Anyone Built a Custom Pedalboard?

Get on a table and lay out your pedals the way you'd ultimately like to see them positioned. This will give you an idea of the size footprint you need and cabling. Budget in some extra space in case you add a pedal or two, and remember some pedals can be quite big.

Test the chain in that dummy layout - some pedals can get noisy when too close to a power source (more on that below) or other pedals, particularly those with internal transformers and voltage converters.

Plan a way to elevate the pedals on the back row, otherwise you'll be hitting the knobs on the front row with your feet. I have a riser shelf on my back row, 2x4 squares on the middle row. Think choir risers.

Be sure to plan a hidden inconspicuous spot for a power source. I use a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus. Mine can hide under my back riser.

My board is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for durability, sturdiness and light weight. I got it from a metal fabricator who made it for his own rig.

Good stuff. I've thought about angling the entire board and offsetting the top row. I would like to have my power supply mounted on the bottom. I also thought about slats for hiding cables. I want a clean appearance. Appreciate the info.

Using aluminum is interesting. Most of what I've seen is made of wood.

I may stop by and pick your brain whenever I get further along in the process. Right now, it's just conceptual. I'm still assembling my pedal list.

I have done this before, and ended up switching to a pedaltrain later on. IMO their price and design cannot be beat. The ability to hide cables and mount a power supply with the option of a road case was everything I wanted and needed. That being said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing something yourself. My only suggestion would be to build a little bigger than you need. Even if you never add a new pedal, you may want to change their layout, and that could cause you to need more space.

Curious about your technique on the blue wah/volume? pedal

You will need extra space. Pedals are like bunnies. Once you have a few, they keep multiplying.

I'll check it out. Thing is I don't want just a plain jane pedalboard. I'll end up painting it with references from my musical influences.

I want it to be functional and eye catching.