2 basses into 1 input

[WaldoNova]

1st off, I did do a search and there was some pertinant info, but not enough.

I am looking to use an ABY pedal into my pedal board. I have an active Warwick Corvette std(5 string) and a Fender MIA passive Jazz(4string).

Their input levels are actually pretty close so I really don't need anything fancy just a clean signal for both without any sound degradation. I just want to be able to switch between them easily between songs.

If an ABY pedal is the best for the job(which is what I am thinking) which one do you guys think will work the best for the best price? Is there any other solutions anyone has used that might work better for less? I am not being cheap it's just that I don't want to spend $250 for a $50 solution.

BTW I am putting this in the fx forum because I (am) will be going straight to my pedal board from this unit and I've gotten my best info from TB from the fx forum. If it should be moved somewhere else then so be it.

[scotch]

You DO NOT want a passive ABY. If you do, the tone controls/electronics of each bass can interfere with each other.

You also don't need the "Y" unless you want to use both basses simultaneously. In this case, a passive AB pedal will work just fine.

[Silent Fly]

I agree with Scotch.

Unless you need the signal from the two basses at the same time, a passive A/B box should do the trick.

[WaldoNova]

Thanks for the info guys. I think a passive AB is what I need. Anybody want to chime in what they are using. Are their any advantages of using the Radial Big Shot over something like the Whirlwind AB? Any specific ones I should look at?

[rratajski]

You can build a passive A/B on your own, if you're handy with a soldering iron. Nothing to fry except a footswitch or the LEDs. No board, easy build, fits in a small enclosure.

[pjmuck]

I use the Boss LS-2, which might be more than you need, but I like it for it's flexibility. I connect two basses to mine and switch between the two via the foot pedal. Each line input has its own level control, so I have no problem matching my active/passive signals. Tons of other things you can do with it too:

http://www.bossus.com/gear/productde...?ProductId=150

[Bassamatic]

Yes - the passive one will be fine as long as you are using only one at a time. Literally just a foot switch and 3 jacks and a bit of wire. Use a metal box to connect all the grounds and just switch the hot leads.

[Gearhead17]

If you don't have the knowledge to build one or the time to do it...

http://www.tonebone.com/re-bigshot-aby.htm

Works really well.

[WaldoNova]

Great suggestions. I've been meaning to buy a soldering iron and actually start learning how to do some of this stuff. This might be a great oppurtunity.

I do have a LS-2 but I am using it to switch from synthy to filter-y. a great little unit for sure!!!!

Was thinking about a Radial Bigshot i/o but it may be overkill. Any specific units that might be less than $80 out there that I should be aware of?

[WaldoNova]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

If you don't have the knowledge to build one or the time to do it...

http://www.tonebone.com/re-bigshot-aby.htm

Works really well.

Thanks for the suggestion and the link. Did you consider the i/o instead of the aby? The prices are identical but they are slightly different.

With it's isolated transformer to prevent feedback loops, brace yourself for a really stupid question, will this work for what I want it to? or should I be looking at the i/o instead?

[scotch]

Originally Posted by WaldoNova

Thanks for the suggestion and the link. Did you consider the i/o instead of the aby? The prices are identical but they are slightly different.

With it's isolated transformer to prevent feedback loops, brace yourself for a really stupid question, will this work for what I want it to? or should I be looking at the i/o instead?

You DO NOT want the Bigshot ABY. See my first post. Unless you only run it in A/B mode. If both are engaged ("Y"), your instruments tone controls can interact.

The Bigshot IO would be the smarter choice. There are far more inexpensive options, however. Both under $35:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...dal?sku=151306
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...Box?sku=150109

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by scotch

You DO NOT want the Bigshot ABY. See my first post. Unless you only run it in A/B mode. If both are engaged ("Y"), your instruments tone controls can interact.

The Bigshot IO would be the smarter choice. There are far more inexpensive options, however. Both under $35:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...dal?sku=151306
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...Box?sku=150109

Agreed. Sorry I screwed that up. The Bigshot IO is what you really want. That's what I have - those two models just look too alike! I was one was in metallic blue or something.

[scotch]

Honestly, I'm in the market for an ABY. I need something to split my signal from one source to 2 inputs. I'm definitely going active and going to get either:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tch?sku=620003

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...dal?sku=150557

[WaldoNova]

Originally Posted by scotch

You DO NOT want the Bigshot ABY. See my first post. Unless you only run it in A/B mode. If both are engaged ("Y"), your instruments tone controls can interact.

The Bigshot IO would be the smarter choice. There are far more inexpensive options, however. Both under $35:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...dal?sku=151306
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...Box?sku=150109

Thanks Scotch I was confused by the wording in the description of the Bigshot ABY especially after reading your post. I checked out the links and feel like I know exactly what I need now.

No worries Gearhead17 they do look exactly alike!!!

[jamzcl]

I used a Radial BigShot ABY for my active & passive Fenders and it worked great - can find used around $50-$70.

It can also be used to run 2 different amps.

[Dirk Diggler]

I think you guys might be over thinking this, how about one of the planet waves circuit breaker cables?
Dirk

[ga_edwards]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

I think you guys might be over thinking this, how about one of the planet waves circuit breaker cables?
Dirk

+1. This. It really doesn't take that long to unplug one bass and plug in another. Sort your set list out so there's as little changing as possible.

Also, leaving your active Corvette plugged in could result in a flat battery if you're not careful!

[scotch]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

I think you guys might be over thinking this, how about one of the planet waves circuit breaker cables?
Dirk

Just answering the op's question. But, yes, I'd be willing to bet he has a pedal tuner on that board already that will mute his signal so as to change instruments silently.

You just never know what strategy people are employing.

[WaldoNova]

That's a good solution Dirk, no space issues on the board at about the same price as most of the options I've seen. Thanks

My strategy, due to pedal board space and powering, is to find a solution to changing basses between songs. I wasn't aware that there was a cable with a mute switch built in thats why I was asking "Is there any other solutions anyone has used that might work better for less?" I appreciate everyone's help. I think I'll be checking out the Planet waves circuit breaker cables. Thanks

[Rob22315]

Do you have a looper on your pedal board? If it has an extra switch and jack, you could rewire it to get A/B on your input or add a separate switch and jack. If not, you can get a small box, switch, and three jacks from pedalpartsplus for less than $35. Drilling and paint might put it in the $35 range.

I usually go for the least expensive option that meets my needs so DIY and used are the first places I look if I know what I want.