PCB design: first time

[rockhorst]

As an exercise and to see if I can cut assembly time, I decided to design a PCB for the AMZ mini booster that includes both a 3PDT and the level pot (enclosed in red). I also tried to minimize the amount of copper to be removed. I used DIY Layout Creator and Photoshop (for the ground plane). I still have to double check component placement, but I think it's ok. Looking for some input: any PCB design no-nos (as far as stompboxes are concerned)? For instance, will the relatively long parallel traces between switch and pot cause any capacitive problems? The PCB is about 7 cm long (2.7")

[Processaurus]

Looks good, I usually remove the dead copper from the ground pours (the unconnected, electrically floating bits), but I doubt it makes a huge difference in pedals.  I like how you have the ground plane running in between the long parallel traces.  Once you etch it you can try testing the capacitance on the unstuffed board between the trace you are concerned about, I bet it will be quite small.  Remember your guitar signal traveled 15 ft being 1mm away from the ground wire inside the guitar cable, and it manages to sound ok.  Your board is but 3".

In general there is no substitute for knowing the circuit and how physical layout will affect its performance... breadboarding sensitive circuits is neat, because you can tell the effects of layout changes easier, like changing ground routing, moving wires further or closer to each other, etc.