The Score Magazine November 2021 issue | Page 32

How to Make Your Own Pedalboard

Pedals contribute a lot to an electric guitar ’ s sound . The more advanced you get on the electric guitar , the more pedals you might want to utilize in your guitar playing . Managing all of your precious pedals and using them requires a pedalboard . If you pick up pedalboards off market shelves , they might end up burning a deep hole in your pocket . Thankfully , we are here to help you save a lot of cash by telling you how you can make your own pedalboard . It isn ’ t really very difficult and it ’ s something all guitarists should know how to do .
Measurements
The first thing you need to know to build this custom accessory is how many effects pedals you are going to use . From the quantity , you will determine more or less the size of the pedalboard you need . The next thing in this aspect is to take into account if you are going to put it inside a briefcase or not , because then you need the base to be exactly the measurements of the interior of the said briefcase .
We recommend looking for a metal briefcase , the kind that can be found for cheap on online stores such as Amazon and Flipkart or stores that sell tools and objects for DIY .
Design
Now it ’ s time to decide which model you want , the steps to follow in the assembly of how to make a homemade pedalboard will vary a little based on the design that you have considered . One is a singlelevel , nearly flat surface with slots for cable routing . Another option is almost the same as the previous one , but with a slightly higher level , which makes it quite comfortable to use , and the other option you can choose is to make it inclined , which might make it easier to use during a live performance .
Materials
Now among the steps of how to make a homemade pedalboard , it ’ s time to choose the material with which you are going to make it . Wood is most frequently used , but it is not mandatory , what is necessary is that you use something that is resistant enough to withstand stomping , not only yours but those of those who may step on it by accident .
You will also need tools such as a jigsaw or an electric drill , quite a wide velcro , hammer and nails for wood , glue and paint . The boards can be cut from the corresponding measurements directly in the place where you buy them .
Assembly
Now we only have to assemble . It will be the longest step in our process of how to make a homemade pedalboard , but it is quite fast and simple . First join the wooden slabs with nails and special wood glue , leaving space between them to pass the cables or first make holes with the jig that are wide enough to pass the cables through there . If you have chosen to make it a double decker , remember to set aside a longer space where the second level does not reach , so you can put a wah or volume pedal if you want to use it . Once the glue has dried , apply a coat of paint and let it dry , then apply a second coat to make the color more uniform .
Once this process is finished , it only remains to glue the velcro to the wood and the pedals . That will make it easier for you to change them and keep them in place when using your new pedalboard . And now you ’ ve learned how to make a homemade pedalboard and it ’ s ready for you to put it in your metal case and transport it wherever you go to play your electric guitar .
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