Kill switch

[petrus61]

The best way to install one is to wire it so it's shorting the output signal with the ground wire, right before it gets to the output jack:

View attachment 2814466


I found many switches that would work, but none with gold hardware:

https://www.amazon.com/SPST-BUTTON-SWITCH-MOMENTARY-NORMALLY/dp/B006M3GEOA

View attachment 2814468

add: Remember, this is a momentary switch that is Normally Open & you do not want to interrupt the path of the signal as much as you want to shunt that signal to ground
if you simply break the path of the signal, you're going to get unwanted noise

There really should be a sticky featuring images such as these with links to the threads. Cap selectors, vari-tones, series/parallel, treble bleeds, etc. drawn out in plain English for those brave enough to wield an iron in spite of good sense. Good work, KBD.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

To be fair (& honest), I didn't draw it, but I knew that was the right drawing when I found it.

 

[Tobias Sullivan]

I suppose connecting the reed switch across the output jack would be very difficult for some.

You're missing the point: If you want to reproduce this effect without having to use a clunky mechanical push button, the reed switch is an elegant solution. However, it's your instrument, and you can install whatever you want. Seems like a lot of trouble though, for something that would have limited use.

How in the hell would me putting in a simple arcade button in a hole that already exists on my bass be harder then installing some hidden magical ring horse crap magnet switch? Maybe you’re decent with electronics but it seems like you’re just being arrogant by saying your way would be easier or how in some way an arcade button that’s flush to the body is “clunky” the 5 dollar button is OBVIOUSLY the cheaper/easier/better way to go about it but.... you sir are the one missing the point... to eachs own I guess...

 

[line6man]

Dude what the hell are you smoking... I appreciate the reply but that seems extremely hard and impractical... I have to do all this poopie, plus buy a ring? What if I forget the ring?

All I need is a 5 dollar easily installable Button. Not some kakamainy ring magnet hidden switch get up.

Was his suggestion really so appalling that you had to be blatantly rude about it? Maybe it wasn't a very good idea, but no one should be this offended by innocent comments on discussion forums.

 

[walterw]

i think the magnetic reed switch is a totally neat idea! it probably wouldn't be fast and sharp enough control for actual rhythmic stutter effects though. same with the switching cable idea, that's a latching button and wouldn't work at all, it has to be pressed twice to turn back on.

@Tobias Sullivan the other issue is sustain; are you using overdrive pedals and such on your bass? if not then the stutter effect might not be all that strong on bass if the note isn't lasting through it.

 

[Tobias Sullivan]

Was his suggestion really so appalling that you had to be blatantly rude about it? Maybe it wasn't a very good idea, but no one should be this offended by innocent comments on discussion forums.

His comment seemed pretty condescending dude and really over the top. And I don’t think I was too mean about it.

i think the magnetic reed switch is a totally neat idea! it probably wouldn't be fast and sharp enough control for actual rhythmic stutter effects though. same with the switching cable idea, that's a latching button and wouldn't work at all, it has to be pressed twice to turn back on.

@Tobias Sullivan the other issue is sustain; are you using overdrive pedals and such on your bass? if not then the stutter effect might not be all that strong on bass if the note isn't lasting through it.

As far as the button I’m only looking into momentary switches. I know latching ones would be harder to get the effect I’m looking for.

Yeah I have an Ampeg Scramber OD and a Zvex Wooly Mammoth Fuzz as my pedals.