Best pedalboards: Better organize your effects

When it comes to arranging your guitar effects chain, the options you have when it comes to pedalboards can seem endless. A good, professional pedalboard helps out guitar and bass players in a number of ways.

They can clean up some of the mess by making your wiring arrangements more organized, they make it easy to set up and tear down at shows or during recording sessions, and for some they can force you to be as efficient as possible with your setup due to their size.

So no matter if you play guitar or bass, here are some of our favorite pedalboards.

Best pedalboard overall: Voodoo Lab Dingbat

Voodoo Lab makes some great products. They’re well-known for the quality of their isolated power supplies. But they also make pedalboards!

And their Dingbat series includes their amazing power supplies integrated into the board so you won’t have to worry about giving your pedals clean power.

They’re sturdy, mobile, and angled to provide a more ergonomic way to engage the pedals at the top of your board. The Bingbat series also comes in multiple sizes and build types so you don’t only have one product to choose from.

Overall considering the quality of power, included cabling, rugged build, carrying case, and layout you’d be hard-pressed to find a pedalboard with more mass appeal.

Most versatile pedalboard: Pedaltrain Classic 2

This 24” x 12.5” four rail design with traditional spacing lets you integrate multiple sizes of pedals into your setup. Mounting a power supply is now easier than ever thanks to the newer, open-front design. It’s also got some additional elevation so you’re able to use a variety of power supplies.

The front edge has an upward angle, so you’ll have easy access to all areas of the board. There are 96 inches of hook and loop fastener and zip ties included when you buy it, so you can start populating the board right away.

As a cool uplift from Pedaltrain, you have two options for the carrying case. You can choose between the soft case, which has been redesigned with reinforced stress points. But if more security is what you need, you can choose a tour case suitable for even the most demanding professionals.

Most portable pedalboard: BOSS BCB90X

There are a lot of things to love about the BOSS BCB line of pedalboards. There have been a few iterations over the years, but the 90X is the most professional grade this line gets.

With the onboard signal flow options you can create custom mono and stereo routing, as well as power up to 10 pedals (depending on their size).

It’s more versatile than other models that came before it and has more space. But it provides the same number of on-board routing options through junction boxes.

They make setting up your signal flow easy by offering input, output, and effects loop options. You can also power your pedals through a daisy chain, so you only have to plug in to one AC outlet.

The footprint accommodates standard pedals, larger multi-effects, even volume and wah pedals. The case is a durable molded plastic and is light weight that makes transport easy.

Best multi-layer pedalboard: Holeyboard Pedalboards 123

It’s no secret that guitar and bass players love effects. And if you happen to use a lot of them you’ll need extra real estate so you can have them configured ergonomically. This option not only gives you a tilted angle, but a separate level.

How useful this is depends on how you use your effects, but the second level is great for those you need easy access to or pedals you always leave on. It’s not the most portable, but it’s durable, well made, and allows you to set up your routing and signal flow pretty much however you’d like.

The coolest feature of the 123 that makes it one of the best pedalboards? It’s expandable! It can go from 13” all the way up to 30”. And two levels give you easy access no matter how your effects pedals are positioned. It can take up to 12 pedals and power supply.

For players that need maximum portability it has no case. But it’s well-built, versatile, and durable.

Best powered pedalboard: SKB PS-8

Other than what pedals will populate it, dimensions and power are two of the most important things to consider when shopping for a pedalboard. For players looking for a smaller board fitting a power supply in a small space can next to impossible – without sacrificing a pedal or two.

Why do that when you can get a powered pedalboard? The SKB PS-8 is on the smaller side, but with a 19″x12″ surface there should still be plenty of room to house your pedal chain. The hook and loop surface allows secure positioning for up to eight standard-size pedals.

A fully integrated 9-volt DC 500mA power source lets you easily juice your effects. The downside is it’s not isolated, so your signal is still subject to noise depending on the quality of the AC power.

It comes with a strapped carrying case for easy mobility. If you’re looking for a simple board without having to worry about a separate power supply this is a great choice. It’s affordable, portable, and offers different types of power connections for pedals that use something other than a standard connection.

