buying my first pedalboard

newbie · November 2nd, 2003, 11:33 AM

i have found the need to have a few basic effects when needed. i've always plugged my guitar into my amp and played.

the question is what am i looking for in a pedal board? i'm talking maybe 5 pedals, including a tuner. mostly boss, but maybe an mxr dynacomp.

nothing fancy, just serviceable. any suggestions? anythign to avoid?

telemann51 · November 2nd, 2003, 11:52 AM

Are you asking how to make a pedal board (materials, etc.), or are you asking what pedals to put on it? Or are you asking how to power it? Or all of the above? :)

Of course, most of us have opinions about all of those things and wouldn't mind talking about any of them...

John Harrison · November 2nd, 2003, 12:54 PM

I use an SKB. I think you'll find it has it's share of fans and critics. I needed the convenience of a powered board (powers up to six pedals, with a variety of power cords) and a carrying bag - which the SKB had. I've experienced none of the issues, related to the power supply, that some complain about. The SKB also has two loops (which I don't use). I've had mine for a few years, now, and it's served me well. I've seen used ones for well under $100.
If you're somewhat handy, you could make yourself a board that suits your needs and size requirements. All you need is a platform (e.g., plywood), some carpeting or velcro-type material, some metal edging, and a couple of handles. If you want power for your board, Voodoo Labs' Pedal Power is highly recommended.
There are several "custom" board manufacturers out there. I'll let others chime in on those.

genelovesjez · November 3rd, 2003, 09:47 AM

I also use the SKB, and I like for the same reasons - reasonable available power, and a gig bag with a shoulder strap. I like that I can carry the board with a guitar and still open doors. It's probably not the most roadworthy option if you gig constantly, but it's nice for studio or rehearsals, since it's relatively low profile and portable.

The Snowman · November 3rd, 2003, 10:09 AM

I use it even when I'n not using pedals...holds plenty, self powered and convienent as heck..as far as road worthy...been using it for about 4 1/2 years and no problems yet...I did buy an extra power adapter cause I thought that I would need it but I never did...holds strings, cleaner, rags etc....great deal....don

Tim Swartz · November 3rd, 2003, 10:27 AM

I've got an SKB that I've outgrown. Send me some email.

telemann51 · November 3rd, 2003, 11:31 AM

I went to Lowe's and got a pre-fab piece of bookshelf, some industrial-strength Velcro and just stuck the velcro to the board. I use a Godlyke Powerall for power. It's one wall wart instead of many and it has little cord adaptors for most pedals. The pre-fab bookshelf is nicely finished and is just the right size for a half-dozen pedals with space in-between. You could get fancier and screw some handles into each side but I don't see the need. The other half of the industrial-strength Velcro goes on the pedals, of course. I carry the whole thing in my kit bag.

nrvana8775 · November 4th, 2003, 01:13 AM

There was an article online sometime back about this. Here is what i basically did and got pretty good results:

Go to lowes, home depot, etc...Look for a bookshelf type material, I bought a 4 ft by about 2 for around $9. I then went and found ozite(I think it's called,) it is like a black somewhat carpet like material, they have the huge rolls. Describe to them what it looks like and they should be able to find it, it's on the huge machines. Buy some velcro and velcro the pedals down, you can put handles and metal edges like other people suggested, I didn't bother doing it. As far as a power supply goes..I bought a signaflex, it powers 5 indivudal pedals, it was around $40 3 years ago. I then needed more, so I took my boss psa adapter, and bought one of those ibanez adapters that takes your power and splits it so you can power up individual pedals. I would really suggest doing it yourself, they really cheat you out of money when you buy them. Except for maybe the furman one, it seems pretty cool.

Lance · November 4th, 2003, 10:09 AM

Do a search in this forum...there's been a few discussions on this.

My first was just a shelf from Lowes that I painted black and covered with velcro...then added feet. For less than $30 it was fine.

Then I found a pedaltrain on Harmony Central. It's just a simple aluminum frame ...almost like a wide ladder. The pedals are velcroed to the rungs and the wires route between the rungs. It came with a nice case. For about $100 (used) it's simple, logical and indestructable.

http://www.pedaltrain.com

newbie · November 4th, 2003, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Swartz

I've got an SKB that I've outgrown. Send me some email.

you have mail

Matt Plescher · November 4th, 2003, 04:21 PM

I have one from DC Case which I really like.

http://stores.ebay.com/dccaseandcabi...otimedisplay=2

Cheers
Matt

Nick Fanis · November 5th, 2003, 08:11 AM

I went to my local student furniture shop and bought two boards of plywood.
The pedals are held with 3M Dual lock.
The power supply is a $25 VISUAL SOUND ONE SPOT that is the best one you will ever find...

It now resides in a custom made road case that cost $300 ..... :)

Twangmeister · November 5th, 2003, 03:04 PM

This was recommended to me by Bill Hullet, Tele Guru and all around nice guy. Big, wide aluminum tracks covered with Velcro, it's jsut big enough not to be a pain. The heavy duty suitcase is a nice extra for all the dings and dents from loading and unloading. Mine's been around the world and back, no problem. Email me for a pic if you'd like.

Nick Fanis · November 5th, 2003, 03:25 PM

Yep the Pedal Train is great for fewer pedals....

Twangmeister · November 5th, 2003, 03:28 PM

I was just adding an A/B box to mine last night and wondering what to eliminate. After seeing your board, I have one more reason to feel "inadequate." ;-) Hope all's well in the Cradle of Philosophy!

Nick Fanis · November 5th, 2003, 05:17 PM

well unfortunatelly not much of philosophy left around these parts

most people are stuck in a rat race (only that the prices are higher,the pay is lower and the hours are longer than in the US...)
Still MUSIC,pedals and guitars keep me alive :)
I have to use all these pedals since I play in a trio with a singer and I have to cover lots of sonic ground.It looks complicated but it is actually very simple....

take care

Maggot · November 6th, 2003, 12:04 AM

Nick - a question about actually using all those pedals - do you plan when you're going to use each pedal beforehand, or do you improvise on the fly. I end up going pedal-crazy unless I have a plan...

Nick Fanis · November 6th, 2003, 02:25 AM

Always w/ a plan buddy-always w/ a plan.
Except in those moments were I really want to go crazy

joshigh · November 12th, 2003, 10:36 AM

Anyone use an NGM? I have one of the standard models, and I sort of regret getting it. I got it a few years ago in my 'pedal days'. It's huge, and heavy. Doesn't have any built in features, I use a GE powerstrip feeding my Boss TU2, then daisy chain a the rest off of that. The one thing I did like, is the second level board. I was able to squeeze my wireless unit in totally out of the way and hidden from the board. I have to hack it up a little this weekend to wedge my volume pedal in there. Fun stuff!

Blaster · November 22nd, 2003, 03:56 AM

I too have a pedal board from DC Cases. A great board for a low price. I use mine every weekend and it works great

Brad Miller · November 22nd, 2003, 11:09 PM

I also use the SKB pedalboard. I have about 6 pedals on it. I love it! It has the carrying case and is very convenient. I bought it a couple of years ago and I've used it every weekend. About A year ago I started having problems with the power cutting out on it. What did I do? I sent it back to SKB and they replaced it with A brand new one, of course I had to pay the shipping. I haven't had a problem since. I love my SKB pedalboard and there lifetime warranty!

