The Best Powered / Unpowered Pedalboards
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I've written about and researched music gear for many years, while also serving as a music director at my local church, in addition to teaching guitar, bass and mentoring young musicians.
The Best Unpowered Small Pedalboards
These boards are less than 20 inches wide and don't come with any type of power supply.
On-Stage GPB2000 Pedalboard with Bag (18.75" x 6")
The GPB2000 continues to top the ratings in this category.
It is an affordable and compact pedalboard ideal for small rigs. It lets you horizontally position up to 5 regular sized pedals on a slight incline for easier access.
The board itself is crafted from lightweight aluminum, with strategically placed cutouts to give room for cables. And it comes with adhesive hook & loop strips for securing your pedals to the aluminum board.
It also comes bundled with a gig bag, with reinforced top and bottom and a removable shoulder strap.
Features:
- Frame: Aluminum Rail
- Inclination: Inclined
- Board Dimensions: 18.75" x 6"
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
- Pedal Fastener: Adhesive Hook & Loop Strips
- Accessories: Gig bag included.
Pros
Owners are impressed with the thickness of the aluminum used, and most are confident that this is a solid pedalboard. There are also many who find the size to be just right for their pedals, even for odd shaped ones. There is also plenty of good feedback regarding the included gig bag, praising it for its quality padding.
Cons
There are a few who caution that the incline is not enough to fit a regular power supply. They caution that you'll either have to modify the rubber padding to elevate the incline, or place the power supply on the board, or adjacently on the floor.
Overall
For the price, the On-Stage GPB2000 is a great deal for those who prefer to only bring a few essential pedals to their gigs.
Pedaltrain Novo 18 SC Pedalboard with Soft Case (18" x 14.5")
Pedaltrain are known for their use of light and sturdy aircraft grade aluminum metal, joined together in an open rail design.
The Novo 18 in particular has a taller 5-rail configuration that easily accommodates around 18 standard size pedals, and can easily handle a mixed bunch with wider and taller stompboxes.
The board is angled for easy foot placements, and to make space for a power supply and cables underneath. This sloped design together with the use of hook-and-loop velcro allows for flexible pedal positioning and a clutter-free setup.
The Novo 18 SC comes with a basic soft case that many find satisfactory. However, if you're going touring or need more protection then for a higher price instead of a soft case you can get one bundled with a hard case for improved protection - see it at Amazon or Sweetwater.
Features
- Frame: Lightweight Aircraft Grade Aluminum 5-rail Setup
- Inclination: Angled
- Board Dimensions: 18" x 14.5" x 3.5"
- Softcase Dimensions: 20" x 17" x 5”
- Weight: 4.0 lbs
- Pedal Fastener: 90" Adhesive backed Hook-and-Loop
- Accessories: Assorted Zip Ties.
Pros
Many users describe the Pedaltrain Novo 18 SC as having the perfect combination of size, reliability, and functionality for their needs. A good number of guitarists are happy with the strength of the frame especially when considering its weight, while others commend its solid velcro connections. Users commend its rail design for the extra room it provides for cable management, which is especially important for boards that hold a lot of pedals.
Cons
Some users rate the Novo 18 SC a bit lower because the soft case does not have a zipped pocket for storing cables and other tools. There are also a few who had issues with some of the velcro getting loose while inside the soft case and traveling. I can imagine this happening when the storage is positioned improperly (vertically as opposed to horizontally on the floor).
Overall
The Pedaltrain Novo 18 SC has consistently generated high marks from users for several years and has remained on our recommended list ever since we first published guide back in 2017.
The Best Unpowered Large Pedalboards
If you want to setup more pedals, or utilize a few large size stompboxes, then this is the section for you. These boards are more than 20 inches wide but they don't have a power supply - if you need power you can jump ahead to Powered Large Pedalboards.
Pedaltrain Classic PT-CL1-SC Pedalboard with Soft Case (22" x 12.5")
The PT-CL1-SC is a pedalboard that features Pedaltrain's "classic" 4-rail design, built using aircraft-grade aluminum that's preferred for being durable and light.
The dimension of this board is 22" x 12.5" x 3.5", which has good enough space to accommodate most rigs. Since this is part of their Classic line, it comes with a thicker railing that's similar to the boards that they sold back then the company was starting out.
The board's open front design, together with its raised elevation makes it easier to mount a power-supply, and provides ample room for mounting.
This pedalboard ships with everything that you need to secure your pedals, including an 88" adhesive-backed hook-and-loop, and zip ties for better cable management.
Pedaltrain also bundled it with a softcase.
Features
- Frame: Aluminum Rail
- Inclination: Inclined
- Board Dimensions: 22" x 12.5" x 3.5"
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Pedal Fastener: Adhesive
- Accessories: Assorted Hook and Loop fasteners, Softcase.
Pros
Owners are pleased at the dimensions of this pedalboard, stating that it has enough room for most most stompbox setups, with provisions for future gear. Users who own bigger multi-effects pedals are happy with its space and its overall structural design. Guitarists also commend it for being light, considering its size. Being easy to setup is another common theme found in reviews.
Cons
The bundled softcase is not as impressive as the board itself, prompting some owners to complain.
Overall
With its high number of satisfied users, the Pedaltrain Classic PT-CL1-SC is definitely worth checking out if the dimensions match what you need.
Pedaltrain Novo 24 TC Pedalboard with Tour Case (24" x 14.5")
The Novo line is meant to be Pedaltrain's more light-weight take on their popular aluminum rail pedalboard.
This particular model offers quite a lot of space at 24" x 14.5". With 5 rails it has plenty of room for seven, maybe 8 regular sized pedals (when squeezed together), and can easily handle the depth of volume and expression pedals with enough space for another smaller pedal.
Like other Pedaltrain boards, the aluminum railing design gives plenty of room for cabling, while providing more than adequate support for attaching your pedals.
It also comes with 120" of hook and loop fasteners that you use to setup your pedals.
Finally, the Novo 24 TC comes with a tour case, which makes for easy storage and mobility, while also protecting your pedals and setup.
Features
- Frame: Aluminum Rail
- Inclination: Inclined
- Board Dimensions: 24" x 14.5" x 3.5"
- Tour Case Dimensions: 26" x 17" x 9”
- Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Pedal Fastener: Adhesive
- Accessories: Assorted Hook and Loop fasteners.
Pros
The Pedaltrain Novo 24 TC is well loved for its good balance of portability and reliability. Most users are impressed at how lightweight this solid feeling board is, and many are happy with how easy it is to setup.
Cons
The case is too bulky for some users, but this is a necessary trade-off for the extra protection it provides when compared to soft cases.
Overall
The Pedaltrain Novo 24 TC is a good buy for those who want a road worthy pedalboard package for their growing number of pedals.
Unpowered Large Pedalboard - Budget Option
Here's a low cost alternative to the models above.
SOYAN Large Metal Guitar Pedal Board (22” x 12.5”)
Street Price:
Manufacturer:
This is an affordable large size pedalboard (22" x 12.5") made from solid metal.
It has rectangular slots for cable management, and is inclined to make room for a power supply underneath.
For the price, this board can fit a good number of pedals, and it comes with everything you need to attach your pedals, including velcro and an elastic strap for the power supply.
It also comes with a lightweight nylon carrying bag, for safe storage and transport of your pedals.
Features
- Frame: Metal Rail
- Inclination: Inclined
- Board Dimensions: 22" x 12.5" x 2.36"
- Tour Case Dimensions: 23" x 14.2" x 5.9”
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Pedal Fastener: Adhesive Velcro
- Accessories: Velcro tapes and elastic straps.
Pros
Value for money is the main reason why people love this board, especially since it comes with the necessary accessories for setting up. Owners love the space it provides and are satisfied with how solid it is. The quality of the nylon carrying bag is also commended for being sturdy and for having good enough space for most pedals.
Cons
There are some who aren't too happy with the allotted space for the power supply, while others caution that this board is heavier compared to aluminum based ones. Also note that wah, expression and other big pedals will not fit into the nylon bag.
Overall
If you're looking for a good quality yet affordable large-size pedalboard, then this is highly recommended.
The Best Powered Small Pedalboards
Here we look at the best powered pedalboards, most of them come with built-in power supply for powering multiple pedals, while a few others come with at least the wiring for powering up multiple pedals. This can be a more convenient option than the DIY approach of purchasing and fitting your power supply separately but there are some things to watch out for. Since pedals can have different power requirements (voltage - current Draw - connector), you should check to make sure of the compatibility of the bundled power supplies. Some of the powered pedalboards below offer 18V power options, but if you're using pedals that are powered by standard 9V adapters then these complications shouldn't apply. Note that many of these pedalboards are tailored to standard pedal sizes, which means that fitting bigger or even smaller than regular pedals may require some careful planning.
Voodoo Lab Dingbat Tiny Powered Pedalboard Package (14.5" x 6.5") with Pedal Power X4
As the name implies, the Voodoo Lab Dingbat Tiny is meant for those who only use a few pedals.
The board itself is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, with slots for cable management instead of rails.
This particular package comes with Pedal Power X4, which fits into the underside of the angled board. It is an isolated power supply that can run up to 4 pedals, which is just the right number given the board's size.
Included are all the necessary accessories to setup your pedals, including hook-and-loop mounting tapes, UV-resistant cable ties and 4-way tie mounts.
Finally, it comes with a padded gig bag with removable shoulder strap, meant to be easy to carry around.
Features
- Frame: Aluminum
- Inclination: Inclined
- Board Dimensions: 14.5" x 6.5"
- Tour Case Dimensions: 26" x 17" x 9”
- Weight: 1.35 lbs (1.8lbs with Pedal Power X4)
- Pedal Fastener: Hook-and-Loop Fasteners
- Accessories: Padded Gig Bag, Hook-and-Loop Fasteners
Pros
Owners rate this board highly for having just the right size for building a portable 4-pedal rig. And since it is bundled with a power supply, users describe it as a convenient plug-and-play pedalboard. The board itself gets a lot of thumbs up for feeling solid, and its slotted design allows for more surface area to secure your pedals on to. There are many who commend the quality of the included padded bag, which is way better than what they were expecting.
Cons
Not much complaint, but note that the slotted board design may be a bit limiting when it comes to cable management.
Overall
With power supply included and the quality of the board and bag, the Voodoo Lab Dingbat Tiny is a great choice for 4-pedal setups.
Voodoo Lab Dingbat Small Powered Pedalboard Package with Pedal Power 2 Plus (18" x 7.75")
With the popularity of compact "micro" pedals, even compact pedalboards can now house more than five pedals.
This is where this package comes in, with its Pedal Power 2 Plus power supply, which can power up to 8 pedals. And it does so while maintaining the reliability and quiet operation expected from Voodoo Lab power supplies.
At the core of this package is the Dingbat aluminum board, which is crafted from lightweight but durable aluminum.
Instead of the popular rail design that other pedalboard makers use, Voodoo Lab only added slots for cable management, which can be a bit limiting but makes more room for pedal to board attachment.
Features
- Frame: Aluminum (Slotted)
- Inclination: Inclined
- Dimensions:18" x 7.75"
- Softcase Dimensions: Not Specified
- Weight: 2.6 lbs (3.84 lbs with power supply)
- Pedal Fastener: Hook-and-loop fasteners
- Accessories: Heavy duty gigbag
Pros
Simple and effective nicely sums up how most owners feel about the Dingbat Small with Pedal Power 2 Plus. And these satisfied owners range from singer songwriters who use acoustic guitar to lead guitarists, and also bassists. There are also some who commend the board's inclined angel, which does not feel awkward when compared to their previous board.
Cons
There aren't any complaints about the quality of the board or the power supply included, but it should be noted that with the space of the board, 8 power outputs is a bit too much if your using regular sized pedals.
Overall
If you're into the micro pedal setup, or if you have pedals with high current and voltage requirements, then do check out the Voodoo Lab Dingbat Small with Pedal Power 2 Plus.
The Best Powered Large Pedalboards
These are over 20 inches wide and come with a power supply.
Voodoo Lab Dingbat Medium with Pedal Power 4x4 (22" x 13.5")
The Voodoo Lab Dingbat makes another appearance in this list, this time with the medium sized version equipped with a more powerful power supply.
