but a lover of tone and customers.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST! THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING US A HUGE SUCCESS. LET US SURPRISE YOU WITH OUR LOVE OF TONE AND QUALITY SERVICE!

 

A Little Bit About Robert Keeley:

I grew up in a music and engineering family.  Both my dad and his dad were electrical engineers.  My mom was the nicest, kindest person you could hope to meet.  Taught me how to treat people.  Dad played guitar in bands during college days and was a super star in the U.S. Air Force.  I eventually got his 70’s Peavey Deuce amplifier.  (JFET input stage, quad 6L6GC outputs, first thing I ever modified, and a negative feedback control to it in 1996 I think.)  I started playing guitar in 1978 with a student model Yamaha acoustic guitar my grandma got me.  I really dug in when I got to Germany.  From 1984 to 1988 I played at least 8 hours a day I swear!  Heck, there was Van Halen, SRV, Yngwie Malmsteen, you name it.  There was Guitar for the Practicing Musican, there was Guitar Player magazine with Craig Anderton!

I started in electronics in 1989 and have never wondered about doing anything else.  I encourage anyone and everyone to become an engineer.  I think it’s the greatest job you could ever have.

  • Keeley Electronics
    Owner · 2001 to present · Edmond, Oklahoma
    Engineer

  • Vatterott College – Oklahoma City
  • Teacher · 2000 to 2001 · Warr Acres, Oklahoma
    Taught Analog and Digital Electronics, Math, & Microsoft Office. 😉 Worked there for one year, first half with very rewarding. Second half, could wait to quit and build pedals full time! First employees for Keeley Electronics were all students of mine. Very exciting. Students would bring Keeley Compressors in for me to finish up and ship off.

  • Audio Midwest
  • Electronics · 1995 to 1999 · Midwest City, Oklahoma
    Service Department Manager – Electronic repair of high end tube amplifiers, home audio and car stereo. Built my first 5E3 tube amp here!  I built my first effect here, a digitally controlled analog delay with built in tuner – in 1999. Ahead of its time.  It used the Motorola 68HC11 to control a florescent display and 10-key panel as well as the Panasonic bucket brigade chip and tuner.  Lots of code, lots of current.  Lots of learning. 😉

  • Industrial Video, Inc
  • Electronics · 1993 to 1995 · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
    Junior Engineer. One of the hardest jobs I had. Worked for an EE that designed the Glamour Shots system. Built circuit boards for video systems. Modified Thermal Printers and Video Disc Recorders. (Yup, that’s where the mods started!) Designed medical experiment equipment for tracking mice. Repaired Sony and Panasonic industrial and broadcast equipment. Super difficult. Since these pieces of equipment went into TV studios and hospitals, etc. they had to be Right. Most influential job I had in terms of the future of Keeley Electronics. Finished up my AS in Engineering here!

  • Soundtrak
  • Electronics · 1989 to 1993 · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
    First electronics job. Repair technician. Right out of a tech school for electronics and computers. (Our final project was building an Intel 8088 with 8087 math co-processor.) I started repairing car stereos, VCR’s, and moved to CD players and Big Screens. I learned the most from the endless Yamaha home amplifiers, and Kenwood and JVC car stereos I had to fix. Build speaker boxes for cars! I was thrilled. Made nearly $29,000 my first year at 19 years old.  Barry Burns taught me more than you could imagine.  Thanks Barry for giving me a no-nonsense approach to looking at electronics and the repair of circuits.  He was a brilliant old TV guy.  Thanks again!

51 Responses to “About Robert Keeley”

  1. Mike Nelson December 10, 2014 at 6:03 pm

    Hi Robert,
    I have a couple of questions. Having just purchased a Taylor T5z, it occurred to me that a compressor might sound good with it. Not so much for an effect, but as part of the basic sound. I’m thinking of Monty Montgomery’s incredible tone here.
    What’s the difference in the GC-2 and the 4 Knob Compressor? Do you offer “industry accommodation” pricing? Of course I’ll reciprocate and offer wholesale pricing on our looper or other pedals.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley January 27, 2015 at 12:48 pm

      Howdy sir!
      I’d love to own a Boomerang! Let’s talk. Call the shop sometime. 405-341-2025 and I’d be honored to work with you guys.