Best nano pedalboard: D’Addario XPND

Some players like to keep their signal chain light, and they need a smaller board that accommodates that. This expandable pedalboard is designed with telescoping technology so you can instantly expand or contract the width as needed.

Cable management is still a concern, but D’Addario thought of that. You can run everything on the underside and secure it with the included loop Velcro and/or cable clips.

It’s not expensive, but it’s made of lightweight aluminum and durable enough to take the abuse of however you choose to use it.

Best pedalboard under $100: Pedaltrain Metro 20

Looking for a grab-and-go option but don’t want to break the bank? This three rail model from premier pedalboard manufacturer Pedaltrain makes the Metro 20 a fantastic budget option for musicians on the go.

It’s got the standard Pedaltrain lightweight, aluminum road-ready quality of construction. It sits low to the ground but it’s flat with no tilt, which might not be ideal for every player.

The Metro 20 works great with mini pedals, can accommodate larger pedals, and multi-effect units. Fasteners and zip ties are provided, so everything you need to secure your effects pedals to the board is included. And if you purchase it you have your choice of soft case or a more rugged, tour-ready hardshell case just like the Classic 2!

Best budget pedalboard: Road Runner Effects

If you need a well-constructed hardshell pedalboard that can stand up to the rigors of the road, this is a great low cost option. It has a small area, so it’s best for musicians who don’t use many pedals or those who are trying to keep their GAS at bay by slimming down what they use on the floor.

It can hold up to five effects depending on their size. But there is a larger version that can support up to eight. The interior is made of Velcro for easy adhesion. And it comes with the adhesive side of the Velcro for securing them to the board.

Budget boards have a reputation for being a little flimsy. But the combination of steel, aluminum, and PVC make it plenty durable – especially for this low of a price point.

What to look for in a pedalboard

Size and layout

The size of your pedalboard should accommodate your current pedals while leaving room for expansion. A compact board is great for portability, but a larger one allows for more flexibility in arranging your pedals for easy access.

Consider how you like to engage your effects. Some guitar and bass players prefer a straight-line layout, while others arrange pedals to optimize foot movement.

Power supply and cable management

A good pedalboard should have a reliable power supply (or room for one) that’s capable of handling the voltage and current needs of all your pedals. Look for isolated power outputs to prevent unwanted noise and interference, especially if you’re running analog and digital pedals together.

Efficient cable management is also crucial for keeping your setup tidy and reducing the risk of accidental disconnections. Some boards come with built-in routing channels or Velcro strips to help organize cables neatly.

Compatibility and connectivity

Ensure the pedalboard is compatible with your pedals in terms of size, power, and input/output configuration. Some modern boards come with built-in patch bays, making it easier to route signals without messy cables.

If you use MIDI pedals, check whether the board design accommodates MIDI controllers or switching systems. Finally, consider how easily you can integrate external effects loops or additional footswitches into your setup.

FAQ

What is the average price of a pedalboard?

Pedalboards range in prices that run the gamut. Size, build quality, and features all play a part in the price point manufacturers set. They generally start around the $50 range and go all the way up to the hundreds.

What are the different types of pedalboards?

This is a multi-part question. When it comes to power, there are essentially powered pedalboards that have an onboard supply. Unpowered means you have to use your own power source. Most manufacturers build with that consideration.

Then there are the kind like Pedaltrain that is a grid system. Meaning you can set up your routing and power on the underside while keeping the surface organized. There are then models that are just flat and everything – pedals, power, cabling – sits on the base.

What are the different sizes of pedalboards?

Again, this is highly varied. Some are only large enough to hold 2-3 pedals, some can fit 10 to even 20. This of course depends on the size of the pedals, which is why mini pedals have gotten so popular.

How do I choose a guitar pedalboard?

The most important consideration is size. Every player’s pedal setup is different, so you need a board that accommodates that – keeping future expansion in mind. Also factor in space for a power supply.

Durability, portability, and weight are also important. Finally, think about angle and tiering. Do you want a board that sits flat or at an angle? Do you need a single layer or multiple tiers? All of these things go into choosing the right pedalboard for you.