Introduction
Choosing a pedalboard ofen involves balancing size, portability, and future expansion for additional pedals. D’Addario’s XPND series aims to simplify this decision by providing a pedalboard that adjusts to your current setup while also accommodating future additions. This innovative design is particularly beneficial for musicians who frequently transition between different projects or setups. With a patented telescopic mechanism, D’Addario is redefining pedalboard functionality.
The XPND 1 is the most compact model in the series, measuring 14 inches when closed and extending to 24 inches when fully expanded. This flexibility allows players to adapt their rig without committing to a larger, permanent board. For those with more extensive pedal collections, the dual-row XPND 2 offers an appealing option, showcasing D’Addario’s thoughtful approach to pedalboard design.
designed for musicians who need to frequently switch setups-whether for different bands, studio sessions, or simply a more portable rig-the XPND series addresses a common challenge in pedalboard design.
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striking a balance between portability and durability is a perennial challenge in pedalboard design. D’Addario has opted for a robust aluminum construction for the XPND 1, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of gigging.The entire surface is lined with loop Velcro on both sides, allowing for immediate pedal placement right out of the box. Additionally, a cable management system is integrated into the design, providing structural support while keeping power and patch cables neatly organized beneath the board.
Initially skeptical about the necessity of a telescopic design when D’Addario launched the XPND series in the early 2020s, my perspective shifted after joining two bands with contrasting pedal requirements. One setup required a minimalist approach, while the other demanded a more complex array of effects. The ability to expand and contract the pedalboard to suit each gig became increasingly appealing. With several guitarist friends praising the system, I was eager to put it through its paces for Guitar World.
Specifications
- Price: £79 | $64.99 | €79
- Material: High-strength aluminum
- Features: Telescopic expansion, pre-installed loop Velcro, adjustable feet for height, cable management clips
- Dimensions: 356-610 mm (extension range) x 149 x 65 mm
- Weight: 51.85oz/ 1.47kg (without pedals)
- contact: D’Addario
Construction Quality
Construction quality rating: ★★★★☆
In practice, I found this limited height a bit of an issue
Upon receiving the flat-packed XPND, I was initially apprehensive about assembly. However, the process turned out to be quite straightforward. Although a few components were slightly tricky, I managed to complete the setup in about 10 minutes by following the provided instructions.
Four of the six rubber feet and side brackets are secured with countersunk hex screws, which can be tightened using the included hex key. Everything aligned perfectly, and I encountered no issues during assembly.
The top two rubber feet utilize a washer system that allows for height adjustments between 35mm and 50mm.This feature provides a slight angle to the board and additional clearance for larger power supplies, although it’s not overly generous.
In practice, I found this limited height to be a challenge. My T-Rex Fuel Tank was too large to fit beneath the XPND 1. While I didn’t expect it to fit perfectly, it’s worth noting if you use a larger power supply.
D’Addario does provide a compatibility list for power supplies that fit underneath,which is helpful. Though, I had to either place the unit on top of the board-reducing pedal space and complicating cable routing-or leave it on the floor.
Once assembled, I was impressed by the board’s weight. The aluminum construction feels genuinely robust, as D’Addario claims, and I’m confident it can withstand the rigors of being transported to gigs. The telescopic mechanism operates smoothly, allowing for quick adjustments between rehearsals and performances, and when fully collapsed, the board stores neatly.
Weighing in at 1.47kg without pedals, the XPND 1 is light enough for easy transport. However, one notable omission is the absence of a gig bag. For a product aimed at active musicians, this feels like a missed prospect. D’Addario does offer a dedicated bag separately, but its price is nearly equivalent to that of the XPND 1, making it less appealing.
On the underside, two plastic braces on each rail must be flipped open when extending the board and closed again once the desired length is achieved. Thes components feel less sturdy than the rest of the construction, and I would advise caution with heavy-handed use, as they appear to be the most vulnerable part of the design.
Functionality and Features
Functionality and features rating: ★★★★☆
The pre-installed loop Velcro on both the top and bottom surfaces is a significant advantage. Although my T-rex fuel Tank didn’t fit underneath, the ability to mount a power supply with Velcro would have alleviated the attachment issues I faced with my previous Palmer Pedalboard 40, which lacks a pre-velcroed underside.
In its compact form, the board realistically accommodates three to four pedals. I found that compact, top-mounted pedals worked best, allowing for tighter spacing without interference from knobs or switches. Initially, I was uncertain if my Way Huge Pork Loin and angry Troll would fit comfortably due to their size, but their top-mounted controls allowed them to fit alongside my guitar tuner, a Boss TU-3, without issue.
In total, I managed to fit four Boss pedals on the board in its compact state-a TU-3, BD-2, RV-6, and CS-3-though it was a tight squeeze. This was onyl possible thanks to my low-profile pancake patch cables; standard cables would have made it impractical.
In this configuration, the pedalboard remained stable, although there is a slight amount of flex
When extended to its full 24-inch length, the XPND1 provides ample space, mimicking the functionality of a more complex rig. In this configuration, the pedalboard remained stable, though I did notice a slight flex. While it didn’t bother me, heavier-footed players might want to take note.
I successfully fit seven pedals on the board, including the aforementioned Boss models, my Way Huge Pork Loin and Angry Troll, along with an MXR Carbon Copy, creating a versatile setup.
Although I typically don’t use a wah or expression pedal, I decided to test my Cry Baby wah pedal on the board. This highlighted the XPND1’s most significant limitation. The length of the wah caused the board to rock more than I would prefer, making it feel somewhat unstable underfoot. If you frequently use a full-sized wah or expression pedal, this is an importent consideration.
I also found the playing angle to be flatter than I’m accustomed to. Personally, I prefer a more pronounced tilt, as it makes pressing the pedals feel more intuitive. The standing height felt slightly elevated, requiring me to lift my foot more than expected when switching pedals. While these are personal preferences, I thought it was worth mentioning.
Final thoughts
If flexibility is high on your priority list, the XPND1 is one of the smartest pedalboard designs I’ve used
For guitarists who frequently change their pedal configurations, the XPND1 presents a genuinely innovative solution. With the ability to extend from 14 to 24 inches, it offers the versatility to maintain a compact everyday setup while expanding for larger gigs or projects that require more effects. True to D’Addario’s reputation, it is exceptionally well-constructed, thoughtfully designed, and appears built to endure years of use.
Though,there are trade-offs. The limited clearance beneath the board may pose challenges for larger power supplies, and full-sized expression pedals may not fit comfortably with the single-row layout. Nevertheless, if adaptability is a top priority for you, the XPND1 stands out as one of the most bright pedalboard designs I’ve encountered.
Guitar World verdict: the D’Addario XPND 1 Core pedalboard is a smart, adaptable solution for gigging guitarists who need to transition between compact and expanded setups. Its telescopic design and sturdy aluminum build allow you to tailor your board to nearly any situation,and the pre-installed Velcro ensures a quick setup. Though,the limited clearance underneath and the single-row layout may restrict which pedals can fit comfortably.
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Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Quality |
A truly sturdy aluminum pedalboard featuring an innovative telescopic design.Assembly is simple, though the plastic locking braces could inspire more confidence. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Functionality and Features |
The expanding design is genuinely beneficial, with pre-installed Velcro making setup refreshingly easy. Limited clearance for larger power supplies and expression pedals prevents it from being entirely hassle-free. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Overall |
The XPND1 demonstrates that an expanding pedalboard is not just a clever concept; it’s a genuinely practical solution for gigging guitarists who require flexibility without compromising durability. |
★★★★☆ |
