Pedaltrain Nano Plus Review: Small Board, Big Potential

Every guitarist eventually arrives at the same realization: a cable connecting directly to your amp, while pure, becomes limiting. You start wanting a compressor, then a drive pedal, maybe some modulation or delay. That’s when you discover you need a pedalboard. The Pedaltrain Nano Plus is specifically designed for that exact moment—when you’re ready to commit to effects but don’t need (and shouldn’t spend extra on) a massive platform.

At 18 x 5 inches, the Nano Plus is the entry-level board that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s genuinely small—small enough to fit in closets, car trunks, or backpacks. It’s genuinely affordable, making it perfect for students, hobbyists, and musicians testing whether they actually need a dedicated pedalboard before investing in larger gear. Yet it’s engineered with the same attention to detail as Pedaltrain’s professional platforms.

Key Features

The Nano Plus measures 18 inches long by 5 inches deep, creating an ultra-slim profile that’s almost portable like a guitar case. At under 3 pounds, it’s one of the lightest boards on the market. This extreme compactness is the defining feature—if minimalism is your goal, nothing in the Pedaltrain lineup is smaller.

Despite its budget positioning, the Nano Plus retains core Pedaltrain design elements. The mounting surface is velcro-compatible, featuring the same textured finish as larger models. Under-board cable routing channels are simplified but present, allowing basic signal chain organization. The included soft case provides adequate protection for casual use and light gigging.

Capacity is limited to 4-6 pedals arranged in a single row. This constraint is actually a feature, not a bug—it forces intentional signal chain design. You won’t have a bloated pedalboard with effects you never use. Instead, you’ll select pedals that genuinely contribute to your tone, creating a focused, useful setup.

The board’s dimensions (18 x 5 inches) are deceptive in their utility. While narrow, the 18-inch length accommodates standard pedal widths comfortably. Most players arrange 4-5 pedals with functional spacing, or can squeeze in 6 if using extremely compact models. This is enough for a legitimate signal chain: compression, drive, modulation, and delay/reverb.

Build & Design

The Nano Plus isn’t a full-featured engineering marvel—it’s deliberately simplified. The aluminum frame is lightweight but rigid, without unnecessary reinforcement. The mounting surface is standard velcro-compatible material. Cable routing is basic but functional. This stripped-down approach keeps costs low while maintaining actual quality—you’re not sacrificing durability, just unnecessary features.

The five-inch depth was carefully chosen. This width is wider than a typical effects pedal (about 4 inches), providing a small margin for cable routing and mounting consistency. It’s not cramped, though it’s certainly compact. The 18-inch length provides adequate space for pedal arrangement without being bulky.

Edge reinforcements are proportional to the board’s size—not overbuilt, but sufficient. The mounting surface material is identical to larger Pedaltrain boards, meaning velcro adhesion is reliable across extended use. There’s no sense of “cutting corners” for the budget-conscious buyer—just thoughtful material choices appropriate to the board’s use case.

The soft case is padded but compact, reflecting the board’s entry-level positioning. While adequate for casual transport and practice, serious touring would benefit from an aftermarket protective case. For the Nano Plus’s intended audience—developing musicians and hobbyists—the included case is perfectly sufficient.

Who Should Buy the Pedaltrain Nano Plus

The Nano Plus appeals to guitarists at a specific life stage: you’ve decided effects are important, but you’re not yet committed to large-scale pedalboard culture. Student musicians and hobbyists appreciate the affordable price point and compact footprint. Teachers recommend the Nano Plus to students learning about signal chains and effects without requiring expensive gear.

Travelers and minimalist musicians find the Nano Plus appeals specifically because of its size. It literally fits in places larger boards don’t. Musicians in small living spaces benefit from ultra-compact gear that stores easily.

The Nano Plus is also smart as a first board for developing your pedal taste. Once you’ve learned which effects matter to you and how they interact, you can upgrade to larger platforms. The Nano Plus teaches these lessons at an accessible price point, avoiding buyer’s remorse from committing to expensive gear before you understand your actual needs.

Conversely, experienced players with established effects preferences won’t find the Nano Plus sufficient. If you already own 8+ pedals or know you need extensive effects capability, you’ll outgrow this board quickly. It’s genuinely positioned as a starter platform, not a long-term touring solution.

Related Gear

If you found this review helpful, check out these related articles:

• Pedaltrain Classic 2 Review: The Industry-Standard Pedalboard
• Pedaltrain Metro 16 Review: Compact Grab-and-Go Pedalboard
• Pedaltrain Novo 18 Review: The Perfect Mid-Size Pedalboard
• Source Audio Collider: Dual-Engine Delay and Reverb in a Single Pedal

Related Gear

If you found this review helpful, check out these related articles:

• Pedaltrain Classic 2 Review: The Industry-Standard Pedalboard
• Pedaltrain Metro 16 Review: Compact Grab-and-Go Pedalboard
• Pedaltrain Novo 18 Review: The Perfect Mid-Size Pedalboard
• Source Audio Collider: Dual-Engine Delay and Reverb in a Single Pedal

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pedals fit on the Pedaltrain Nano Plus?

The Nano Plus accommodates 4-6 pedals in a single-row arrangement. Standard Boss-sized pedals (approximately 2.5 x 5 inches) allow about 5-6 units with comfortable spacing. Larger pedals reduce capacity to 4 units. Compact pedals like expression controllers or small drive boxes maximize available space. The single-row format encourages intentional signal chain design.

Is the Nano Plus suitable for gigging musicians?

The Nano Plus works well for casual gigging and rehearsals, particularly for musicians with streamlined signal chains. The compact size makes transport easy for local gigs. The included soft case provides adequate protection for moderate touring. However, serious touring musicians requiring more pedals or comprehensive cable management should consider larger Pedaltrain models.

Can you upgrade from the Nano Plus to a larger board later?

Absolutely. The Nano Plus serves as an excellent starter board precisely because it teaches you about effects and signal chains before committing to larger gear. Many musicians graduate from the Nano Plus to Classic 2 or Novo 18 models as their effects collections grow. The board is not a permanent solution—it’s an entry point into pedalboard culture.

What is included with the Pedaltrain Nano Plus?

The Nano Plus includes a padded soft case with handles, velcro strips for pedal mounting, and basic cable ties. No power supply is included, but the board is compatible with any standard pedalboard power solution. The compact case is adequate for practice and casual gigging, though heavier touring might require an upgraded protective case.

How does the Nano Plus compare to the Metro 16?

The Nano Plus (18 x 5 inches, 4-6 pedals) is slightly more compact than the Metro 16 (16 x 8 inches, 5-8 pedals). The Nano Plus costs less and is better for developing musicians learning about effects. The Metro 16 is more portable (includes a shoulder bag) and accommodates slightly more pedals. Choose the Nano Plus for affordability and simplicity; choose the Metro 16 for portability and traveling musicians.

Final Thoughts

The Pedaltrain Nano Plus proves that you don’t need to spend heavily to access quality engineering. For musicians discovering effects and developing their sonic preferences, this board provides exactly enough functionality without overwhelming you with unnecessary capacity. At its price point, it’s genuinely difficult to find better value in the pedalboard market.