Designing His Dream Pedalboard

[@VertexEffectsInc]

In this episode, we built a board for Erick Walls’ tour with Toni Braxton in just under 48 hours! You’ll see how the Rig Doctor handles this time-sensitive situation and gets Erick’s pedalboard completely built in the nick of time! Leave a comment about the process, pedalboard, or anything else relating to what you saw in the video! Thanks for watching!

[@GuitarGodgt]

Out of curiosity, why is your boost pedal so big (size)?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It’s no bigger than an MXR phase 90 with the 1/4” jacks put in. The width is determined by the jacks (in, out, EXP, 9V).

[@GuitarGodgt]

@@VertexEffectsInc isn't the JHS a 125B sized enclosure? I thought mxr used 1590B (ish) sized stuff?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

GuitarGodgt I don’t know model numbers of Hammond boxes, ours are all custom - is this a reference for size that you’re asserting?

[@GuitarGodgt]

Vertex Effects Yes the 1590B is basically the normal mxr size, the 250B is a tad taller and a tad wider. Another pedal off the top of my head that is 1590B sized is the ehx canyon.

[@slugtoenail]

Nice! I had the pleasure of touring with Toni and Erick back in 200*. Erick is a super nice guy and a tremendous player! Glad he got a great board!

[@maxheadroom6067]

Based on that timeline to complete the rig, you should be a rig superhero. Well done. Looked amazing and it was awesome to see a player pick it up and play with no problems.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahaha! We did get a late start due to the pedalboard that got lost in transit and we shot some demo videos in the AM those days as well. But we did pull it off on the end! Thanks for watching!

[@mikerandle9489]

So great to see Erick on this! That's my dawg! You gotta see this cat in person to believe it. All the dudes at Truetone in Santa Monica still talk about how amazing his playing is. Great episode!

[@crieverytim]

Pleasant surprise indeed!! Erick is the truth

[@ronnieo.6647]

That board looks beautiful! I love my JHS spring tank.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

RonnIE O. Yeah man! It’s a great pdeal

[@johnschick502]

Very cool setup. Sweet tones. I wouldn’t expect less for Toni’s band. Keep up the good work.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks John! Thanks for watching!

[@sd_design]

_Viva el doctor de la plataforma!_ (long live the *rig doctor* 👨‍⚕️)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Haha! Yes sir! Thank you!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@sd_design Yes sir!

[@DreCarvalho]

Erick's reaction was so funny, like a kid that just get a new amazing toy.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Andre Carvalho yes indeed! He was shocked to see the transformation

[@lyleanderson5407]

Please if at all possible start sharing the weight of these finalized boards as I have always been curious. A smaller pedal board build would be a huge bonus as well. Very informative. Thank you!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Lyle Anderson Pretty much every episode has the weight listed, the only reason I didn’t have it here is that I did this video remotely in our showroom, and I typically don’t work there so I don’t have all my normal tools, that includes my digital scale. Nevertheless, it was somewhere in the low 30 pound range, because it was about 45 in the Pelican Air Case.

[@mikxggggbvg]

I Like that you didn't diminish your mistakes,Very Cool!!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Mike, I try to keep it as "real" as we can, where there are issue we show them. Helps with the suspense hahaha!

[@mikxggggbvg]

@@VertexEffectsInc Mistakes help us learn and thats what is cool....

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Mike Buckman no doubt

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great stuff - as always Mason. Love your Rig Builds. I Learn something "Everytime" - Appreciate you Sharing the Knowledge. You really are a Total Pro. It's because of you, that I Actually Have a "Tone Brush" and I use it, More then one-would-think. It comes in handy and does the job. One Love brother from NYC.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much Michael! Best wishes from California!

[@jasonhartley1811]

Love these videos!! I was finally able to pull off my own build just off of these tutorials on soldering and rig builds. Nowhere near your level but great for my budget and materials! Thank you!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Im so glad! Do you have a link! Love to see it!

