The month of April introduced us to a fresh batch of new #monopfx pedalboard builds that grabbed our attention. We handpicked some notable submissions that displayed impressive attention to detail, versatile tonal options, and overall excellence in their pedalboard construction. Let’s take a closer look at some of our top picks from the month of April.
The Lite Heavyweights
Do you believe that less is more? Musicians that belong to this camp turn to boards like our Pedalboard Lite to keep things trim on their tone hunt. No extra baggage is allowed here — every effect unit counts.
Up first is this compact Pedalboard Lite from Michael Birk, a must-have for anyone who appreciates a minimalist approach to effects. So, if you’re ready to trim down your tone hunt to just the essentials, the Pedalboard Lite might be just what you need.
Yes, you’ll be able to fit seven pedals on the Pedalboard Lite. How? Maximize pedalboard real estate by only using mini effect pedals instead! Michael’s Pedalboard Lite build definitely caught our attention with its portability and effectiveness. It features the TC Electronic Hall Of Fame 2 and Flashback, the NU-X Monterey Vibe, the MXR Duke of Tone and Phase 95, the Xotic SL Drive, and the Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsys Fuzz.
This #monopfx is so light it can almost fly!
You’ve seen his studio stereo and ampless #monopfx setup, but this time, Riggs Taylor goes Lite. To quote Riggs, ‘Only the essentials 🤌🏻’ and we couldn’t agree more.
When it comes to your pedalboard, settling for less might just be a good thing. The Pedalboard Lite encourages focusing on essential pedals and gets rid of any unnecessary clutter. By limiting the number of effects on the board, you can streamline your sound and create more cohesive musical expressions. So take a cue from the Pedalboard Lite and simplify your setup for maximum impact.
Pedals on this featherweight contender include the J Rockett Archer and The Dude, the Chase Bliss Audio Mood, and the Source Audio Collider.
Many times, two drive pedals, one looper/ambience machine, and one time-based effect pedal is all you need.
Pedalboard Classics
For the players that want the essentials and a little more. Here are our favorite Small and Medium builds of the month.
James Thain has returned with another impressive #monopfx build, this time featuring some new pedal swaps.
When it comes to guitar pedals, the Line 6 HX Stomp is already a powerhouse in terms of tone and versatility. But James has taken it to the next level by adding extra footswitches to his HX Stomp setup. This simple addition may seem small, but it elevates the performance and usability of the pedalboard by providing easy access to additional functions and presets. When combined with other newly selected pedals like the GFI System Skylar, the Keeley D&M Drive, the Spaceman Redstone, and the Oneder Red Ryder Distortion, the result is a truly dynamic and gig-ready setup that any musician would envy.
When Dillan Witherow posted his touring setup on Instagram, we had to pick our jaws off the ground.
Dillan was recently on tour with Alec Benjamin, opening for world-renowned guitarist and seven-time Grammy award winner, John Mayer and we’re honored to see our pedalboards on big stages across the country.
We’ve talked about subscribing to the idea of less is more but at the end of the day, more is also more. Dillan’s extensive collection of pedals on this Pedalboard Medium proves that sometimes, you just can’t have enough tonal options. From classic Strymon stompboxes to boutique offerings from Chase Bliss Audio and Hologram Electronics, Dillan’s got it all covered. With this many pedals at his disposal, he can conjure up any sound he can imagine, making his performance both versatile and dynamic. This #monopfx is a testament to the endless possibilities that can be achieved through the art of pedalboard building.
Safe to say that whatever setup Dillan is running on stage, our hearts ache with longing to be there to experience the sound.
Watch the build process from start to finish here:
Want a chance to be featured? Tag us on Instagram at @monocreators and hashtag #monopfx to celebrate the best board builds with our community of gearheads. You can also shop on our site for pedalboards and accessories.
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