Pedalboards allow guitarists to keep their gear organized and make post-gig cleanup much easier. A good pedalboard is an important part of every professional guitarist’s setup. When you are touring, you want a pedalboard that is easy to pack up, is customizable to fit your specialized pedals, and is strong enough to handle being stepped on and transported to the next gig.
Gator Cases produces some of the most durable guitar cases, amp cases, and pedalboards on the market. In this article, I will be reviewing the G-Tour Pedalboard, which is personally one of my favorite pedalboards to use on the road.
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Gator Cases G-Tour Pedalboard rating
I’ve tested the G-Tour for several things that are very important to look out for when purchasing a new pedalboard. I based my score on five categories. Each category has a maximum score of five points, and the total research score is a weighted average. Here is my research score and criteria.
Frontman Philosophy Score
Specifications
- 24″ by 11″ (extra large model 32″ by 17″, small model 17″ by 11″)
- Removeable pedalboard
- Weighs 12 lbs without any pedals attached
- 3M dual lock fastening system
- Painted plywood pedalboard and case with aluminum edging, protective shock absorbing foam interior
- Includes a sturdy locking mechanism
- Has two wheels on the side of the case for easy rolling (not available for the small model)
What’s great?
Gator Cases has hit the nail on the head with this product. The pedalboard could survive a bullet (I haven’t tested this yet).
- The removable pedalboard goes straight into the case without much effort, making it easy to pack up after the show.
- The shock-resistant foam in the case’s interior will keep your pedals safe even when the case is dropped.
- Roller wheels make transporting this heavy case easy.
- The large-sized pedalboard is large enough to hold up to 10 pedals.
- The case has storage space to fit two guitar cables.
Some downsides?
This pedalboard is one of my favorite products Gator Cases has ever released, but that doesn’t mean it is for every guitarist. Here are some things that may turn you away from this pedalboard.
- The G-Tour pedalboard is very heavy. It weighs 12 lbs without your pedals, so you are looking at a 25 lbs+ pedal kit with ten pedals.
- The fastening strips that come with the pedalboard are not very strong.
Durability
My score: 5 out of 5
25% of the total score
It shouldn’t be surprising that a Gator Cases product is incredibly durable. Gator Cases products are the go-to for musicians who want to protect their gear at all costs. The G-Tour pedalboard and case are made of reinforced plywood with aluminum edging that protects the equipment in all vulnerable areas. The interior of the case also has a shock-absorbing foam. If you are looking for a pedal board that will last a long time and withstand a lot of wear and tear, this is the product for you.
Mounting
My score: 4 out of 5
25% of the total score
The mounting system for your pedals is vital when looking for a pedalboard. Like many other pedalboards, the G-Tour uses a “velcro style” of mounting. This means that you can customize where your pedals go on the board and place whatever size pedal on the board you like. The G-Tour comes with 3M Dual lock fasteners, which work similarly to velcro but can handle more weight. I think the strips that come with the G-Tour are generally strong, but I found that these strips wear out and lose their hold faster than other options. New strips are not expensive, though, so I don’t see this as a deal breaker.
Size
My score: 5 out of 5
20% of the total score
I have an extensive pedal collection. Realistically, I only use around 12 of them regularly, but having a large pedalboard is important to me so that I can have as many effects options as possible for live shows. It is also worth considering the weight and size of the pedalboard and balance this with the surface area you need. The larger and sturdier a pedalboard is, the more it will weigh.
The Gator Cases G-Tour is heavy, but I didn’t deduct any points for this. This is because the pedalboard can hold at least ten pedals and is just about as sturdy as you can get without being made out of solid steel. If you are willing to sacrifice surface area and durability for a lighter pedalboard, I recommend finding a smaller, more cost-effective one.
Price
My score: 4 out of 5
15% of the total score
The price tag is always a big factor when purchasing new equipment. Costing nearly $270, the G-Tour pedalboard is not the cheapest pedalboard on the market. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, I recommend looking at pedals from RockBoard or PedalTrain.
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. The G-Tour pedalboard may come at a more premium price tag than other models, but this pedalboard will last years of touring. And in my opinion, that is worth the extra money.
Storage
My score: 5 out of 5
15% of the total score
You want a pedalboard that can easily be taken out of its case and stored. The case that comes with the Gator Cases G-Tour pedalboard is easy to latch, lock, and carry. The large size has two wheels that make transporting it easy, and the extra-large size also comes with a retractable handle. The entire top comes off when opening the case, exposing the pedals underneath. The pedal board can then be removed from the case and placed anywhere on stage.
Wrapping up
The Gator Cases G-Tour Pedalboard is a top-of-the-line piece of equipment that a pedal enthusiast like me will enjoy. Keep your precious pedals safe in the case while you transport your gear to the next gig. This is a pedalboard for a serious touring musician.
If you have any questions about your guitar gear or you want me to review any other equipment, feel free to reach out! I am always happy to help.
