My "TB Built My Pedalboard" thread!!

[fivestringgecko]

Short background: I've been getting set to build myself another pedalboard, I'm currently on version 6 of the board itself (I think). I've been looking through the Post Your Pedalboard threads, the Homemade Pedalboard thread, actual pedalboard manufacturer sites, etc for ideas, when suddenly a crazy thought struck me today...

What if Talkbass designed my next board? I'm talking about the design/fabrication/layout of the actual board itself, not specific pedals or effects chain.

The rules:
1) I'm not looking for a monster board... I have a hard case I want to use (see pics below), internal dimensions are 22"w x 16"d x 5 3/4"h. Within that space, pretty much anything goes. The Pedaltrain frame will go on a shelf, I want to build the board inside.
2) It should be functional, as it will be my main gigging board, but all ideas/suggestions cool or crazy will at least be considered.
3) I'd like space for about 8 standard(ish) pedals, plus my Ernie Ball volume pedal. Check the third pic below to see my current board setup to get the idea, pictured inside the case mentioned above.
4) I hold final say since it'll be my board and I'll be the one using it.

Notes:
- I've had some ideas already, but thought I'd see what fellow TB'ers come up with.
- I like the idea of having a little extra space somewhere in the case for things like instrument/power cables, my church choir songbook, pencils, etc. The board doesn't NEED to fill the ENTIRE space.
- I'm pretty handy with building stuff, but unfortunately, no table saws or routers here, just the basics for now. Don't get discouraged though, if I need to buy other tools, it's not entirely out of the question.
- I don't have much experience with wiring electrical, and my soldering skills leave a little to be desired.
- I swap pedals regularly based on mood or gig (or G.A.S.), so I'd like to keep this board reasonably flexible.
- I'm certainly not opposed to spending some money on the right ideas.

In Conclusion
Remember, you guys are designing this, I'm just doing the grunt work. Call it a "social experiment." lol Make sure to subscribe to the thread if you contribute or even if you're just interested... I have no idea where this will go, it could be totally cool or it could be a total flop. lol If no one chimes in, I guess I just tinker on my own. hehehe I'm sure there's something I haven't thought of. Feel free to ask questions.

5sg.

Pedaltrain PT-1 case, ruler shown for reference


The frame will go on a shelf, just shown for reference. Cat not included.


Current board inside new case. As you can see, fitting a volume shouldn't be a problem.

[NateS]

this will be fun. I vote +1 on a spinning LED-lit disco ball!

[savinggrace]

Originally Posted by bassk81976

this will be fun. I vote +1 on a spinning LED-lit disco ball!

Make that a vote + 2...

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by savinggrace

Make that a vote + 2...

hehehe. I also thought about a hula girl

5sg.

[Eric!]

- I'd like having actual inputs and outputs built INTO the board, so that the orientation of the jacks on the effects won't matter (like it does for me on my Mini), and maybe build in an XLR out (via an XLR patch cable wired to a jack). And, potentially add an additional stomp to bypass the whole board, like in the corner (the innards of a bypass box, but integrated into the wiring of the in/out jacks).

- Handles on the side too? (I like ones from drawers at Home Depot).

- I've always wanted to build in like a little storage box, to put my cables into before/after a gig.

- Perhaps put the power strip under the board or on the back (just more hidden).

- If feeling super handy, make a retractable power cord

Just a couple of ideas I've thrown around.

[DerHoggz]

Hey, I was gonna post a similar thread to get your guys thoughts on what I should use, commence leeching.

[warwick.hoy]

Originally Posted by Eric!

- I like having actual inputs and outputs built INTO the board, so that the orientation of the jacks won't matter (like it does for me on my Mini), and maybe build in an XLR out (via an XLR patch cable wired to a jack). And, potentially add an additional stomp to bypass the whole board, like in the corner (the innards of a bypass box, but integrated into the wiring of the in/out jacks).

plus 1 to this paragraph.

[St Drogo]

Originally Posted by Eric!

