Things to consider before ordering a Pumaboard
Classic vs. Low Rider
The choice between the Classic and Low Rider models is mostly one of preference. If you wish to mount your power supply underneath the board and do the wiring there, then the Classic is for you. If board size is more of an issue and you want to save a little money, then go for the Low Rider.
How to know which size you need
The dimension choices represent the overall sizes of boards. The actual surface area will be 1" less width and length. It's a good idea to lay out a piece of cardboard in the size you are thinking of and arrange your pedals to make sure they will fit. Some guys like their board to be as compact as possible — which is fine — but I would suggest adding 2" to the length of what you think you need. Then you are less likely to get into trouble with the size should you swap out a pedal or two (as we tend to do). Also, leaving yourself room to expand should be considered. Remember, I can build a board of ANY size.
Choosing a top
I currently offer two choices for tops on Pumaboard Classics and Low Riders. Each top choice comes with its own pros and cons. I thought I would offer my thoughts on each of them. Hopefully this will be of some help in choosing which top is right for you.
- Formica
This is absolutely the most durable of the tops. It's very hard to scratch, and the matte finish doesn't show smudges.
- Velcro Loop Fabric
This is the most "practical" of the tops. If you'll be moving pedals around a lot, this is the way to go. There's no need to pull up adhesive-backed strips and reposition them (or replace them). You can just pull up the pedal and slap it back down. Personally, I like the feel of a little cushioning under my pedals.
Coordinating frame and stripe Tolex
I may be the only one that would notice this, but it should be considered. When picking stripes for your board, I would suggest using the same type of Tolex for both the frame and racing stripes (i.e., Levant frame + Levant stripes, or Elephant Hyde frame + Elephant Hyde stripes). This way the grain patterns are the same, and you will have two colors that look like they belong together.
Are handles worth it?
There's no doubt that chrome handles look cool, but on a tight board I worry about them possibly getting in the way of the jacks of a pedal placed near them. So keep your pedal placement and board space in mind when considering handles.
Deciphering terms
Use this diagram to understand what I mean when I use specific terms. This is especially important on the order form, as you will need to know where you want elements to be located on the board.
