The Rockaway Archer is a signature overdrive pedal from J Rockett Audio Designs, developed for guitarist Steve Stevens as an all-in-one solution to his overdrive and EQ needs1. It is a modified version of the company's Archer, itself a Klon-style "transparent" overdrive, with a six-band graphic EQ taking the place of the Archer's tone knob23.
Where a stock Archer gives you one tone control, the Rockaway Archer splits that function across six EQ sliders, each offering up to 18dB of cut or boost3. J Rockett describes it as "an overdrive EQ all in one" and "a great way to hit the front end of an amp harder than a stock Archer"1.
What it does: an Archer overdrive with a graphic EQ
The Rockaway Archer is essentially a Klon-style "transparent" overdrive with an added six-band EQ section3. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson framed it as a Klone that goes beyond the usual formula:
"This is very much a Klone style pedal - but not really a Klone as you know it as this goes pretty far beyond those accepted legendary capabilities"4
The controls: gain, volume and six EQ bands
The control surface is simple on the gain side and detailed on the tone side. J Rockett lists volume and gain knobs alongside the six-band graphic EQ, with the I/O jacks at the head of the pedal1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the output level1 |
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive1 |
| Band 1 | 100 Hz, far left1 |
| Band 2 | 200 Hz1 |
| Band 3 | 400 Hz1 |
| Band 4 | Midrange band (between 400 Hz and 1.6 kHz)1 |
| Band 5 | 1.6 kHz1 |
| Band 6 | 3.2 kHz, far right1 |
Each frequency is increased by pushing its corresponding slider up and decreased by pushing it down, which also adds or decreases volume2. With up to 18dB of cut or boost available per band3, the EQ section can work as a broad tone shaper or a surgical tool, letting you push lows for a thicker rhythm sound or cut harsh upper mids at high gain.
How it differs from a stock Archer
The core difference is the EQ: the stock Archer has a single tone knob, while this Steve Stevens signature pedal splits that tone dial into a six-band EQ, which Guitar Pedal X said provides an enormous degree of control5. The Rockaway also extends the gain and output range beyond the stock pedal. Karlsson compared it directly with J Rockett's Mark Lettieri Melody overdrive and found:
"the Rockaway has both the greater Gain Range and Volume on-tap"4
That extra range is what makes it, in J Rockett's words, a way to hit the front end of an amp harder than a stock Archer1. There is also a switching difference worth noting: the Rockaway Archer is true bypass1, while the stock Archer uses buffered switching1.
J Rockett's product page listed the Rockaway Archer at $199.20 as of March 20261. Players looking for the same circuit family may also consider the stock Archer.
Who it was made for
The pedal was developed for Steve Stevens as an all-in-one solution to his overdrive and EQ needs12. Stevens is known for his work with Billy Idol, and the design brief reflects a player who wanted drive and tone shaping in a single box rather than an overdrive and a separate EQ pedal chained together. For any player who has wished a Klon-style overdrive had more tonal flexibility than one tone knob, the Rockaway Archer is that idea realized as a signature model.
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Questions
Who was the Rockaway Archer made for?
It was developed for guitarist Steve Stevens, best known for his work with Billy Idol, as an all-in-one solution to his overdrive and EQ needs. It is his signature pedal with J Rockett Audio Designs, built as an advanced take on the company's Archer overdrive with a six-band EQ in place of the tone knob.
Is the Rockaway Archer true bypass?
Yes. J Rockett lists the Rockaway Archer as true bypass. That differs from the stock Archer, which the company lists as using buffered switching, so players comparing the two should note the bypass behavior is not the same.
How much current does the Rockaway Archer draw?
J Rockett lists the Rockaway Archer at 30mA current draw. It runs on 9V DC with a negative tip adaptor and a 5.5mm x 2.1mm jack, the same power arrangement as the stock Archer.
How is the Rockaway Archer different from a stock Archer?
The Rockaway Archer replaces the Archer's single tone knob with a six-band graphic EQ offering up to 18dB of cut or boost per band, and it extends the gain and output range. Reviewers found it offers more gain and volume on tap than the stock pedal, making it better suited to hitting an amp's front end harder.
Sources (5)
- Rockaway Archer, rockettpedals.com, 2026-03-31
- Steve Stevens Rockaway Archer: New J. Rockett Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2017-02-22
- J Rockett Rockaway Archer overdrive pedal, gearnews.com, 2017-02-21
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2022-04-12
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2019-07-23
