How to Build a Pedal Board

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the dimensions of the board you will need by arranging the effects pedals according to your choice. Write the dimensions on a piece of paper and draw a diagram to make things easier.
• 2

  Visit a hardware or lumber store, purchase a plywood board and have it cut to your specifications. The thickness of the plywood board should be between 1/2-inch and 1-inch.
• 3

  Remove any rough areas on the plywood board by sanding all of its sides and edges with coarse sandpaper. This will provide a better surface for the Velcro to stick onto as well as prevent potential splinters.
• 4

  Apply a uniform coat of high quality, coloured spray paint with sealant on the entire plywood board. To make the wood more resistant to wear and tear, you might want to apply a primer coat and allow it to dry before applying the paint coat. Allow time for the spray paint to dry completely before you move on.
• 5

  Use a pair of scissors to cut a piece of Velcro (the fuzzy side), same size in length as the plywood board. Peel the backing off of the strip and affix it to the top of the board. Affix the Velcro strip carefully and prevent formation of air bubbles as much as possible.
• 6

  Depending on the number of pedals you want to use, cut individual pieces of Velcro (the rough side) for each pedal. Make sure that the Velcro pieces are of the same size as the top of the back sides of the pedals. As before, peel off the backing and attach firmly to each pedal.
• 7

  Attach the pedals and connect them as desired with patch cables. Ideal length of the patch cables for an average sized paddle board is 6 inches. However, it may vary depending on the paddle board’s size.
• 8

  Finally, make the necessary electrical connections and attach the pedal power supply. Your pedal board is now ready for use.