Build A Guitar Pedal In 10 Mins! (A/B Switch)

Build A Guitar Pedal In 10 Mins! (A/B Switch)
Schematic: There are a few. Go to google images and search for "a b switch guitar".

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Be sure to check out our store for all your diy guitar pedal needs. Thank you for your support! www.diyguitarpedals.com.au/shop/

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

@LightSoundGeometry Analog Electronics Thanks mate hows things? Im still here doing my thing :)

[@zachary963]

Nine years later, and still, nobody makes pedal mod/build videos like you. Thank you! This video saved me fifty bucks

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

The switch is a called a 3pdt footswitch. You can plug it in: guitar -> switch - 2 effect chains -> 2 amps. Or use a stereo pedal and use the a/b to covert back from 2 chains to one. If you know what i mean? You may want to build 2 a/b's and place one at the start and one at the end of your signal chain. A million combinations possible :D

[@thedoyleharcavy]

I still go back to your videos whenever I need a quick reminder on wiring utility pedals without looking up schematics.

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

You can use it for either :D The inputs / outputs are interchangable. This pedal is just wiring. There is no designatored "input" or "output". It will switch between the amps when you hit the button. Would be a bit strange using it to switch between guitars though.

[@josephkralicek5726]

I made one to use with 2 inputs and one output so I can plug in 2 different guitars, and not have to unplug one to play the other. Makes it a lot easier changing guitars...

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Thank you for the compliment Daniel! Glad you like them, more to come (as if i can stop :D)

[@morten1]

Good video. Nice little box. Plastic isn't so bad. I'm making an AB switch soon, just ordered the parts. First pedal build :) It will be a table top version (hand operation), with left/right rocker switch so I can clearly see which input is selected. I hope I get a better understanding on how to wire the DPDT switch wires correctly.

[@andresbriceno73]

how can I make a speaker selector for my amp? speaker a or b and A + B

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Cheers Rob! I knocked this thing out ages ago, I think its a good build to try if your new to this stuff. Good offboard wiring practice. :)

[@100roberthenry]

cool, i remember i knocked up a drawing of using a dpdt a/b with 2 leds, in theory it should work, but never got round to building it....you've inspired me to try that again now..chers paul.. thumbs up :)

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

You can get pedal parts from: tayda, mammoth, smallbear, even your local electronics shop should have a dpdt footswitch and enclosure. Good luck!

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

No Eric, its even easier. Build it exactly as I have and flip the pedal around 180 degrees :) It works both ways!

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

A delay pedal on long repeats combined with your guitar volume knob (or a volume pedal) will do that

[@MegaTolp]

Love your 10 mins series! Keep up the good work!

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

You will have to use a 3pdt, the wiring is slightly more complicated. search around on diystompboxes for a wiring diagram.

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Thanks Christian! Not a bad idea, I might do that! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@maticardo5534]

I need two inputs and one output, does it work this way?

[@ben156]

Yes it will work

[@frederikjrgensen508]

If you have 2 inputs and 1 output, it's gonna switch between what input is active.

[@frederikjrgensen508]

@Eric Acha I don't see why not - as far as I understand it, it is basically just a switch and two connectors. If there was a worry, it would be if there was too much impedance in the xlr in/outputs vs. the jack cables. If the impedance is too high in the cable (or by having the cable in a junction), you might need a tiny amplifier circuit within it, but I suspect that is not the case. In other words: I'm positive it can be done successfully.

[@frederikjrgensen508]

@Eric Acha You're welcome, let me know how it works!

[@frederikjrgensen508]

@Eric Acha Haha, glad it worked! It's not my video, though, but it's splendid that it worked! :)

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Oh yeah! I was thinking that! (2 leds with a dpdt) 2 lugs are wasted in a plastic enclosure with those ground wires, so I guess it would be possible in a metal enclosure.

[@MarlBuggsy]

Could you use this to switch between two different speaker outputs on the same amplifier?

[@erikvincent5846]

Absolutely.

[@Aceroxx02]

You can also use this to hook one guitar to two amps, or two guitars to one amp. Its not just for going between effects.

[@slooky14]

Nice video thanks

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Not totally sure sorry Brandon, maybe google for the schematic or search on diystompboxes, I've seen schematics around for A/B/Y's there will be one out there somewhere. All the best.

