Tips for Making Your Own Stomp Box
Jul 7, 2011 DIY effects pedals
GAPco foot switches
Making your own effects pedal is a lot easier now that GAPCo offer you a one-stop-shop for the hard-wearing components you need.
Always use good quality boxes, and don’t make them too small … you’ll regret it when they fly about !!
Push-button footswitches must be specifically designed to withstand the rigours of a size twelve boot landing on them with great force … ours fit the bill.
It is always preferable to use at least three-pole switches for latching (push-on, push-off) applications, so that you can have a confidence LED as well as true-bypass operation.
Always use STATUS LEDs for any latching function so that you know from a distance, SILENTLY, how things are set up.
GAPco plastic jacks
Regarding jack sockets: many folk prefer the open-frame style as being more rugged, which they are, but, they are not recommended where supply polarities may be mixed … the sleeve of the jack-plug will generally connect to the case, whereas, with plastic jacks, this is not a problem. GAPco sell both types.
Batteries should be “hard-clipped” into the system, using moulded assemblies. Battery holders can be unreliable in boxes that get kicked around on stage, or thrown into the kit-bag after a gig.
Unless you are Rudolph Nureyev, position your footswitches at least 5cm in from any edge, otherwise you’ll find the box summersaults … professional switches take some stomping !!
If you are right handed, locate instrument input jack on the right-hand side (looking from the top), and vice versa if left-handed. Otherwise your cable will drape across your feet !!
View the full range of GAPco spares here
Tags: battery snaps, build your own effects pedal, footswitches, jack sockets, pedal enclosures, plastic jacks, spares, stomp box
