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Super Bassman Foot Switch... with LED?

negativefx

negativefx

complete hack
Feb 18, 2013
423
94
Fort Collins
#1
I'm a bit annoyed that the Super Bassman's 1 button channel select foot switch does not have an LED indicator. If I build a TRS latching footswitch with LED, will it work on this amp? I tried my extra TS footswitch and it wouldn't change channel but the LED on the switch toggled. Would like some input from others before I rip the TS apart and rebuild it as TRS.

Thanks!
 
#3
Why? Because that's what he wants. No more justification needed.

Without having a schematic, you're going to have to take some measurements to tell us what kind of voltage is being grounded when the footswitch changes position. That would determine if there's enough voltage being switched to provide phantom power for an LED.

Another option is to leave the TS connection intact and replace the stomp switch with a switch that has an additional pole, and use that extra pole to switch an LED/resistor/battery that you put into the box.
 
#5
I'll check the wiring on my TS... I know its a 3dpt. Maybe the wiring just isn't the same as my Orange (which I built the TS for). I want an LED so I don't have to turn around on stage and try to pick out the tiny red/green light 15ft away from all the other flashy lights back there.
 
#14
Sub'd

I have the 100t (100 watt version of this amp), and the foot switch is really the only gripe I have regarding the amp. I don't understand why they used the large circular switch, as opposed to the a smaller one with an LED. While they were at it, Fender should have gave it a two-button switch with a mute on the second switch. That's the only thing that detracts from an otherwise stellar product.
 
#19
BassmanPaul said:
Alex if you want the amp to mute pull the input jack out a bit. it's how we used to mute our amps back in the day. :)
Click to expand...

That works! :)

Honestly, with foot pedals like this, I'd be more concerned about it being physically durable and having a solid switch and a good clamp where the cord goes through rather than having lights. I can usually remember what it sounded like at the end of the previous song we just finished playing. :p

But if the OP wants lights, fine. Paul here explained how to provide them.
 
#20
Yikes, I didn't know so many people were religiously against an LED indicator *in front of you rather than behind*. Of course I can hear the difference. I don't want to find out I'm on overdrive when I misstep hitting the switch after a heavy part and then come in playing a light piece during a breakdown in full overdrive. I also don't want to have to turn around to and pick out the tiny LED on the head at the back of the stage. If you don't have any constructive advice on how to solve the problem of adding an LED on a footswitch, why comment? I didn't start the post to get people's opinions on the merits of footswitch LEDs. I was looking for experience from people who have tried or successfully done so. Turns out, a number of people on this thread *do* have good advice and I thank them for it.

For my next thread, I'm going to ask how to install a 5th string on a 4 string bass. Then things will really heat up. :bawl:
 

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