Keeley Electronics has manufactured some of the world’s finest boutique guitar and bass effects right here in Oklahoma since 2001. For the last 20 years, they have led the guitar industry with innovation, usability, build quality and customer service.
Can you tell us about how and why you started your business?
Keeley Electronics was started in 2001 by founder and owner Robert Keeley. Our goal from the very start was to provide musicians with a higher quality of effects pedals than standard, mass produced devices, in terms of both sound and build quality. Since then, we have also launched the Keeley Custom Shop, that offers small runs of custom variants of some of our best-selling effects.
What services do you provide within the film/music industry?
Keeley Electronics offers a wide array of effect pedals for guitar, bass, keyboards and more. We also pride ourselves on top-notch customer service.
Can you describe how your company has grown to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s film and/or music industries?
We take pride in working with artists around the globe, and a lot of them are located here in Oklahoma. We offer an open door policy for artists to visit and try out our devices, both old and new.
What are the benefits of basing your company’s operations in Oklahoma?
Being in the middle of the USA has its advantages when it comes to supplies, shipping, and so much more. We are also proud to employ over 30 hard working Oklahomans with a great career.
Has your company experienced growth over the last 3-5 years? If so, how?
Yes, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was our best year to date!
What would you consider your businesses greatest accomplishment to date?
2021 marks 20 years as a company. We’ve had many successes along the way, but hitting the 20 year mark is a big milestone for us.
Are there any recent successes your company would like to highlight related to work within the Oklahoma film and music industries?
We have currently moved to doing everything ‘in-house’, from drilling and powdercoating raw enclosures, printing the graphics on the pedals, building, testing, boxing and shipping in addition to engineering sounds all under the same roof. This allows us to make decisions quickly and effectively, and to oversee the quality of the look and sounds of our products from start to finish.
What are you working on now/next?
We are always working on something new at the shop. Our crew of managers and employees are constantly scheming and dreaming up new effect ideas, designs and ways to make our existing products better than ever.
What is your goal/vision for the future of your company?
Currently we are ramping up for a change of location, building out a new state-of-the-art facility that will allow us to expand even further than we had ever dreamed. We will, of course, stay right here in Oklahoma. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
What advice do you have for others who are considering starting a film or music business in Oklahoma?
Go for it! Make the jump. Sure, it can be scary, but Oklahoma is a great place to see your dreams come to life.
What opportunities do you believe await Oklahoma’s film and music industries in the future?
Oklahoma has grown immensely over the last ten years, and we believe it will continue to do so. From pro sports to top-tier music venues, we’ve come a long way! We can’t wait to see what the next ten years will bring to our beautiful state.