DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard

Home > DOD FX-Series Pedal Index > DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard

Closed DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard
Top of the closed DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard

Open DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard
Open DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard shown with original 9V power adapter and daisy chain cable.

Open DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard
Open DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard shown with a different graphics orientation. Also shown with original patch cables.

The DOD PRC-6 (Pedal Road Case) Pedalboard is one of the earliest purpose-built pedalboard and transport solutions designed specifically for the original DOD FX-Series pedals in the early 1980s. At a time when most players were still improvising with pieces of plywood, suitcase lids, or whatever they could find, DOD offered a molded, all-in-one system that combined pedal mounting and road-ready protection in a single unit.

Constructed from durable molded black plastic, the PRC-6 functions as both a pedalboard and a protective case. It was designed to securely hold multiple FX-Series pedals while keeping wiring organized and transport simple. For players building early pedal rigs around DOD's growing lineup, the PRC-6 represented a clean, professional solution that matched the aesthetic and footprint of the pedals themselves.

DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard ad from 1988
DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard ad from 1988


  • List price: $79.95 (early 1980s) positioned the PRC-6 as an affordable "all-in-one" solution for guitarists.

  • Technical info:
    • Power: 9V DC output power system with a tip-positive, 3.5mm mini-jack daisy chain, a PS-3 power supply and five six inch patch cables.

    • Dimensions: 19.5" x 14.5" x 5.5" (49.53cm x 36.83cm x 13.97cm)

    • Weight Specifications:

      • Empty Weight: 4 to 5 lbs (1.8 to 2.3 kg). This lightweight construction was a primary selling point, as it was made of high-impact molded plastic rather than heavy wood or metal.

      • Loaded Weight: The FX-Series pedals weigh between 1.2 and 1.5 lbs each, so a fully loaded PRC-6 with the power supply weighs between 13 and 15 lbs (5.9 to 6.8 kg).

      • Comparison to Modern Boards:

        • Boss BCB-60: Weighs 8 lbs 7 oz (3.8 kg) empty.

        • Pedaltrain PT-Pro: Weighs 7 lbs for the frame alone, jumping to 17 lbs with its case.

    • Interesting facts:

      • Tactical Marketing: The marketing crew at DOD Electronics really played off of the company name resembling the US military's Department of Defense. With that comparison in mind, they marketed the PRC-6 as 'the gun case for your sonic weapons."

      • "Banana" Legacy: The "PRC-6" name wasn't random. That name came from an old piece of military equipment from the Korean and Vietnam War era called the AN/PRC-6. It was a radio nicknamed the "Big Banana" for its curved banana shape. While the pedalboard itself isn't curved, the gang at DOD used the name to tap into that tough, reliable, field-ready image along with its 6 pedal capacity.

      • Proprietary "Step" Design: Here's where DOD got smart. The inside of the PRC-6 isn't flat, it's got this stair-step molded layout that lines up perfectly with FX-Series pedals. Those old DOD pedals had their jacks at slightly different heights than modern pedals, so everything just clicks into place.

      • Detachable Lid Functionality: The PRC-6 was designed with detachable hinges, which was awesome because you could take the lid off and set it aside. In cramped rehearsal spaces and stages, floor space can be a premium, so being able to remove the lid meant your board took up less room. An innovative idea by DOD that has now become the standard in pedalboard cases.

      DOD PRC-6 displaying 6 DOD FX-series pedals

    • Heritage: DOD FX-100 Pedalboard


    • How players actually use it:

      • As a dedicated FX-Series rig: The PRC-6 is perfect when you use it the right way, and that's showcasing 6 of your classic FX-Series pedals in a clean, uniform layout. It looks pretty cool and feels period-correct down to the last detail because it is.

      • Grab-and-go setup: Because it doubles as a case, you could keep your pedals wired and ready. No muss, no fuss. You could quickly and easily close it up and head to rehearsal or a gig without rebuilding your board every time.


    • Suggested setup:

      • Classic FX lineup: Arrange core pedals like distortion, chorus, delay, and EQ in signal chain order for a historically accurate rig.

      • Clean wiring approach: Use short patch cables to maintain a tidy layout that reflects how these were originally intended to be used.


    • Collector notes:

      • The PRC-6 is one of the earliest branded pedalboard solutions tied directly to a specific pedal series.

      • Complete units with intact latches, hinges, and interior mounting hardware are becoming harder to find.

      • Pairs especially well with early gray or black DOD FX-Series pedals for a fully authentic early-80s setup.

      • Finding one new, in the original box, is very rare. In fact, I've never personally seen one.

      • Many collectors use the PRC-6 as a display platform for showcasing early FX-Series pedals. I know I do =)


    • Known quirks and tips:

      • The molded plastic construction is durable but can become brittle with age if not stored properly.

      • Designed for the FX-Series, it doesn't really accommodate different pedal brands and sizes.


      Hear the DOD PRC-6 Pedalboard in action:


      External Links:


      Home Divider icon America's Pedal Divider icon FX-Series Divider icon X-Series Divider icon D-Series Divider icon Factory Series Divider icon Artist Series Divider icon Performer Series Divider icon Hardwire Series Divider icon Specialty Pedals Divider icon New Releases Divider icon Field Guide Divider icon Serial Number info Divider icon FX literature Divider icon What's New? Divider icon FX Tech info Divider icon Links Divider icon Disclaimer/Legal/Contact Us