[@robin123456789251]

I am trying to do this exact same thing, but with 2 switches (two inputs, 4 outs) with green leds for each switch. Both switches will have a clean out and an out going to pedals (so I can use 1 pedal for both things) Any way you could make a diagram or video explaining how I should wire in the leds, I know how to do it without power. But I would really like to know when each is on so I am wanting to put the leds in and a 9v plug for a adapter. Thanks for the great video, and hope for a response.

[@fabrihentscholek]

hi man! can you help me with the same pedal but with xlr connectors??

[@thomashamiltom]

I wanted to use this pedal for a guitar build im working on now... Its a double neck, 4s bass on top and 6s guitar on bottom and use this switch to change between my hot rod deluxe 112 and a fat 115 speaker for the bass!

[@nthompson480]

What kind of wire are you using? I'm just not sure if there was a certain type of wire that I should be using while doing this.

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Any wire is fine. I built this switch along time ago and the AWG is too thick. I'd go for awg22-26. I usually use awg 24.

[@nthompson480]

Thank you! You have been a huge help. I'm planning all this out so I can start. Im going to do this so I can build my own Talk Box.

[@scotchandrew]

you are really good at explaining what you do. well done

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Cheers Andrew!

[@yerayns]

Could I use the same box if I want 2 instruments to go to the same effects?.

[@chadgoss3990]

Can you do a video showing how to make a switcher box with TRS I/O? Or point me in the right direction for either kits or schematic resources? Thanks for your videos!

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Hey! You'd be best to start a thread on one of the forums for this one. Supply photos of the switch and details about the problem / pedal. Might be an easy fix! Might not...good luck.

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

You shouldnt get noise. did you use a metal enclosure?

[@Akukog]

Hello, I just wanna ask if you can help me … Is there such a thing as an 2 guitar inputs and 1 guitar output?…. because I’m having a problem with my DIY pedalboard, I want just a inline signal chain, in which I can perform High Gain sounds and my Acoustic sounds. I tried a splitter cable but it didn’t work. My guitar is a musicman JPX with piezo on it i wanna utilise the magnetic and piezo without using 2 guitar cables, but it didn’t work that way, cause the result is when I switch to magnetic it’s always ok but when I switch to piezo signal it doesn’t work. but when I put the selector in the middle position only the magnetic works not piezo signal. Now I have other options and this is now the question I ask. In my head, other than having a ABY box or AB box pedal, I just wanna have 2 active inputs and 1 output, as I said I want my rig to be 1 inline signal chain. So that I can flick the switch from the Musicman of magnetic and piezo switches and use them as I need for High Gain and Acoustic Sounds. So it’s kinda also an A/B box but the other way around, with 2 guitar inputs (Active and 1 output), it’s just a box pedal without foot switch. the switch that I wanna use is from the switch from my guitar for magnetic and piezo signals. So my question is, Is it possible for this idea of mine to work? … for me I think so YES. but I just wanna ask and confirm from the experts in electronics off course. CAn you help me build it?, coz there’s nothing like it on the market right now. I don’t know might be mistaken but here in Dubai where I reside there’s nothing. just seeking help. Thanks.

[@sonmelo]

Great Video! Congrats! Could use it as two inputs and one output? Is that a problem? Thank you!

[@danielwelsh]

yup, keep em coming man, built the fuzz, and boost....boxin the boost right now and gotta do the buffer, now this. :). Your videos are really well done.

[@ZedNyte]

Any chance of a demo of the guitar pedal in action? Thanks for your hard work!

[@glauberc21]

Hello this pedal is to connect one guitar amplifier in two!! Work if I plug 2 guitars into 1 amp?

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Sure can! Infact in your amp has only one input, and you don't have a stereo pedal that will mix the 2 outputs, you made need to build 2 of these and use them back to back.

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

You can use a dpdt toogle switch in place of a dpdt footswitch, sure.

[@marioalberto392]

Can i make one pedal of this kind but with two inputs and one output?, i'd like for connect in my first input acoustic guitar and the second my electric guitar. But with the same guitar pedals.

[@danmillane]

Great vids mate. Wanting to make a mic a/b with xlr and an led. Have one (expensive!) but no led which is soooo annoying! Can it be done easily and can you point me in the right direction either video or wiring diagram, switch etc etc? Thanks

[@GranulatedStuff]

Making one right now and can't find any circuit examples. The LED is the problem. Trial and error it is then ! (did you get it done eventually, dude ?