DavidP · November 23rd, 2003, 06:50 PM

Ok, a couple have mentioned these but I have to wonder about the el cheapo prices and build/durability quality... There's good eBay feedback on the manufacturer/seller but has anyone tried these DC Case pedalboards on eBay in real life/gig-tested situations?

rcrecelius · November 23rd, 2003, 08:52 PM

These pedal boards have some nice features but they dont look as nice as some of the "road case" style PB's Ive seen.

http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/store...Product_ID=498

11 Gauge · November 25th, 2003, 05:26 PM

that way i can configure each pedalboard dimensionally to the pedals i've decided on after a bit of research.

plywood, no skid tape, velcro - all cheap stuff.

i don't like power supplies - batteries are one of my few vices. i pack lots of spares - and a little multimeter to check the juice.

if you're talking 5 pedals or less, this could be the way to go.

nothing against SKB or any other manufacturer - i just hate spending money on 'guitar accessories'. plus when you build it yourself you can tailor it to your exact needs, or modify it as need be.

you can also make it more bulletproof by adding metal to the corners - many cheap low tech methods you can come up with on your own. you can add a handle or 2, fabricate a lid for the thing...

also, if you're just using Boss pedals, you might be able to find some of those plastic things they made that held like 3 pedals or so - i saw Redd V. and Bill Kirchen using them a couple of years ago...

November 2nd, 2003, 11:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
newbie Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 226	buying my first pedalboard i have found the need to have a few basic effects when needed. i've always plugged my guitar into my amp and played. the question is what am i looking for in a pedal board? i'm talking maybe 5 pedals, including a tuner. mostly boss, but maybe an mxr dynacomp. nothing fancy, just serviceable. any suggestions? anythign to avoid?

November 2nd, 2003, 11:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
telemann51 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 525	What, exactly, are you asking about? Are you asking how to make a pedal board (materials, etc.), or are you asking what pedals to put on it? Or are you asking how to power it? Or all of the above? :) Of course, most of us have opinions about all of those things and wouldn't mind talking about any of them...

November 2nd, 2003, 12:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
John Harrison Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Corvallis, OR Posts: 1,043	Pedalboards I use an SKB. I think you'll find it has it's share of fans and critics. I needed the convenience of a powered board (powers up to six pedals, with a variety of power cords) and a carrying bag - which the SKB had. I've experienced none of the issues, related to the power supply, that some complain about. The SKB also has two loops (which I don't use). I've had mine for a few years, now, and it's served me well. I've seen used ones for well under $100. If you're somewhat handy, you could make yourself a board that suits your needs and size requirements. All you need is a platform (e.g., plywood), some carpeting or velcro-type material, some metal edging, and a couple of handles. If you want power for your board, Voodoo Labs' Pedal Power is highly recommended. There are several "custom" board manufacturers out there. I'll let others chime in on those.

November 3rd, 2003, 10:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
The Snowman Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Philly Pa Posts: 763	another vote for the SKB... I use it even when I'n not using pedals...holds plenty, self powered and convienent as heck..as far as road worthy...been using it for about 4 1/2 years and no problems yet...I did buy an extra power adapter cause I thought that I would need it but I never did...holds strings, cleaner, rags etc....great deal....don __________________ it ain't nuttin but the bluez....

November 3rd, 2003, 11:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
telemann51 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 525	I used a pre-fab bookshelf board I went to Lowe's and got a pre-fab piece of bookshelf, some industrial-strength Velcro and just stuck the velcro to the board. I use a Godlyke Powerall for power. It's one wall wart instead of many and it has little cord adaptors for most pedals. The pre-fab bookshelf is nicely finished and is just the right size for a half-dozen pedals with space in-between. You could get fancier and screw some handles into each side but I don't see the need. The other half of the industrial-strength Velcro goes on the pedals, of course. I carry the whole thing in my kit bag.

November 3rd, 2003, 09:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
genelovesjez Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 41 Posts: 3,735	I also use the SKB, and I like for the same reasons - reasonable available power, and a gig bag with a shoulder strap. I like that I can carry the board with a guitar and still open doors. It's probably not the most roadworthy option if you gig constantly, but it's nice for studio or rehearsals, since it's relatively low profile and portable.

