CINCAI PEDAL was built on resilience and perseverance, shaped by years of tinkering and a deep understanding that, beyond music, lies a rhythm and melody underpinning every passion. For guitarist and musical instrument technician Helbert Chiu, it all began with a love for the guitar and countless hands-on experiences, eventually culminating in his latest venture: effect pedals.
While the innovation itself is not new, Chiu’s tenacity and curiosity have driven him to modify his own pedals.
Under the Cincai Pedal brand, his creations are named with Sarawak in mind – from Midin Belacan to Gelas Chelum and Nasi Lemak, among others – reflecting his deep affection for the state.
Chiu began playing the guitar at 16 and later nurtured his passion by learning how to repair instruments. It was during this journey that he realised he could also modify the sounds produced by his guitar.
“I do a lot of modifications to the pedals I use. I’ve always wanted a sound that’s unique. That’s why I started experimenting with the schematics on the circuit boards of guitar effect pedals,” he explained. Depending on the schematics, he noted, the sound produced can vary significantly – at times becoming more refined.
Past experiences sow the seed
Learning to build pedals from scratch was no easy feat. Chiu taught himself through watching countless videos, reading online forums, and relying heavily on trial and error.
“It wasn’t easy and could be quite a hassle, but I kept going because of my passion for music,” he said.
After completing secondary school, Chiu went on to work in various fields.
“I was a cashier in a café, then moved into the food and beverage sector. I also worked in a car workshop,” he shared. He later joined a musical instrument store, where he began taking on repair jobs.
Even as a child, Chiu had a natural inclination to experiment and tinker. Recalling a story from his aunt, he said his curiosity was evident as early as the age of two.
“I loved mixing different concoctions just to see what they would become. Instead of simply drinking the chocolate milk she gave me, I would mix it with other liquids to see how it tasted,” he said.
It was during his time at a car accessories shop that he picked up painting skills. Combined with his own design ideas, Chiu began hand-painting his pedals – turning each Cincai Pedal into a unique artistic expression.
Redefining music through effect pedals
Reflecting on his first experience customising a pedal board, Chiu recalled a customer who brought in a guitar for repairs.
“He allowed me not only to fix his instrument, but also to modify it and experiment with pedals that suited his sound. At the time, he trusted me to experiment. I was touched and it motivated me to keep going,” he said.
Asked whether effect pedals might standardise a musician’s sound, the 32-year-old disagreed. Instead, he explained that the same pedal can produce vastly different results depending on how it is set up.
“It really depends on how it’s used,” he said.
Each customised pedal can also be used for different settings. For example, Midin Belacan, customised to carry a heavier tone, can be used for blues or jazz with the different setup. Meanwhile, Gelas Chelum was created with bassists in mind, catering to overdrive and distortion needs, which can also function as a preamp as well.
Chiu began customising effect pedals in 2022 and revealed that one of his proudest creations is a mini amplifier – the first piece he ever built.
“It’s a half-watt amplifier designed to power a 4×12 speaker. It’s not for sale – it was simply a project I did for fun,” he said.
With the establishment of Cincai Pedal this year, Chiu hopes to expand his craft further. While his products are currently made in small batches, he aims to scale up production in the future.
Ultimately, Cincai Pedal is not just about sound – it is about craftsmanship, identity and the courage to experiment. For Chiu, the journey is only the beginning, and the next note is always waiting to be discovered.
For more information, Chiu regularly shares updates on the Cincai Pedal Sarawak Facebook page.
