Junction box for on off footswitch

APHall · January 2018

I have an on/off footswitch. Is there a product such as a 1/4 inch instrument cable junction box that would allow me to plug the footswitch in and use it for on/off to interrupt the signal to the amp, instead of plugging the footswitch directly into an amp? (E.g. where the amp doesn't have its own footswitch socket?)

Roland · January 2018

I presume that you simply want to put a switch between your guitar and your amp. A Boss LS-2 line switcher will do this. There are cheaper ways, such as making one yourself with two jack sockets and a latching footswitch in a Maplin aluminium project box.

APHall · January 2018

Thanks Roland. That's very helpful.

I already have the footswitch (a cheap Lynx LS102) I was thinking to use that. But that would require a third jack for its cable and I have no idea what the circuit in the box would need to be, to route the signal from guitar to amp via the footswitch.. I could build it if I knew that.

Thoughts, anyone?

APHall · January 2018

I asume the wiring is like this.
https://goo.gl/images/5s7cav

Except that in my case the two wires to the switch will go to a third jack, allowing the footswitch to be plugged in. Is that correct?

Also can anyone tell me what gauge and impedance wire I should use to wire it up?

Cheers.

Danny1969 · January 2018

Is the switch just going to mute when you press it ? if so then use the switch to short the tip to the sleeve ..... basically a mute switch or kill switch in a box. Any wire will do, something thin is ideal .... doesn't need to be shielded if you use a metal box. Impedance of single bits of wire is irrelevant

What are you going to use it for ?

Roland · January 2018

The wiring is as the first image in that Talkbass thread, but with a latching switch (stays off/on when pressed) instead of momentary (only on/off when pressed). It replaces your existing switch.

Any copper per wire would do because the current of a guitar signal is so small. Rather than buy wire I often use brown and blue covered wire stripped out of old mains cables.

Before you go any further down the make-it-yourself line, do you have the tools and skills to do this? You’ll need a drill on a stand, conventional and conical drill bits to make holes for sockets and switch, and a vice to hold the box whilst drilling. Without these you will screw up the box, and possibly your hand.

The LS-2 is about £79 to buy new, less second hand, and there are cheaper copies.

APHall · January 2018

Thanks Gents!

I do just want to mute the signal.

Great advice. I'll bear it in mind!

All the best.

Adrian.

Sporky · January 2018

If you're looking for a specification of wire to buy I would suggest 7/0.2 - pretty standard stuff for pedals. It's seven 0.2mm wires twisted together in an overall sheath.

APHall · January 2018

Thanks Sporky.

Jonathangus · January 2018

I may be missing something here, but doesn't every tuner pedal on the market do this?

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Junction box for on off footswitch

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