HOW TO SAVE £100 OR $120 WITH A SIMPLE LOW COST MOD | TOE SWITCH EXPRESSION PEDAL | DIAGRAM INCLUDED

I recently created a work around that saved me £100 ($120) against buying an alternative pedal with a toe switch. This NEKTAR expression pedal is perfect for modifying so you can switch other equipment. Equivalent units cost starts at £149.00 ($195.00) so this simple mod is worth the effort. The mod takes just 25 minutes to complete!
What you will learn:
Is this difficult to complete?
Is this expression pedal the right choice?
How much does the project cost?
Does it take a long time to complete?
What uses does this pedal have?
Can it switch any guitar gear?
Who makes the expensive expression pedal?
Will this work with a Helix rack?
When I came across a problem that could not be fixed without spending more money on a project I'm working on, I decided to take a look at an expression pedal that I already own. It needed a modification so that it could work and switch with a 'toe switch' but the recommended pedal costs a fortune. Some say that the recommended Mission pedal was obsolete, but it was really expensive for what is generally simple technology.
Using the software selector was unwieldy, ineffective, and also prone to turning off the wah wah at an important point in the guitar playing. Something had to be done.
All it takes is a bit of spare time and parts costing typically less than £5 ($7) to end up with a perfect result. So I decided to make this 'How To' video that might help a number of guitarists or other musicians actually.
But before I did, there was not a single instance that I could find on KZbin anywhere offering this toe switch modification. So I was, as you are, by yourself on this!
But not for long... I have made this video and a simple (very simple) diagram that you can download that shows the connections - and honestly its so simple even I can do it!
This modification could be used for switching anything almost - even an amp channel! But I'm sure you could come up with many uses yourself. Why not post your ideas to the video! It will help others for sure.
I bought this NEKTAR expression with my own money, there is no sponsorship in any way for this video and the only recompense I would gain is peanuts and only if someone watches it!
So come on guys, I paid for everything to help you out!
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, RING THE BELL AND THUMBS UP TO HELP MY CHANNEL.THAT'S ALL I ASK!
LINKS:
NEKTAR Pedals: nektartech.com...
My Helix Rack Review & Build: • Build a Guitar Effects...
Mission Pedals to buy the real deal: missionenginee...
My simple diagram to mod the NEKTAR: www.tonymckenzi...
(c) A B McKenzie and tonymckenzie.com 1998-2020
All Rights Reserved. All Trade Marks Acknowledged
Visit www.tonymckenzie.com for more incredible reviews or my KZbin channel
#helixrackwah #line6 #toeswitchexpressionpedal

[@TheMRCHEEFY]

Absolutely brilliant Tony! It’s these types of videos that show what a genuine guy you are, finding a solution to what is no doubt a common problem and then sharing it with the rest of us, rather than trying to flog the mission pedal like some of the other youtubers would! Well played sir!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for the kind words... really appreciated. I just was not going to pay £149.00 for something that I 'almost' had! :) Stay safe.

[@PaulJonesy]

The “problem” of the wah switching off in the “back position” is already solved in the helix - you can set a time before it switches off to suit you. This is exactly how I use mine, no issues at all.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for the info Paul and that's one thing I learned from you... and thanks for watching.

[@steveclark9934]

Thanks for the video Tony I just picked up the Nektar and had the same idea and your video popped up I'm wondering if I need the female input jack to be mono or TRS when purchasing I'll be using it with my HeadRush Core that* has The Toe & Expression input. Thanks.

[@steveclark9934]

I just looked at the HeadRush expression pedal and the Toe is TS so I'll go with that.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Good stuff and it all can be done really. Thanks for watching.

[@steveclark9934]

I did it! ❤ works perfectly I had to bore it out a little bit under the pedal and internally because of the size of the switch that I purchased I also used a piece of a soda can tab as a extra washer externally you can't tell I also took a piece of foam weather stripping that I had laying around that is just slightly bigger than the height of the switch to dampen it when I'm using the pedal so it's not clanking on the switch during use this is what I used specifically for my Head Rush core spst momentary normally closed footswitch if you happen to have a different one it might not matter because there's an option to select what you're using in expression pedal settings of the headrush unit hope this helps anybody that is trying to do this specifically with this unit.