[@kane6529]

Pretty interesting use of the thumb pick in an R&B application! Cool to see you can make anything work if you put in the time and are comfortable with it

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Erick is amazing! If it works, it is good :)

[@EricLyke]

Love Erick's playing and cool that you're featuring a guy that needs a lot of variety out of a rig. Another cool build as well. Can you detail the routing/loop assignment for this rig? Thank you!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Eric Lyke It’s all pretty standard, wah, interface, ES-8 in: 1) Compressor 2) Dynamic Distortion 3) Ultraphonix 4) Boost + VP 5) Maliki Chorus 6) Tank Reverb 7) H9 stereo 8) HX Stomp stereo

[@EricLyke]

Vertex Effects Thanks a lot!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Eric Lyke sure thing

[@enkiea8322]

North Hollywood... Whoof! I spent a few good years doing many bad things in North Hollywood. And dayum! Toni Braxton is STILL fine AF tho! Props.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Enki Ea thank for watching!

[@oscarmere1365]

great work brother. wish I have another man like you here in Indonesia

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It could be you!

[@worshipguitarjapan]

Good stuff Mason!!! Despite the tight schedule you nailed it man!! Keep it up!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

levinjapan thanks man!

[@jeffreyvanhorn1996]

Just gorgeous work. One question which I'm sure many people watching have. What is the function/ purpose of the custom interface? Essentially, guitar-in, to stereo amps out, in one box? You put it on other boards also. But you already knew that. Thank you very much! Great video.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It allows you a centralized place for all your inputs and outputs. This way you don't have to try to have cables coming out of the ES-8 that's sitting under the pedalboard riser. This is a very common feature of most pro-grade pedalboards.

[@tonelocrian]

Great build - Uncle Mace - just under the wire ;) Erick was stoked, and that's what it's all about - Hope you've gotten some deep sleep after all this - peace TMax

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed! Not just me, the whole Team on this one! Was a group effort to cross the finish line!

[@garthkirkcaldy3808]

Awesome video. Such a talented artist.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Garth Kirkcaldy thanks Garth!

[@ryuyamakawa4431]

Very professional!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Ryu Yamakawa thanks for watching!!!

[@erickwalsh9258]

I just found this show. I've been missing out. What a great episode!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Be sure to catch up on the old episodes

[@EVH5150iii]

Awesome dude!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Jonathan Walker thanks for watching Jonathan!

[@octovision]

What a great job! Pretty impressive:)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

octovision oh man, thanks!!!

[@coachcleats13]

This was sweeeet!!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Coach! We appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@patrickedwards2158]

WOW what a clean pedalboard looks great sounds great 😎👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Patrick Edwards thanks Patrick! Thanks for watching

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Powering the HX Stomp like that can be risky I've heard. It'll start up fine but you can run into issues of the HXs freezing when it's drawing a lot of current for some patches. There is some info on this on a couple forums I follow. If Eric is keeping it simple and only running amp blocks I imagine he'll be fine though.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

Also that little blue Malekko chorus is a hidden gem. I've been trying to find the matching vibrato for weeks now.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I just did it in every possible reset with every extreme from the factory and couldn’t get it over 900mA no matter what. I combined two outputs to power the HX so it’s getting a full 1AMP. I could understand if you were using a supply that wasn’t able to provide the necessary current.

[@AlexPriceMusician]

@@VertexEffectsInc Ah that's cool. Mind if I share your thoughts on the forum then? Great to hear your experience. By the way the mailman literally JUST handed me my new Steel String. I'm excited to try my first Vertex pedal.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Malekko is cool! I also like the Anadime Chorus for that vibe too. Great unit!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sure, easy to test with a mA meter. Truetone makes a good one. You have to make sure thought that you’re combining two of the outputs in parallel to get the 1000mA though otherwise you’ll have an issue.

[@607995]

16:27 Erick is a Holdsworth fan!

[@illysigelman1264]

I also heared that vibe, is that a specific song? Reminded me of the end of "home"

[@stiffmata]

excellent vid man!! this was subscribe good. Thank you so much!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🥰🥰🥰

[@MATTHEWS_IXXI]

Aah my favourite guitarist!!!!!

