Guitar Pedal Board Suitcase With Storage

I wanted a pedal board that has a personal touch. What better way than to make one. I saw this one and thought it was excellent, but decided to add an extra storage option.

Let's begin...

Step 1: Gather Some Supplies

Things you will need:
1. A suitcase
2. A long board
3. A plywood board
4. Hinges
5, A metal handle or string if you need extra space because the handle is too bulky
6. Hammer
7. Screwdriver
8. Measuring Tape or ruler
9. Foam padding
10. Nails
11. Saw or Table saw (for more accurate cuts)

Optional tools:
Hacksaw (if screws are too long and stick out of the top like mine did)

Step 2: Building the Pedal Board

First you need to measure the inside length, width, and height of the suitcase.

For height, only measure up to the where it will close properly or the up to the hinge of the suitcase.

Once you have the measurements, it's time to cut the board. The board I bought was wide enough to just be able to turn it around and cut again, so it was twice as long as I needed.

To cut the plywood, cut it to just before the hinge of the suitcase and just to the joint on the hinges to get it to fit properly,

Step 3: Assemble Frame

Gather you freshly cut boards and line them up.

The arm of the suitcase hinge would have been in the way if I cut the plywood base as long as the suitcase was, so I had to shorten it. That means I had to move the side of the frame in slightly for the base to sit on top of the frame.

Nail them together, but be careful not to split the wood. I did, but it wasn't too bad so I could still use it.

I only used one nail on the corners, but it won't be going anywhere to spin around. However, if you want it to be more sturdy and less spinny while doing the next few steps, feel free to add an extra nail on each corner.

Step 4: Time to Add the Hinges, Base and Handle

Put the frame inside the suitcase to make sure it fits. It may be a little snug, but that's a good thing.

Once it fits, it's time to add the hinges. Screw them in where you want them to go.

I didn't take any pictures of attaching the hinges to the top, all I can say it it was annoying at first. The easiest way I found was to take out the frame, flip it upside down on top of the plywood base and trace where the hinges are on the frame and then screw them in.

If the screws are too long, like they were for my hinges, use a hacksaw to cut them down flat against the base.

Next, add the handle. You can either use a metal handle, as shown. You can also drill a hole and tie a string in it, or anything else you can think of.

Step 5: Install Foam Padding

Next, add foam padding to the top of the suitcase.

I cut it in 2 separate strips so I can still access the pocket.

Step 6: Set Up the Pedal Board

Now it's time set up the pedal board. Decide what pedals you want to use, and their order.

Now I didn't want to spend lots of money on an expensive power brick or something. I just used a regular 9V power supply and a 5 plug connector. The plus side besides the price tag is that it takes up less space.

Arrange the pedals how you want. I angled my pedals sideways because they fit better, and I can activate more than one with the press of a foot.

Once the pedals are connected and where you want them, flip them over one at a time, and apply both the hook and hoop of the velcro, then flip them back so they are where you want them to go without having to guess and move them around multiple times.

Use the handle to open the storage area, and add your instrument and amp cables, tuner, capo, slide, kazoo, and anything else you will need.

If you have large pedals that don't fit in the pedal or extra pedals that you would like to use as well, you can make a second case using the Instructable that I used as a reference in the intro. Add an A/B switch to one of the cases or on the side and have access to both cases unique sounds.