The Pedaltrain Nano+ is exactly what it looks like: a compact pedalboard designed for guitarists who want to keep their setup minimal. Measuring 18 by 5 inches, it’s one of the smallest boards in the Pedaltrain lineup, but it’s not just a novelty—it has a specific role to play. After spending time with it, I can see why it appeals to players who prioritize portability and simplicity, though it’s not without its quirks.
Real-world usage context matters here. This board is for the gigging musician who takes public transit, flies to shows, or simply wants a quick grab-and-go option. It fits easily into a backpack or carry-on luggage, and the included soft case is padded enough to protect pedals from minor bumps. I’ve seen it used by bassists with just a tuner and a compressor, and by guitarists running a single overdrive into a delay. It’s not for elaborate setups, but it handles basic signal chains well.
Key functional features are straightforward. The board is made of lightweight aluminum with a black powder-coated finish, and it comes with a soft case that has a handle and shoulder strap. The surface has a slight texture to grip Velcro, which is included in the package. There are also cable ties to manage wiring, though with so few pedals, you might not need them. The Nano+ sits at a slight angle when placed on the floor, thanks to rubber feet, which makes stomping more comfortable.
One limitation is the size. You can fit roughly four to five standard-sized pedals, but anything larger than a Boss pedal—like a Strymon Timeline or a full-sized wah—won’t fit. Even with mini pedals, you have to plan your layout carefully because the width is tight. The soft case also lacks a hard shell, so if you’re rough with your gear, you might want to consider a hard case option from Pedaltrain or another brand. Additionally, the board does not come with a power supply, and mounting one underneath requires careful selection of slim units.
Compared to larger boards like the Pedaltrain Classic or Metro series, the Nano+ sacrifices versatility for portability. A Pedaltrain Metro 20, for example, offers more space for a few extra pedals while still being relatively compact. If you know you’ll never need more than a few effects, the Nano+ is sufficient. But if you think your rig might grow, you’ll outgrow this board quickly. It’s a tool for a specific stage of a guitarist’s journey or for a specific gig.
Who is this for? It suits players with simple setups—maybe a tuner, one drive, one modulation, and one delay. It’s also ideal for acoustic guitarists who use only a preamp or reverb. Traveling musicians will appreciate the size and weight. Who is it not for? Anyone with more than five pedals, or who uses large-format pedals, should look at larger boards. Also, if you need to mount a power supply underneath, check dimensions carefully—many standard supplies won’t fit.
Overall, the Pedaltrain Nano+ does what it sets out to do: provide a stable, portable platform for a small number of pedals. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. Just be honest with yourself about how many pedals you actually need before buying.