At 22" x 13.5" it has enough space for more pedals (up to 10) and different placements, while the included Pedal Power 4x4 compliments it nicely with output for handling up to 8 pedals, including ones that require high current.
Like its smaller counterpart, the Dingbat Medium is crafted from lightweight aluminum, with slots for wiring and cable placement with the Pedal Power 4x4 supply pre-installed on the underside of the board.
Features
- Frame: Aluminum (Slotted)
- Inclination: Inclined
- Dimensions: 22" x 13.5"
- Softcase Dimensions: Not Specified
- Weight: 4.4 lbs (6.4 lbs with power supply)
- Pedal Fastener: Hook-and-loop fasteners
- Accessories: Heavy duty gigbag
Pros
It gets high ratings from users for the quality of its power supply, and for its solid and clean board design. Many report that the included fasteners do a good job at securing the pedals, and the power supply operates quietly without any issue. Being easy to setup is another common remark from users.
Cons
It may be a bit pricey for some, but those who bought this pedalboard say that it is a worthy investment.
Overall
If you're using digital processors and other high ampere requirements, and you're looking for a reliable pedalboard with power supply for medium size rigs, then this is for you.
Voodoo Lab Dingbat Medium with Pedal Power 2 Plus (22" x 13.5")
This package partners the Voodoo Lab Dingbat Medium with the company's popular Pedal Power 2 Plus, a popular combination which has topped the ratings of this category for the second year in a row.
The board itself stays true to the Dingbat series' simple yet effective use of aluminum with strategically positioned slots for cable management.
The power supply is where the magic happens with its plethora of power output options, from standard 9V to high current 9V, and it even has a 9V output with battery sag control, for those who want their pedal to operate much like how it would with an older battery.
More importantly, this power supply has inputs that can work for pedals that require 12V, 18V and 24V.
Features
- Frame: Aluminum (Slotted)
- Inclination: Inclined
- Dimensions: 22" x 13.5"
- Softcase Dimensions: Not Specified
- Weight: 4.4 lbs (6.4 lbs with power supply)
- Pedal Fastener: Hook-and-loop fasteners
- Accessories: Heavy duty gigbag
Pros
This versatile medium sized board is known for its solid feel, and this is reflected in reviews. But the star in this package is the Pedal Power 2 Plus, and its versatile output options, making this board a favorite among those who mix and match pedals from different makers - including Boss, Line 6, Strymon, TC Electronic and many more.
Cons
There are a few who feel that the use of slots instead of rails limits pedal positioning. But on the flip-side, the pedals are better attached to board this way, which is why many describe the Dingbat as more secure than other pre-made boards.
Overall
If you're into pedals with different power requirements, and your rig can no longer fit the Dingbat Small board, then this should be high in your priorities.
Things To Consider When Buying a Pedalboard
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Knowing the space you need should be simple if you have standard size pedals, but it becomes more complex if you own pedals with different shapes and sizes. To give you a better idea of the size differences, we have listed the dimensions (W x D x H) of popular pedals below:
Pedal Dimensions
Pedal Dimensions Boss Pedals (Standard Size) 2.875" x 5.125" x 2.375" MXR Pedals (Standard Size) 2.375" x 4.375" x 1.25" DigiTech Pedals (Standard Size) 3.125" x 4.9375" x 2.125" Behringer Pedals (Standard Size) 2.75" x 4.8" x 2.125" Electro-Harmonix Nano Pedals 2.2" x 4.3" x 2" Strymon BigSky (Big Wide) 6.75" x 5.1" Fuzz Face (Big Circular) 7.75" x 10.75" x 3.5" Cry Baby Wah (Big Tall) 4" x 10" x 2.5" Vox Volume Pedal (Big Tall) 3.54" x 10.55" x 2.44" You'll notice that standard size pedals require around 3" x 5" of space, which is a good number to work with. While the Cry Baby Wah's dimensions should be the standard for most tall expression type pedals. Wide pedals will have very different dimensions so you'll have to consider each one and plan for them individually. In addition to the size of your pedals, patch cables and/or pedal couplers also take space and must be considered. Note that while weight difference of small and big boards can be minimal, the actual weight difference will be bigger when you factor in the weights of the extra pedals that are added. To help you decide on the size we have provided the actual dimensions of each one we have recommended.
