MKS PedalPad AXS

The AXS has a slanted birch board on which the pedals are placed. The slant of the board creates room underneath for extra storage. I place my Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2+ underneath and run the wires up around the sides and through the middle slot (the board is actually two pieces that hinge independently of each other). In order to eliminate any accidental pulling of cable when lifting the surface, I attached the two boards with four-inch metal binding strips so that it acts as one big board while still preserving the small gap in the middle that allows me to route power cables into hard-to-reach pedals. The carpeting is adequate and covers everything. I only have attached the pedals using the provided hook-and-loop. It is a strong enough bond, but to be safe I also installed foam in the lid so that there is constant pressure on the pedals, preventing them from moving while the case is in transit.

Bottom line: very easy to set up, and to change, and it's the robust sort of board that rewards some personalization details.

While I would love to give out a positive number, the pedal board does not impact tone in a quantifiable way, aside from the dramatic case of providing me with an excellent protection/transportation system for my effect loop. I wouldn't be bringing the loop out with me without the board.

Solid. It feels like you could use it as a car jack. The build quality is most excellent, and I'm confident that my search for a pedal board is over!

I called to figure out which board would best fit me. Michael (Stratton, yeah, the president!) answered and spent 20 minutes with me discussing dimensions, options, and all of the various models offered by MKS ans settled quite confidently on the AXS. Michael was exceedingly polite and honest and never hesitated, even with my more revealing questions.

It feels like MKS basically sat down and said, "All right, Andy is going to need a pedal board with these features," and then they went and put it into production before I called them. This is a tremendous board and a tremendous value. I brag about this board constantly. Highly recommended! I wish that I had something bad to say, because you have to take these glowing reviews with a tablespoon of salt. Truly, though, they have my earnest approval. Email me if you have questions or want to see pictures of how I have set it up.

This thing is a piece of cake to set up-very self explanatory. No manual or anything just requires common sense.

I use mine with a Godlyke power supply, ibanez and gibson guitars (seymour duncan pickups) through a Marshall valvestate 100 watt amp and I get virtually no noise at all. Since this thing comes with no power supply and is essentially wood and carpet, anything affecting sound quality would be a whole other issue with your gear.

This thing is very, very well built. It's pretty heavy (approx 20 lbs. empty) and seems as though it could handle some substantial abuse. All the hinges and handles seem good to go to me although I've only had the thing for about 48 hours. The velcro that it comes with is pretty good and has held all of my pedals right where I left them. I would defintely count on this thing for touring, gigging, and overall protection of your pedals. It's small enough to take on a plane but durable enough to check it if you had to.

Never had to deal with them yet but I've read that they are very helpful and reliable.

Overall I think this is a very solid product and seems very reliable. I researched many pedal boards before settling on this one and I feel like I definitely made the right decision!! I think that buying a high quality board without a power supply is a good way to go because it is a bit more customizable. The angled top of the board makes accessing pedals a lot easier and, in my opinion, makes the AXS a superior board than most you can find, even the more expensive MKS models. Don't rule it out because this is the least expensive board that MKS makes. This is a quality piece of craftsmanship that I would recommend to anyone who likes to use multiple effects and keep everything tidy and in place. It definitely made my setup more professional and roadworthy so do yourself a favor and buy one of these TODAY!!!

It is simple to use. It basically is a suitcase for your pedals. No power supply which is good so that you can provide your own. It is very easy to open and seems that it will continue to do so. The hinges on the back are quite sturdy. The recessed butterfly closures look very reliable.

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I think it is road worthy. I have an upcoming tour coming up and bought this model because it looked road worthy. I wouldn't gig with a backup because who has that time and energy? Unless you have a roadie. I have had it too short an amount of time to rate this.

Have not had to deal with them.

It holds a bunch of pedals. I just got it this afternoon and so far I have: Ernie Ball Jr. Volume Pedal, QTron, ProCo Rat II, Boss Super Overdrive, Boss EQ. All on the bottom. Then I have that linked to a DOD Flanger, and then an Ibanez Digital Delay pedal on the top left. Above the Vol. Pedal and the Qtron I have a Korg Tuner which is tagged to the Vol. Pedal. Overall, I'm pretty impressed.

The only thing is that it is bulky and bit unweilding. But that is what it is designed for. I can't wait to see how it handles on the road. However, speaking about handles, this one seems to be a bit flimsy. I will check back and update if it breaks down. Other than that overall a 10. I am stoked.

This is a very simple and effective product. There are two hinged wooden "doors" on which the pedals are placed, and an area below for supplies. I installed a power supply and patch bay in the lower compartment, so I have a completely self contained set up. Very convenient.

This does not impact sound quality directly, but having a container will allow seetings to be consistent and predictable.

I was impressed with the build quality of this unit as well as the overall design. It is very rugged and road worthy and is made from quality materials throughout.

Very helpul! I talked with Michael the owner as I was looking for a way to bolt down effects rather than velcro, and he made very good suggestions and took the time to work with me directly.

I would definitely recommend this product - I think the ease of set-up, the consistency of effects settings, the on board power, the long term protection of pedals and wiring easily justify the investment, and from whay I've seen the MKS unit has the best design and quality.
If it we lost or stolen I would replace without question.

Very easy, accessable, and practical. The two wooden platforms (where you mount your effects) are slightly slanted for easier stepping action. The 2 platforms are also hinged (at the top), so you can lift them at anytime. Beneath the 2 wooden planks, there is a large area with plenty of room for plugs, cables and such. The velcrow also, ofcourse, makes it easier to mount your stompboxes, and seems to hold them in place very well.

Unfortunately I lost this entire pedalboard in a fire, so I don't have the exact dimensions. But I'll tell you what it had room for.

Right side plank bottom row: Boss FV-50 volume pedal > TU-2 tuner > Vox valve-tone, connected to...

Left side plank bottom row: Vox wah > Rat 2 > small stone phase, connected to...

Right side plank upper row: small room for amp switch, Boss BF-2 flange > CH-1 chorus, connected to...

Left side plank upper row: Boss DD-3 > RV-3.

There you go. That's 10 items on the inner surface, which all fit closely, but comfortably. The inside of the board (under the planks) fit 2 power strips!

It seems sturdy enough. It should last a long time as long as you take care of it and set it down gently. If you are packing as much weight as I did, be sure to go easy on it because those small hinges (though they are strong) are supporting a large heavy box.

I found the manufacturer's (MKS)phone # on the web when I wanted to purchase the item (about a year ago). I called them and they were very friendly, and I remember they were able to give me the exact dimensions. However, musicians friend does not list them for some odd reason. I recommended they do, but they never did. MKS gets 1 point off for not having musicians friend list the dimensions on this.

If you are a more straight forward rocker and want to keep things more simple, then don't spend your money on the AXS, just go with the core one pedal board.
Now, If you like to play experimental rock or other music styles with many toys to play with, then I highly recommend this board!