[@TimNewman1]

Nice one guys! I'm new to this world but this is really helping me learn !!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So glad this is helping!

[@TimNewman1]

Vertex Effects Thank you guys!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@TimNewman1 our pleasure Tim!

[@TimNewman1]

@@VertexEffectsInc Check out my stuff. I'm building my first board and I travel round the world busking. Could be a cool Collab??

[@RickyMontijo]

Excellent episode.... this was so helpful! Thank you sir!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Ricky Montijo thanks for watching! What did you take from the video?

[@PauloNunoTeixeira]

Very nice, good work :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Paulo Nuno Teixeira thanks for watching

[@JacobIsBell]

I’m listening with some pretty decent headphones. The subtle guitar swells at 4:10 sound like a snare drum in the room is being vibrates by the sound. Did I hear that correctly?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Jacob IsBell year it’s in a rehearsal studio in LA

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

Looks & sounds amazing well done, what was the music in the outro ?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

James, thanks for watching! It's some music that I got for KZbin that is license free, you can find their "free for use" playlist on the main KZbin site.

[@sethmeintasis9589]

What drive or distortion pedal is he using at 15:45?? That is so clean!🔥

[@phillipb9328]

Came online just to see if there was a new vertex video. Why do you tease!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We have to give folks time to prep their busy schedules! Hahaha!

[@Brixiomendoza]

beautiful creation!! :D the best

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Brixio Mendoza thank you so much!!!

[@wheresallthezombies]

i really wish i would've been trying to play this blues, r&b, folk, jazz and whatever else when i was younger instead of metal. so i could be out playing with different singer/songwriter people.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

wheresallthezombies you could always learn! Good luck!

[@wheresallthezombies]

Vertex Effects that is definitely a possibility. Lol.

[@braa_yaw]

whooosh.......that's beautiful

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@tperry5839]

Awesome insight

[@VertexEffectsInc]

t perry thanks for watching!

[@rz0svp]

Hey Mason you have to tell me what Erick is using for this effect @16:16 please.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sounds like Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Compression

[@rcc3music]

saw this comment before I heard "that magical sound", I knew was what you were referring to. I gotta program that. there are some vids on it too.

[@newmanbrostone4697]

Nice one guys!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@Shayn41]

Help needed ! I saw that you used a boss es-8, I can’t get my Line 6 HD500 to respond to the midi commands from my Boss ES-5 switcher via Midi. Both are programmed ready, just no Midi activity. Any tips you could give me? Thanks in advance .🙏🏾 D. Shayne Riley 🎸

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Check the MIDI cables, and then ensure your on the correct MIDI channels on both.

[@raphaelmonnomusic4367]

How du you get enegrie in the Helix in the complete pedal board because it isn't standard 9 V... Hope for answer because I want to put the hx stomp in my pedal board but it doesn't work.. Best greats

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Two of the Strymon Zuma outputs are in parallel to get 9V @ 1AMP, I don't recall if the polarity is different in it - I usually just replicate it based on what my multimeter says, but I do remember it's a 2.5mm barrel plug instead of the 2.1 standard on the power input.

[@TotalEvo7]

By the way, when are the Rig Dr. Shorts? Kinda missed one on the MIDI analog splitter.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They should be saved on our Instagram - on the profile page. I'm trying to do one a week.

[@curtcarman800]

On Thursday night you can tell you’re super tired 😂you look like you’re so relieved it’s over

[@VertexEffectsInc]

hahaha, I didn't know it showed it! That one was definitely down to the wire!

[@deepdance111]

Please more film like This:)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We have tons, be sure to check them out in the Rig Doc. playlist!

[@Breakbeats92.5]

Has anyone ever given you a few weeks to work on a board? Seems like they come in on a Tuesday and need it by Thursday.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahaha! Yes, but a lot of these artist boards have to go together fast. More time is always better if we can swing it.

