Pedal board recomendations

RS · #1 08-25-2009, 10:13 AM

Looking for opinions/recomendations on the best solution (either prefab, homemade, or of the shelf) for a large pedal board. Not concerned about buying a powered board, just something large, portable (if possible) and sturdy.

(Yes, I tried a search.)

Thanks

gastric · #2 08-25-2009, 10:30 AM

My suggestion is to spend an hour browsing all of the photos in the "post your pedalboard" threads. Will give you a good idea as to how many pedals fit on what board, how neat they can be, how portable, yadda yadda yadda.

DIY boards are the most flexible as you can make them whatever you want. But are usually the least portable since you'd need to buy some sort of case to carry them in. And once you need a case it gets more expensive and restricts your size options since it will then need to fit into said case.

fenderthrupeave · #3 08-25-2009, 10:50 AM

make you own, its not that hard. Spend alot of time looking at boards. Just googles post your pedal board and you will find tons of links to tons of pages on boards. And as far as a case those are pretty easy to make to aswell. Since I have been laid off I have been making boards for a few people locally, as well as my own for the last 6 or so years with a total of about 10 of my own boards. So I kind of know a thing or two about making them.

Jazzdogg · #4 08-25-2009, 10:54 AM

Define large: what dimensions are you looking for?

Define portable: do you have a weight limit in mind so you can carry it in one hand, or do you want it to have a V8 and power steering?

SoonerMatt · #5 08-25-2009, 11:14 AM

Ikea Gorm shelf. They're cheap, come in various sizes, and they're pretty durable if you put a middle support beam in them. I have one and have no regrets!

theory028 · #6 08-25-2009, 11:15 AM

I've seen some people using guitar cases as pedal boards. You could get a cheap hard shell case from Rondo Music and modify the inside so that you can close it down on your pedals without smashing them. You could also try to rig it up so that the top is detachable. If you use the top part with a shallower lip it could possibly work. I'm not sure exactly how deep they are; it may not work too well because of that.

---

The GORM board looks like a really cool idea. Otherwise, Rondo has a pedal case that is about 45" x 16" that may work if you want something that would require less work on your part.

http://www.rondomusic.com/pdc410i.html

RickenBoogie · #7 08-25-2009, 04:23 PM

I've only been seriously into pedals for about 2.5 yrs. In that time, I've had the following pedal boards, Boss BCB6, Ehx Pedal bag, Gator Tote, SKB PS45, SKB PS8, and now a PedalTrain PT-1. Without a doubt, the PedalTrain is the easiest to configure, and tote around, of the bunch. Even though you need to buy a seperate power source, (PP2+), it's still the best design of all that I've had. (I still have the Gator board, for my guitar). The SKB boards have the advantage of built in power, and lots of routing options, but the flat surface is a nightmare for all the wires and cables. A huge mess. Just my opinion, of course, but I hope it helps out.

SchecterC4 · #8 08-25-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerMatt

Ikea Gorm shelf. They're cheap, come in various sizes, and they're pretty durable if you put a middle support beam in them. I have one and have no regrets!

This looks ideal for what I'm after. Dirt cheap.

Thanks for the suggestion!

gastric · #9 08-25-2009, 05:58 PM

A decent bargain overall are used PedalPad cases. But they're heavy. And some of them don't really allow routing the cables hidden like the Pedaltrain's, though the newer PedalPads do. But you can find often them used, with power, for $150 or less. Gets you a hard case, lots of pedal space, and power for the pedals. Overall a good value.

I do like the Pedaltrains and am considering a Pro board for myself. However, they're expensive for what you get. And have to add power, an additional expense. Plus if you want a hard case then they're REALLY expensive. And you have to physically remove the board from within the case instead of the top simply popping off like on the PedalPads.

Pros and cons. You need to decide what features you need, what you want, and what you can spend.

Mudfuzz · #10 08-25-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RS

Looking for opinions/recomendations on the best solution (either prefab, homemade, or of the shelf) for a large pedal board. Not concerned about buying a powered board, just something large, portable (if possible) and sturdy.

(Yes, I tried a search.)

