Are all footswitches universal?

Kyon` · #1 07-31-2009, 12:01 AM

Sorry if this a dumb question but I tried searching and coulnd't really find an answer. Are most standard footswitches universal? Say I have a 4 button footswitch off a b-52 guitar amp could I use it with my sansamp rpm bass rig? If not what are some brands I could look into? I need something to quickly switch between the dirty, to clean, to gritty, to full out distortion without having to turn around and turn the switch on my RPM. Thank you!

**TheMutt** · #2 07-31-2009, 12:32 AM

AFAIK, most mono cable footswitches should work with other amps that use the same. However, you may need to flip the polarity of the switch in some cases. Now if it's a stereo cable switch, or even further than that an RJ-45 (Ethernet cable) switch, you'd probably need the specs on it to re-wire everything.

Vic Winters · #3 07-31-2009, 12:35 AM

Depends. Some footswitches are latching some are momentary.

bongomania · #4 07-31-2009, 01:02 AM

And some of them send a voltage pulse (or resistance "pulse") to a switching circuit that is actually housed inside the amp head. In those cases, you have to have a switch that performs the exact same function as the stock one from the amp manufacturer.

Kyon` · #5 07-31-2009, 03:40 AM

Hm where can I find a footswitch for my sansamp then? Tech 21 doesn't seem to have one.

bongomania · #6 07-31-2009, 08:17 PM

You'd need to contact Tech21 and ask them what kind of switch it requires.

Lindsay · #7 08-01-2009, 12:05 PM

I have one that I don't use. I've sent you a PM

It's on the right of this photo:

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