[@windowsoflife]

What is a good input/output box to prevent use on the first and last pedal?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I have several videos and diagrams for diy ones on our channel

[@windowsoflife]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks! I see them now!

[@windowsoflife]

@@VertexEffectsInc can you recommend one already to go?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@windowsoflife Mesa Boogie High Wire has it all and the buffers you need anyway on the input and output.

[@windowsoflife]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks so much!

[@dominiquecerdan8255]

mason is the real rig doctor men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! beside him all others builders are like baby butt for me.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahaha! Thanks Domi!

[@AlexGroen]

Great video again! Really inspiring. Question: Can you explain what you did to get the right power for the HXstomp? I got the Zuma as well and planning to buy the HXstomp.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You need to combine two outputs in parallel, and use a 2.5mm barrel plug when you terminate the side going into the HX, as I recall it was reverse polarity but you can confirm in the Line 6 manual.

[@lerbdude6385]

Love the videos! Please do a video of how to make a pedalboard interface!

[@aleksmayer5907]

Hey Mason, does the HX Stomp work well when it‘s connected to a loop of the ES-8? I guess so if Erick uses it that way, but I also have read a lot about tone suck when connecting the HX Stomp to an effects switcher

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Why would it be any different than in series? If it sucked tone in one condition it would do the same in the other.

[@aleksmayer5907]

@@VertexEffectsInc Yeah I was also wondering why and therefore I am happy to receive your answer, thank you!

[@vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

Which chorus pedal is being used at 16.40? It sounds amazing 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Malekko

[@portiia2735]

Love this!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Portiia thanks for watching

[@mikemartin6554]

great job Uncle Mason! That was a tough one I'm sure. And really sweet playing by Erick!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@bibiboitv175]

Nice man!

[@pvramana1104]

i should sell all my internal organs to buy this pedalboard

[@VertexEffectsInc]

ALL ANIME don’t do that! You can build it yourself! All the links for materials in description

[@StuUreta]

Hello! So in this one there is no buffer? Usually you say always buffer

[@npicavea]

Great video ¿How do you do the power on the HX Stomp in general, which cable do i need? I haven't found a way to do it on a Zuma or the TrueTone. Thanks for the help.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I combined two outputs from the Zuma to get a full 1AMP of power, I think we also had to reverse the polarity, but you can double check your manual to verify that. I think it also took a 2.5mm plug instead of a 2.1mm.

[@npicavea]

Thanks!!! @@VertexEffectsInc

[@randysosa7616]

What was the signal chain order?

[@lesthompson1773]

Hello, do you have a schematic for your passive interface box. I did not see a parts list for this either. I may have missed it in the comments? If you can share this information that would be great. I am looking to build a box so that I can send stereo and mono outs to my amps. Thank you for your help. Happy Holidays. Les

[@wallsofjericho6616]

what pedal using around 16:17 around??like reverb pedal??

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Malekko Chorus

[@DariusMcKoy]

Im wondering what he uses his HX stomp for? Just amp modeling? Also, is it controlled also with the Es-8?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He uses it for effects - delay and reverb primarily. I think he’s using Carr amps, not the Line 6.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes it’s controlled by the switcher via midi and in the stereo loop 8

[@alexcrosara6020]

what case did this board fit in ?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Pelican Air Case.

[@jakemann8507]

Hey Rig Doctor, what product would you recommend for cleaning old velcro and adhesive off of pedals? Thanks

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Jake Mann use the back of the old Velcro that you peeled off and use the adhesive side to “Brazilian wax” the old residue off.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Anthony Hernandez it really is the best way

[@therarmann]

Try lemojuice

[@texasblues1]

Thanks for another great video! Ericks clean/Chorus sound is amazing... is the chorus effect from the H9? Any Compressor with this sound? Thanks so much for the awesome info

[@texasblues1]

All good, looks like a Malekko and an SP. Cheers!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Malekko!

[@moiseslima1971]

show doctor !!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Moises Lima ok

[@BrandonMcCrae]

How do we contact you to have you work on pedal boards?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Brandon McCrae email [e-mail] and we can discuss rig builds!

