An effects pedalboard is the control center of your tone — and protecting it between gigs is as important as protecting your guitar. This guide explains how to size a pedalboard bag, what padding levels to look for, and what materials actually last on the road.
Measure Your Board Before You Buy
Pedalboard bags are sized by interior dimensions. Lay your board flat and measure length and width, then add 2–3 cm of clearance on every side so the board fits without forcing the zipper. Common sizes are roughly 40–55 cm long and 10–30 cm deep depending on how many pedals you run.
- S: compact boards up to about 40 cm — four to six pedals.
- M: mid boards around 44–55 cm — a full mini-board with power supply.
- L / XL: full boards with wah, volume and expression pedals.
Padding: What Actually Protects
Good pedalboard bags use thick EVA foam or multi-layer padding (15–20 mm) on the bottom and side walls. The bottom matters most — it takes the weight of the board. A padded lid flap also protects knobs and switches from impacts when the bag is tossed in a car boot.
Materials: EVA, 1680D and Waterproofing
EVA shells are rigid and light, giving case-like protection with bag-like portability. 1680D waterproof fabric with a PU coating sheds rain and road grime. Check the zippers too — large-coil zippers survive heavy daily use far better than light ones.
Pedalboard Bag vs Hard Case
Hard cases suit pedalboards that never change and players who fly regularly. Bags are lighter, cheaper and pack flatter for van touring. Many players choose a padded semi-rigid bag as the best balance — enough structure to keep the board intact, light enough to carry one-handed.
Extra Features Worth Having
- External pocket for cables and power supplies.
- Reinforced carry handle and optional shoulder strap.
- Rubber or PVC bottom for wet floors.
- Reinforced stitching at stress points.
Pedalboard Cases for Brands (OEM/ODM)
MONOGUITARBAG manufactures padded pedalboard bags and cases in EVA and 1680D waterproof fabric, with customizable sizes, colors, interior layouts and branding. Whether you need a stock design or a custom-size run for your brand, we can produce it from our own factory. Browse our pedalboard case collection or start an OEM/ODM project.