      Reply
  2. David H. Shull, Jr. December 13, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Robert:
    I am enjoying several boss mods you all did for me.
    Thanks for sharing your gifts and wizardry.
    Can I send you my Big Muff Pi NYC pedal for you to modify.
    I did not see it listed on your web site.
    Thanks
    dhs

    Reply
  3. Georgi December 15, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    This is an one hell of inspiring story. Your pedals are going to be the foundation of my first album one day…one day .

    Reply
  4. christophe January 3, 2015 at 7:04 am

    Robert,
    What a boost pedal can be used for a bass guitar?

    Reply
  5. Don Whitter January 5, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    I know have 6 of your pedals and would like to know what
    Power source would ( YOU) recommend.I would like to keep the most excellent pedals that I purchased from you on a separate power source than my other pedals. Thanks DW.

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley January 27, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      I recommend the Voodoo Labs Pedal Power II. It is simply the best out there. I don’t recommend OneFitsAllSpot daisy-chain type power supplies. The noise level is high and you can run into problems when you configure and try to power high current devices. Trust me, get a Voodoo Labs power supply and never worry about it again.

      Reply
  6. Mike Laird January 20, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    I am just doing research at this point but looking to open my own store front guitar store. What are your requirements for carrying your product? Is there an initial order by dollar amount or by pieces? Again, I am in the early stages but I own a few of your products and know them to be 1) quality and 2) tone conscious.

    Thanks,
    Mike

    Reply
  7. Jeff January 22, 2015 at 11:08 am

    I wasn’t familiar with Keeley pedals until Premier Guitar sent me an email saying they were giving away a pedal board loaded with them! Imagine my surprise as I was reading up on them to learn that they’re made just down the road from me in Tulsa! I’ll definitely be looking more into them – until I win the whole bundle, of course!

    Reply
  8. Robert Keeley January 27, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks folks for the kind words!

    Reply
    • Dan September 30, 2015 at 12:24 pm

      Picked up a Keely Compressor pro yesterday. Very nice touch I must say!
      Only reservation is regarding the ‘power’ pilot light. (which seems not correctly labeled, as it’s actually a status indicator of compression in or out, not power indication.)
      At any rate, the blue led is SO BRIGHT, you can’t read anything else on the legend plate when it’s on! THAT is a real problem, in my estimation! Typeface of printing is also way too small.
      Hard to read any of it when your eyes are 5 feet above the box when using it.
      You’re just literally blinded by the piercing blue illumination.
      I’d suggest dropping the led voltage to about half of current level. It is really offensive visually.
      I put a piece of tape over mine and it’s still too bright!
      As far as audio processing is concerned, it’s pretty quiet, and has fully functional controls.
      Bandwidth is very nice!
      I also have an Effectrode PC-2A compressor (tube output).
      That is my top compression pedal, but it doesn’t do some of the things the Keely can!
      So the Keely is a very functional unit IMO, and seems to handle the signal very nicely,
      and find it also a very clean sounding output.
      Overall, it is a great product IMO. I’ve been using comps for 40 years, and have had some very nice studio units, but this box seems very apt to compare against all comers.
      Thanks for making a great box! I’ll be using it consistently.

      Dan Peick
      Apple Valley, MN

      Reply
      • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 2:59 pm

        Thank you so very much! Yes, I hate my blue LEDs too. I’m doing something about it post haste.
        Your words are very kind. I very grateful for you writing. I can modify your unit if you’d be so kind as to send it to me.
        Robert Keeley

        Reply
  9. Grant May 6, 2015 at 4:57 am

    Hello

    I live in Australia and I am interested in purchasing an banes tube screamer and having you modify it. Can you purchase one on my behalf modify it and ship it to Perth in Australia?

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:32 pm

      Hello sir!
      We stopped modifying pedals in October. I’d recommend our Oxblood for the ultimate overdrive and distortion!
      rk

      Reply
  10. John May 8, 2015 at 11:33 am

    The dynatrem demo sounds excellent. Is that device analog or converting signal to digital? J

    Reply
  11. Tonny Gustafsson May 22, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    Love your pedals and have a bunch on my pedalboard, I have lately gotten to be interested
    in a Klon overdrive. That said is any of the Keeley ovedrives based on the Klon?

