Alder and Ash | NUX | Pedaltrain | Ruach | Scmidth Array | Talon286
We’ve all spent hours, days, or even weeks tinkering with our pedalboards instead of practising. One student once confessed, “I know I should be practising, but I just love gear.” He later became a Roland/Boss rep, living the dream!
Pedals are incredibly tempting to fiddle with, so let me offer some guidance to help you build a setup that works. If nothing else, it might give you an excuse to delay your practice for a little while longer!
Pedaltrain
Pedaltrain is a classic. It comes in various sizes, and you can mount some power supplies underneath. They also offer add-ons like risers. Their rechargeable power supply, Volto, feels a bit risky to me. For bags, you can choose between a soft or hard case.
I’ve owned at least five of these. The only issue is that once you’ve built your perfect board, you’ll inevitably need a new pedal or realise you need a bigger size. You could also opt for two smaller boards—one for the effects loop and one for pedals in front.
This is what I did—one board for electric, one for acoustic, and a third for stereo effects. This approach might not last though; it’s always about building a new perfect board!
My main criticism of Pedaltrain is that it feels expensive for what you get. Additionally, they don’t offer a tiered version, and I struggle to fit my preferred power supplies underneath.
Here are their best models and sizes:
- Metro 16 – 16” x 8” (anything smaller is pointless)
- Classic Jr – 18” x 12.5” (this is probably the best one)
- Novo 18 – 18” x 14” (same as Jr with one more rail if you have a switcher)
NUX Bumblebee
The NUX Bumblebee, a relatively new entry in the market, comes in three sizes and includes a soft case.
All models feature a tiered, flat design, unlike Pedaltrain’s angled style. The product consists mainly of yellow plastic sides with different lengths of slats, making it very lightweight.
The tiered design allows for easy placement of power supplies out of the way. Only a soft case is provided with this product.
The three models are suited to different pedal setups, depending on your needs.
NUX Bumblebee models and dimensions:
- Small 12” x 9.5”
- Medium 17.5” x 9.5”
- Large 17.5” x 12.5”
Talon286
Talon286 offers a clever variation on the NUX Bumblebee design.
This 3D-printed, unbranded model allows you to build your pedalboard using standard wood slats, offering flexibility in design.
If you need more space for another pedal later, simply buy longer slats and adjust the board—genius!
Talon286 offers different sizes, both tiered and flat:
- 10” x 5” (tiered, depth and height, you decide length)
- 15” x 4” (same shape as Pedaltrain)
Schmidt Array
The Schmidt Array is a high-end pedalboard designed for serious connoisseurs with deep pockets.
These boards often include a switcher like the Gigrig and are known for their premium quality, with pedals placed safely beneath the lid.
Ideal for those using programmable pedals like the Chase Bliss Automatone, the standout models are the SA450 (which fits a Gigrig) and the SA750XDM (for those looking for an expansive setup).
The best models are:
- SA450 (a Gigrig fits at the bottom)
- SA750XDM (go big or go home!)
Wood Designs
Wooden pedalboards offer beautiful craftsmanship and a practical design, often featuring wooden sides and space underneath for power supplies. Many come with a suitcase-style lid for easy transport.
Two notable brands in this category are AlderAndAsh and Ruach, which focus on creating stylish, functional boards.
Remember, finding your perfect pedalboard is part of the fun, and the journey is ever-evolving!
Pedalboards | Related Pages
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Whether you need to tune down last-minute for a singer or avoid bringing a second guitar in Eb, this is an invaluable tool.
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Want to learn more about this iconic pedal? Check out a collection of YouTube videos that dive deep into its history, sound, and influence on the music industry.
Tube Screamer
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Check out the playlist in this article that compares various versions of the Tube Screamer and dives into its fascinating history and impact on the world of guitar pedals.
