New Pedalboard for 2020

[edwardofhuncote]

I've been kicking around an idea for another small pedalboard... I think everything I want to go on it will fit on an 18" × 5" Pedaltrain Nano Plus.

I'm going to mount a TC Electronics Polytune 3 mini, a DS-5 blue box, an MXR M134 stereo chorus, and finally, a Mesa Subway DI preamp.*

*found an even better deal on a Subway+ DI... a few extra options, very usable, but I give up a couple square inches of real estate on the pedalboard. Meh... I can spare 'em.

This may be my bass rig, going forward. No speakers to carry means less hustle, less hassle, and more energy to use for playing a gig. Obviously, in the scenario imagined, I'd be giving up my quality sound of two big Bag Ends for a less satisfying monitor wedge or IEMs... but unless my nephew wants to be a roadie this Summer... 

[goran]

That would be a nice pedalboard, I'm just thinking the same, since I'm in hunt for new amp, this is quite interesting to have, preamp and amp separately... So this is what I have in mind.

https://www.radialeng.com/product/jdv

https://www.guitarsoundsystems.com/gss-1000w-sumo-guitar-bass-power-amp-c2x23791314

[lbpesq]

Only the pic of the blue box comes through on my iPad.  The other “pics” are empty boxes.  When I click on the link I’m taken to a link to sign up for dropbox.

Bill, tgo

[edwardofhuncote]

Interesting. I just used stock pics from the respective Reverb ads. The DS-5 is one of mine.

[hieronymous]

Wah - I can't see either!  :'(


How are you going to attach things? I put velcro on a couple of my more generic pedals but I would really prefer not to. I've been using super-long zip ties for some things but it doesn't work for all pedals. I wish you could easily buy replacement bottoms for the standard size pedals so as to keep the original bottom velcro-free...

[David Houck]

Pictures show fine for me.  Brave browser on Windows 10.

[sonicus]

I am also experimenting with a pedal board signal chain  that will be inclusive of various looping pedals and  alternate tunings including  the use of a digitech drop pedal as well as synth and organ pedals . My six string Essence tuned  ; E A D G C F is part of the experiment  as well as a fretless are part of this new direction and concept.  When I finally wade through the fog of my exploration I will post sound samples .At this point my pedal board is a large anvil case type unit that measures  26" X14" .   This is a new frontier for me .

[lbpesq]

Instead of Velcro, I much prefer 3M Dual Lock.  It is available in different strengths and fastens far more solidly than Velcro.  The pedals don’t rock back and forth.   Also, the stick-um seems stronger than Velcro.  I find that half the time when I’ve removed a Velcroed pedal, the Velcro stays stuck and the adhesive gives instead.   Another option is offered by Temple Audio.  They have little plates that stick to the pedal bottom and then mount on their pedal boards by way of a thumbscrew.

Bill, tgo

[David Houck]

I am also experimenting ...

This sounds very interesting!

[edwardofhuncote]

I like the Dual-Lock stuff... like Bill says, it's a rigid mount, and I seldom if ever move things around. Really, I don't even use that many pedals... the main one used for an 'effect" is a chorus, almost always on, in moderation.

The primary goal here was exploring a way to 'go amp-less' and still maintain some control beyond a simple DI box. I really like the Mesa Subway line... it has all the functions of my F-1X, plus some extra mid sweeping capabilities, and some high-pass filtering options. Weighs 2 lbs and measures 8-1/8" × 5-1/2".

https://www.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/bass/preamplifier-series/subway-bass-di-preamp-plus/index.html

Secondary to that, a way to have a DS-5 mounted solid for grab-n-go. There's a case to be made for just leaving the bluebox outboard, as it has to be powered separately anyway. I mean... how much longer does it take to get it out of my case and plug it in? We'll see how it goes...

[edwardofhuncote]

These are kinda' nifty, Bill. 


https://www.templeaudio.com/page/quick-release

[sonicus]

I purchased the 3M DUAL LOCK system as well .

[mario_farufyno]

I'm purchasing this:

https://www.dsmnoisemaker.com/omnicabsim-deluxe/yh0m9

[edwardofhuncote]

So here's what I ended up with...

...decided to leave the DS-5 outboard, and instead of the MXR M134 Stereo Chorus, I'll keep using the M83 Bass Chorus Deluxe and M87 Compressor in the effects loop of the Mesa Subway+ DI. Both of which I've been using all along. The larger, more complicated MXR Stereo Chorus unit will stay in the practice room. Note that the Mesa has a dedicated tuner output, with a mute switch... the Polytune tuner pedal is patched to that. I've never used one like this before, so it's a little strange... I'd been using the Polytune in the signal path between the bass and amp as a mute, but this is kinda' nice too.

This pedalboard may well become my bass rig... that Mesa DI is a mighty fine tool. As far as DI's go, it's on-par with a lot of studio-grade gear out there. (take a look at the output options) I think the key to how well it works for me is implementation. I think the guys would be willing to keep a good monitor wedge in the Band Wagon for me. Maybe there are other ways of hearing myself, and it's time to start exploring them... but my days of making trips humping speaker cabinets around are about vetch in vetch-natchy.

The second set of pedals are some that are mostly kept toggled <off>. They're just some fun effects for fretless or my Starfire bass, and will probably just get me into trouble! Anyway, these can be powered from the extra jack on the power supply to pedalboard 1, and can quickly patched right in, or... not.

[StefanieJones]

Interesting setup. It's good to have options and there are plenty of options there!