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Pedalboards - Pedaltrain vs Mono vs Amazon cheapo

smeet

smeet

Gold Supporting Member
Nov 27, 2006
9,205
13,459
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Sammamish, WA
www.reverbnation.com
#1
I'm looking to build a new pedalboard, and for the first time I'm looking outside of the Pedaltrain universe.

I need something solid, light, and the ideal dimensions are about 18" x 12.5". I also need a good amount of clearance under the board, and the ability to attach power (Cioks DC7), I/O ports, and maybe even a pedal or two on the underside of the board. I also want a light, protective carrying case with storage for cables etc.

The size I want seems to match the Pedaltrain Classic Jr as well as a Mono small. Mono has 2 designs: rail and the one with holes, I don't understand the functional differences.

Both weigh about the same. The Mono design is slicker looking. I *think* both have the same amount of clearance underneath. I don't know if they are equally easy to mount things on. Mono is more expensive. The Mono Club case is much better than the crappy Pedaltrain ones.

And then there are super cheap aluminum boards from various semi-generic makers on Amazon, and of course other makers like Rockboard etc.

I don't want to spend a ton for a brand name, but I want a well thought out solution that is easy to work with.

My current thinking (to stay with what I know will work) is to get the Pedaltrain Classic Jr and Mono Club case.

Any advice for me?
 
#2
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#3
I just have a PedalTrain so I'm far from an expert on off brands. But I'd really ask how much value you intend to attach to it, and if, given all that, it's not worth the extra money to ensure you are using a quality product you trust.

I like boutique pedals, I have a number of them on my board, so it seems kind of silly to me to put hundreds/thousands worth of stuff on a board and then try to save $50 on the board itself.
 
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#4
Jmilitsc said:
i just got the 15x5.7 version of this from amazon (2 actually) and it is cheap, light, and solid as you're looking for. i fit a 4-way power supply underneath it as well. https://www.amazon.com/STRICH-Aluminum-Pedalboard-15-MINI/dp/B0C2HW2JTR?th=1

they also make one w a power supply built in, which might be better for your need.
Click to expand...
The back of that looks like the older Pedaltrains, which had a small opening, where the new ones are pretty open so mounting things is easier there. Also, the new Pedaltrains have an extra inch underneath, and it looks like these (Strich) might be closer to the ground (?).
I don't want the built-in power supply, as I have the Cioks DC7 already, and I trust that.
But I'll definitely take a look at them.

How is the carrying case? I don't want a heavy hard case, and Pedaltrain's soft cases are terrible.

JonathanPDX said:
I just have a PedalTrain so I'm far from an expert on off brands. But I'd really ask how much value you intend to attach to it, and if, given all that, it's not worth the extra money to ensure you are using a quality product you trust.

I like boutique pedals, I have a number of them on my board, so it seems kind of silly to me to put hundreds/thousands worth of stuff on a board and then try to save $50 on the board itself.
Click to expand...
Yes, my pedals are pricey and boutiquey, so I don't want to cheap out. But IF the cheap ones are as good or better, I don't want spend extra money on Pedaltrain, especially since there are lots of complaints that their quality is not as good as it used to be. But if I'm not convinced, the Pedaltrain is something I trust.

On the other side, Mono has a way nicer case. And the board itself is (maybe?) nicer too. I don't mind spending the extra money if it really is better, but I haven't seen one in person. And their pricing is sometimes strange. The board + hard case costs the same as just the case. whu?

One thing I know about Pedaltrain is that the hollow aluminum construction makes it easy to drill holes if I want to mount things underneath. Is the Mono easy to attach things to? There's always velcro, but for some things I wouldn't trust that.
 
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#5
smeet said:
and it looks like these (Strich) might be closer to the ground (?).
Click to expand...
Yeah, this is probably closer to the ground. It’s angled a bit front to back = lower to higher off the ground.

smeet said:
How is the carrying case? I don't want a heavy hard case, and Pedaltrain's soft cases are terrible.
Click to expand...
Case is fine, a little thinner/roomier than pedaltrain.

The thing I got is $39 so I don’t expect too much. It works.
 
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#6
I think the Mono Small in silver is very handsome.
 

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#9
Not what you’re after but if you have interest in the D’Addario XPND I can share some thoughts. I think it’s likely out based on the weight and the underside mounting for a power supply and cable routing. It certainly works but there are lighter, more refined options.
 
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#11
Just FYI: You can easily remove the existing pedalboard "feet" and install a taller/larger set for all the clearance you require.

I use 2 different pedal train boards depending on the situation. My little board has large feet I installed.
 
#12
I ended up building one based on both the Mono design as well as the Pedaltrain Metro design. One piece of aluminum and a few feet for chair legs. All together, only cost me about $15.
 

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#13
smeet said:
I'm looking to build a new pedalboard, and for the first time I'm looking outside of the Pedaltrain universe.

I need something solid, light, and the ideal dimensions are about 18" x 12.5". I also need a good amount of clearance under the board, and the ability to attach power (Cioks DC7), I/O ports, and maybe even a pedal or two on the underside of the board. I also want a light, protective carrying case with storage for cables etc.

The size I want seems to match the Pedaltrain Classic Jr as well as a Mono small. Mono has 2 designs: rail and the one with holes, I don't understand the functional differences.

Both weigh about the same. The Mono design is slicker looking. I *think* both have the same amount of clearance underneath. I don't know if they are equally easy to mount things on. Mono is more expensive. The Mono Club case is much better than the crappy Pedaltrain ones.

And then there are super cheap aluminum boards from various semi-generic makers on Amazon, and of course other makers like Rockboard etc.

I don't want to spend a ton for a brand name, but I want a well thought out solution that is easy to work with.

My current thinking (to stay with what I know will work) is to get the Pedaltrain Classic Jr and Mono Club case.

Any advice for me?
Click to expand...
Just got this amazon cheapie board and it’s great. The board is solid, case feels a bit cheesy, but for $20 all-in (on sale), no complaints.

I own a pedaltrain and a temple board and this one seems fine in comparison. Has a nice tray for a power supply.

IMG_8918.jpeg
IMG_8917.jpeg
 
#15
If you can find one, get a Ghostfire UP-03. It's a Mono board for half the price.

Otherwise, if I were buying new right now, I would get the Mono. It's $199 and the Pedaltrain is $159. You're going to end up replacing the PT bag after a period of time anyway. Might as well save yourself the hassle and get the Mono from the beginning.

I have an ancient PTjr. When the bag broke, I bought a Mono Club case for $100 about 10 years ago. They've lived happily together ever since. Yes, the Mono bag is significantly better than the PT bag.
 
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#16
I have built some pedal boards in various ways- ikea parts, custom from leftover wood for custom sizes. And they're fine. Takes time, painting. But you can make exactly the size and format you need.

But I was in a hurry for another pedal board for a gig and amazon'd a ghostfire SPL-1. And it was cheap cheerful and easy. I was surprised how good it was. Might not be building anymore.
 
#17
I had a Mono Lite board in silver but decided to sell it which I kind of regret now. It was super lightweight and I really liked all the clearance room underneath. I switched back to my Pedaltain Nano and it does the job for what I have but it is a tad heavier and less space underneath (cramped is how I'd describe it) for my Cioks SOL. I just wish the Mono boards weren't so outrageously expensive considering other companies prices or I'd probably buy another one again.
 
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#18
secondbestcody said:
I ended up building one based on both the Mono design as well as the Pedaltrain Metro design. One piece of aluminum and a few feet for chair legs. All together, only cost me about $15.
Click to expand...
That is really cool! What kinds of tools do you need to do that?


SLO Surfer said:
Can you get the pedal train board and mono case separately?

I got a PT Classic Jr. with hard case, mounted my CS12 power supply underneath with included brackets and never looked back.
Click to expand...
That's what I was thinking about doing. I don't think you can buy the Pedaltrain without a case, so I might get it with a soft case and then get the mono case.
 
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#20
I have a ghost fire board that came with a bag. It’s a very nice quality board, and the bag is great as well. I can’t speak to the other off brand boards, but Ghostfire has been great for me ( I gig typically 30-40 times per year, so I’m no touring pro, but it does get played and moved and tossed around a little. After 2-3 years, it’s still in excellent condition.
 
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