November 3rd, 2003, 10:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tim Swartz Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Michigan - Tweenst the Great Lakes Posts: 1,887	I've got an SKB that I've outgrown. Send me some email.

November 4th, 2003, 01:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
nrvana8775 TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 86	There was an article online sometime back about this. Here is what i basically did and got pretty good results: Go to lowes, home depot, etc...Look for a bookshelf type material, I bought a 4 ft by about 2 for around $9. I then went and found ozite(I think it's called,) it is like a black somewhat carpet like material, they have the huge rolls. Describe to them what it looks like and they should be able to find it, it's on the huge machines. Buy some velcro and velcro the pedals down, you can put handles and metal edges like other people suggested, I didn't bother doing it. As far as a power supply goes..I bought a signaflex, it powers 5 indivudal pedals, it was around $40 3 years ago. I then needed more, so I took my boss psa adapter, and bought one of those ibanez adapters that takes your power and splits it so you can power up individual pedals. I would really suggest doing it yourself, they really cheat you out of money when you buy them. Except for maybe the furman one, it seems pretty cool.

November 4th, 2003, 10:09 AM	#9 (permalink)
Lance Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,180	Boards Do a search in this forum...there's been a few discussions on this. My first was just a shelf from Lowes that I painted black and covered with velcro...then added feet. For less than $30 it was fine. Then I found a pedaltrain on Harmony Central. It's just a simple aluminum frame ...almost like a wide ladder. The pedals are velcroed to the rungs and the wires route between the rungs. It came with a nice case. For about $100 (used) it's simple, logical and indestructable. http://www.pedaltrain.com __________________ Lance "not very good...but I make up for it by playing loud"

November 4th, 2003, 04:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
Matt Plescher Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: West Michigan Posts: 837	DC Case I have one from DC Case which I really like. http://stores.ebay.com/dccaseandcabi...otimedisplay=2 Cheers Matt __________________ She's not your satellite She doesn't miss you So turn off your smoke machine And Marshall stack

November 5th, 2003, 08:11 AM	#12 (permalink)
Nick Fanis Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Athens-GREECE Posts: 1,792 14 Photos	THIS cost me $10! I went to my local student furniture shop and bought two boards of plywood. The pedals are held with 3M Dual lock. The power supply is a $25 VISUAL SOUND ONE SPOT that is the best one you will ever find... It now resides in a custom made road case that cost $300 ..... :) __________________ "Hit him again Jack,he is crazy!" Hunter S.Thompson www.myspace.com/nickfanis

November 5th, 2003, 03:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
Twangmeister Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lost Angeles, CA Posts: 1,248	I'll second the Pedal Train This was recommended to me by Bill Hullet, Tele Guru and all around nice guy. Big, wide aluminum tracks covered with Velcro, it's jsut big enough not to be a pain. The heavy duty suitcase is a nice extra for all the dings and dents from loading and unloading. Mine's been around the world and back, no problem. Email me for a pic if you'd like. __________________ "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." http://www.myspace.com/jeremendelsohn

November 5th, 2003, 03:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
Nick Fanis Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Athens-GREECE Posts: 1,792 14 Photos	Yep the Pedal Train is great for fewer pedals.... __________________ "Hit him again Jack,he is crazy!" Hunter S.Thompson www.myspace.com/nickfanis

November 5th, 2003, 03:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
Twangmeister Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lost Angeles, CA Posts: 1,248	Nick, you are a true Pedalmeister! I was just adding an A/B box to mine last night and wondering what to eliminate. After seeing your board, I have one more reason to feel "inadequate." ;-) Hope all's well in the Cradle of Philosophy! __________________ "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." http://www.myspace.com/jeremendelsohn

