Guitarists are constantly looking for ways to improve their sound and streamline their setups. With so many available accessories, the guitar pedal riser stands out as a practical and under-appreciated tool. So what is a pedal riser? Nothing more than a platform that raises a pedal above the surface of your pedalboard.
This humble platform offers a range of benefits that can really improve a your board’s look and utility. Let’s look at the advantages of using a pedal riser, from easy pedal access to cable management, all while adding aesthetic appeal to your pedalboard.
Common Types of Pedal Risers
There’s a wide variety of riser designs, each made for a specific need. Take comfort in knowing that there is definitely a pedal riser on the market that will meet your need.
Most pedal risers fit into one of these categories.
01
Angled
Elevate and tilt pedals at a slight angle (typically 15 to 30 degrees) for optimized pedal access and reduced accidental adjustments.
02
Flat
This is a basic as it gets. Flat pedal risers raise your pedals to a flat, even level.
03
Multi-Tiered
Feature multiple levels or tiers. These are ideal for organizing larger pedalboards and creating a clear visual hierarchy.
04
Adjustable
These versatile pedal risers come in various forms. Some have adjustable height or a top deck that can be lifted on a hinge, giving access to pedals hidden beneath the riser.
With these customizable options, guitarists can fine-tune their rig to perfection, for maximum convenience and efficiency.
Top 5 Reasons to Use a Pedal Riser
Reason 1 – Easy Access to Pedals
Guitar pedal riser make it easier to access your pedal’s foot switch. The riser brings them closer to your reach by elevating or angling your effects pedals. This allows for easy access to each pedal’s foot switch, making it easier to turn on or off during performances. Whether on stage or in the studio, tapping into the right effect becomes effortless.
Reason 2 – Avoid Accidentally Adjusting Pedals
Placing pedals directly on a flat pedalboard can lead to accidental adjustments while stepping on neighboring pedals. This situation can disrupt your performance and cause unwanted changes to your carefully dialed-in settings. With a guitar pedal riser, the space between each pedal increases, minimizing the likelihood of unintentional changes. Perform with greater confidence, knowing your pedal settings won’t accidentally change.
Reason 3 – Cable Management
Tangled cables are a common headache for guitarists, especially during live performances. Guitar pedal risers often feature smart cable management solutions that help keep your setup organized and clutter-free. These risers may incorporate spaces or routing options underneath or on the sides to guide cables neatly, making it obvious which devices a cable is connecting and ensuring a clean aesthetic on your pedalboard.
And speaking of aesthetics.
Reason 4 – Aesthetic Enhancements
Beyond their functional benefits, guitar pedal risers can add a touch of visual appeal to your pedalboard. Crafted with various materials and designs, these risers can complement your style and enhance the overall presentation of your setup. Whether you prefer a sleek and minimalist look or a more eye-catching design, the variety of available pedal risers allows you to personalize your rig according to your preferences.
Reason 5 – Free Up Space Beneath Your Pedal Board
One often overlooked yet invaluable benefit of a guitar pedal riser is the extra space it creates beneath each pedal. This additional room lets guitarists to explore creative solutions that suit their unique needs. Pedalboard builders can take advantage of the freed-up area to accommodate other pedals (depending on the size of the area beneath the pedal riser) or accessories, such as power supplies, signal splitters, or even small utility tools.
You can use this space as a convenient storage spot for spare cables, picks, or other essential gear that often finds its way onto a guitarist’s pedalboard. This flexibility in allocating the space beneath each pedal empowers musicians to tailor their setups to match their workflow and style, making the guitar pedal riser a truly adaptable addition to any rig.
Make Sure it Works with Your Board
When delving into the realm of pedal risers, the plethora of options can be both exciting and overwhelming. While these risers come in various shapes and sizes, it is crucial to ensure that the one you choose is fully compatible with both your pedalboard and your specific pedals. Some pedal risers are universal and can fit a wide range of pedalboards and pedal sizes, making them a versatile choice for most setups. You can also find risers that are made for specific pedalboards. To avoid any inconvenience or disappointment, carefully check the specifications and dimensions of the riser, ensuring it complements your chosen pedalboard and comfortably accommodates your beloved effects pedals.
Is the Temple Audio Templeboard Right for You?
For those embarking on the journey of building their first pedalboard, the Temple Audio Templeboard stands out as a truly exceptional and highly recommended choice. Renowned for its innovative design and unparalleled versatility, the Templeboard offers a modular system that grants guitarists an unparalleled level of customization. Its unique perforated top allows for effortless mounting of pedals using Temple Audio or BoardMods pedal mounting plates, ensuring a stable and clutter-free setup.
The Templeboard’s lightweight yet sturdy aluminum construction ensures durability while being easy to transport to gigs or studio sessions. With a variety of sizes available, you can choose a Templeboard that precisely fits your needs, whether you’re a minimalist effects enthusiast or a seasoned pedal connoisseur.
Furthermore, Temple Audio offers a plethora of accessories and add-ons. Their innovative Quick Release Pedal Mounting System and their power supply mounting solutions, allow you to create a streamlined custom pedalboard. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Temple Audio Templeboard serves as the perfect canvas to build your dream pedalboard, empowering you to unleash your creativity and craft your signature sound with confidence.
You Need a Pedal Riser
As you can see, a guitar pedal riser is more than just an accessory; it is a practical addition to any guitarist’s toolkit. With its easy access to pedals, reduction of accidental adjustments, cable management solutions, and aesthetic enhancements, this humble platform elevates your musical experience and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the art of creating music.
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