PosidoVega
The right pedalboard can make a huge difference when it comes to having a streamlined setup for your effects pedals. And, it can be hard to know where to start when you’re shopping for a small pedalboard for an acoustic rig or a small electric setup.
There’s just so many options out there. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right pedalboard, especially a small one.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at what you should consider, and my top pick as the best small pedalboard for bass players.
Let’s dive in.
Disclaimer: I’m reader-supported. So, when you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Having that said, this article does contain affiliate links that I receive a small commission for at no cost to you. This is the small pedalboard I’ve been using since 2020 and I fully recommend trying it out. You can read my full affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy in the footer.
Things To Consider When Buying A Small Pedalboard
Here are some things to consider when looking to buy a small pedalboard. Personally, I recommend thinking about:
- what size you’ll need and the portability
- how you’ll manage your patch cables
- how you’ll attach the pedals to the pedalboard.
Let’s breakdown each of these things you should consider.
Size and Portability
One of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing a pedalboard is the size and portability.
As a bassist, you may not need as many pedals as a guitarist, so a smaller pedalboard may be suitable.
A lot of bassists I know do well with just 3 to 4 effects pedals (one of them just being a tuner pedal). So, first determine how many pedals you’ll be using and lay them out on the floor. Take some masking tape and map out a box around your pedals. Then, measure that box to get a good idea as to how much space you’ll need.
For a small pedalboard, you can go with a layout that is linear (right to left), or a layout that is more like a square. I recommend a linear layout (the pedalboard is a single row), because all of your pedal cables can be the same short length. When you have a square layout, you’ll need a cable that is longer to accommodate for the distance between the pedal on one corner to the pedal on the opposite corner.
Look for a pedalboard that is about 20 inches in length, which should be enough space to accommodate up to 4 standard-sized effects pedals. If you’re using micro pedals, you’ll be able to accommodate a lot more.
It’s also important to consider the portability of your pedalboard, especially if you plan to take it with you to gigs or rehearsals. So, look for a small pedalboard that is lightweight and easy to carry around, without compromising on durability.
Aluminum is a popular material for pedalboards as it’s lightweight, durable, and affordable. However, wood is also a good option for those who want a more natural aesthetic, although it can be heavier and require more maintenance.
Cable Management For Your Pedals
Cable management is an often-overlooked aspect of building a pedalboard, but it’s an important one. You want to make sure that your cables are neatly organized and that there is minimal clutter on your pedalboard. This not only makes your setup look more professional, but it can also help prevent signal loss and interference.
Having a pedalboard with spaces or holes, allows you to tuck your cables underneath the pedalboard, keeping things looking neat and tidy.
Attachment Options
There are many ways to attach your pedals to a pedalboard. Some pedalboards require Velcro. This is probably one of the most common and inexpensive ways to go about it.
However, I’m not a fan of Velcro (especially the heavy-duty kind), as you’ll need to stick Velcro directly onto the base of your pedal. That sticky side can get gooey over time. I’ve also had Velcro come off my past pedalboards from continuous changing of my pedals.
Another option is to use plastic cable ties (or zip ties). This works fine, if you don’t plan on switching out your pedals often. I don’t like this option either, because sometimes the cable ties will get in the way of the knobs and block other features of a pedal. I tried this many times in the past and really wanted this approach to work for me, but whenever I needed to move a pedal around, I just found it to be a pain.
Now, there’s another option, that I feel is well worth the price. And that is, attaching the pedals using a special mounting hardware called a fixture block. This only will work with a specific kind of pedalboard that the fixture blocks will connect to.
But, as you’ll see, this option:
- gets rid of the need for Velcro or cable ties
- allows you switch your pedals quickly and easily
- looks super clean and tidy
- is durable
- easy to adjust
- and works for most pedals (provided that the pedal has flat sides and is rectangular in shape)
Now that you know what to consider when shopping for a small pedalboard, here’s my top pick that checks all the boxes.
Guitto Effects Pedalboard (Lightweight, Durable, and No Velcro!)
I’ve tried different types of small pedalboards, including one from Pedaltrain. But, I’ve found the Guitto Effects Pedalboard, to be the best value for my needs. The main kicker for me was the fixing mechanism that’s used to attach my pedals to the pedalboard, it’s super-clean, easy to remove and switch up my pedals, and there’s room underneath to add power supply.
I learned about this pedalboard during a church gig. The guitarist had a tiny pedal board that was very neat and clean looking. I noticed these interesting clamp-like things that held the pedals securely. I never seen anything like it before. The guitarist told me that these clamps are called fixture blocks, and he also gave me the name of the pedalboard that he was using.
Take a look.
No More Velcro
The Guitto Effects Pedalboard uses a whole new method of fastening the pedals. It comes with a specific tool (basically an Allen wrench with a handle) and fixture blocks that can be easily taken off and adjusted.
What I love about this method, is that your pedals are kept in great condition and remain securely attached.
Built With Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum Alloy is a lightweight material that is also pretty strong. I’ve been using this small pedalboard since 2020 and its taken a beating and hasn’t failed me yet.
Different Sizing Options
Guitto offers different sizing options, including pedalboards that are more squarish.
The one I’ve been using is the GPB-01 Small.
It’s about 20 inches in length, which is perfect for containing 3-4 effects pedals.
Collapsible and Portable
There are collapsible legs that can angle the pedalboard when engaged. When the legs are not engaged, the pedalboard is very low-profile.
In addition, there are durable handles on each end of the pedalboard. And, the handles are high enough to steer clear of your instrument cable.
It even comes with a quality padded case, making this pedalboard very portable.
Additional Features
Some additional features that I like about this compact pedalboard, are:
- edge protectors
- different fixing slots that accommodate for different sizes of guitar pedals
- space underneath to hold a power supply
- space to tuck your cables underneath
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable (I’ve been using mine since 2020 without issues.)
- Goodbye Velcro
- Easy to change your guitar pedals
- Comes with a nice carry bag
- Designed well
Cons
- The fastening blocks are tricky to secure at first, because as you’re turning the tool, you have to get it to catch onto the track. But, once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty easy.
- It would be nice if you didn’t need a tool to fasten the fixture blocks. That would be one less thing to worry about.
Conclusion
There are a lot of good small pedalboards out there. You just need to make sure that you’re getting the best one for your needs.
For me, I needed something that was lightweight, durable, and didn’t require any Velcro. The Guitto Effects Pedalboard checked all the boxes for me and is priced similar to other pedalboards that are offering way less.
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