Thanks

How large?
I use a Pedaltrain pro and can get quite a bit on it.

It is 32x16x3.5 inches, weight 7 lbs before pedals, it is very sturdy as it is made out of metal, you have a choice of hard or soft cases

markjazzbassist · #11 08-26-2009, 12:21 AM

pedaltrain. end thread.

RS · #12 08-26-2009, 08:13 AM

Thanks for the advice. The Pedaltrain Pro looks to be what I want. Any issues with the velcro or pedals staying put?

gastric · #13 08-26-2009, 08:49 AM

You can always zip-tie them down for extra protection.

My only gripe with the Pro, besides the cost, is that if you choose the hard case you have to physically lift the entire Pedaltrain out of the box instead of just popping a lid off.

Chronicle · #14 08-26-2009, 09:09 AM

Pedaltrain but NOT a big one like the Pro. I hated my Pro because of the off balance top tier tapping. I have a PT1 now and love being able to get everything on the top without falling down.

For my big board, I have a NYC bigshot which is big but i can reach everything just fine.

Oh and you must have a Voodoo lab (or similar) to power your stuff. The professional way to power your board.

Bassblisters · #15 08-28-2009, 08:23 AM

Love Chronicle's effects! I seem to be purchasing many of the items Chronicle recommends. We must have the same kind of ear.

As for boards, I'm using a Fuhrman SPB-8C. I realize this board is expensive. However, I have some expensive effects and, when you get to having a good number of them, they become heavy.

What sold me was the hardsell cover, the built-in power conditioning strip (for wall warts and Boss-Style 9Vs, alike) the wheels and the retractable handle for transport. I live in a small condo and need to store the pedals vertically, and this does the trick! Truth be told, I got my SPB-8C used and saved a bunch on the price.

Even though this board has just a simple flat fuzzy surface, I find I can keep my cables and cords in order with some velcro double-sided wrap. It does not look as clean as other boards that have a platform for pedals and storage for cables. However, the velcro really keeps things from moving around. I also like the pure flexibility that a flat pad provides for pedal placement.

I don't know if these SPB-8C boards often go on sale (or if they're excluded from promotions), but if you can get one on sale, as I did, I would go for it. Also, there's a soft-case version that is considerably less expensive.

gastric · #16 08-28-2009, 08:47 AM

My current search for a pedal board is as follows:

* Large - at least Pedaltrain Pro sized
* Hard case that the top pops off of, leaving the low profile section with pedals mounted on it instantly ready to go
* Some place convenient to mount power supplies
* Doesn't weigh 30lbs unloaded

The NYC Bigshot might fit the bill. Gives you a tidy place under the riser for power supplies, though I don't see any place to accommodate a power strip for wall warts. It's getting heavy at 18lbs though.

The Furman SPB-8C seems great. However, it's extremely expensive and has a pretty small pedal area. Really, once you throw a couple expression/wah sized pedals on there and a couple other large format pedals you've eaten up a ton of your space. But wheels and retractable handle and included power (with wall wart outlets) is great. Getting close.

Great thread BTW.

Chronicle - can you be more specific about your PT PRO comment "I hated my Pro because of the off balance top tier tapping." Are you referring to the board being so deep it threw YOU off balance trying to engage pedals mounted to the top portion of the board?

Chronicle · #17 08-28-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gastric

Chronicle - can you be more specific about your PT PRO comment "I hated my Pro because of the off balance top tier tapping." Are you referring to the board being so deep it threw YOU off balance trying to engage pedals mounted to the top portion of the board?

Whenever I would lift my foot to get the top tier, I would have to lean pretty far and off balance myself to get the top ones. Maybe my jeans were too tight every time but how else am I gonna show off teh goodz?

Mudfuzz · #18 08-28-2009, 10:03 AM

Hence the loopmaster on my board

Chronicle · #19 08-28-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudfuzz

Hence the loopmaster on my board

Exactly.

Smurf-o-Deth · #20 08-28-2009, 10:36 AM

Loopmaster: helping effect sluts showcase the man-goodies. I think I have an email to compose!