Boutique Boards

[Jakeman]

I’m curious about what options are out there for really nice, non-factory made pedal boards made by smaller companies or even individual builders. I currently use a PedalTrain Classic, Jr, which is fine, but it would be really cool to have a unique, stylish board - spent a lot of time, money and effort finding the right pedals, I’m thinking I can do better than welded, bent metal. Something with options for hidden cable management, a master on/off switch, external in/out, etc. and possibly options for wood, finish, exterior, whatever. I’ve been looking at West Coast Pedalboards, and it looks tempting - I welcome opinions on them, but this is the kind of thing I’m after. Thoughts/comments/recommendations?

 

[gtirard]

This kind of custom pedalboard, with custom layout and finish?

 

[Jakeman]

This kind of custom pedalboard, with custom layout and finish?

View attachment 7400824

In the ballpark, but more than I really need. My board changes around too much for that level of custom fit. Really just need a flat 12x18 space, as far as actual pedal surface goes...

 

[gtirard]

In the ballpark, but more than I really need. My board changes around too much for that level of custom fit. Really just need a flat 12x18 space, as far as actual pedal surface goes...

Well, they could do a simplier board too - but they are in Germany, I'm sure you'll find a more local company.

 

[JonathanPDX]

In the ballpark, but more than I really need. My board changes around too much for that level of custom fit. Really just need a flat 12x18 space, as far as actual pedal surface goes...

I'm a bit confused. It seems like a really high-end custom board would be designed specifically to fit around what it needs to contain. Which is not what you're after.

What exactly do you want that off-the-shelf boards don't already offer for your setup? Or is it just boutique for the sake of having some bling on the floor?

 

[TeaTime]

Not boutique, but have you looked at Temple Audio? Swappable modules for connections, power, etc, hidden cable runs, and the mounting system allows for rearranging pedals but is more stable than velcro. Yes, ultimately it's welded bent metal, but it's done well.

 

[BassBrass]

In the ballpark, but more than I really need. My board changes around too much for that level of custom fit. Really just need a flat 12x18 space, as far as actual pedal surface goes...

It's good that you know that. Modular, interchangeable and rewirable for ac updates. I've had 3 pedaltrans for over 20 years and I'll be on to the 900th set up including new pedals acquired this holiday season! (that being Mad Professor AutoWah)(the Death By Audio Deep Animation turned out not so useful (so far) it's more like a special effect gimmick) & the new Broughton Fliptop is one of the best overdrives I've ever used...

 

[Aric Bjorn]

In the ballpark, but more than I really need.

Have you tried Etsy?

 

[Afc70]

Jamboard is a custom pedalboard builder & can do pretty much any design you could imagine, (including any electrical wiring things you might want, spare ac outlet's, xlr’s, etc) here’s mine & I love it. I had 3 pigtail ac outlets wired underneath too (to have some spare ac outlets available) they are located in Georgia and are awesome to do business with!

 

[Jakeman]

I'm a bit confused. It seems like a really high-end custom board would be designed specifically to fit around what it needs to contain. Which is not what you're after.

What exactly do you want that off-the-shelf boards don't already offer for your setup? Or is it just boutique for the sake of having some bling on the floor?

I need more freedom to change things up, so a custom setup like the one suggested, where there are specific spots built for specifically sized pedals would actually hinder me. Like I said, I’m simply looking for something beyond bent and welded metal. Nice wood, possible fabric or tolex options, and as far as functionality, external ins and outs and a power switch.

 

[Jakeman]

Have you tried Etsy?
View attachment 7400900

Checking out Etsy options now, thank you!

 

[piertbone]

What exactly do you want that off-the-shelf boards don't already offer for your setup? Or is it just boutique for the sake of having some bling on the floor?

Maybe it's more about supporting small businesses instead of just getting a pedaltrain or rockboard product?

A few small/individual pedalboard builders that I can think of are Vertex (USA), Looperwerk (Germany) and Dr Stan Pedalboards (Austria). Especially Dr Stan makes some visually appealing products in my opinion.

 

[Jakeman]

Maybe it's more about supporting small businesses instead of just getting a pedaltrain or rockboard product?

A large part of it as well. Having something factory made is fine, I’ve been using that myself for years. But having a small business make an appealing and inspiring one-of-a-kind piece is valuable to me. Maybe not the same goals as others - which is fine, no judgement at all - but its something that appeals to me.

 

[ole Jason]

Maybe it's more about supporting small businesses instead of just getting a pedaltrain or rockboard product?

A few small/individual pedalboard builders that I can think of are Vertex (USA), Looperwerk (Germany) and Dr Stan Pedalboards (Austria). Especially Dr Stan makes some visually appealing products in my opinion.

I definitely would not support Vertex in any capacity whatsoever.

 

[Sharko]

I definitely would not support Vertex in any capacity whatsoever.

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Im a big fan of simple bent metal though. For bent metal that is a cut above made by a small outfit you could try Holeyboards

 

[enjoi1018]

Not boutique, but have you looked at Temple Audio? Swappable modules for connections, power, etc, hidden cable runs, and the mounting system allows for rearranging pedals but is more stable than velcro. Yes, ultimately it's welded bent metal, but it's done well.

I have built so many boards and I’ve found that the ultimate answer is Templeboards, but skip the locking modules and dual lock the whole thing minus the cable holes. Infinitely flexible, and as professional looking and OCD-curing as exists. They are awesome boards and systems.

 

[piertbone]

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Im a big fan of simple bent metal though. For bent metal that is a cut above made by a small outfit you could try Holeyboards

I wasnt aware, but just found out there's some controversy of which the short summary looks like him selling rebranded versions of other pedals while not being transparant about it and/or making quite some extra money off of it. I just did a quick search here and in Google but it sounds shady enough that if I knew I probably wouldnt have mentioned his business.

Anyway, probably best to get back ontopic with the other credible builders mentioned.

 

[bdplaid]

I’m curious about what options are out there for really nice, non-factory made pedal boards made by smaller companies or even individual builders. I currently use a PedalTrain Classic, Jr, which is fine, but it would be really cool to have a unique, stylish board - spent a lot of time, money and effort finding the right pedals, I’m thinking I can do better than welded, bent metal. Something with options for hidden cable management, a master on/off switch, external in/out, etc. and possibly options for wood, finish, exterior, whatever. I’ve been looking at West Coast Pedalboards, and it looks tempting - I welcome opinions on them, but this is the kind of thing I’m after. Thoughts/comments/recommendations?

I'm laughing as I post this, not at you but at how minimalist I've become. I just use a single piece of plywood with Velcro stuck to it. Can't get easier and cheaper than this!. Good luck in your quest.

 

[monsterthompson]

If you find a builder you like and they can do customization, maybe ask if they can mimic the D’Addario XPND in some way, where the board can expand/shrink to fit multiple configurations. It sounds like there isn’t one specific configuration being sought, so this could help “future proof” things.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Well, if you want something you can rework easily and where you don't have to mess with tape, hook & loop stuff, give the Guitto boards a try. Here's mine, a small one that can accommodate 5 pedals with power supply underneath.