[@danabnormal5892]

I’m going to try this for my headrush gigboard. It had an expression and toe input 👍

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I looked at a Headrush pedal recently and it seemed to be a bit weird... like from a (random numbers used here) +50 to 0 to -50 - if you get what I mean... I could be wrong so check that carefully...

[@danabnormal5892]

@@tonymckenzieofficial thank you for the advice Tony. I’ll have a wee study of it. I just play at home nowadays and don’t fancy spending €150 on an expression pedal for the handful of times I’d use it.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Oh I agaree :)

[@davids9192]

You always get my attention when you get your metal pointer out and get serious - but not before.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

David... its plastic :) Stay safe...

[@davids9192]

tonymckenziecom 👍

[@aipsong]

Professor Gadget to the rescue! Thanks

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Ha.. well there was the alternative but for £149.00 I would never buy it! Thanks and stay safe.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Your videos are invaluable Tony ...have I made the correct decision on going Helix Rack + Controller?? Home Studio use only...love the Nektar Mod 💯%

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Jono. Well it's all opinion on these units. In the end I bought the Helix rack for the studio - simply because it was priced right (£870) and that it is pretty easy to get a good sound from it. For me, it works because I do two things... firstly I use a JVM4010HJS amp and 4 cable method and also that setup pushed directly to the desk with Presonus gear (line level rather than USB). That signal has the benefit of the tube preamp of course. I have achieved some very good sounds with the simulator, but I tend to use the real gear rather than the simulators which to my ears is always better sounding. I will be making a video showing the results of the Helix rack and the amp as I have it now. Remember that it's always down to an individual and it is hard to guarantee that any particular sound is for you or not... it becomes subjective. But I tend to be an ordinary customer buying stuff and I doubt my opinion is that different than most real users. What I can say is that it works for me.... hope that helps... the nektar was pretty good... I had to put a 'bumper' under the pedal because the switch I used was too easy to switch but that solved it. Say safe.

[@Chewie373]

Good one, thanks. I assume this mod would work on a Kemper too? Keep up the good work Tony!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I did not check the Kemper - but anywhere that you need a non-latching connector this will work... Thanks and stay safe.

[@DravenxEyeless]

Hey, great video! I've been considering getting this nektar unit, and this seems like a good mod to do. I DO wanna know, however, by looking at your video, if you think it's possible to swap the potentiometer that's in there for another one. I understand that the pot resistance in this thing is only 10k, but I need one to deliver 50k for a reverb pedal I own (Afterneath by EQD) for the full range of operation. Would it be as simple as changing the pot or do you think I would need to modify something else... or just bite the bullet and get an expensive unit that does what I need? Cheers!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I think that is possible to switch the pot yes. I have not tried that but I get your question... Ha I have tried this pedal as a controller and with the switch it does work, but not quite like the expensive ones. You know, sometimes I'll do this stuff just to spite some of those makers charging (at least here in the UK) between £100-£149 for what is basically a cheap generic molding case from a Wah and fitting $10 worth of bits then scr****g customers as they do for it. They surely cant be worth more than £60.00 even if being greedy. It can be frustrating to someone like me to see that all going on and no-one ever calls it out do they. The expensive pedals do work, but honestly I don't recommend them if there is ANY alternative. Unless they give you 50% discount :) Thanks for watching.

[@willdexter5659]

My nektar pedal have an output jack and I'm trying to connect to my pedals and amp and nothing coming out what do I do

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

This depends on which amp you have and what the connectors are that it needs. This video shows clearly (with the download) what to do to make it work with a Helix. Anything else will be likely different. Check your amp manual and it should show you what it needs from any pedal and connections etc. Hope it helps... and stay safe.

[@1961jscofield]

Clever!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Cheaper! Stay safe.

[@Thomasdgolden]

Great Video Tony,

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks... a simple fix but no one had one. Scarily... Stay safe.

[@omarionlovecolbert5319]

How to I make this work only one cable please help

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

If you are referring to the Helix... the Nektar pedal simply plugs in. For the use as volume it works perfectly, but for other uses (like controlling the wah) you need to modify the pedal as shown in this video. This mod allows the wah to be turned on and off properly. Hope it helps and stay safe.

