Rob Scallon and Sweetwater just broke the world record for the largest guitar effect pedalboard
An all-star cast achieves a Guinness World Record with 319-strong pedal chain
319 pedals. 34 pedalboards. 500+ feet of cable. On Tuesday July 9, Sweetwater made history by assembling the world’s largest guitar effect pedalboard - a feat that has been officially verified by Guinness World Records.
YouTube sensation Rob Scallon was on hand to play through the ’board at Fort Wayne’s Clyde Theatre, accompanied by an all-star cast of pedal gurus, including Robert Keeley (Keeley Electronics), Josh Scott (JHS Pedals), Ryan Dick (Temple Audio) and Brian Wampler (Wampler Pedals).
As you can hear above, the sound of every pedal turned on at once is quite unlike anything you’ve ever heard - it’s terrifying, really.
The Sweetwater team adhered to strict guidelines to break the record, with no duplicate pedals, no switching systems, and pedals only available from recognized manufacturers.
Incredibly, Rush legend Alex Lifeson also cropped up to try his hand at playing through the rig.
The previous record was set in 2008 with 142, and was comprehensively smashed by Sweetwater’s effort, which costs $90,000, boasts 1,248 knobs, measures 70ft long, and requires 34 power supplies just to turn on.
For more info on this astonishing achievement, head over to Sweetwater. At least until Kevin Shields presumably snaps up the rig for My Bloody Valentine’s next tour...
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription