Setting up a pedalboard

[Rowan]

So my pedal collection is growing and I feel that I need to get some kind of pedal board together. Would I be better off buying one or building one? My folks got their kitchen redone and theres a bunch of plywood and mahogany strip siding in the garage.

What are some essential items I will need, like power supply etc.

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

Hell, if ya got the skills and supplies, making one is a good way to go .

Wood and Velcro is about all you need, along with something to power the pedals. I solder together my own patch cables with Mogami cable and Neutrik connectors.

 

[thespricket]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I'm pretty much in your boat now. I was really thinking about making one, but I can't imagine making a pedalboard that wouldn't have the pedals attached, I don't want to do that. I also don't really trust myself to make one of good quality.

And I don't really need a board as much as something to transport them easily from sessions and my bedroom. So i've decided to buy one from Rondo. 30 bucks, cheaper than any board or case out there. I'm gonna wait till i have the extra cash to get it.

How many pedals are we talking about? and will you be using it to tote between sessions and gigs?

 

[Rowan]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I forgot about Rondo! Those look pretty neat for cheap. I guess I'm just wondering what is the best power supply out there. I need to power about 5 or 6 pedals.

As for connector cables, does the quality make that large of a difference or will any cables do?

 

[thespricket]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

It depends how finicky you are about tone. I use decent, but not top dollar, cables and I don't hear a noticeable tone loss.

As for a power supply, I use about the same amount of pedals and I just started using a visual sound Onespot. It's one of the most economical and easiest ways to power a chain.

However, certain effects made my certain manufacturers do not work when daisy chained with other pedals. For instance, most Electro Harmonix won't work.

 

[Rowan]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

However, certain effects made my certain manufacturers do not work when daisy chained with other pedals. For instance, most Electro Harmonix won't work.

I thought that was only the nano series?

 

[Hoss]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

i use a Visual Sound 1spot kit for power and Core X2 solderless cables...no complaints whatsoever!

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I use one of these.

 

[thespricket]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I thought that was only the nano series?

You're probably right, i just assumed it was almost all EH effects. Anyone else know?

 

[Hoss]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

it is true that they don't work with every pedal...

here's the list!

http://www.visualsound.net/PDF/1SPOTCompatibilityChart.pdf

 

[kjrocks]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

You can find smaller PedalTrain boards used for pretty cheap and it will last you a lifetime.
As far as the EHX Nanos go, I believe the polarity was an issue on some of the earlier models but has been addressed now. Unless yours is new, figuring which one you have may be an issue.

 

[thespricket]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

That list is awesome, too bad it doesn't mention the Nano series. The adapters don't even work with it. I suppose I have an older one, according to Kjrocks. I'm just going to get a new Chorus. Probably a Danelectro.

 

[Thunder]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I like my Furman SPB-8 that has a power supply and coditioner that will protect your pedals from surges.

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I like the Rondo board/cases. I have the Large/Extra Wide. It's more than I need right now as I use Seymour Duncan Booster>OCD>Nano Metal Muff>MXR Carbon Copy>Seymour Duncan Booster.

I also keep my Korg Pitchblack on board but not wired in as the other bandmates need to use it from time to time. Also keep the other distortion pedals I move back and forth into rotation like the Rocktron Zombie, Turbo Rat (not staying on for long), a new Seymour Duncan Power Grid (waiting to try it), BB Preamp.

I actually don't like using velcro as the felt lining doesn't seem so thick or sturdy and I'm thinking eventually it would rip through so I just place it in and carry the case like a baby to and from my car.

I use a Dunlop Brick (actually I use 2 of them even though 1 can handle all the pedals I use) for power and it's pretty capable. I like that it also powers the 18v pedals like my MXR Double shot Distortion and MXR 10 band EQ and OCD all in 18v.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

I use a Pedal Train pedalboard with Voodoo Labs power. Works extremely well.

Look for something used on Ebay.

Lew

 

[lex666]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

If you're on a budget, definetely build one your self. home built boards have got the mojo!

I'm currently using a core case for my pedal board with a dunlop power brick. I don't see changing anything anytime soon.

 

[Rowan]

Re: Setting up a pedalboard

So I guess a dunlop power brick is the standard then? Cool I'll have to pick one up. Thanks guys.