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FAQ
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Why make an expanding pedalboard?It's all about space efficiency. With a two-level pedalboard you can store twice the number of pedals and related gear in the same travel footprint. It will be twice as tall of course, but generally this is an easier shape to move around than one that is twice as wide or deep. In many space-limited situations, such as carry-on luggage, small vehicles, public transportation, or small living spaces, this can be an important difference. In order to access as much of this gear as possible, we've designed a system which stores compactly in one orientation and expands into a second position when it's time to play.
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How do I wire up an expanding pedalboard?Don't worry, it's no harder than a traditional pedalboard. The main concern is gathering up all the cables going in and out of the switcher and organizing them into one or two thick bundles. Attach the bundle at appropriate points to the base of the lower level and the underside of the deck, and you're good to go. Power cables are generally less fussy. See our X-Series Setup video (under 'Resources') for the whole process.
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Why store Wah, Volume or Expression pedals in a hard lid?There are three main advantages to moving your wah, volume, or expression pedals off your board. 1. Full Deck profiles are more flexible than Cutaway models when considering possible pedal layouts. As you replace your effect pedals in the future, it will be easier to rearrange your board and play that game of 'pedal tetris' with a Full Deck model. 2. There's simply more space on the board for your effect pedals. And we all like to fit a couple more pedals when we can! 3. Many players simply prefer having that wah/exp/vol pedal on the floor near the board. This allows you to place the pedal exactly where it will be most comfortable to reach on stage, and it may be how you're already used to playing. Of course, the pedal still needs to travel with your gear, which is why we offer our Stowaway Lid Brackets. By using the space inside the front of the hard lid*, your pedalboard can have the protection of a solid lid while bringing your wah/exp/vol pedal along for the ride. We know of no other pedalboard which allows for this combination of layout flexibility, protection, and compactness/portability. With all that said, some people may still prefer the simplicity of having the pedal permanently mounted on the board. So whether you choose a Cutaway Deck or a Full Deck, we've got you covered. *P-Series pedalboards only. In our X-Series pedalboards, this space is taken up by an extra row of pedals on the upper deck. If you'd like to use a wah/exp/vol with a Full Deck X-Series pedalboard for the reasons described above, you could consider storing it below with our Stowaway Straps (if space allows), mount it on the upper deck (works well with smaller pedals like the Dunlop Mini, DOD, etc.), or simply bring it along separately with your other gear.
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SOFT CASE, LID, TOUR CASE - Which should I choose?Where you play and how you get there is an important factor when choosing your gigging gear. We offer several options to store and travel your pedalboard, and each have their own advantages. If portability is the goal, then a SOFT CASE is likely the solution. They’re the lightest way to easily move your pedalboard and the shoulder strap frees up your hand for doors or extra gear. The optional thick rubber insert provides an additional level of bump protection above the knobs and foot switches your pedals. Why isn’t the insert included with every SOFT CASE, you ask? That’s because each SOFT CASE can also fit around the matching hard LID. A hard LID provides the next level of protection for your pedals, whether on the move or simply to ward away curious fingers, furry pets, or dust and spills when the pedalboard is sitting idle. We also think they look pretty great, especially when ordered with a custom finish. When paired with a P-Series Pedalboard, the LID can be fitted with Stowaway Lid Brackets which allow for additional storage inside the protection of the LID. Combining the solid protection of a LID with a SOFT CASE gives the added benefit of scuff protection for your LID, as well as a convenient shoulder strap. If your pedalboard will be visiting the back of a tour bus or the cargo hold of a plane, then you’ll want a TOUR CASE for the ultimate level of protection. They’re built for a perfect fit around each of our pedalboard models, and the larger sizes feature recessed caster wheels for easy load-in and load-out. Whatever your storage or travel needs, we’ve got you covered.
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What if I don't like hook and loop?Normally our pedalboards are supplied with strong hook and loop (loop installed on the pedalboard, hook supplied loose for your pedals). If you'd like to use another type of fastener we're happy to supply the pedalboard bare (with both the hook and loop loose).
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Proper Use and CareOur pedalboards are built tough, but it is still expected that they will be used with a reasonable level of care. By treating your Pivotal Pedalboard as you would your other professional music equipment, it will last you many years. The left and right sides of each pedalboard feature a curved bottom to grasp the unit. Always move with two hands when a Lid or Case is not being used. Do not move the pedalboard while the top deck is open. For X-Series pedalboards, always engage the rear locks into the side walls before moving. Electronic and signalling components are always more sensitive to abuse. Jacks with inserted cables can easily be damaged by kicking, stepping, or rough handling. Unplug all cables and cords before moving your pedalboard. Clean spills immediately with a damp cloth and then dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. Do not expose to extreme temperatures or humidity, or extended direct contact with water. The tension on the pivoting components of X-Series pedalboards can be tightened or loosened by turning the locking hex nut (only small adjustments are necessary). If you have any questions about how to best use or care for you pedalboard, feel free to contact us.
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Can you ship to my country?If your address isn't supported by the store checkout, feel free to contact us and we can look into shipping options.
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Taxes and Duties?We do not collect taxes or duties on international orders. These costs are the responsibility of the customer and will vary between countries.
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What if my pedalboard arrives damaged?We package our pedalboards carefully to minimize the risk of damage during shipping, but of course accidents can still occur. If your pedalboard arrives damaged, document the damage and contact us immediately - including detailed pictures of both the packaging and the pedalboard itself. We insure the pedalboards when shipped but we will not be able to file a claim without documentation.
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Limited 5 Year WarrantyWe stand by our products and want to assist musicians to play their best. As such, we'll make every effort to troubleshoot any concerns, advise on repairs, and give you the best experience possible with our products - whether covered by our official warranty or not. However, as a small business it's necessary to protect ourselves with some fine print: What we cover Our warranty covers all products for defects in materials or workmanship, for the original purchaser of the product. Length of coverage Warranty coverage for pedalboards lasts for 5 years from the date of purchase. Soft Cases and Tour Cases are covered for 1 year from the date of purchase. What is not covered Warranty coverage does not include damage from normal wear and tear, improper use, or abuse. Warranty coverage also does not include alterations/modifications made by the customer which are not explicitly encouraged by Pivotal Pedalboards, as well as defects or failures which are a result of a failure to follow instructions. Pivotal Pedalboards will not not be liable for incidental or consequential damage from any failure of a Pivotal Pedalboard product. In jurisdictions where these exemptions are prohibited, damages shall not exceed the value originally paid for said product. What we will do At our discretion, we will repair or replace the product as the sole remedy to the claim. How to receive service If you need to make warranty claim, please contact us with information about the defect. If a repair or replacement is required, the product will need to be shipped to us (at the customer's expense). The repaired or replaced product will be shipped back to the customer free of charge.
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Return and Cancellation PolicyWe make every effort to communicate the dimensions, compatibility, and best uses for our pedalboards and other products so our customers can make informed purchases. Due to the custom nature of most orders, it's not possible for us to accept returns. Cancellations are also not possible since production of our pedalboards begins shortly after they are ordered. If you're unsure about any details of our products please contact us before you place your order and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.
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