November 2009 \ Features \ Builder Profile \ 5 Pedalboard Builders You Should Check Out

5 Pedalboard Builders You Should Check Out

by Max Mobley

We take a look at five artisans who take much deserved pride in the design of their pedalboards: NYC Pedalboards, Pedal Pad, Pedaltrain, Pumaboards and Trailer Trash.


Premier Guitar November 2009
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The combination and type of effect pedals a player has can say as much about him or her as the guitar and amp they use. And the power supply and cabling supporting those vintage pedals are almost as important as the pedals themselves.

Once upon a time, the more pedals you had, the more duct tape you needed to strap them down to the stage. In today's clubs, amphitheatres, and garages, you're more likely to see the guitar or bass player's pedals neatly secured and cleanly patched within the confines of a well-designed pedalboard. Pedalboards have now gone mainstream, thanks in part to the five pedalboard makers in this interview. From mass production boards like Pedaltrain, to flashy custom models like Trailer Trash, pedalboards are far more than an expensive duct tape substitute. But pedalboards are not just about simplifying your set up, they are also about getting a great sound in the form of clean reliable power and signal flow from the guitar, through our precious stompboxes, and eventually out into the room. We take a look at five artisans who take much deserved pride in the design of their pedalboards: NYC Pedalboards, Pedal Pad, Pedaltrain, Pumaboards and Trailer Trash.


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Comments

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UsernameComment
David Tricomo
on 11/08/2009 		I use a pedal Pad board. After reading an excellent review
about them in GP magazine (an editor's pick) I pulled the
trigger and ordered their deluxe unit. I dealt with Mike
himself who answered all my questions, and took the time
to explain all of the technical aspects, including his pro-
prietary power supply. I've had it for years now (since
2003) and has held up perfectly. Certainly overbuilt and
tough as nails.
Andy Fuchs
on 11/06/2009 		We use Puma's boards for all our pedals, for dealer demos and trade shows. They look great, work well, and hold up to the beatings our company subjects them through. Kevin is a great guy, who builds a great product ! Well deserving of this article.
James Mc
on 11/02/2009 		I use the Pedaltrain boards. My sales engineer at Sweetwater turned me on to them. Pedaltrain's have great prices and fantastic customer service. I had a problem with one of their boards and they didn't ask questions. They sent me a replacement and asked me to send the old one back when the new one arrived. Only problem now is I have to upsize to the next size up due to buying more pedals.
Chris
on 11/02/2009 		I'm kind of a Mike Einziger type of player and have a lot of pedals for my live rig. I've honestly never been too thrilled with any of the commercial pedal boards which is why I've always made custom-built pedal boards. IMO, the commercial boards don't provide enough practical space to fit all your pedals in and make it easy for you to use them without risk of bumping 2 or 3 others mid-song. Being able to travel safely is also another concern of mine too. Until I can see this in these boards, I'll continue making my own (which is essentially a roomier Trailer Trash board). Good feature though!
Tim
on 11/01/2009 		I use NYC Pedalboards. Simple design, durable and to me, customer service is key. I have only talked to the builder himself. 100% satisfied.
Gibson Man
on 10/31/2009 		The T-Rex Tone Trunk is an inferior Pedaltrain rip-off. Pedaltrain wanted help doing international distribution and the T-Rex guys tried to steal the design. Problem is, they stole the basic shape, but not the "secret sauce" of materials, welds, support structure and coating. Simply, T-Rex will break over time. And they also don't have the impeccable customer service of Pedaltrain. I think it stinks to try to steal a fellow American's patented design. Buy USA. Buy Pedaltrain (or any of the other fine boards here, just not a rip-off T-Rex).
Kerry
on 10/31/2009 		I've had my an original NYC Pedalboards Big Shot with the carpet mounting surface and the 3/4" lip for 7 years. Mike is great to deal with and his prices are very reasonable. My only complaints with mine have been addressed with the newer designs (the switch to Velcro loop mounting surface and removal of the lip). I never had a problem with the glue on the Velcro sticking not sticking to my pedals, but I have long since used up my original supply. I do agree with Spenser about the carpet covering being a magnet for lint and pet hair; I vacuum mine about once a month. That being said, I see no reason to replace it, it holds my pedals safely in place and it's sturdy so it meet my needs.
spenser
on 10/30/2009 		My NYC Pedalboard shipped with Velcro that didn't stick to the pedals. The pedals always ended up in a gooey mess at th bottom of the case. Also, the outside is a dust and pet hair magnet.
Jim
on 10/30/2009 		I have three Pedaltrains. The original in a suitcase style case, a Pedaltrain 2 in a soft bag, and a Pedaltrain pro in a flightcase. I have them in various configurations of pedals; one for an acoustic rig, one for an electric fly-date rig, and one for session work. I've taken them on tour all across the US and overseas in some of the roughest travel situations (Manilla, Singapore, S. Africa, S. America, Paris, London). On every major airline (and some shady ones too). On a tour bus, in my trunk, in a van, etc. I have NEVER had a pedal come off or be damaged. There is something about the design, where the pedal connects at two unique surface rails, that makes pedals stick hard. The boards are extremely light weight, indestructible. The flight case is extremely well built with unique recessed latches and heavy corners. Lastly, the design helps my boards look clean and professional. They are perfect in their simplicity.
Jeff W.
on 10/30/2009 		I really dig these pedal boards. It is what I use. I didn't see a mention of his standard pedal boards here,( more comparable to what else is offered in this article by other mnfrs.). Cost is also in the same area as. Looks like they were comparing totally customized to standards. Anyway, for all of the users out there, you can purchase standard TT pedal boards at a reasonable price, and they work great. I love mine....



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