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks for the great question! Our Oxblood destroys the Klon. Please check out the videos! We have them in stock and by far it is our most popular overdrive/distortion.
      thanks sir!
      rk

      Reply
  12. Steve Creacy May 29, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    I would love to hear a demo sampling of the Red Dirt Germanium, specifically in comparison to the previous Red Dirt Non-Germanium. There is only one obscure YouTube video that does not do it justice. I use a Les Paul and PRS Custom 24, not any Fender, so would love something in those directions. I do not prefer the standard RDO sound, but this really looks promising. Thanks! ~S

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      I am working on that sir! New Red Dirt Germaniums are being built next week and going out to a host of demo guys!
      thanks!
      rk

      Reply
  13. Peter Rich May 29, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    Hi Robert. I missed the Nocturner sale. Are you planning on including this in your product line?
    Cheers
    Peter Rich

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      Hello sir!
      Chicago Music Exchange has a few left last time I checked. Call them up and see. If they don’t I will make one custom for you.
      rk

      Reply
  14. Lewis Mrotzek June 8, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    Hey there!

    Just wanted to say thanks for making this great pedal! I have done all of our albums with one , and play one live almost every night! If you want to hear the SD-1 Tone check it out ! wildheartrocks.com

    Reply
  15. Marcus July 30, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    Robert,
    I’m considering buying a TS-808 and have you Mod it. Do you make a pedal that in your opinion can replace the Classic 808 or close to it in tone and performance? Or would it be better to do the mod?
    Thank you,
    Marcus

    Reply
  16. Casey August 12, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    When will you be making more Red Dirt Professional Overdrive pedals. The 1st batch sold out so quick!

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      We have a very, VERY special Red Dirt coming out next week. Please stay tuned! ‘-)
      rk

      ps, we can make one for you if you like, just call and ask for Lisa.
      rk

      Reply
  17. Leon Lebenkorn August 22, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    Hi Robert, I just want to make you aware of something that is probably insignificant but being a graphic designer and in the sign and print field for many years I noticed the
    following…I got an email from Prymaxe Vintage, Boutique where your pedal RECINO Digital Delay is shown. In the second video where a young man is playing a dark cherry colored Les Paul, at about 24 seconds, the video pans into a close up of your RECINO pedal. I just happened to notice that all the copy & graphics including your “K” logo is all off center and towards the left edge of the face of the housing. The word REPEAT is about to fall off the face…Like I said, it is insignificant but I notice things like this because of my background, I own your 4 knob compressor and I wish I could afford this pedal….Anyway, that’s all…following this the web page where you can view it if you like. Thanx and keep designing these fabulous products. Sincerely, Leon Lebenkorn
    http://prymaxevintage.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=050d8d5e44996b56d67ee55c2&id=9cb9064970&e=e883a87357

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      Hi there!
      Sometimes dealers by Blemished units and I can’t always control where they might show up. Nope, you are right, that doesn’t look good at all.
      We spend a lot of time and effort into making things look good. Give Lisa a shout at the shop, I bet you she’d make you a SMOKING hot deal on a comp if you tell I said so.
      Thanks my friend!
      Robert

      Reply
  18. Alexandre August 28, 2015 at 11:32 am

    You ship to Brazil???

    Reply
  19. chris September 3, 2015 at 3:33 am

    Hi

    Do you export to Australia please? In particular I am interested in the

    The Keeley 30ms Automatic Double Tracker

    What stockists sell this product down under please?

    Thanks

    Chris

    Reply
  20. Jerry Pennington September 3, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    Robert,
    I purchased several of your pedals back in ’04. (2-knob Comp, Katana Boost, TS9/+808, Boss Bd-2, and Boss DS-1. And most recently Cavern:Reverb/Delay.
    I have been totally pleased with all of them and they serve me well, night-in and night-out.
    But, as of recently i’ve noticed the Java Boost, which I’ve always ran as a “lead-boost” (push/pull “IN”)at the end of the drive pedal(s) chain, adds a tremendous amount of bass/low-end. I’ve tried it with push-pull “out”, but low-end is even louder.
    Example of pedal chain: guitar out to > comp>BD-2>TS9>DS-1>amplifier input.
    I’m using a DR.Z Maz-18 NR 1×12, running the master volume around 11 O’clock and pre-vol around 2 O’clock, its just at the point of breaking up but still clean if I play lighter or strum.
    It adds too much low end even clean with no other pedals engaged.
    Is there possibly something that could need replaced in the pedal that would cause this?
    I’m not getting any noise or any other issues, otherwise.
    Thanks!
    J. Pennington in KY.