[@guitarsword1]

Great job. U didn’t go through his set up like usual. Show us the players effects set up please. What choices they’ve made.

[@ridhowiranatakusumah6531]

Cool rig doctor from indonesia

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Amazing! Thanks for watching! Stay cool in Indonesia!

[@jayyoungmusic919]

Mason is a brotha✊🏽 what they know about young Toni Braxton

[@jonduke3919]

That sounds so amazing.🎸🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🇺🇸

[@rafamcm]

Nice video! Gracias. ;)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JIMISTONED]

4.15 thats a tight snare

[@Manu-xk1ub]

do you know good power blocks around 80 - 90 bucks with about 8 outputz

[@paulppetersson]

the Harley Benton stuff is pretty cheap, and not at all bad. I think they have a power plant with 8 isolated outputs for like 50/60$

[@paulppetersson]

just checked, it's called the Harley Benton PowerPlant ISO-2 Pro. Don't know if you'll be able to get it in the US though. It's from a German store (thomann.de)

[@Manu-xk1ub]

@@paulppetersson aah thanks i got the iso 1 but thinking of buying the iso 2

[@antonylinteau3408]

Does the zuma power the hxstomp?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@antonylinteau3408]

@@VertexEffectsInc Sweet thanks! And does it also power the Es8? Seems like it but i can't figure out how.

[@tommymcclenton5115]

Nice.

[@jimmyolsenband]

I've seen a lot of those rv7 reverbs on people's boards. Why? I owned one and didn't really like it at all....(currently have mad professor silver spring, and neunaber wet).....

[@teeveee841]

Giveaway please 😩

[@VertexEffectsInc]

TeeVeee this one was for hire so is not part of the giveaway. Our John Mayer Giveaway ended the other week our next one is an EVH Rig giveaway!

[@joaowesleys]

Bota legendas em português por favor 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@antonylinteau3408]

I wonder how he uses the hx stomp? Midi in the es8? Or just in a loop

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Both MIDI and loop

[@cesmcmyth]

Ok. Of course great player. He is living the life he dreamed off. But maaaan. How his friend dont tell him his super bright scalp and that vandana make him look like if he is actually wearing a helmet. That's what I first thought when I saw him playing a demo for Eastman guitars. I had to focus to understand what was I watching... serious.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I have no response to that. I hope to age as well as Erick!

[@cesmcmyth]

@@VertexEffectsInc Didn't want to sound too much like a jerk. You'll see on instagram. After watching the whole video here I got it was more the fault of the camera angle in that one. But I was genuinely confused watching it the first time. It was a total helmet. Until it actually wasn't. 😕

[@thesaj1110]

Whos the girl with the blond hair?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hunter?! Best hair in the biz

[@vhollund]

"Uh I feel so hot"

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@ricardofernandesduarte4604]

showww

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Ricardo Fernandes Duarte thanks for watching

[@petecolombo]

Great video, just spit out that gum, dude.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Was I chewing gum? I spaced on that I guess.

[@koenroels4549]

He just need the gigrig G2 and the gigrig power haha.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What would that have gained him that wasn't here already?

[@koenroels4549]

@@VertexEffectsInc Cleaner sound, best matrix and power system in the world, stainless steel materials and zero noise. Thats not possible in any other way. Try it, it will blow off your socks.:)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@koenroels4549 I'm familiar with it. Who's telling you this information? The Boss, tech wise, is more advanced than the G2, switching matrix in it is the same as what's in the RJM which is the Rolls Royce of switchers.

[@Mcsteveberry]

@@VertexEffectsInc sweet!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@Mcsteveberry Thanks for watching!

[@hitnorcal]

I feel like he could save hours by switching to solderless cables and the gig rig power system.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sure, I could have. However, this is not a practice that I choose for building pedalboards. There are certain applications where the products you mentioned are a viable option - for example, as a DIY consumer level alternative to the proper way of soldering patch cables or power cables - however, that’s not my context, nor is it the context of the clients I’m building for.

[@hitnorcal]

​@@VertexEffectsInc I so appreciate your reply back. That said, there are a LOT of professional touring musicians using both the products that I have listed so your argument in that respect is not well founded. I respect your decision to solder everything and your experience in doing so for many amazing musicians. That said, both the options I have listed WILL become the new industry standard. As in business, anything that is more efficient leading to cost savings will be adopted over time. I forecast that both the solderless cables and cut & play power will become the norm. Again, your video is excellent and thank you for providing your knowledge and experience for all of us. It is valued and appreciated.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@hitnorcal Thank you for watching the video and thanks for your patience on this reply - I wanted to answer your question thoughtfully so I wanted to wait until I had some time to write something in more depth and in detail. Let me begin by clarifying that I do not manufacture, nor sell guitar cables or pedalboard power supplies (you could count our Battery PSU as a supply, but I've yet to feature one on this channel for a client). I have no proverbial "dog in the fight" or predisposition to sell a product that's underwriting my recommendations on what I believe to be the best products for any particular pedalboard build. Any product that I use to build a pedalboard is purchased by the client from a major retailer, i.e. Amazon, or a vendor that I've recommended to them in advance of anything being sent to me to build. I don't take any money for parts or materials from customers (they provide everything for the entire build). I'm only paid for my labor and any custom modifications that couldn't be purchased in advance of the build. I typically only build 2 rigs per month out of 20-30 applications (these rigs are selected via the application process by our team) exclusively for teaching on this channel - as you probably know, our thing is manufacturing guitar pedals, and this is a side-project I took up after NAMM this last January 2019 after being talked into it by KZbinr Rhett Shull. My recommendations to DIYers is a confluence of time and experience with hundreds of pedalboards built, hundreds of power supplies used, and thousands of patch cables assembled. In addition to that, having some pedalboards in the field now for a decade, and modding/servicing them over time, I've observed many patterns which I try to talk about as much as possible regarding "best practices" for the health and longevity of one's pedalboard. Many of my pedalboard "best practices" that I recommend are not unique to me, in fact, most are utilized by those with the most longevity in the industry as rig builders: Robert Bradshaw (CAE) and David Friedman (Racksystems) among them - neither of which I've ever seen a use disbursed modular power supply to account for isolation, voltage, input power, nor have a I see them use solderless cables. In fact, I once watched a live stream with David where he was asked about his favorite solderless cable, and he abruptly replied, "learn to solder!" if that's any indication of his sentiments. Looking specifically at solderless cables, the fallacy, as I see it - and as you've recapitulated - is that simply because any one professional uses a solderless cable system for their pedalboard, means that it's a professional-grade product. Sure, some pro's use solderless cables, maybe they prefer the sound - i.e. Eric Johnson using George L's but a celebrity useable or testimony doesn't fulfill a prerequisite for quality, roadworthiness, or longevity. One's ability to make great music has no correlation to one's understanding of guitar cables and/or power supplies. Most of the professionals that I've come into contact over the years with aren't well versed in technical differences in cables and power supplies and why one may be better than the other for their context. Things like cable capacitance, power isolation, rig longevity, etc. are typically not in their wheelhouse of expertise. Rather, they're relying on the recommendation of the rig builder, and what that builder prefers for their processes and standardization methods. Often, this means using a narrow group of products that the builder is comfortable with - for better or worse. The lens of objectivity narrows when a builder has their own product line, or sells the products they exclusively use to build and showcase their rigs. Their product recommendations to customers, artist or not, become inexorably tied to their earning potential. This is not unique, it's business after all, but a conflict of interest nonetheless. Beyond that, although solderless cables have improved over the years mechanically, they still rely on tension for connectivity, and music, by nature, creates vibrations in varying degrees, especially so in electrified live performances. The connectivity of your cable is now at the whims of the vibrations pulsing through your bedroom, studio, stage, etc. and is slowly degrading the connection you have. This is additionally compounded if the cables are manipulated, moved, plugged/unplugged with any regularity. Extreme break angles or hard pivots in the cable dressing out of the housing compound that even further. Then, most importantly, no solderless cable creates a gas tight connection, meaning immediate oxidation which is the enemy of any quality instrument or patch cable. By contrast, in soldered cables, oxidation is reduced to a minimum if assembled and soldered properly. Beyond that, you're not tied to any particular manufacturer of cable that's proprietary to any one particular solderless system (I've yet to find a solderless cable that I though was superior sounding - in terms of neutrality - to the canonized coax cables - i.e. Mogami, Canare, Belden, Gepco, etc.) - this is subjective, of course, as it has to do with a sonic preference. Bottom line for me, regarding solderless cables, I can't put my name on something I know is destined for failure, especially when someone's livelihood is dependent on my assembly and materials curation to inform the reliability and longevity of their rig. You mentioned in your first comment about time savings, but I suppose time is a small investment in the outset if the result is the materials outlasting the pedals on the pedalboard. If it takes more time to solder a cable, so be it. Perhaps a product will come along in the future that provides the flexibility for various cable types, diameters, etc. Eliminates oxidation to the degree a soldered connection with a gas tight connection would, that won't degrade with usage and age. But it's no here yet. Now to the power supply. Could it work? Sure. But for my process and experience, having a robust metal enclosure that provides power to all the devices on a board over a disaggregated power supply with auxiliary modules is preferable. To me, the desegregated power supply is sloppy, pollutes the pedalboard with wires, and is more fragile than a soldered or molded connection. It also requires that you use a split coax which is not as noise-free as a shielded coax cable, i.e. Voodoo Lab power cables. To my knowledge the modules are plastic, and I can't see how in good faith you could hold that up next to a Pedal Power 2, Truetone, or Strymon PSU, and say, these plastic modules are "better built". The road is harsh, and things that can break, will over time, and putting one of the most important cornerstones of one's pedalboard in multiple plastic housings, with clip tensioners, in a vibration rich environment where stuff is stepped on, flown, bussed, carried, and dropped - I ask, what's the advantage? Lastly, I agree that innovation ultimately wins out, and if we can put a man on the moon, it's certainly possible that we can figure how to improve upon the best practices that are out there now. But, little known fact, speaking of space travel, NASA will not use clips, crimps, or tensioned anything on a space shuttle, or anything going into orbit. Why? Oxidation and corrosion are multiplied drastically in space - and even using ROHS (lead free) solder would result in failures because it deteriorates faster than leaded solder. Every connection is hard-soldered to it's respective mate because it's the only way that they can ensure the lowest risk for failure regarding connectivity. Admittedly, this is a high bar with way more risks to human life than a guitar cable, but from a customer standpoint, it's nice to know that you have the NASA Space Shuttle of pedalboards ;) Respectfully, Uncle Mason aka Rig Dr.

[@hitnorcal]

@@VertexEffectsInc Uncle Mason - You and your show are excellent. Thank you so much for your time, first and foremost. I know it is precious. Second, I value your opinion and trust that it is soundly based on a experience... so thank you again for using this forum so well and responding to me when you don't have to. I have taken your advice to heart. I have both types of cables and power supplies, that said, I know see your method. Your a real cool dude. Sam Sacramento, Ca

[@TomTobin67]

My pedalboard is simple (7 pedals) but its an unholy mess.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Tom Tobin Are the Rig Doctor videos helping you with your board? If not, what do you want to see that would be beneficial?

[@TomTobin67]

@@VertexEffectsInc - I don't use pedals that much but when I do, Its a mess. I just need to make some time to straighten them out.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@TomTobin67 hopefully the videos help!

[@IGLESIASVEGA]

Intros getting old

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Carlos Iglesias thanks for the feedback, hopefully the other 19 minutes were tolerable.

[@TotalEvo7]

@@VertexEffectsInc I was also going to mention something along the lines of "You know who can nail the voice over for the intro? Tom Cavanaugh", but yes, the intro may need to be reworked, like if it were a hospital or something. Plays well with the "doctor" side of things. Otherwise, great work on the board