How to Choose the Perfect Pedalboard Size: A 2024 Guide
Are you looking to buy a new pedalboard but unsure about which size will suit you best? With so many options available, finding the right pedalboard size can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician with a growing collection, this guide will help you make an informed choice for your pedal setup.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider, along with Aclam’s pedalboard options, so you can confidently pick the pedalboard that fits your needs now and in the future.
✋ Key Considerations for Choosing Your Pedalboard Size
1. How Many Guitar & Bass Effects Pedals Do You Have now? And How Many More Will You Have?
2. Where Will You Be Playing?
3. How To Measure Your Ideal Pedalboard Size
4. Finding Your Ideal Pedalboard
1. How Many Effects Pedals Do You Own Now? And How Many More Will You Want?
Counting your current pedals is a great starting point, but consider how this number may change. Guitarists often find themselves adding new pedals over time. If you have, say, seven pedals now, chances are you’ll add more in the coming months.
➡️ Pro Tip: It might be worth investing in a larger or modular pedalboard that can expand as your collection grows. Knowing how many effects pedals do you have now seems important, but will you have the same number of effects pedals in some months?
HAVE A LOOOK AT MODULAR PEDALBOARDS
2. Where Will You Be Playing?
Consider your playing environment. The size of your pedalboard can impact both portability and performance. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to consider based on your playing setup:
Home or Studio
If your setup is mostly stationary, a larger pedalboard with more pedals can work well. You won’t have to worry about portability.
LARGE PEDALBOARDS ARE GREAT IF YOU'RE PLAYING HOME
Touring or Frequent Travel
A compact, lightweight pedalboard will be easier to transport. In this case, consider getting a soft case for easy mobility or a hard case for added protection.
GET A SMALLER PEDALBOARD TO TRAVEL AROUND
3. Measuring Your Ideal Pedalboard Size
Ready to find the right dimensions? Arrange your pedals on a flat surface, leaving some space between each for cables and easy access during performance.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Spacing for cables
Make room for patches and connectors.
Future Expansion
Leave space for pedals you plan to add.
Attachment Method
If you’re using Aclam’s Smart Track® system, leave a bit of extra space for the pedal fasteners.
Once you’ve arranged everything, use a measuring tape to record the approximate dimensions, and you’ll have a clear idea of the size you need.
➡️ You'll only need a measuring tape and a free space on a table (or floor).
4. Find The Right Pedalboard For You
Now you have an idea of what you need, Aclam offers various standard pedalboard sizes to fit different needs:
➡️ XS1 Pedalboards: 42 x 15 cm for 3 to 4 pedals
➡️ S1 Pedalboards: 59 x 15 cm for 4 to 5 pedals
➡️ XS2 Pedalboards: 42 x 30 cm for 5 to 7 pedals
➡️ S2 Pedalboards: 59 x 30 cm for 8 to 10 pedals
➡️ L2 Pedalboards: 82 x 30 cm for 10 to 14 pedals
Capacity is just for reference. It will depend on the order, size and distribution of your pedals.
Small pedalboards: XS1 & S1
Great for minimal setups and ease of transport
The most portable & ligthweight pedalboards will give you a low capacity but maximum comfort. This are the best option for bassists or guitar players that only use a few effects pedals & like them perfectly lined-up.
➡️ XS1 Pedalboards: ⭐️ The smallest pedalboard ⭐️
Dimensions & capacity: 42 x 15 cm for 3 or 4 effects pedals.
➡️ S1 Pedalboards ⭐️ Best-Seller pedalboard for bassists ⭐️
Dimensions & capacity: 59 x 15 cm for 4 or 5 effects pedals.
Medium pedalboards: XS2 & S2
Ideal for musicians who want balance between pedal capacity and portability
The perfect balance between effects capacity and mobility. With this compact and solid pedalboards you will be able to build a complex yet portable setup for your effects pedals!
Dimensions & capacity: 42 x 30 cm for 5 to 7 effects pedals.
➡️ S2 Pedalboards ⭐️ Best-Seller pedalboard for guitarists ⭐️
Dimensions & capacity: 59 x 30 cm for 8 to 10 effects pedals.
Large pedalboards: L2
Best for pedal enthusiasts with extensive setups
The largest pedalboard in our standard options, but not the largest one you will be able to build as a custom Aclam's pedalboard. If this biggest option is not big enough for you, make your custom pedalboard bigger!
➡️ L2 Pedalboards ⭐️ Biggest pedalboard⭐️
Dimensions & capacity: 82 x 30 cm for 10 to 14 effects pedals.
Standard sized pedalboards do not suit your needs?
If the standard sizes don’t meet your needs, Aclam offers custom pedalboards that allow you to tailor the length and configuration. Check out our custom pedalboard guide for step-by-step instructions on designing your perfect setup.
MORE FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING YOUR PEDALBOARD
Attachment Method
Aclam offers the Smart Track® system for a Velcro-free attachment that preserves your pedals’ resale value. An innovative patented method developed by Aclam to attach your effect pedals without using Velcro or any other adhesives that will damage your effects pedals
Cable Management
Work on the cable management at the top of your pedalboard.
The distance between slats let you work on cable management freely through the top and the bottom part of the pedalboard.
READY TO FIND YOUR PERFECT PEDALBOARD?
With these factors in mind, browse our catalog and choose the Aclam pedalboard that matches your unique needs. Whether you go for a standard size or custom setup, Aclam has the right pedalboard to keep your effects safe, accessible, and easy to transport.
SHARE YOUR SETUP!
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or fellow musicians who might be looking for the perfect pedalboard too! Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
. what a great blog, this writter who wrote this article it's realy a great blogger, this article so inspiring me to be a better person. Please visit things to do
Thanks!
Great post guys! Just one point for beginners to consider - rows. You probably want your board wide enough to accommodate all your frequently used pedals (boost for example) on the front row for quick stomping and then the less used pedals (maybe you use phase for one song in a set) on the back row. I personally prefer a wider but shallower board if I can - usually 2 rows of pedals :)