- I'd like having actual inputs and outputs built INTO the board, so that the orientation of the jacks on the effects won't matter (like it does for me on my Mini), and maybe build in an XLR out (via an XLR patch cable wired to a jack). And, potentially add an additional stomp to bypass the whole board, like in the corner (the innards of a bypass box, but integrated into the wiring of the in/out jacks).

How do you mean? You'd still have to plug your effects into the board then, right? Orientation would still matter, no? Also, doesn't this take up an awful lot of space on a board this size?

Originally Posted by Eric!

- I've always wanted to build in like a little storage box, to put my cables into before/after a gig.

Great idea. You should do this on the inside of the case's lid though, to save space on the board itself. Come to think of it, you should make efficient use of the case, period. I feel there's more you can do with it than just put your board in.

[fivestringgecko]

Eric, some good suggestions! A storage compartment of some sort is definitely one of the ideas I had as well. Got sick of squishing my cables and songbook for church choir on top of my pedals. :/ Your idea of the bypass is particularly interesting as well. Hmmm...

Lol @ DerHoggz, feel free to leech, for sure. It's all about collaboration!

StDrogo, for sure! If you look at the pic with my current board, there's some nice usable space along the side or back of the case. That's depending on the new board's layout of course.

Keep the ideas flowing guys!

5sg.

[DerHoggz]

I'd say a true bypass looper across the bottom with the master bypass and a buffer and blender too.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by DerHoggz

I'd say a true bypass looper across the bottom with the master bypass and a buffer and blender too.

+1. Roadrage makes looper strips with master bypass and check out this1smyne.com for a mini buffer for $39.

[TheWoodShed]

A Male AC outlet, so all you have to do is plug a standard extension chord into it for power. I have this as well as 3 locking Netrix 1/4" female jacks wired into some George L's cabling.

[DerHoggz]

I'd say an IEC input would be better IMO.

Also, rout underneath the board, it will be cleaner looking.

The looper would open up tons of flexibility.

The Road Rage loopers look nice, and have the option of a built in buffer all around $250. I personally would make my own, but if you feel its worth it it would be sweet.

[ryognbass]

i'm gonna go ahead and post this here, because it seems that my board fulfills many of the suggestions listed, sans eric's master bypass switch and tbp looper.



il blendero, patch jacks, hint of powerstrip on the right side, and storage space...


male AC...


I hope this helps a bit with one way of visualizing it

[fivestringgecko]

ryognbass, a good post! I've seen a few of those ideas scattered around in my "research" around Talkbass, nice to see how you've used them!

I'm debating what to do with my power strip, I think I might try to keep it somewhat exposed, as I also use that as power for my amp. Once in a while, someone else will need a plug as well. Right now, I think I might see if I can make it flush with the back of the 2nd layer, kind of like you did with where your power strip plugs into. I'll have to find the right power strip (size) though.

When I get a chance, I think I'll probably cut out the base for the board and we can go from there.

5sg.

[warwick.hoy]

I was going to suggest a TBP looper but 5SG mentioned that he wanted flexibility so I thought better of it. Not that a TBP looper hinders flexibility I just think that they are better suited for once you pedalboard is pretty well setup, that way if your pedalboard swells or shrinks you don't have extra loops with nothing in them or not enough loops. YMMV.

[fivestringgecko]

Okay, so I think I worked out the dimensions of the footprint of the board. However, plans are on hold for a day or two though... Today is New Tattoo Day!!! T-minus 1hr 9min and counting til I get started on a 3/4 sleeve!!! Woot!

Maybe I can cut the base board tonight?

5sg.

[Eric!]

I meant handles similar to like on this:

Just two handles, one of each side. I have just one on the back of my Mini, works a lot better than I planned

[lowend range]

Originally Posted by fivestringgecko

I think the most important part of the board will have to be a secondary flip-out piece to hold this:

Just record your voice. A nosy cat is unacceptable for a pedalboard.

[ccouch7]

I like the idea of an aux. send and return built into the board (like Scotch has) for running outboard pedals if you want/need to, coming from a looper or LS-2 or BDd or VTd ect...Putting one on my next board for sure.