How should I protect my pedalboard from beach sand?

Lindsay · #1 08-10-2009, 01:36 AM

I recently started an electronica/dance music project with a keyboard player/programmer. It's going well - we're churning out tunes and jamming well together.

We intend to audition some female singers and maybe add a rapper in order to record a few tracks for the local, SE Asian market. In the meantime we decided to bite the bullet and play a few gigs in between DJ sets at a small but busy local bar - starting this Friday. The problem is, the owner of the bar has filled the whole bar with beach sand and every night is a beach party theme.

This is fine for the DJ and keyboard player who will simply use tables and benches, but since there is no raised stage, my pedalboard (plus a few loose pedals) will have to be on the floor, i.e. the beach.

I'll be using some valuable pedals: Deep Impact, G5, OS, green Russian muff etc etc and I can't allow them to be filled with sand.

My thoughts are:

1. buy a sheet of plywood and construct a raised rim around three sides to stop people from accidentally kicking sand. I can stand on it with my board at my feet;

2. wrap the whole board and the individual pedals in clear plastic bags; or

3. wrap the pedals in cling film (glad wrap) – probably a dumb idea.

Does anyone have any experience in this area or pearls of wisdom?

BrennP90 · #2 08-10-2009, 01:47 AM

I would get a clear plastic tarp and make a bag/wrap out of it. Thinner plastic bags would probably rip easily once you start stepping on them. But I hope you won't need to adjust your settings a lot.

P.S. Sounds like the coolest bar ever.

selfblessed · #3 08-10-2009, 02:11 AM

I'd go with wrapping the whole board in cling wrap. Flexable and with enough layers you could probably get a few gigs out of it. I would suggest going to home depo and buying it. More wrap for your buck. Should be in the packing supplies area.

Lindsay · #4 08-10-2009, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrennP90

But I hope you won't need to adjust your settings a lot.

I won't be changing the settings at all - just scrolling through pre-sets on the DI and OS and using the banks on the G5. All other pedals will be set and forget.

**TheMutt** · #5 08-10-2009, 03:21 AM

If you don't have to switch pedals on and off all the time, I'd suggest raising your pedals up off the floor if you can. Get a stand and a plank to stretch across it and put your pedalboard and pedals on top of it. If you need to switch things on and off all the time, wrap would be best since it's easiest to apply and take off. The only hard part would be making sure that everything is sealed up, and then being careful when removing it. Sounds like a cool bar for the patrons, but a nightmare for us effects junkies and probably the drummer as well. They need to invest in a raised stage to keep the sand out of the kick drum, off the amps/cabs, and out of the pedalboards.

Lindsay · #6 08-10-2009, 04:43 AM

I just had another thought - the inverse of a kids' sand-pit. I'll play standing inside an empty, inflatable kids' paddling pool (my two year old's paddling pool to be exact). That way there will an 18 inch wall around my pedals and I'll just have to dust-off my bare feet before I get into the pool myself. Plus it will sort of carry on the the beach party theme.

It's not full-proof, but I like it.

Lindsay · #7 08-10-2009, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMutt

Sounds like a cool bar for the patrons, but a nightmare for us effects junkies and probably the drummer as well. They need to invest in a raised stage to keep the sand out of the kick drum, off the amps/cabs, and out of the pedalboards.

As part of our DMP (Drummer Management Plan) we have managed to condense the drummer into a Toshiba Laptop.

neatobassman · #8 08-10-2009, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lindsay

I just had another thought - the inverse of a kids' sand-pit. I'll play standing inside an empty, inflatable kids' paddling pool (my two year old's paddling pool to be exact). That way there will an 18 inch wall around my pedals and I'll just have to dust-off my bare feet before I get into the pool myself. Plus it will sort of carry on the the beach party theme.

It's not full-proof, but I like it.

And it will kinda go with the theme. lol. Your best idea yet IMO for the what the hell looks people will give you.

p.s.
ooohhh I put a wig on you, I put a wig on you.

**TheMutt** · #9 08-10-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lindsay

As part of our DMP (Drummer Management Plan) we have managed to condense the drummer into a Toshiba Laptop.

Sounds like your drummer is a very successful contortionist.

The Kiddie pool idea is a good one. As long as you don't carry too much static electricity on you between the sand and kiddie pool, everything should work out fine.

fightthepower · #10 08-10-2009, 05:48 AM

I'd been wondering how I'd set my stuff up at desert parties, and the kiddie pool idea sounds like a great one.

I'd love to hear some clips of the band once you guys have some material recorded

uglymutt · #11 08-10-2009, 05:49 AM

I want a picture! Really good idea though hope none of your pedals fail/break and good luck for the gig

Lindsay · #12 08-10-2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neatobassman

And it will kinda go with the theme. lol. Your best idea yet IMO for the what the hell looks people will give you.

p.s.
ooohhh I put a wig on you, I put a wig on you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMutt

Sounds like your drummer is a very successful contortionist.

The Kiddie pool idea is a good one. As long as you don't carry too much static electricity on you between the sand and kiddie pool, everything should work out fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fightthepower

I'd been wondering how I'd set my stuff up at desert parties, and the kiddie pool idea sounds like a great one.

I'd love to hear some clips of the band once you guys have some material recorded

Quote:

Originally Posted by uglymutt

I want a picture! Really good idea though hope none of your pedals fail/break and good luck for the gig

I think I've committed myself to the kiddie pool idea now. I'll try to remember to get some photos.

The keyboard player wants us to wear purple, full-face motorbike helmets with pink kaftans - sort of a sexualised Daft Punk look. I think that will juxtapose nicely with beach sand and a kiddies pool.

Thanks for all the input.

Floridabwoy · #13 08-10-2009, 09:13 AM

Maybe attach a plexy shield or something??

Spacelordmother · #14 08-10-2009, 09:27 AM

I would still add some sort of wrap around the pedals even if you opt for the pool. Sand gets EVERYWHERE.

Lindsay · #15 08-10-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacelordmother

I would still add some sort of wrap around the pedals even if you opt for the pool. Sand gets EVERYWHERE.

I think you're right