Best way to do set up pedalboard?

Bozie · **Joined:** Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:00 am **Posts:** 10

Hi everyone,

I am often singing, playing rhythm and lead lines, and switching multiple pedals at the same time... It turns out I can handle the singing and playing fine but adding multiple pedal changes between verse and chorus is frying my brain.

The obvious solution is a switcher of some sort, here are my particular challenges:
- I need to have the pedals in front of me. Amongst others I have an Xotic AC Plus, a G2D Custom, and a Boss DD20. These all have dual functions that require my foot to do something along the way, so they cant mount in a rack case.
- I like my amps overdrive and have my time based effects in the loop
- I need to be able to switch the amps overdrive.
- I have 8 pedals. 5 Pre-amp, 3 Effects loop
- Sometimes I run a wet/dry rig.
- I use a buffer right up front as I have long cable runs.

I am about to build a new pedalboard and have put together some options. Here is where I would appreciate any advice on viability:
- A Commander, an amp controller, and two pedal switchers. Problem is I have 5 pedals 'pre-amp' and the switchers only have 4 loops. I figure one of them will need to be dedicated to the pre amp and the other to the effects loop... Right?
- A GCP, an amp switcher, and two pedal switchers. Same problem as above
- A GCP and GCX both mounted on the board along with an amp switcher. Huge versatility (great!), but the board might be too heavy and end up being the size of a small car. Is anyone doing this?

I might be missing something here. I also considered a GigRig but you can actually buy a small car for the same price....

I already own a PP2.

Any comments welcomed.

Cheers.

Bozie · **Joined:** Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:00 am **Posts:** 10

Ok...

I have been looking for answers myself:

http://www.pedalgear.net/page20/page20.html

With this idea I can see all the pedal and rack elements working together nicely. I still need to know how deep the GCX is and have asked for that in another part of the forum, but this pedalboard concept could be a winner for people in my position.

Have a look, it wouldn't be a difficult DIY build for those with the right tools, skills, and a bit of patience.

Cheers.

nyteowl · **Joined:** Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:53 am **Posts:** 531

Hey Bozie,

I noticed John Clark provided the GCX depth for you in another thread, and was wondering how you're coming along with this. I was thinking a GCPro/GCX combo might be your best bet, and to that end, I'm wondering if this suggestion might work for you.

What if you were to build two pedal boards, one a 2-tier board to hold the GCX and your pedals, and a second one just for the GCPro? That way the GCPro board could be right in front of you for easy access to the IA buttons, and the GCX/pedals board slightly off to the side, still giving you easy access to your pedals.

Just a thought...

Bozie · **Joined:** Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:00 am **Posts:** 10

Hi nyteowl,

Yes, that is worth considering. A bigger footprint on stage is the only issue I can see, and some places I play floor space is at a premium (no one ever says that to the drummer though!).

I am thinking of buying a Line 6 M9 in place of my RV7, Moon Phaser and Boss DD20. Controlling that with the GCP via MIDI will work from my reading on the boards - no foot work required on the delay and two loops made free for other things.

At that point my pedals could probably go into a small rack case on the amp and I would just have the wah, volume, tap tempo, and tuner pedals at my feet with the GCP.

I really prefer the pedalboard idea, but I need to able to pick it up and fit it in a car too... I am still working on it, really.

nyteowl · **Joined:** Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:53 am **Posts:** 531

Boy, do I hear that!! I'm constantly changing things, trying to get a smaller footprint and as compact a rig as I can. It's a never ending battle.

Best way to do set up pedalboard?

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