[@danmillane]

Granulated Yeah I did thanks. 3pdt switch with the led wired in via button/watch batt on 6 and 9 of the switch so it lights only when the B channel is on. Also a 10k resistor between earth and hot over the B out. No pops, light works great etc. Way better than the other $200 one I own!

[@GranulatedStuff]

Nice. I'm trying to make use of the combined switch/LED unit from a defunct joyo pedal... Tearing my hair out !

[@wallriders4882]

Hi there... was wondering if you or anyone has made a sort of splitter/D.I. box. I am looking to create a way to take in one guitar line and have that split and output to 2 or more independent outputs. use case: 3 amp heads simultaneously connected to a single guitar player's pedal rig or direct. I was not able to really find this anywhere I have looked... tons of headphone amps but the "amp" aspect blows the HiZ instrument cable requirement here. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@frederikjrgensen508]

Well, if I'd do that, I'd just wire the output from your guitar through a small amp circuit, and the output from that to a potentiometer's middle leg, and then your two outputs (what goes into whatever you hook up from there) on the sides. Then, the pot would correspond to a balance control. The magnitude of the pot must be comparable to the difference in impedance between the two elements that you plug to the two outputs.

[@martinstewart3008]

Don' know if any of these answer my q's so here goes. During a gig I want to switch from my mando to guitar. will this work? Also, I bought the parts to build my own box but didn't know what I was buying. Only after building it did realize what a "momentary" switch was. Duh. Not what I want. Now I'm not sure, I guess just any switch that's not momentary right?

[@rodneyscott8576]

You can use the A/B for input and one single output. I'm assuming that you're talking about acoustic electric guitar and mandolin. In this case, It may be beneficial for you to use an XLR output. This will use the A/B switch as a Direct Input box as well. Let me know if this answers your question.

[@EXIT44Band]

Thanks for the video! I have a mate who switches between three instruments: two guitars and a banjo. How would I adapt this to an A/B/C switch to help him keep from plugging and unplugging so much? Thanks

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

You can do that. Turn the A B switch around 180 degrees :D There is only wiring in this pedal, so you can use it back to front.

[@extratechnologys]

Can I use two Apms and one guitar? And put LED? How to connect LEDS?

[@jameskemp7002]

I love music at the beginning!

[@eric90000]

Ah ok! thanks. only thing is if i did that the stomp switch would be above the jacks, could i wire the switch the exact same, just above the jacks, then when i flip it 180 it will be correct?

[@EmgNFLD]

What would I need to do to make a A/b/y pedal to switch between the two amps like with this but also be able to use both at the same time?

[@danmillane]

Hey mate I'm trying to find a tutorial on how to add an led to an a/b. Can you help at all? I have a Radial Hotshot abi and need to know when I've selected B channel with an led

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Np Cameron, thanks for watching!

[@siraplop6447]

I am rewiring/upgrading a AB selector that i got cheap but is corroded, for other people wondering the following: a) This pedal in the state in which Chromespherecom has completed works in both directions, e,g 1 input to 2 outputs, or 2 inputs to 1 output. b) His wiring technique mutes the other output(or in reverse the input) by a short to ground, while the other input is being used. c) Here is a exact wiring diagram that matches this video (as viewed behind the DPDT switch) as the link has stopped working after 2 years, note the colors almost match up, black is grounds/shield as described throughout: www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=450701 Also should point out a better approach to grounding i have found is to use insulated jacks with a metal box so that the connectors don't have a ground through the thread to the holes, so use insulated jacks but continue to use all three jacks grounds/shields connected regardless of the enclosure, on a metal case have a extra wire going from one of the three jacks (though all connected electrically together) to a ring terminal to the metal case (or solder it on). The reason for this is the Cast boxes/metal boxes though conductive, may change the "tone" or frequency response as they are not as conductive as good copper wire. The wiring of the grounds should resemble a Star, e.g. a single point going out to the grounds, avoid a Triangle/Delta for grounds as a internal ground loop will likely occur as its a "ring" of wire.

[@Agenthoover1]

Can this be used to switch between two amps.... i have one amp that i like the clean channel on but not the dirty channel and vice versa on my second amp... Thanks

[@soulkiss5853]

yes it will do the thing..

[@Estfieldings]

yes you can

[@GrizAdams111]

Could I use this A/B switch for switching from one amp speaker cabinet to the other.

[@anthonycravero5812]

Do NOT use this to switch cabinets. You will likely damage the output transformer on your amp--especially if it is a tube amp. Your amp needs to see a constant load.

