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Zoom B3 Patch mod
- Thread starter collins81
- Start date
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
IF the foot switches are momentary, this pedal should work. I doubt that they are, as they are probably meant to switch amp channels and the like, so they are more likely latching. Basically, momentary switches don't click on and off, they simply relay a signal to the B3 to go up or down, whereas latching switches click on and off. At least that is my understanding.
I bought the enclosure and foot switches from http://www.bitcheslovemyswitches.com/. Switches are $2 each, case is $3.50, and he ships internationally. Would still need to track down a couple 1/8" jacks/ plugs, or, if you plan on mounting this to a pedal board, you could actually just hard wire the cable to the B3 and the switch box.
Wow you guys, my mind is blown. the zoom b3 infinitely better. Ive been wanting to do some fiddling with the looper and patches and was thinking, itd be virtually impossible i just might have to do this mod. Would it be difficult for someone who isnt experienced with electronics. ?
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
Yes, those are the exact switches I used (http://www.bitcheslovemyswitches.com/#!/~/product/category=5027572&id=10220659). The website that details the mod doesn't really explain the switch type very well, IIRC. I tried the ones from Radio Shack first, but they were about to break after one gig. These are much beefier, and have held up well for the past several months I've been using it.
As far as the enclosure, I went with the 1590A, which is great for 2 switches (up and down, in my case), but would likely be too small for 3. I would suggest the 1590B, at least.
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
The mod itself isn't difficult if you can drill holes and solder. If you don't know how to do either, find someone who can!
The mod itself isn't difficult if you can drill holes and solder. If you don't know how to do either, find someone who can!
Yeah I wanna do the Full Nelson (banks + tap + rhythm). Between my self and my band mates it looks like it shouldnt be too hard. I'm looking at ashbass's guide against the given PDF, and am trying to figure out all the necessary components.
I just finished the patch mod. All in all pretty easy, but I was nervous soldering on the circuit board.
I wanted an all-in-one free standing unit, so I made an enclosure of sorts from a piece of stainless I had at work. My original thought was to use the existing screw holes to hold the bottom plate on, but I couldn’t find longer screws with the right threads (I guess they’re proprietary?), so I bolted my mod to the bottom B3 cover using M3 bolts and Nylock nuts. I drilled holes in my mod so the bottom cover screws are accessible. While the cover was off, I bolted the 2 pieces together, and then re-installed the whole assembly.
I used the Carling switches and was a little concerned with how stiff they were compared to the ones on the B3, but it actually works out well because it makes it hard to accidentally change a patch when pressing one of the B3 switches.
I put a 1/8” jack on the side so the cable run is a short, since I was after something small and unobtrusive. I need to pretty up the paint some, now that I have all the fit and function worked out….or I may leave it. It is going on the floor to be stepped on, after all.
I wanted an all-in-one free standing unit, so I made an enclosure of sorts from a piece of stainless I had at work. My original thought was to use the existing screw holes to hold the bottom plate on, but I couldn’t find longer screws with the right threads (I guess they’re proprietary?), so I bolted my mod to the bottom B3 cover using M3 bolts and Nylock nuts. I drilled holes in my mod so the bottom cover screws are accessible. While the cover was off, I bolted the 2 pieces together, and then re-installed the whole assembly.
I used the Carling switches and was a little concerned with how stiff they were compared to the ones on the B3, but it actually works out well because it makes it hard to accidentally change a patch when pressing one of the B3 switches.
I put a 1/8” jack on the side so the cable run is a short, since I was after something small and unobtrusive. I need to pretty up the paint some, now that I have all the fit and function worked out….or I may leave it. It is going on the floor to be stepped on, after all.