[@linzkirk]

Take it you mean to use a TRS to control both switch and expression. I haven't tried but I will when my Helix arrives. but here is my plan, connect the expression pedal and in helix settings see if its assigned to ring or tip. connect the switch to the one it isn't, internally on the pedal.

[@domformula1]

Just got one of these for use with an SY1, what are the chances of stumbling across this!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Well there you go. For the Helix they wanted £150+ for a control pedal. I converted this really cheaply. And it even works :) Stay safe.

[@cramster3495]

Thanks Tony, that's a top tip

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

It's like anything, useless until you need one then... be shocked at the price of the recommended deal. I was for what's basically a switch and a pot in a cry baby case. Stay safe.

[@jeffreyprice773]

None latching switch also Tony.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Indeed this one IS non latching irrespective of that little noise it makes. Thanks and stay safe

[@kitfisto1924]

How does it work with 11rack as a Wah &Volume pedal

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I have only tried it on this setup... sorry but thanks for watching.

[@marvycongringo]

@tony, Can any sustain pedal be used with any keyboard controller? If so, how is it done or modified? I have a Roland EV-5 Pedal that I want to use with my M-Audio 88 Key controller. Thanks in advance, Strvn

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

You have to be a bit careful with any type of controller pedal. So many makes and so many pedals that simply don't work right. This is a classic example of why I made this pedal as the one they told me to buy was well over £100 (or $135) and although this one was a bit less robust to be honest the difference was clear which one I should create or buy... I chose this one. I can't really advise you exactly on any pedal and compatibility etc. between what you will plug it in to because I honestly would not want to mislead you and then it does not work for you. All I can say is the two best controllers I ever bought cost me about $15 each some while back and they worked great for the jobs I had. How did I try them back then? I bought one because it was so cheap and tried it... It's a bit of a minefield... There are M-Audio pedals out there for about $30 or £25 or so on Amazon... hope it helps at least a little and thanks for watching.

[@marvycongringo]

@@tonymckenzieofficial Thanks for the reply [quickly too...lol ]. The reason I asked is because, with the help of a friend, and a little modification, I was able to use my Roland EV-5 Pedal (BTW it's a Expression pedal, not a sustain) to work with my Kurzweil PC3K7 76 Keyboard Workstation and also with my M-Audio 88 Key controller. Not sure about sustain pedals though. Adding Midi sockets might make it possible I think. Thanks for the very helpful video. Keep up the good work. Peace!, Strvn

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I have had little to do with sustain pedals but it's not rocket science and if you can borrow one screw the base off and photograph it to see how they do it :) That's what I would do. These darned expression (and other) pedals cost the earth generally to make one work - seems a bit of a rip off to be honest. It's why I made this video. Thanks...

[@alikatjon]

Do you have a link to the correct switch to buy to do the mod, thanks

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

A standard 6 way wah switch... available most places...

[@chopin8607040167]

Thanks 4 the great video! Can I use 3pdt switch, and how it should be wired? Thanks!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Ivan its been a while since I did this! I guess you can use a 3pdt but I never tried that myself. Use a multimeter set for continuation to determine the connections to the switch... thanks...

[@ryanchambers5607]

Hi, i cannot download the diagram.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

It throws the image to screen and simply capture the screen dump.... thanks

[@MarkSmith-lu7ly]

Two people have given it a thumbs down, wtf?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yep... the same two likely that do it on every video I make. That's what some are like. Do I care about their silly ways? No I don't... for that matter why even bother with some of them. Thanks for the support and stay safe.

[@juliocesarvalt]

Entonces si puedo comprarlo !

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Bueno, puede ir y comprar el caro, por supuesto, pero mi suposición es que ahorrar alrededor de $ 100 podría valer la pena el esfuerzo. Teniendo en cuenta lo que hay dentro del pedal podría valer la pena hacerlo... ¡una de las razones por las que lo hice! Gracias por ver...

[@semenshestakov2247]

Will it work if i plug it straight into amp?

[@semenshestakov2247]

No it won't LOL.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

:) I smiled...

[@boimesa8190]

Jezus christ... This is so freakin convoluted! U don't even clearly explain what problem your supposed to be solving 😤😤😤

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

You don't have to be rude or nasty. It's simple, if the video is not for you then don't watch it.