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For convenience, some manufacturers build power supplies directly into their pedalboards, while others are bundled with dedicated power supplies that are mounted on the board. You can also get a standalone power supply, but the goal is the same for all of them - to have enough power and cables for the pedals that you're using. The bad news is that pedal manufacturers don't always follow the follow the standard 9V power supply, which means that you should check your pedals to be on the safe side. The most common examples are pedals that require 12V or 18V. Note that using the wrong power supply may damage your pedal, so it is best to check the specifications. Another issue is that some pedals can be too power hungry, tipping the required current over the power supply's capacity. So if you have one or more of these power hogs then take this into account.
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Plywood was, for a long time, the material of choice for many guitarists because of its simplicity and practicality. Since it is made of wood, it can be easily customized, by drilling holes, making cuts or adding wood bits. On the other hand, Aluminum is growing in demand because it's lighter and more rigid, ideal for people who are always on the move. Plastic boards sit somewhat in between, they are sturdy, a little heavier than aluminum, and are usually more affordable.
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Angled or sloped boards are becoming popular because of the space they provide underneath for power supplies and cables. The slanted profile also makes reaching rear/top pedals easier. Flat boards are more straightforward and store more easily, it is the default configuration for many compact boards.
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One of the reasons why custom pedalboards can be a pain is that you'll also have to customize a fitting carrying case. Thankfully, most ready-made pedalboards come with soft or hard carrying cases. Soft cases are lighter and easier to carry, while hard cases are heavier but offer more protection. Some of these carrying cases have pockets for carrying accessories, which helps simplify transport and setup.
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Most pedalboards utilize Hook-and-Loop Velcro as pedal fastener, and some manufacturers provide them along with the board. There are also those that come bundled with zip ties for better cable positioning. Some even provide 1/4" patch cables for connecting your pedals, so setting up will be easy out of the box. While having these accessories can be a good bonus, many users cautioned that their quality maybe sub-par, compared to those that can be bought separately. Boards with metal rails allow for more room for cable management, at the expense of smaller contact surface area for securing pedals. Slotted pedalboards have more surface area for attaching pedals, but have limited cabling space.
Pedalboard Real Estate
Power Supply
Plywood vs Aluminum vs Plastic
Flat vs Angled Profile
Carrying Case
Velcro, Cables and Accessories
Best Pedalboard Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017.
We looked at all top rated pedalboards being sold by major retailers in the USA, and came up with 74 models to put on our short-list (see them in our music gear database). We then collated and analyzed over 16,500 related reviews, ratings and discussion forum comments. All these data were then processed by the Gearank Algorithm which gave us the rating scores out of 100 that represent market sentiment for each pedalboard. Finally, we featured the highest rated models divided into two main categories: Powered and Unpowered, and further divided into size: Small (under 20" wide) and Large (20"+ wide). We also summarized owner and user opinions under the Pros and Con headings for each one recommended above. For this edition, we included a budget option for under Large Powered Pedalboards section. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I've written about and researched music gear for many years, while also serving as a music director at my local church, in addition to teaching guitar, bass and mentoring young musicians.
Drawing from his experience in performing and recording, he teaches guitar and bass and mentors young artists to be better musicians. And when he is not busy playing or tinkering with musical gear, he puts on his entrepreneurial hat, which helps fund his passion for collecting guitars, mecha figures and Gunpla kits.
Contributors
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Supplemental research, Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Original photograph by Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock and modified by Gearank.com.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Comments
We have removed the Behringer
Submitted by Jason Horton on
We have removed the Behringer PB600 from the recommended list due to being discontinued.
Publication of our October
Submitted by Jason Horton on
Publication of our October 2021 Edition resulted in the following boards coming off the recommended list above:
We've removed the following
Submitted by Jason Horton on
We've removed the following pedalboards from the recommended list above due to being discontinued, but you can still see our analysis of them:
As a result of the December
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of the December 2019 update of this guide the following pedalboards came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of them: