Pedaltrain...or not?

[lespaul3013]

So I've been getting a bunch of pedals together for my "big rig"...and there is light at the end of the tunnel!
I can finally see that I just about have all the pedals I need/want, and it sounds incredible; however, my board is another story...

I'm just using a smaller, DIY job that works alright, but it just doesn't look professional and it's not very efficient. That being said, I'm looking to build or buy a new pedalboard. I love the Pedaltrains and I know a lot of people that use them, but every time I see one of Friedman's boards I just drool...they look fantastic. A buddy of mine has a Motley Customs board that looks the same way! I do like the option of going with the DIY/"Friedman-esque" route simply because I can customize everything to my tastes and I don't have to spend the dough for a PT.

So which do you guys prefer? And if I went with the Friedman style, what are some essential supplies and tools that I would need to get the job done?

By the way, I'm not concerned with wiring it up because I will have some Lava cables with pancake plugs to custom wire it with once I get it setup the way I want.

Thanks
Jordan

 

[The Hoff]

If you are certain nothing will change, go Friedman style. If you think you may want to move things in/out then go Pedaltrain. You'll be drilling holes in the Friedman style boards whereas with the Pedaltrain you'll be using the slots of the board so changing up your setup is not a big deal at all. Either way is a good choice. Just depends on your future plans.

If you go Friedman style:
-Zip tie mounts
-Zip Ties
-Screw in cable ties
-Some tools (drill, screwdriver, scissors)

It is pretty simple really. Check out the wiring Rooster at Trailer Trash does too. Great work!

 

[boost]

I have a Pedaltrain Jr. and it gets the job done. The hardshell case is a must for any pedalboard IMO.

What the Trailer Trash and Freidman boards have over the PT is a nicer way to connect the board to the guitar and amp (besides just overall looking better). You can add the parts to the PT (which I will, but have not done yet) but the other boards just look so much better and may offer better protection as far as the cables and power supply cords underneath. Color co-ordinate your jacks and cables and set up is quick and easy even on a dark stage. That right there is priceless.

Look around and you might be able to pick up a board used cheap that's already done. The money you save building one yourself might not outweigh the time and effort you have to put into it to do it right. Just a thought.

The PT is just an aluminum frame really which may not be much more than what you are already using.

 

[lespaul3013]

If you are certain nothing will change, go Friedman style. If you think you may want to move things in/out then go Pedaltrain. You'll be drilling holes in the Friedman style boards whereas with the Pedaltrain you'll be using the slots of the board so changing up your setup is not a big deal at all. Either way is a good choice. Just depends on your future plans.

If you go Friedman style:
-Zip tie mounts
-Zip Ties
-Screw in cable ties
-Some tools (drill, screwdriver, scissors)

It is pretty simple really. Check out the wiring Rooster at Trailer Trash does too. Great work!

Thanks Hoff...good ideas.
I'm pretty certain I'll be keeping it the way it is, but you never know when GAS will strike...

I have a Pedaltrain Jr. and it gets the job done. The hardshell case is a must for any pedalboard IMO.

What the Trailer Trash and Freidman boards have over the PT is a nicer way to connect the board to the guitar and amp (besides just overall looking better). You can add the parts to the PT (which I will, but have not done yet) but the other boards just look so much better and may offer better protection as far as the cables and power supply cords underneath. Color co-ordinate your jacks and cables and set up is quick and easy even on a dark stage. That right there is priceless.

Look around and you might be able to pick up a board used cheap that's already done. The money you save building one yourself might not outweigh the time and effort you have to put into it to do it right. Just a thought.

The PT is just an aluminum frame really which may not be much more than what you are already using.

Thanks man!
What do you mean as far as parts for the PT?

 

[Lord Toneking]

I installed locking jacks and made my own snake with my pedaltrain2. Sorry about the huge crappy cell phone pics

 

[squank]

I was in the same boat a year ago. I thought I had all my pedals set for my board for my original band. I decided to go with a Pedaltrain Pro, and I'm glad I did. Inevitably, something new catches my eye, and I want to try it out on the board. It's so easy to swap them out with the PP.

The Friedman style board would be prettier, but would be a PITA for swapping out pedals.

 

[Digital Jams]

I installed locking jacks and made my own snake with my pedaltrain2. Sorry about the huge crappy cell phone pics

Great job bro!

I have a Pt Pro+ and love it, have the pedal power mounted below and everything ziptided up and neat. Great boards and can be had cheap used.

 

[boost]

If you are certain nothing will change, go Friedman style. If you think you may want to move things in/out then go Pedaltrain. You'll be drilling holes in the Friedman style boards whereas with the Pedaltrain you'll be using the slots of the board so changing up your setup is not a big deal at all. Either way is a good choice. Just depends on your future plans.

If you go Friedman style:
-Zip tie mounts
-Zip Ties
-Screw in cable ties
-Some tools (drill, screwdriver, scissors)

It is pretty simple really. Check out the wiring Rooster at Trailer Trash does too. Great work!

Thanks Hoff...good ideas.
I'm pretty certain I'll be keeping it the way it is, but you never know when GAS will strike...

I have a Pedaltrain Jr. and it gets the job done. The hardshell case is a must for any pedalboard IMO.

What the Trailer Trash and Freidman boards have over the PT is a nicer way to connect the board to the guitar and amp (besides just overall looking better). You can add the parts to the PT (which I will, but have not done yet) but the other boards just look so much better and may offer better protection as far as the cables and power supply cords underneath. Color co-ordinate your jacks and cables and set up is quick and easy even on a dark stage. That right there is priceless.

Look around and you might be able to pick up a board used cheap that's already done. The money you save building one yourself might not outweigh the time and effort you have to put into it to do it right. Just a thought.

The PT is just an aluminum frame really which may not be much more than what you are already using.

Thanks man!
What do you mean as far as parts for the PT?

See the pictures in this thread with the locking jacks? That is what I was referring to. You can only fit 4 on the front of a PT Jr. I really need 5... The bigger PT's, not a problem. Label them with colors and put the same color electrical tape on the ends of your cables. Idiot proof on those nights when the Reposado flowed a little too much!

Those are what makes setting up and tearing down a breeze at a gig. It's a bit harder if your running FX loop, guitar, footswitch, etc. and you have to wire it up through the board at a gig. Not to mention going too far across the stage and accidentally pulling your guitar cord out.

Something to think about when your planning it all out.

 

[mbman]

PT Pro with hard case for me The board is very light and the wheels on the case are a huge plus.

Martin

 

[The Hoff]

I have a Pt Pro+ and love it, have the pedal power mounted below and everything ziptided up and neat. Great boards and can be had cheap used.

Very true, you can have it looking clean with some zip ties and zip tie mounts. Definitely not a bad option.

 

[PaulyPanacea]

i have a PT for my small show rig ( combo amp & pedals) its perfect. with a little bit of time , cable ties & mounts, electrical tape & such its need & portable!!

 

[RockStarNick]

I'm a big fan of Pedaltrain. I used to resist them because EVERYONE had one. But it's for a reason - it's a simple, well thought out, well made, great versatile product. I'm glad I went that route, because since I've bought one, I've redid my rig about 4 times.

I did the whole patch bay on my PT2, and I'm glad I did. Makes setup and teardown a lot easier. I opted for standard jacks instead of locking, and have never had a problem. I insulated them from the board/plate.

 

[fireandglass]

i have 2 pedal train pros with PP2+ mounted underneath and love them, im lookng for a third

 

[Enjolras56]

I personally use the Trailer Trash board, which is exactly what Friedman uses for his angled style boards.
They come pre-drilled for power sockets and in/out jacks on the side (3 on each side if I'm not mistaken). Maximum cleanliness and ease of setup.

If you're going for maximum cleanliness (all connecting and power cables drilled thru the hard top, custom length cables) you should be pretty set on what you pedals are gonna be, cuz it can be a real PITA to change like the guys said. Even more so if you're using Dual Lock to maximally secure your pedals.
If you want to switch pedals a lot and don't mind your cables showing on top, it really shouldn't be more difficult than a Pedaltrain. You're just sacrificing aesthetics.

Having said that, I really like the Pedaltrain design as well. I know a lot of pro gigging musicians who use them, and have seen them set up really cleanly. I believe you were asking "what parts" you need to maximize the ease and cleanliness of the ins and outs. You need a "junction" or "relay" box. I haven't personally used one (not necessary for the Trailer Trash board), but you can check this out http://www.loop-master.com/product_info.php?products_id=206&osCsid=of02lc94f5pvkncgrr8lv7j9c4 or look up This1smyne.com http://this1smyne.com/shop/mpb-mini-patch-bay/for a simple solution. Some guys just build one for their specific needs (having a send/return for your effects loop, stereo outs, etc.)

Good luck!

 

[bubbastain]

I'm a big fan of Pedaltrain. I used to resist them because EVERYONE had one. But it's for a reason - it's a simple, well thought out, well made, great versatile product. I'm glad I went that route, because since I've bought one, I've redid my rig about 4 times.

I did the whole patch bay on my PT2, and I'm glad I did. Makes setup and teardown a lot easier. I opted for standard jacks instead of locking, and have never had a problem. I insulated them from the board/plate.

I'm going to be getting a PT Jr soon. I want to have two jacks on the back for the loop in which I'll have a TC Flashback and a Hardwire Tremolo and maybe a Hardwire Chorus down the road. I think I want to have the guitar input on the right side and two outs (2 amps) to amp on the left side rather than just plug directly into the pedals. I will be going from guitar to my homemade volume stomp>Boss TU-2>Radial Bigshot ABY>output A to one amp and output B into BBE Green Screamer>other amp. Pretty simple right? See any problems with this setup?

 

[MississippiMetal]

I built a pedalboard for my boss using the PT Pro, and it turned out very nice. I think they're great boards. Their weakest link IMO is the case. Sturdy enough, but not quite Anvil quality. The board consists of two compressors, three overdrives, a delay pedal, a harmonizer, TU-3 tuner and footswitch for the Rivera S120 amp. I mounted an extra Tripp-Lite 3-outlet heavy duty power strip in the upper lefthand corner to power the Digitech Harmony and a TC Electronics Chorus/Flanger/Pitch Mod he uses occasionally. Other than that, the Pedal Power 2+ mounted under the board that supplies all the pedals is maxed out on it's outputs.

Because the board is heavily toured with and gets tossed around in its case quite a bit during load-in and load-out, i do routine inspections of cables, jacks and pedal functions to make sure no mid-show crisis occurs, and we keep a backup Pedal Power unit in case the existing one fails.

 

[lespaul3013]

Wow...thanks for all the great advice guys!
Sorry, I haven't been able to get on here for a few days (been crazy busy)...

I'm probably gonna end up going with the PT-Pro w/ hard case. It just seems like a solid option. And I really like the idea of putting the jacks on the side like some of you did.

Thanks again!
Jordan

 

[mysticaxe]

I'm halfway through moving my stuff from an old PT1 to a PT2. The PT-2 is only a couple inches longer, but I also moved the supply underneath. I still need to solder up a few more cables to hook a few things up, but I'm really liking it!

I like the PT concept because it is easy to switch stuff around. Prices are damn good relative to the other options.