[@CarlitoM77]

Hey man thx for the informative and easy to follow video! I have an amp that does not have an effects loop and I don't want to run my looper through the front. Can I use this a/b switch to be able to record the different effects of amp through my Ditto looper?

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Hey Thomas, never worked with XLR unforunately i have no idea! Maybe google for an XLR a/b switch schematic and see if its much different?

[@Webgkil]

I dont understand why the bridge with the red wire from input.If this is just like a 3pdt with 2 poles (excuse my ignorance, i'm just starting out) doesn't that mean that the center pole( lets say center left) is the common? Couldnt you just connect the center pole with Input tip(red) then top pole with OutputA tip and bottom pole with OutputB tip? Then why is there a need to connect the black (ground) with the switch?Wouldnt wiring all 3 jack ground lugs be enough? Im making an AB switch and a looper as my first steps into pedal building/modding, and you videos are a really amazing help!!!!! :D

[@hemaselby]

can you use that to run two amps at the same time? so say have one amp turned on then switch on a 2nd amp and your sound is coming out of two amps?

[@micahhatulan5015]

How can you build a 2 input 1 out switch for guitar pedal?

[@frederikjrgensen508]

Depends, are you gonna have both inputs active simultaneously?

[@Guitar4Teen]

Hey, Im looking to make something like this, but the opposite. I want to have a switch that will switch which guitar I am using, but with one output because it is all in the same pedal chain. So, instead of an A/B amp switcher, I want an A/B guitar switcher, so I dont need to waste time unplugging guitars on stage.

[@nicklasdideriksen6586]

if you have a diagram for a good ab/y pedal i whould be so happy. ive tried the others now i chould find. but they either have hum. and also my other pedals dont work when i put it at the end of chain.

[@ghostwithin1886]

does this pedal need a 9v battery connected in the inside like most other pedals just for normal switching uses (minus the LED ' s) ?

[@luchoperetti182]

Hi! I used the same kind of DPDT switch as you but mine has a problem, when I press it it switches between the lines but when I depress it it goes back to the first line selected, to be more clear, it doesn't stay pressed. What can it be the problem, I connected something wrong or is the kind of switch I chose? Thanks

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Yeah sounds like the switch. Probably a momentary?

[@luchoperetti182]

Thanks for answering. The one that I used looks exactly like this one www.pedalpartsplus.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PPP&Product_Code=9004&Category_Code=SWI in fact it seems to be a momentary, how can I ask for one like yours? If I used a selector, it would work with the same connection?

[@parkerfagan7826]

if you put LEDs in, would it need a powersource?

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Funny u say that. I was looking into a diy arduino based midi command controller. its possible of course but it got quite complicated, Have u made one?

[@alonsomena1821]

hi, its there a way to make a passive ¨pedal¨ that have 2 inputs and 1 output but with no footswitch ? like for using this ab switch to switch between pedal chains but then i have just 1 amp so i need to reunite the 2 chains again into 1 cable.

[@PopeJerime]

Can you use this as a dual input/single output instead of the reverse?

[@marvinjoosten8295]

You can also switch inputs right? Like plug in in two guitars, and switch them.

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Yep should work fine for that! Good luck!

[@julencambragainza2053]

Hi! So you could make a killswitch just by removing the second output? Great video.

[@tebhanserrano503]

I can conect two amps. And. Switching with one guitar?

[@mr.hahajones]

Would it be possible to use a fader (lineal potentiometer) to switch from two signals? Like a dj crossfader kind of effect.

[@davidguevaralp]

i can use this pedal in just one amp ?? i don't know, maybe with one y splitter or something like that

[@JLeppert]

Is this able to plug two basses into and then have a single output? Would that work? I'm assuming it would.

[@matchinpunchies5387]

this video is really inspiring actually! one question though, so, what "ground" means, is connecting the sleaves from all the input/outputs?

[@machupichu65]

It would be possible to use this pedal with two inputs to one output?

[@MyDemon32]

Pablo Juncal yes, just use it in a backward way

[@gokussjinfinito]

I use more than one guitar at the same time because I play musics with diferent tunes, I want have a switch pedal for change the guitars without unplugging the cable of one guitar and plugging it in another one, do you know hou to make this or where I can find this kind of pedal?? Thanks

[@konrad3014]

i dont know if someone answered you or you got it by yourself... this A/B switch just works the way you said [if you turn it 180 degree xd] - you can plug let's say 2 guitars and switch them to one output. This switch just works in both ways, you can switch: 1 input and 2 outputs or 2 inputs and 1 output

[@gokussjinfinito]

Thanks for that. Can I ask another thing? How can I build one switch pedal for more instruments?? Like 4 instruments? It's possissible? Thanks

[@HASTN]

Marcelo Camargo you would need a switch that would support up to 4 choices, something like a rotary switch (think old radio, with a clunky band knob, or old t.v.s, channel selector switches from the 50's up to the 90's). Another option is to wire things with more than one switch, say 4 switches, 4 ins, but only the depressed switch is live.

