Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

[briggleman]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

I do not think I need to quantify the XY coordinates of my every thought. We are all big boys and girls here, and should be able to accept simple, declarative statements. I am not sorry that I found the article NOT to be the 'truth' about true bypass, and not well written.
I had no idea it was written by a member of this forum and have not seen his replies, because he is on my Ignore list and has been for some time.
This is a message board, not group therapy. Not every post needs to be couched in a way to coddle everyone's sense of entitlement, over-inflated ego, and need for praise or 'well done'.
Feel free to add me to your Ignore list if I bother you that much instead of b!tching about how 'mean' or insensitive I am, move on, and get on with your life. Have a nice day.

I read your response above and as you see, I have highlighted a couple of areas. So, So hypocritical!

I will do as you suggest, you are ignored since you do not want to bring anything to this board nor do you provide any beneficial information.

Seems like you are making friends and influencing people....Dale Carnegie all the way man!

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

It seems like if someone needs a buffer, then they probably need sell some of their pedals and get a multi-fx unit. How could this signal loss occur unless someone is running all their wah, overdrive/boost, and effects all through the input? Is this a problem that mostly affects people who use amps without FX loops? How many true-bypass pedals in your chain would cause that kind of signal degradation on average? Is there a general rule for setting up your true-bypass equipment?

 

[LReese]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

Not in my experience - the longer a cable is, the more effect from cable capacitance you'll generally see. A buffer at the beginning of the chain keeps tone consistent between bypass and effects engaged. That being said - some effects just don't play well with low-impedance, so they need to go on the guitar side of the buffer.

The problem with true bypass is that it acts as described, essentially making the cable and patch(es) act as a longer cable. Even then might not be an issue - its up to the user to decide.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

I see we're playing by prison rules now.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

Keep in mind too that it's important to put your best pedal buffer first in line because that's what colors the line the most. I'm a big true bypass fan, but that's because I use (and swear by) Pete Cornish's LD-1 buffer first in line. My Boomerang III has a buffer as well (it's pretty good, but not as good as the Cornish), but that's towards the end of the chain and doesn't impact the tone as much because of the fact I've got the Cornish first. That said, I've heard about some buffers being really, really bad (like the original Whammys) and true bypass loopers are probably the best solution to keep your tone intact for those specific instances.


Here's what I recommend. Plug directly into your amp. Really listen to the frequencies. Switch between your buffered pedals with only one pedal in the chain at a time and make note of what you like or dislike with the tone changes. Add one by one until you've found that your signal chain has been adversely affected and tweak from there. I've spent years playing around with stuff before I found a chain I was happy with.

 

[ken361]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

Bought my buffer off a guy on Ebay for 38.00 he makes a handwired one

 

[MrTondo]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

I'm going to do a project making this buffer/booster pedal: http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/glassblower.html

Got all the parts, just need to do the pcb transfer and etching...

 

[ErikH]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

TB can be good in some situations (using one or two pedals, maybe 3 max). Having an buffer first in line is essential with more than that to keep the tone consistent, especially when switching between guitars with single-coils and humbuckers. The Cornish article only added to what Matt had written. I've made my own buffers before. Not hard to do. There's a couple of great designs at generalguitargadgets.com and muzique.com. My favorite is the Mosfet Boost. With the level all the way down, it's essentially in buffer mode.

 

[speed2dirt]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

I see we're playing by prison rules now.

Cable Guy quote! Love it!

 

[B2D]

Re: Blog: The Truth about True Bypass

All the "buffer" you will ever need.

Trust me on this!

I still have to get out and try one of these little guys. I hear people rave about them all the time.