Boss MS-3 Custom DIY Pedalboard

I believe I have found the ultimate (at least for now) multi-effects unit. The Boss MS-3. I won't get into why this is such a great little unit. Suffice to say, I'm going to reduce the weight and footprint of my rig and still add functionality. I looked online for a decent pedal board to use with the Boss MS-3 and there are a few out there but all very expensive. I decided to build my own. 

Designing the Board

I used Visio to design the board laying out the pedals I wanted to add to the MS-3

Main Pieces Cut

Testing Layout

I routed out the back and sides. The back is meant to allow some ventilation for the power supply as well as provide access to its on/off switch. I plan on using a Joyo JP-05 so I can run the whole board off the battery. The sides are routed to be used as handles. 

As you can see I added a top support to the side walls. When I was originally designing this, I wanted the ability to remove the top tier to access the power supply inside. I went through several design choices and ultimately ended up with just 4 screws but I decided to use machine screws instead of wood screws to ensure that regular removal wouldn't strip the wood. I purchased inserts for the screws but quickly discovered that the 1/2" plywood wasn't wide enough for the inserts. That's why I had to add the top support.

Here you see the inserts as well as the screws at the top. I cut a chamfer on the front side of the support because I was worried that the cable for the Bright Onion Pedals wouldn't be able to fit. 

Dry Fit

For final assembly, I used screws and wood glue. You can see the pre-drilled holes for the screws. After assembly, I sanded out the edges and rounded some corners.

Sanded and Painted. One primer coat and 2 coats of black. I added 3 coats of polyurethane after this shot.

Completed. I should have wiped down the dust before taking the picture. Oh well...

Wired up, and loaded with my pedals. As you can see, I added spacers between the MS-3 and the Bright Onion Pedals. I wanted a bit more separation between the foot switches to avoid unintended contact. I don't really like the tuner in the MS-3 so decided to add my Polytune.

Side view for perspective of the top tier.

Click the links below for more information on the DMF-2 and the JP-05

Bright Onion Pedals DMF-2 Unlatched Foot Switches

Joyo JP-05 Battery Based Power Supply