Print PDF
Favorite
Email
This tutorial was also posted in my blog. Check it out for more DIY projects!
This is a A/B/Y box. It acts as a switch. You can plug in a guitar and have it's output go into two amplifiers.
You can choose between the amplifiers or use both at once.
This is a very simple build. As a beginner I had only moderate work.
This is a A/B/Y box. It acts as a switch. You can plug in a guitar and have it's output go into two amplifiers.
You can choose between the amplifiers or use both at once.
This is a very simple build. As a beginner I had only moderate work.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Bill of Materials
Bill of materials:
2x 5mm LEDs
2x 4,7k Ohm Resistors
2x DPDT Switches (http://www.banzaieffects.com/files/images_detailed/d_4217.gif)
3x 1/4 jacks (P-10 jacks - http://www.effectsconnection.com/oscommerce/images/marshallstylemono.jpg)
Wires
Plastic container
9v battery clip (http://www.amqrp.org/kits/NCKeyer/elmer/P7190015a.jpg)
Tools needed:
Something that can drill, such as a Dremell
Soldering Iron & Solder
2x 5mm LEDs
2x 4,7k Ohm Resistors
2x DPDT Switches (http://www.banzaieffects.com/files/images_detailed/d_4217.gif)
3x 1/4 jacks (P-10 jacks - http://www.effectsconnection.com/oscommerce/images/marshallstylemono.jpg)
Wires
Plastic container
9v battery clip (http://www.amqrp.org/kits/NCKeyer/elmer/P7190015a.jpg)
Tools needed:
Something that can drill, such as a Dremell
Soldering Iron & Solder
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
){kind=link}
This schematic works, but has a key limitation, which can create noise issues in many cases. If it works for you, great. But, if you have issues with noise, the cause may be because the circuit doesn't ground the bypassed line. The solution to this is simple: use a 3PDT switch, instead, and switch the grounds, as well. If you are willing to do without the LED's, you can use the DPDT switch, still. The schematics to do this are widely available via a quick Internet image search.
The "Y" capabilities of any passive pedal, in which two guitars are routed into one amp, are suspect, in terms of avoiding noise/issues. In a pedalboard configuration, it may work if you have buffered pedals before the "Y", or if you are using active pickups. But, in most cases, the loading will cause negative interaction between the two instruments. The solution to this is to create an isolation circuit, and/or buffer the inputs, but this turns the pedal into an active one, rather than having the passive simplicity. That said, the schematics are some of the easiest to build, but will require some electronics/soldering skills. Another solution might be to use pedals that buffer the input prior to the passive "y". That whole scenario is kinda' hokey, anyway, though. Just get another amp.
For the people asking about the kind of wire, it really isn't a big issue... obviously, if you use a high-quality wire, it will, technically, be better, but, i doubt you'd hear the difference between Canare GS-6 (what i use) or solid-silver-core Teflon-insulated wire, and an off-the-shelf hookup wire. The gauge should probably be between 22 and 18.
But I'm also a beginner.. any chance you could point me a wiring diagram for the 3pdt grounded version you're talking about?
Thanks!
Great instructable BTW. My first DIY project :)