Marking Pedals

[jklotz]

Nothing like hitting a dark stage with 15 minutes to set up, and having the knobs on your pedals all out of whack. Not the kind of stress I need before a show.

What do you guys do to mark your pedals? Grease pencil? Seems like we all swap them out, buy/sell, etc. I need something I can see in the dark that can be completely removed when I go to sell the pedal.

 

[taco-man]

There is a product specifically for this:

http://www.stagetrixproducts.com/setting-saver.html

I've never tried it, so I can't offer a recommendation.

 

[shinksma]

Stage Trix Setting Saver pen, ink glows in the dark (not sure how long):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CBEKUY

I just got one, and the ink/whatever is easily removed either by just rubbing it off (like a whiteboard marker) or with a damp cloth/paper towel. Since I just got it I have no personal experience with whether the markings become "too permanent", but reviews of it online don't seem to indicate that is a problem.

Seems like a useful tool, but as I said, I just got one, I have no idea if it works long-term all that well.

EDIT: Jinx!

 

[JonSick]

Glow in the dark tape.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, a few battery operated LED lights from Ikea.

 

[td2243]

That company makes some nifty items. I've been making my own pedal risers, but I really like theirs with the valley to stick cables through.

 

[AParrotLooksAt4O]

I just remember how they're set and quickly adjust as needed.

I marked my Trem when I was switching speeds on the fly to mimic a rotary, but I usually know where the knobs should be.

 

[ChampReverb]

Use your phone and take a picture.

-bEn r.

 

[MartinPiana]

I use slivers of blue painters tape.

 

[SackvilleDan]

These stickers are pushed by Effects Bay quite a bit, and if I remember right they have ones to go around individual knobs as well!

http://www.effectsbay.com/pedal-labels/

 

[TheoDog]

Console tape. Fine point marker.

 

[Fatboy666]

this /\

I've also used neon yellow duct tape in the past - easy to read in dim lighting

 

[msnes335]

The best solution I've seen, is in the Ler Lalonde Rig Rundown. He sets the knobs to where he wants them, then puts tape on top of the knobs, and draws an arrow straight up at noon. This way, when you go to check the pedalboard before the show, you look and you know everything should be pointing straight up, and you are good to go.

 

[MilwMark]

The best solution I've seen, is in the Ler Lalonde Rig Rundown. He sets the knobs to where he wants them, then puts tape on top of the knobs, and draws an arrow straight up at noon. This way, when you go to check the pedalboard before the show, you look and you know everything should be pointing straight up, and you are good to go.

He never changes settings during a show? Or between shows to account for room differences?

 

[msnes335]

He never changes settings during a show? Or between shows to account for room differences?

He did have a few different delays on his board, so I guess gets around it that way. Here's the rig rundown, see for yourself.

 

[TheoDog]

He never changes settings during a show? Or between shows to account for room differences?

You will see in my pic above, there is no setting marked for the level of the comp. that was how I adjusted for the room at that time. I had all knobs on the amp marked (thin strips of console tape)

 

[R.C.Moran]

I use slivers of blue painters tape.

This, also, I forget who I got it from, but one technique is to mark the tape with an arrow toward noon when the knob is where you want it to be, so all you have to do is glance down and as long as all the arrows are facing noon you know its all set right.

 

[e-flat]

The best solution I've seen, is in the Ler Lalonde Rig Rundown. He sets the knobs to where he wants them, then puts tape on top of the knobs, and draws an arrow straight up at noon. This way, when you go to check the pedalboard before the show, you look and you know everything should be pointing straight up, and you are good to go.

This, also, I forget who I got it from, but one technique is to mark the tape with an arrow toward noon when the knob is where you want it to be, so all you have to do is glance down and as long as all the arrows are facing noon you know its all set right.

The Ler trick is a good one, and this variation on that theme with the sliver of bright tape placed at the 12:00 position of the desired setting is a great idea!

 

[Nota]

Use less pedals. If you can't remember where the knobs are supposed to be, you probably have too many knobs

 

[9520575]

get some of these stickers and tear off the pointy ends. Five pointers per star.

 

[gennation]

Console tape. Fine point marker.

I have a sheet of paper with that. I also take pictures on my phone so I can whip them up in a pinch. I also take pictures of the chain to make sure the path fits the particular setup. I do rock, jazz combo, big band, Elvis, and many other style gigs, so the setting and chain fit the gig.