How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

[PoorMan]

I see a lot of guys mod pedals to be true bypass...how is this done? What parts are needed. Is this a simple part I can solder in?

[joelap]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

I see a lot of guys mod pedals to be true bypass...how is this done? What parts are needed. Is this a simple part I can solder in?

Depending upon the pedal it can be either easy or very difficult. For example, wah pedals can easily be converted to true bypass, but an MXR phase 90 would be very difficult. For some pedals with board mounted switching, you would need to cut into the circuit board traces. Pain in the rear to do.

[cvansickle]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

I had FX Doctor convert my MXR EVH Phase 90 to true bypass. He really had to take a chunk out of the board, but the results were worth it. Cost is very reasonable, and his work is super clean. You just have to live without the pedal for about three weeks.

http://www.fxdoctor.com/

[Dirt123]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

One of the first projects you might want to build for yourself is a true bypass (or loop) box. This would have just a DPDT switch in it, and 4 jacks: In, Out, FX Send & FX Return. Then you can plug any FX box into the loop, & see if you even need true bypass for your pedal withoout modding it. If you have enough room on your pedalboard, just use that.

[xicodelico]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

What is a True bypass?

[gordon_39422]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

The switching feature on pedals without true bypass merely turn the effect off and redirect it through the pedals circuit... so tone is not added, but some pedals drain more tone OUT than others... TRUE BYPASS, on the other hand, runs the signal DIRECTLY to the output of the pedal... the True Bypass box recommended by DIRT is a very useful tool to see if TB would be worth the effort and money....

[gordon_39422]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

BTW, the box mentioned above allows for the pedal to be ON at all times... so you step on the TB and ACCESS the pedal.... I love this option, but it can get confusing when running multiple pedals... you can lose track of what pedal is on or off....

The LOOOPER is probably the most effecient way of adding TB to multiple pedals...

https://www.loooper.com

[PoorMan]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

One of the first projects you might want to build for yourself is a true bypass (or loop) box. This would have just a DPDT switch in it, and 4 jacks: In, Out, FX Send & FX Return. Then you can plug any FX box into the loop, & see if you even need true bypass for your pedal withoout modding it. If you have enough room on your pedalboard, just use that.

Clever!!!

[PoorMan]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

Oh...can anyone recommend a good webshop to buy parts to build a pedal?

[aleclee]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

The LOOOPER is probably the most effecient way of adding TB to multiple pedals...

www.loooper.com

My understanding was that Dave had some health issues and wasn't building at the moment. I could be mistaken, though.

[Dirt123]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

Oh...can anyone recommend a good webshop to buy parts to build a pedal?

OK. Check these out. Should help answer some questions.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/wb/

http://geofex.com/

http://www.muzique.com/

http://www.buildyourownclone.com/

http://audible.transient.net/archive/

http://www.guitartone.net/?hop=bushh8er

http://generalguitargadgets.com/index.php

Good luck.

WARNING: Building and modifying pedals and guitars is addictive. Solder fumes cause OMD (obsessive modification disorder). Small children should not be allowed to test 9 volt batteries with their tongues, as the tingle can cause an unhealthy interest in electricity. It is much healthier if you come out of that dark basement and play outside.

[frankfalbo]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

I do a group loop, and I love it. It did allow me to realize that there are some pedals I don't HAVE to true bypass. So for some little gigs I'll bring those pedals specifically, and leave the tone suckers and the looper at home. It's way better than hacking up a pedal, especially for resale. Sometimes you see guys trying to get more for their used pedals because they've been T/B modded, but I think mostly it narrows your audience. Since some don't even understand it, they'll stay away.

[gordon_39422]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

My understanding was that Dave had some health issues and wasn't building at the moment. I could be mistaken, though.

That is my understanding as well, Alec... I also understand that the small supply of common looopers in stock can still by purchased until he's building again..... But, I could have a misunderstanding!

Later,
Allen

[shredaholic]

Re: How Can I Mod A Pedal to True Bypass?

I'd recommend Guitartone.net, we've advertised it on Shredaholic.com and it seems to be quite popular with our visitors.