November 5th, 2003, 05:17 PM	#16 (permalink)
Nick Fanis Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Athens-GREECE Posts: 1,792 14 Photos	well unfortunatelly not much of philosophy left around these parts most people are stuck in a rat race (only that the prices are higher,the pay is lower and the hours are longer than in the US...) Still MUSIC,pedals and guitars keep me alive :) I have to use all these pedals since I play in a trio with a singer and I have to cover lots of sonic ground.It looks complicated but it is actually very simple.... take care __________________ "Hit him again Jack,he is crazy!" Hunter S.Thompson www.myspace.com/nickfanis

November 6th, 2003, 12:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
Maggot Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 735 1 Photos	Nick - a question about actually using all those pedals - do you plan when you're going to use each pedal beforehand, or do you improvise on the fly. I end up going pedal-crazy unless I have a plan...

November 6th, 2003, 02:25 AM	#18 (permalink)
Nick Fanis Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Athens-GREECE Posts: 1,792 14 Photos	Always w/ a plan buddy-always w/ a plan. Except in those moments were I really want to go crazy __________________ "Hit him again Jack,he is crazy!" Hunter S.Thompson www.myspace.com/nickfanis

November 12th, 2003, 10:36 AM	#19 (permalink)
joshigh Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Plant City, FL Posts: 185	Anyone use an NGM? I have one of the standard models, and I sort of regret getting it. I got it a few years ago in my 'pedal days'. It's huge, and heavy. Doesn't have any built in features, I use a GE powerstrip feeding my Boss TU2, then daisy chain a the rest off of that. The one thing I did like, is the second level board. I was able to squeeze my wireless unit in totally out of the way and hidden from the board. I have to hack it up a little this weekend to wedge my volume pedal in there. Fun stuff!

November 22nd, 2003, 03:56 AM	#20 (permalink)
Blaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Down in Western Colorado Age: 51 Posts: 423	DC Cases I too have a pedal board from DC Cases. A great board for a low price. I use mine every weekend and it works great

November 22nd, 2003, 11:09 PM	#21 (permalink)
Brad Miller Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kokomo, Mississippi Age: 35 Posts: 636 8 Photos	SKB story I also use the SKB pedalboard. I have about 6 pedals on it. I love it! It has the carrying case and is very convenient. I bought it a couple of years ago and I've used it every weekend. About A year ago I started having problems with the power cutting out on it. What did I do? I sent it back to SKB and they replaced it with A brand new one, of course I had to pay the shipping. I haven't had a problem since. I love my SKB pedalboard and there lifetime warranty!

November 23rd, 2003, 06:50 PM	#22 (permalink)
DavidP Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 555	DC Case Pedalboards? Ok, a couple have mentioned these but I have to wonder about the el cheapo prices and build/durability quality... There's good eBay feedback on the manufacturer/seller but has anyone tried these DC Case pedalboards on eBay in real life/gig-tested situations?

November 23rd, 2003, 08:52 PM	#23 (permalink)
rcrecelius Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Rio Vista,Texas Age: 41 Posts: 644	These pedal boards have some nice features but they dont look as nice as some of the "road case" style PB's Ive seen. http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/store...Product_ID=498

November 25th, 2003, 05:26 PM	#24 (permalink)
11 Gauge Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The East Coast Posts: 3,015 10 Photos	still doing the hand built thing... that way i can configure each pedalboard dimensionally to the pedals i've decided on after a bit of research. plywood, no skid tape, velcro - all cheap stuff. i don't like power supplies - batteries are one of my few vices. i pack lots of spares - and a little multimeter to check the juice. if you're talking 5 pedals or less, this could be the way to go. nothing against SKB or any other manufacturer - i just hate spending money on 'guitar accessories'. plus when you build it yourself you can tailor it to your exact needs, or modify it as need be. you can also make it more bulletproof by adding metal to the corners - many cheap low tech methods you can come up with on your own. you can add a handle or 2, fabricate a lid for the thing... also, if you're just using Boss pedals, you might be able to find some of those plastic things they made that held like 3 pedals or so - i saw Redd V. and Bill Kirchen using them a couple of years ago... __________________