[@RedlvRum]

flip that baby over and use it backward

[@GeoAl09]

Do you have a video of having two input going to one output? and being able to switch between the two inputs. Or how would you do that?

[@paulodpereira]

This circuit can also be used for 2 in -1 out, with no modification.

[@josephhamer9680]

im a little stupid. what would you use that for? i understand the need for an A/B but i scratching my head trying to figure that one out.

[@swonders22]

It could be used to keep two guitars plugged and switch which one is going to the amp. No unplugging during the show :)

[@slightlyannoying3956]

It can also be used in order to bypass an FX unit with no true bypass or to switch between heads on one cab.

[@eric90000]

Cool! so its the exact same wiring if you want 2 ins to 1 out? if I'm using a wiring diagram that has the 2 jacks on the left side, but i want it as 2 jacks on the right side, can i just "flip the image horizontally" on the computer, and that will be correct? it wont mess up the wiring will it? Thanks for the video!

[@chasetheguitarplayer]

I'm having issues with a fuzz pedal. How do I replace the switch? I'm a beginner at electronics and things like this. I really need the switch replaced though. Any videos/tips/sites anything?

[@thomasgraber8683]

I'm interested in doing something similar but with one XLR input and two XLR outputs instead. Anything in particular I should keep in mind or where I can find a simple schematic?

[@MitchSwitchify]

can you use the 2 outputs as inputs? and the single input as an output? So it switches between ins not outs?

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Search youtube for "identifying pedal noise". You will find my video. That is your answer :D

[@jasonnourie9139]

Great tutorials! Do you have any info. on creating a stereo ABY switch?

[@cklab4645]

I have this in a metal enclosure and get a ton of bleed through to the unused channel. Meaning, if channel A is selected output, i still get noticable signal through B, even though A is selected and "full" volume. Anyone experienced this, and have a fix?

[@gtownjeffro]

Great video. I am looking for the schematic but can't find it.

[@GentleBen85]

Is there anyway I could turn this into a one button 2 channel midi pedal switch?

[@DiyguitarpedalsAu]

Thanks! Turn it around 180 degrees :D

[@HernanHH95]

Can a pedal have 2 inputs and 2 outputs?

[@hhguitars]

can you use this to switch between amp heads?

[@jesguitarist]

Just a question. I've thinking about a pedal which you can insert 2 instruments then one output going to a looper pedal. in my case i want to use my iPad with shaker app to loop in the looper then switch to my guitar line to loop a rhythm or a chord. Is that possible? Thanks!

[@TLE1977A]

Why does the B channel go to ground when the A channel is in use and vice versa?

[@grahamkelly8299]

What if i wanted to send one signal through the box into 2 signals,

[@ernestoalmeida7797]

Is it much more complicated to make it an aby switch?

[@TheKingBJ]

Yes, it's a lot harder to make.

[@MyDemon32]

AnotherGuyOnKZbin not really, just add a 2nd switch and wire it before the a/b switch

[@greghess9667]

Can you make a video showing how to make this pedal with the leds?

[@tylerjsee]

Is it possible to have both output channels running at the same time? Instead of just choosing channel 1, or channel 2?

[@kevmas666]

can i use two guitars in and one amp out to switch from guitars, also is there a web page to get the parts from

[@HASTN]

You never want to have more than one instrument in any input! I think you are thinking more along the lines of a 2 in, 1 out, switch. A little like the reverse of the A/B switch shown.

[@mitchellmartinez4638]

I need a switch like that one for my new Marshall DSL15H 15W Tube Head. It didn't come with a switch.

[@lego398]

Mine has the output a working fine but when I only want output b, it plays a and b like an a/b/y pedal...can you please help?

[@spidydt]

how would I go about adding a led to this?

[@Reap3r71]

This could be used as like 2 guitars into one amp correct?

[@ADTGuitars]

yes

[@pabloguzman1189]

does it work reverse, two inputs one output?