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      Howdy sir!
      Is there any chance you can send that back to me, my attention, RK must listen to and inspect.
      The Java Boost as you know should actually CUT bass. It’s a treble booster. I suspect something is very wrong.
      Thanks for your business sir!
      rk

      Reply
  21. Kurt Joachimstaler September 7, 2015 at 1:53 pm

    Hi Mr. Keeley

    What is your return policy for pedals bought here on the website?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      We allow 48 hours to test the pedal and let us know if you want to send it back. I’m not too picky on that. What matters is your satisfaction. Most people can tell if a unit will work in their rig within 48 hours.
      Thanks Kurt!
      rk

      Reply
  22. David Goode September 11, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    Robert,
    I’ve owned and enjoyed the 2 and 4 knob comps, Fuzz Head, TS9DX Turbo, and dual Phaser. Your new pedal designs look great!

    When will the Deluxe Vibe-O_Verb be available?

    Thanks!
    Dave Goode
    Cary, NC

    Reply
  23. Rich October 16, 2015 at 12:28 am

    Robert, out of curiosity, was your dad stationed at Scott AFB in the early 80’s?

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      Capt. Keeley and some pedal dude
      BINGO! Yes, sure was! We were there from 1982 to 1984. Dad was a freshly minted 2nd Lt. Email me at prez@rkfx.com
      PSsst, see my Facebook page today for a picture of Capt. Keeley after we left Scott, AFB
      Robert Keeley

      Reply
  24. Bruce Allen October 19, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    Hello Robert,

    I just purchased a Keeley Double Tracker from Pro Guitars and I was wondering if you had any recommendations about the placement of the pedal on my pedal board.

    Should I treat it as a modulation type pedal and place it last in the signal chain?

    Thanks,
    Bruce Allen

    Reply
    • Robert Keeley November 11, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      You can think of it as a modulation pedal or a “end of chain, amplifier splitter” It depends on how you want to use it really. If you have two amps, then I’d use it as the last in line certainly. If it’s going to be used for a chorus type sound, then after your distortions would be great. Let me know if that helps!
      Robert

      Reply
  25. Andrew Brown November 15, 2015 at 9:56 am

    Dear Robert

    I’m a bass player and been looking for an awesome chorus pedal and your new Seafoam just seems prefect!!

    Also can you tell me when your new delay mutlti m8 will be available in the UK or is it better to by direct from your good self! Does the mutli 8 have the 30 double tracker and aurora reverb in there or is it a new discrete effect?

    Brilliant pedals….

    Cheers

    Andrew

    Reply
  26. Georgi October 12, 2019 at 3:18 pm

    Hey Robert

    So I am about to buy a Fuzz Bender. The thing is I have no idea where to put it in my signal chain. I have (in order) Tuner – Keeley Compressor Pro – Katana – Strymon Dual Sunset – Chase Bliss Condor – Empress Nebulus – Boss Rv-500 – DItto Looper. I`m also order a Qtron Plus which complicates things even more haha! Advice on putting the Fuzz Bender and Qtron in the signal chain would be great. Thanks

    Reply
  27. Tom Howland March 17, 2021 at 10:40 am

    Hi,

    I’m a big fan of your pedals, and have used then for years. Do you do custom orders :
    Would love to get a Super Bass & Omni Reverb. Two in one pedal. If not, Will the Super bass be reissued ? I can’t find one for sale any where .
    Thanks,
    Tom

    Reply
  28. John D April 19, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    Hello Mr Keeley,

    I love the fuzz circuit in your Dark Side workstation pedal. Is that circuit only available there, or would I be able to find it as a standalone pedal?

    Reply
  29. Dušan Pližingr May 25, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    Hi Robert.
    Thank You for your perfect work… I am very happy with the Dark Side pedal.
    Greeting from Czech rep. 🙂
    Good luck!

    Reply

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