A couple of questions for pedal BOARD builders

[bassman1185]

I am devising a plan to build a custom pedalboard with a two-tier design and a rack space or two underneath the second tier. It would be roughly 22" wide, 16" deep, and 6" tall. There are two stumbing blocks for me:

First, what the heck do I build it out of? I was thinking of 2x8s for the side supports, 2x2s for internal bracing, and either 3/4" plywood strips or 1x2s for the pedal-mounting surface.

Second, where can I find a case for something like this? I've got a pretty decent chunk of change invested in my board, so I don't want my stuff getting banged around.

Thanks!

[Koeda]

Something that small could prob get away with some hq 1/2" ply. May want to have someone do the work for you -
Check here for a nice one or for some ideas:
http://www.nycpedalboards.com/
David

[Snakeman1066]

there are a couple of build threads here if you do a search you should be able to find them

mine is made of plywood and 1 x 4's and my board and case or one in the same....top comes off and it's good to go

but check out these for a pre-made ready to go option

http://rocksolidboards.com

their prices are better than most as well

my personal design is a lot like these guys....i found them after i built mine....but i'm kind of a "Do it myself" kind of guy....if i had it to do over again i would buy one of theirs....

in fact i'm about to add a few pedals to my board and I may have to go bigger....if i do i'll probably buy one of these....

[scotch]

Originally Posted by bassman1185

...

Second, where can I find a case for something like this? I've got a pretty decent chunk of change invested in my board, so I don't want my stuff getting banged around.

Thanks!

There's the rub. The board platform itself is the easy part- building a quality, durable case is a whole other ballgame!

I don't intend to discourage, but after building 3 of my own boards (hinged-lid design), I've gone over to purchasing a proper ATA-style case. Of course, my original homemade board lasted a decade- but I guess I've gotten lazy!

Be prepared to:
a) shell out 200-300 for a decent case
b) accept a heavy weight board (once you get into rack units & multiple tiers, the weight goes up exponentially!)

I've had good luck in terms of stiffness & sturdiness with 1/2" plywood and even properly braced 3/8" ply. The 3/8" might seem too flexible at first, but once you get some reinforcement from cross-pieces and joinery, it really tightens up!


Those rocksolidboards actually look pretty good & are priced right.... That might be a smart way to go (at first), see what you like & then build or customize that one!

[eggcrate]

A custom flightcase is exactly what you want, and they're a lot easier to make than you think. Here are step-by-step instructions on the case I built for my pedals:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Flig...uitar-process/

[bassman1185]

The Rock Solid boards are pretty nice looking. I emailed them about a rack board. It's still looking to be more than I was hoping to spend. What about something like a gun case from Bass Pro Shops? An actual flight case is pretty overkill for my needs, and it seems like it would weigh a lot more than I was hoping for.

[eggcrate]

It's only 7mm ply so it's not that heavy, and it's gone through 4 tours without a problem so at least you know your gear is protected. But maybe some sort of ABS case is what you're looking for.

[Snakeman1066]

If it were me i would build the board and case all in one

then you can just slap a lid on it and go

if your not sure about your construction skills...there are plenty of guys out there laid off construction jobs who are looking for work....I would post an ad on craigslist or go see my local cabinet maker....

both Lowes and Home Depot sell pre-cut cabinet grade plywood in 2 x 2 and 2 x 4 and 4 x 4 sheets

i went down a bought a couple 2 x 4 Birch 3/4" plywood and 8 feet of 1 x 4 #1 kiln dried pine...snagged some handles, metal corners, rubber feet and some latch locks

and built this in one afternoon fairly cheap around $50.00



before the corners went on:







quick and easy down and dirty

if i do it again i will build a false bottom and my power and connection cables form underneath