Question:
I decided to build my own pedalboard (again), that way I could get exactly what I want. I know lots of guys have asked about pedalboards recently (well, sorta). Thought it might be nice to describe the process I'm going through.
I'm modeling this board after Lee Jackson and similar pedalboards.
I didn't get to take any pictures yesterday when we cut the wood and glued things...but that part is pretty self-expanitory. We used 5/8" MDF. The board size is 32"x16", with a 10"x6" riser (will probably do another riser later).
Here is the empty board:
Here is the way things will be layed out (with some extra room):
Lastly tonight, here is the board sprayed with flat black spray paint:
Tomorrow I'll finish spraying it, and finish cutting and installing some aluminum edges.
Answer:
Paint looked good today, so decided against a second coat. First thing was to finish cutting the aluminum trim pieces. I cut them to length with a hack saw, then cut the edges to a 45° angle.
Here is the trim lined up and ready to be drilled:
Then we started drilling holes. The list of tools was pretty simple, a drill, a few drill bits, a countersink bit, a center punch & hammer, and a few clamps. Screws were 1/2" sheet metal screws.
I measured everything out (though not as exactly as I should...next time I'll know better), marked the holes and tapped them with the center punch. Then I drilled through the trim and into the wood with a smallish drill bit. After that, a larger bit was used to expand the hole on the trim to the right size. Then the holes were countersunk. Here's the finished product:
Then I put a some feet on the bottom, they were off some old Peavey speakers, I used a spacer in between the screw and the foot to be sure it wouldn't go through to the top.
Here's where I am now:

Answer:
Originally Posted by LWatford I'm modeling this board after Lee Jackson and similar pedalboards. Imitation is the sincerest form of copyright infringement...haha. Kidding...
Did you think about using some of that spray/roll on bedliner coating for it? They sell it in spray cans at Wal-Mart nowadays I know. Would give a nice rubbery surface with some grip I'd think. More-so than flat black paint anyway. Looks nice either way, though.
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Nice. I've been thinking I would like to build my own in the next year or two. When I do it, I want to model it after Pedal Pads with the hinged top and compartment inside through which I can loop the cables. Makes for a much cleaner appearance.
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Sweet man! I'm gonna have to flake out of biulding mine. I'm just gonna get a pedal train.Looks like you have alot of room left too.
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Originally Posted by Brent Imitation is the sincerest form of copyright infringement...haha. Kidding...
Did you think about using some of that spray/roll on bedliner coating for it? They sell it in spray cans at Wal-Mart nowadays I know. Would give a nice rubbery surface with some grip I'd think. More-so than flat black paint anyway. Looks nice either way, though.
Exactly!
I used some of that in another project I did, it's a bit to textured for what I wanted with this board. I've got some Industral Strength Velcro I'm going to attach everything down with.
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Originally Posted by PianoMan Nice. I've been thinking I would like to build my own in the next year or two. When I do it, I want to model it after Pedal Pads with the hinged top and compartment inside through which I can loop the cables. Makes for a much cleaner appearance.
The pedalpads are nice, a bit on the bulky side, but the features are nice. They've got alot of good ideas. I was close to buying one of those off eBay before deciding to build this one. I'm going to take my time cabling this one, probably going to order connectors and stuff this week, I've got a whole bunch of Ties and anchors I'm going to use also. I'm also probably going to order one of Ryan Speer's Bypass pedals.
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Originally Posted by smashing guitar Sweet man! I'm gonna have to flake out of biulding mine. I'm just gonna get a pedal train.Looks like you have alot of room left too.
Yeah...alot of extra room. Probably too much. I'll have to fill it up now. Originally I had planned for 24"x14".
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Originally Posted by LWatford Yeah...alot of extra room. Probably too much. I'll have to fill it up now. Well there's your excuse for more gear... Better to have too much room than not enough, though.
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Yeah, i've filled my current board to the point that I could only get another (small) pedal on with some serious restructuring. I have always wanted to get into woodworking, so I think this could be a good project.
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i think i'm gnna build ont too, somewhat modeled after the pedal pad.. my dad is great with woodworking and crap, and i'm good with electronics and drafting... so between the 2 of us.. this will be a work of art.. i have a pedal board right now but it's too dang small.. plus it's made by musicians friend and while they have the best prices on most stuff the board is crap... also i think i'm gonna steal the power supply off the musiciansfriend one.. it works... btw does anybody know where i can find the power chords for those? the ones that go from a dc looking head to the one that looks like it should be a headphone jack???
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You'll be suprised how quickly that board will fill up.
I bought a showcase cases "On-The-Road" board and though it'd be a long time before it was full, but it is; all in less than 2 months....
If some of you all are looking for a pedalboard built like a tank and at good prices look up showcasecases.com
If you like them (they are soooo strong) check out greatbridgeguitars.com
He is my guitar instructor that is a great christian guy who sells their stuff as well as other high end gear like Suhr and Tyler guitars, custom Audio Amps, Home Brew Electonics, Keeley, and Radial Engineering Pedals... Check it out!