How to build an instrument switcher

[fenderiarhs]

Hello

i usually use on stage 2 guitars and it is a pain having to unplug each time the guitar i am using and switch to the other one making all those horrible noises  .........What i was looking for is a pedal that has two inputs (one for each guitar) and one output ( to my effects\amp so that i can switch easily between two instruments......a led would be a nice addition.......Could someone help me with a schematic\diagram on how to build one?

thanks

[theundeadelvis]

I built the mini-mixer at GGG for this purpose: http://generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=26
I only built it with 3 inputs and I made 2 of them foot switchable and 1 on always.

[blanik]

an AB switcher is the simplest thing to do, and an excellent first project! 

it's easily available on the net... the only parts needed are a 3PDT switch, 3 jacks, a box and 2 leds (including a battery snap and 2 resistors of any value between 470 ohm and 5 k)

good luck

check here for some ideas
aronnelson.com/gallery/TheBigMan-Layouts

[Faber]

Yeah, I built an A/B Box for my first project, but why do you need a 3PDT?  I used a DPDT...

One side for the signal and the other for the LEDs.

[fenderiarhs]

Thanks for the responses......i checked the diagrams on the page indicated and i think this one



suits best my needs.....i think i can use input A or input B for the guitars the Input jack on the left as output plus the tuner out which is a nice addition i really need......Since i am quite inexperienced with schematics does that diagram needs any modifications in order to achieve this??

Finally since i would appreciate if i could add two leds one for indicating which input is active(A or B) and one for the Tuner out could you please point me out which should be the changes on that schematic??

[CGDARK]

First, you have to change the switches from DPDT (as shown) to 3PDT. You can find them here:
http://diystompboxes.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

And wired the LEDs as shown in the schematic Passive ABY Switcher at:
http://aronnelson.com/gallery/TheBigMan-Layouts

CG

[GibsonGM]

You might re-think the LEDs...since the box will always be on, that's another battery to worry about!   I mean, 1 stomp confirms whether you have the 'right' guitar selected, lol.   Too many lights can just complicate things....up to you, though.  You'd need to check out the above schem for the Passive ABY.

[fenderiarhs]

i didn't want to open a new thread so i thought i would make one more question on the current thread  ........What are the functional differences between these two schematics considering i am going to use the A and B as inputs for switching between two guitars and the input on the diagramsvcas output to my amp (of course tuner out will remain such).What's the role of the 3rd dpdt switch on the first schematic?

[Pushtone]

This commercial one has a nice feature.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Radial-BigShot-IO-Selector-Switch?sku=153938

A passive attenuator to "dim" your louder guitar so they match in level.

Consider adding that feature if you switch between humbuckers and singlecoils, or between passive and active guitar PUs.

I found it to be a time saver for quick change-overs. No messing with guitar knobs or volume pedals.