DIY A/B Pedal

[bassman314]

YES I DID A SEARCH!!! One small issue: TB doesn't allow to search for AB or A/B, as they are "too short"

So I'm seriously considering building a small AB Pedal. I'm leaning towards the smallish Hammond (or like) case. I can't remember the exact designation, but it's the size down from the EHX Nano series.

It seems that an A/B pedal is simple. I use a DPDT switch, and 3 jacks. If I want to use LED's, I'd just a 3PDT switch, right?

I know the smaller enclosure will require the use of external power. No biggie.

Anything I am missing? Other than Blue LED's, as these will make it more awesome, of course.

[Wounded Paw]

Sounds like you got it. You might consider a dual colour LED which has three leads to let you choose which color lights up. Also make sure the box is deep enough for a 3PDT switch as they're not exactly tiny.

[jimmy rocket]

subscribed! I was actually about to try this as my introduction to pedal building, and I'd be interested if someone would post a basic diagram.

[bassman314]

cool...

I'll post pics as I get 'er done.

The Dual LED isn't a bad idea. I've seen pedals the size that I want to do, but none of them use LED's. I was a bit worried about space, so a dual would work great.

[Swimming Bird]

I made one a bit ago (and fumbled my way through it using TB to troubleshoot), though I didn't use LEDs so mine was unpowered and in one of those really tiny RatShack enclosures. So long as you have the schematic (and you don't really even need it), you should be fine. Question is: will it be less costly to build your own than to just get a Switchblade? It isn't unheard of for them to go for less than $30 if you know how to haggle.

[Sean S]

Look good guys?

[rustynuts]

Originally Posted by Swimming Bird

Question is: will it be less costly to build your own than to just get a Switchblade? It isn't unheard of for them to go for less than $30 if you know how to haggle.

Who cares! It's more fun building your own! (Working on a fuzz myself right now.)

[bassman314]

Originally Posted by Swimming Bird

I made one a bit ago (and fumbled my way through it using TB to troubleshoot), though I didn't use LEDs so mine was unpowered and in one of those really tiny RatShack enclosures. So long as you have the schematic (and you don't really even need it), you should be fine. Question is: will it be less costly to build your own than to just get a Switchblade? It isn't unheard of for them to go for less than $30 if you know how to haggle.

a couple of reasons.

First, rustynuts got it right! It's more fun!

Also, the Switchblade has a few issues:
1) No LED's. I want LED's
2) Believe it or not, the Switchbalde is too big... My current Board:
Post your pedalboard Pt VIII: Don't H8, Appreci8!

[bassman314]

Originally Posted by Sean S

Look good guys?

Yeah... and using a 3PDT switch adds a separate circuit for the LED's.

I like!

[Swimming Bird]

Too bad you're insisting on the LED...



Ain't my sub-micro A/B box a cutie?

[jimmy rocket]

Well, no LED but here's my finished box. You can thank my wife for the name. She was trying to think of what the opposite of a goody two-shoes might be. Seemed strangely appropriate.

[bassman314]

I should have some pics of the finished product tomorrow evening. I drilled out the chassis today and primed it. My girlfriend is going to paint it for me, and then I get to wire it all up!

[Jimbob Jones]

here's a useful wiring diagram



hope that helps!

[bassman314]

Ok, so I have been busy. I FINALLY got some time to finish up.



I also decided to make a small-footprint amp footswitch with LED's.




My girlfriend wanted to paint the boxes. I said sure, why not. So she did. with nail polish. I then applied about 6-7 coats of Krylon clear-coat for protection.

On the AB pedal, I kinda misjudged the size of the switch as compared to the location of the jacks, hence the second hole.




The LED's on both are Blue and Violet. I used the same value of resistor before each as a voltage limiter, however, the blue is still blindingly bright:


Just Blue:


Just Violet:

[KarateKid25]

Originally Posted by bassman314

YES I DID A SEARCH!!! One small issue: TB doesn't allow to search for AB or A/B, as they are "too short"

For future reference, try the TB Google search. It doesn't have restrictions on what length words you can search for Its much better than the basic TB search.

[jlane72t]

also for future reference (sorry) the kit from generalguitargadgets gives you all the fun of building it yourself without wondering if you've bought all the right components for probably the same dollars.

[intelwalk]

Bassman,

What was the cost of your build?

[bassman314]

That's hard to gauge, as I had some f the aprts lying around, and some of the parts I had to purchase.

Based off the build list, I'm using the price list at Small Bear:

1 - 3PDT switch - 10.00
1 - 5mm Violet LED - 0.50
1 - 5mm Blue LED - 0.50
2 - Resistor, 1/4 watt - 0.30
2 - Mono 1/4" jack - ~1.50 or so. I use the blakc plastic type that don't have a chassis ground
2 - 5mm LED Bezel - 1.40
1 - Metal 2.1mm jack - 1.60
4" or so - 1/16" Heat Shrink Tubing - 0.17
10" or so - 20 gauge hook-up wire - 0.07
1 - Case, Taiwanese size B - $6.25

Total: $22.29

For the Amp switch:
2 - 2PDT switch, Taiwan X-wing - 7.50
1 - 5mm Violet LED - 0.50
1 - 5mm Blue LED - 0.50
2 - Resistor, 1/4 watt - 0.30
1 - TRS Switchcraft #12B - $1.75
2 - 5mm LED Bezel - 1.40
1 - Metal 2.1mm jack - 1.60
4" - 1/16" Heat Shrink Tubing - 0.17
10" or so - 20 gauge hook-up wire - 0.07
1 - Case, Taiwanese size B - $6.25

Total: $20.04

Plus the costs of solder, a sharpie, nail polish, and a can of clear-coat, however those I had around already.

[-Sam-]

I built a really similar one to this to switch between two basses, except the switch i used makes loud pops every time i move it whilst still plugged in, i think it needs a more advanced muting system.

[niftydog]

Originally Posted by bassman314

YES I DID A SEARCH!!! One small issue: TB doesn't allow to search for AB or A/B, as they are "too short"

No, but the google search does, and it will even phrase match.