Author Topic: making my own cheap pedalboard - how should I do it? (Read 6682 times)

_tom_ · « **on:** December 15, 2005, 09:58:25 PM »

So I want to get myself a little cheap pedalboard made up so its easier to move my pedals around and set up etc (I may have found a band :D ). However a plain plank of wood just looks shitee! I guess I just start from a piece of wood, then add some sort of covering? Metal edges would be cool I guess. Or does anyone have any ideas of where to get a pre-made thing like this on the cheap?

Oh and I have the power supply sorted, got me a "Powerbank" 5-Way thing off ebay!

Thanks alot

carlaz · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2005, 10:32:23 AM »

I always liked the simplicity of the Zakk approach: ""For my pedal board, I went to Home Depot and got a piece of wood, put some metal handles on it, and spray-painted it black!" 8) I believe he also claimed velcro was too wussy so he had bolted his pedals onto the board: http://www.blacklabelsociety.net/gear/zwboard1.jpg

Being wuss myself, I skipped the bolts ;) but the "plank 'o wood + handles" part worked just fine when I was playing out on guitar. These days, playing bass in gigs, I only have two pedals, so it's not really worth the effort!

Skybone · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2005, 10:50:51 AM »

I went to the local B&Q & got some off-cuts of 12mm MDF to make a box. It weighed a ton and fell apart as I should have gone for 16-18mm MDF and longer screws.

I ended up buying the EHX Pedal Bag. Much easier to transport.

_tom_ · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2005, 03:30:41 PM »

Skybone, is this the one you have? http://www.hotroxuk.com/store/images/eh_pedals_images/eh_pedal_bag.JPG

Does it have velcro straps or something to hold the pedals in?

Cheers!

I was planning on going the Zakk route, but they look so horrible :lol:

carlaz · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2005, 03:48:15 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

I was planning on going the Zakk route, but they look so horrible :lol:

Well, I wasn't into the "spray-painted black" vibe so much, but a piece of solid wood (even if it's just cheap pine it'll look better than plywood or MDF) with the edges sanded and with wood-stain finish can look a bit more suave. Finish with some nice brass-effect handles, and it's all very classy ... as if you stole part of someone's respectable-looking furniture ;)

That said, the EHX Pedal Bag looks surprisingly and usefully utilitarian. Much better price than purpose built pedal boards, too :)

Skybone · « **Reply #5 on:** December 16, 2005, 04:00:42 PM »

_tom_,

Yup, the exact same, from the exact same place. It's got 3 strips of velcro on the base, and a nice long piece of self adhesive velcro to put on your pedals etc. Also, it's got a shoulder strap and 2 little flaps on either end for your leads to go through.

The only annoying thing about it is the large handle is on the base section, not the top, so you have to try and get it out of the way when you're playing. Plus the fact that you don't need any DIY skills other than using a pair of scissors and sticking the velcro to your pedals. ;)

_tom_ · « **Reply #6 on:** December 16, 2005, 04:19:54 PM »

Cool I think I might get that bag then! Nice and neat! Will also keep my pedals less dusty as I can just zip'er up when I'm done playing :P

Although part of the fun of having a pedalboard is making it! I like a bit of DIY :lol:

Cheers for all the help :D

tewboss · « **Reply #7 on:** December 16, 2005, 05:04:50 PM »

I bought mine from a company in Yorkshire called Diago http://www.diago.co.uk which is bloody huge and much cheaper than the pedaltrain boards. I'm too lazy to make one myself.

If your board isn't going to have a lid then I would do what Zakk suggested and bolt the pedals to the board as velcro has a habit of working loose.

_tom_ · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2005, 06:16:43 PM »

hmm I decided I wont actually use all the EHX board's space, meaning my board will look very silly/pointless :lol: (I dont use loads of pedals, only 3 at the minute) I'm probably gonna just go to Wickes's or something and get a big sheet of wood, draw it all out then work out how big I need it!

Where can I get a durable covering from? Tolex would look so cool, but I cant seem to find any (well I found one site but its £14.99 or something for 1m square). I'll also need some rubber feet!

Skybone · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2005, 06:47:24 PM »

My EHX bag is currently holding 7 pedals (of various sizes inc. a CryBaby) and a DC-9 power supply.

Things are a bit cramped on there, but they all fit quite comfortably and it still has space inside for 2 leads. The front pocket is handy for stuff like spare patch leads etc.

_tom_ · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2005, 07:17:41 PM »

Quote from: Skybone

My EHX bag is currently holding 7 pedals (of various sizes inc. a CryBaby) and a DC-9 power supply.

Things are a bit cramped on there, but they all fit quite comfortably and it still has space inside for 2 leads. The front pocket is handy for stuff like spare patch leads etc.

Yeah I thought it would be useful and easier to carry around stuff in but not sure if I'd make use of all that space. Currently all I use is a Marshall Guv'nor 2 (although I have phases of liking it and hating it:P), keeley rat, and soon will be getting my Korg Dt-10 tuner. I also have a "powerbank" power supply which I guess is around the same size as a Dunlop one.. I plan on getting a wah sometime though. Hmmm

_tom_ · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2005, 09:34:23 PM »

Another thing whilst im here - amp stand. This one says it holds up to 75lbs but those rests for the amp look so thin! http://www.piedog.com/musical_instruments/guitar/guitar_amps/ultimate-amp_150.htm

Jp. · « **Reply #12 on:** December 17, 2005, 08:52:03 AM »

I'm making my first pedal board at the moment!!!!

It will be finnished in a couple of days and I'll post a picture (if I can figure out how)

Its basically the piece of wood trick, but a little more.... well Bling :lol: