Every guitarist needs a good pedalboard that gives them the ability to keep all the tools they need to craft their unique sound all in one place. However, while the most common mass-produced boards can be tempting choices for beginners, building your own custom board is by far the best way to ensure that it has everything you need to fine-tune your tone.
Building a custom pedalboard is a right of passage for many guitar players, but it can be incredibly difficult for first-time board builders to figure out where to start. Still, if you want to build your first custom board, there is no need to worry because you have come to the right place. Our ultimate guide to building your own custom pedalboard is here to help.
Tips For Designing the Perfect Custom Pedal Board
There are tons of things to consider when designing your own custom pedalboard, and making sure you get them right is essential if you want to bring your dream board to life. So, no matter whether you have designed custom pedalboards in the past or are just getting started for the first time, here are some of the most important things to consider when designing your own custom pedalboard.
Think Carefully About Your Pedalboard’s Size
The primary function of every pedalboard is to provide a space where you can keep all the effects pedals you need while you play all in one easily accessible place. So, naturally, the first thing you should think about is exactly how much deck space you want or need.
If you prefer to use only a few go-to pedals to dial in your tone, you will probably be content with a smaller board, On the other hand, if you are a full-blown shoegazer who loves experimenting with new and different pedals to create heavily effects-driven walls of sound, you will want to make sure that you have enough space to house every pedal you need to do that.
You will also want to consider how the pedals you use may change over time. Are you completely content with what you have now, or do you think that you may want to expand the collection of pedals that you use sometime down the road? If you think you are likely to want to add additional pedals to your board, you will want to ensure that you have enough extra deck space to add them.
At the end of the day, when deciding on a size, it is essential that you think carefully about the space you currently need and consider how your needs might change in the future.
Integrate Your Pedalboard Into a Hard Case
A pedalboard should also make it as easy as possible to transport your pedals safely, and there is no better way to do this than by integrating it into a hard case. While there are plenty of options when it comes to buying hard and soft cases that are separate from the board itself, integrating your board into a hard case not only makes moving it around easier but also makes it easier to set up and pack away at the end of your next gig or jam session.
Build In Your Power Supplies
Powering your pedals efficiently is one of the biggest challenges when building any pedalboard. However, this can be made a lot easier if you have space on or under the board to integrate your power supply right in. With a built-in power supply, you will never have to worry about plugging in and packing away unruly daisy chains again.
Include Extra Space For Storage
Storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of pedalboard design and is another reason why integrating your board into a hard case is a great idea. With plenty of space available under the board for extra supplies like cables, velcro, and even backup pedals, you can rest easy knowing that you are always prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Add Some Extra Features
The best part about designing your own custom pedalboard is that you can make it your own by adding unique features that make your life easier. From aesthetic choices like LED lights that can really make your board pop, or features like built-in input/output jacks that make setup and tear down fast and easy, you should always take advantage of the full range of customizability available to you.
Give Your Pedalboard a Unique Look
Building a custom pedalboard is also a great opportunity to express yourself and give your board its own unique look and feel. When you build a custom board, you have the freedom to use any color, finish, or design that you can think of. So, why settle for a standard board that looks like all the others when all it takes is a bit of creativity to design a unique board that no one else will ever confuse for their own?
Pedal Pad Custom Pedalboards
Have you always wanted to build your own custom pedalboard but just are not sure how to get started? Pedal Pad is here to help. Pedal Pad custom pedalboards are the one and only custom pedalboard hard case combo that makes it easy to design and get the custom pedalboard you’ve always wanted without the hassle of spending the time and effort to build it yourself.
Handbuilt from high-quality materials like baltic birch wood and ATA-approved fittings, we offer our boards in a variety of different sizes, colors, and finishes while also allowing you to add unique features like below deck storage, built-in audio jacks, power switches, and plugs, and many more.
When it comes to custom pedalboards, Pedal Pad is the best in the business. So, do not put up with some boring stock board when you do not have to. Build your own Pedal Pad custom pedalboard today.
Contact Pedal Pad Today
Are you ready to design your own board? It is as simple as giving us a call or ordering online. We are always here and happy to help you design a board that meets all your guitar-playing needs, so do not wait any longer. Contact Pedal Pad and start designing your dream pedalboard today!