Ever thought about how much your guitar pedals go through? From dusty gig bags to cluttered pedalboards, unsuitable storage can quietly chip away at your gear’s lifespan.
When you’ve invested your time and hard-earned cash into building your pedal collection, it’s so important that you learn how to store guitar pedals correctly. It’s essential for maintaining their sound and performance.
In this guide, we’ll dive into smart storage solutions, organization hacks, and protection tips to keep your pedals safe, sound, and stage-ready for years to come.
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Why Learn How To Store Guitar Pedals Correctly?
It’s true that your guitar pedals are only as good as the care you give them. Storing them properly extends how long guitar pedals last and helps to maintain their resale value, which is important if you ever decide to trade or upgrade. Unless you live in an extreme environment, keeping your pedals safe is relatively simple. Make sure you keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, and protect sensitive them from heat or moisture damage.
Let’s be real, though. You might be playing gigs and lugging your gear around to band practice every week, so physical harm is a real and common risk. Pedals left to rattle around in a box or bag will likely get scratches and dents on them. You can use a simple solution such as padded dividers or a hard case for your pedals or pedalboard (we’ll look more at these later). There are some great options out there. One of my favorites is the Pedaltrain range of pedalboards.
If you prefer lightweight options, soft bags with built-in pedalboards are also available as budget-friendly alternatives. These are great if you’re only moving your pedals to a rehearsal room every week, but they won’t hold up well on the road.
Think about your needs and the kind of storage option that suits you and your playing habits. Investing in the right storage doesn’t just protect your gear; it preserves the guitar tone you’ve worked so hard to get right.
Out-The Way Guitar Pedal Storage Options
If you’re looking at how to store guitar pedals long-term, keep them out of sight, and protect them effectively this section is for you. Your choice of storage can make all the difference in maintaining your pedals’ condition and accessibility. After all, you don’t want to put them away and not be able to access them again.
Here are some top options for out-the-way pedal storage.
Hardshell Cases
For maximum protection, hardshell cases are the best choice. These rigid containers will shield your pedals from impacts, moisture, and dust. While they may cost more—ranging from $20 to $100—they provide unmatched security for your valuable effects.
Look for features like foam padding and customizable compartments for added protection. Brands like Pedaltrain and Gator offer excellent options. Hardshell cases are particularly suitable for transporting pedals to gigs or safeguarding high-end units.
Soft Bags
Soft bags might be your go-to if you prefer a more affordable and lightweight option. Starting at around $15, these padded bags offer a balance of convenience and protection for everyday storage or light travel.
While they don’t provide the same level of impact resistance as hardshell cases, they’re great for keeping your pedals dust-free and scratch-protected when not in use. If you’re not on the road, soft pouches are perfect for home use where heavy-duty protection isn’t a priority.
Clever and Useful Guitar Pedal Storage Solutions
When it comes to storing your guitar pedals, a little creativity can go a long way. DIY solutions not only save you money but also let you tailor your storage to your specific needs. Plus, they’re a great way to add some personality to your setup. Here are some practical and inspiring ideas for how to store guitar pedals in a stylish and practical way.
Available on Etsy
Custom Wooden Crates
Wooden crates are a great way to store pedals, and they can also bring a bit of rustic charm to your gear. I’ve used sturdy crates from a local craft store, and with some foam padding and fabric lining, they’ve become perfect homes for my pedals. For added convenience, you can attach wheels to the bottom for easy transport or stack crates vertically to save space.
If you’re into woodworking, consider customizing a crate to fit your collection. You could even add compartments for cables and accessories. It’s an affordable, hands-on solution that lets you showcase your pedals in a stylish, accessible way.
Pedalboards with Storage
Why settle for a standard pedalboard when you can create one with built-in storage? I once repurposed an old suitcase by adding a slanted wooden panel to mount my pedals. The bottom compartment became a perfect space for storing patch cables, power supplies, and extra gear.
Alternatively, platforms like Etsy can provide great solutions for storing guitar pedals. Offering custom pedalboards that combine functionality with aesthetics. These boards can include storage drawers or hidden compartments, giving you a compact, transportable, all-in-one solution.
Repurposed Furniture
If you have an unused drawer or cabinet lying around, why not turn it into a storage place for your effects pedals? I’ve seen players convert dresser drawers into pedalboards by adding a slightly angled panel and padding to hold their pedals securely. The remaining space can be used for storing cables, batteries, or even a small amp.
Repurposed furniture saves money and adds a cool, vintage vibe to your studio. Plus, it’s a great way to upcycle items that might otherwise go unused.
Wall-Mounted Shelving
For a sleek and practical storage solution, wall-mounted shelving is an excellent option. IKEA’s MOSSLANDA and MÅLERÅS picture ledges are perfectly sized for guitar pedals, keeping them secure, off the ground, and easy to access.
These affordable ledges give you a minimalist, storage system that works well in home studios. You can mount multiple ledges for a tiered display and group pedals by type for quick organization. I recommend adding some kind of non-slip liner for extra grip, so your pedals don’t slip.
Okay, it means you need to learn how to clean guitar pedals, but this is a really tidy, stylish way to store and showcase your collection.
Modular Pegboard System
If floor space is tight, consider going vertical with a pegboard shelving system. A wall-mounted pegboard lets you store your pedals off the ground while keeping them easily accessible. You can use hooks, small shelves, or even elastic bands to secure your pedals in place.
The beauty of this system is its flexibility. As your collection grows, you can rearrange or expand the setup without much hassle.
Organize Guitar Pedals for Easy Access
After you’ve figured out how to store your guitar pedals, the next step is making sure they’re easy to access and organize. Proper storage isn’t just about protection. It’s also about streamlining your setup.
I recommend labeling your pedals and storage containers to make it quick and easy to grab the effect you need, whether you’re reconfiguring your board at home or swapping pedals mid-performance. Simple tools like adhesive labels (I use the Brother P-Touch H110), color-coded markers, or even a digital catalog can make a huge difference, especially as your collection grows.
By putting some time into the organization, you can keep your gear safe and save yourself from last-minute panics before a show. A well-organized pedalboard will enable you to focus on what really matters: your playing and creativity.
Where Will You Store Your Pedals?
I know it’s cheesy, but your guitar pedals are more than just tools. They’re an extension of your creativity and the building blocks of your guitar tone. How to store guitar pedals isn’t just about organization or protection; it’s about treating your passion (and gear) with care and love.
So whether it’s a hardshell case for extras protection, a sleek picture ledge in your studio, or a DIY crate for that rustic feeling, the way you store your pedals says as much about you as the music you make.
So, what will you do? Get creative with a DIY solution, or finally retire that cardboard box in the corner? However, you choose to store your pedals, remember: they deserve a home that matches their importance.
FAQs
How should I organize my pedals?
Organize your pedals by grouping them into categories like overdrives, delays, and modulation effects. Label storage containers or shelves for quick access. On your pedalboard, arrange pedals in the signal chain order that works for you.
How do you store effects pedals?
Store effects pedals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage. Use padded hardshell cases, soft bags, or plastic storage containers with dividers to protect them from dust, moisture, and physical harm. Label your storage for easy organization and access.
