Very quick question on amp footswitches...

Mr Wolf

Mr Wolf

New member
Hi all dead simple question as I want to check one thing before getting one...

I am after a 2 button footswitch for my new Laney Lionheart 20w head. A footswitch should be able to operate both the channel switching and onboard reverb. It takes a regular jack input. Are most footswitches of this type generally the same amongst different brands? I just don't want to run into compatibility issues.

As examples I am looking at examples like the ones below. Thanks in advance

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/orange-amp-or-fs-2-way-footswitch/40097?gclid=CNqHq7On9sMCFYGWtAodjn4ACA

http://www.andertons.co.uk/footswit...ogleShopping&gclid=CJnIp9On9sMCFRHLtAodhikABQ

http://www.andertons.co.uk/footswit...ogleShopping&gclid=CP32hfWn9sMCFSbJtAodYy8AJA
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

I used a Peavey two button switch for years until a forum buddy had a Laney switch on the trading post one day

yea most are the same
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

most if not all of the 2 switches footswitch are basically the same, 2 switches wired to a stereo cable wich carries a common "ground" and 2 conductors that will carry the activation signal for the relays, the biggest diference is the brand name and the case the cheapers are plastic while the most expensive are metal

some time ago i found is actually cheaper and better to build switching pedals by yourself, get a case, a pair of dpdt switches if you want led indicators, a jack, a stereo cable (or made it by yourself, since it's only for switching doesn't matter if the cable is cheap also is a fun and educational experience) and wire the thing like this

7cZFc.png


20 bucks for a footswitch while you can build your own for something like 5 bucks
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

You can find used ones for $5


*(Sent from my durned phone!)*
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

You've posted links to foot switches that do indeed operate differently. Two of them have LEDS, which need voltage to work. One uses a standard 1/4" cable, the other two use a cable equipped with a "TRS" plugs.

You need to know exactly what your amp needs and get that.
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

Careful on the thought that all 1/4 jacks are the same. the singer for our old band thought this and I ended up with about an hour and a half tracing, replacing, etc. (read no fun for me or him after I brow beat him for 10 min.)My advice: use the footswitch that's made for your amp.
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

Most seem to use latching switches, but I've seen a few that use momentary-contact switches.
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

ok
to the OP

I have a Laney amp

my two button Peavey footswitch
my Carvin two button footswitch
and my Laney two button footswtich

each operate the reverb and overdrive channel on my Laney amp

feel free to take this post to the bank



EDIT:
the Peavey preforms a similar function on my Roland Cube
I have not tried the Carvin or Laney on the Roland
but suspect the results would be the same as above
 
Last edited:
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

Hi all, thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately I am awful with soldering so making my own isn't a feasible option!

Thanks for the info on different examples. I was mainly curious about the orange one because you could use any lead to connect it to the amp. Handy if there are any issues. That said seems I am best of off with the standard Laney unit to be sure it all works. Thanks again
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

BrianS. said:
You've posted links to foot switches that do indeed operate differently. Two of them have LEDS, which need voltage to work. One uses a standard 1/4" cable, the other two use a cable equipped with a "TRS" plugs.

You need to know exactly what your amp needs and get that.
Click to expand...
:bigthumb: All 2 button FS's are NOT the same. Even within the brand, Fender's are different, some using a mono type cable (2 wire), yet controlling two functions via voltage differences by using diodes in the FS. The most common 2 button FS's use TRS cable (two wires + common grnd) and two latching circuits. You need to check your manual on Laney or as stated, buy one specifically for that amp if the price isn't excessive.

Little Pigbacon said:
Most seem to use latching switches, but I've seen a few that use momentary-contact switches.
Click to expand...
Yes, latching vs momentary is another parameter.
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

I do like to have the OEM switch
But as I said my Laney didn't come with one and the local store only had the Peavey

Which is now my backup

The Carvin amps both came with
But the bass amp pedal rarely gets used
it shuttles the eq section and something else
.but I can't remember what

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*
 
Re: Very quick question on amp footswitches...

Many thanks all. Laney one can be had for pretty cheap... No brainer! That's the one. Cheers again. Glad I checked with you guys
 
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