Project · Boosters & Volume
Effects Loop Switch Boxes
Here are three different switching boxes to switch effects loops into your signal chain (usually between your guitar and amp). The first one is a single effects loop switch. The other two switch boxes are for using two effects loops. All these circuits are passive except for the LED indicators to indicate if the loop is engaged or not.
Project files
Everything you need to build it
Schematic
Schematic
Parts layout
Parts Layout / Wiring Diagram
What you will need
Bill of Materials
Version 2012January08 · Copyright 2008 JD Sleep · Permission refused for posting/serving this file from any site other than www.generalguitargadgets.com · Trademarks are property of their owners
Resistors
| Resistor ID | Value | 3-band Marking | 4-band Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | 1k | brown-black-red | brown-black-black-brown |
Other
| Part ID | Part Name |
|---|---|
| D1 | Loop Status indicator LED |
| J1 | Stereo quarter-inch jack (Input) |
| J2 | Mono quarter-inch jack (Output) |
| J3 | DC Jack |
| J4 | Mono quarter-inch jack (Loop Out) |
| J5 | Mono quarter-inch jack (Loop In) |
| B1 | 9 volt battery (not included in the Kit) |
| Sw1 | Heavy Duty 3PDT foot switch 9v battery snap, 24 gauge stranded wire, Enclosure |
How to build it
Instructions
Version 2019August25 · Copyright 2008, 2019 JD Sleep · Permission refused for posting/serving this file from any site other than www.generalguitargadgets.com · Trademarks are property of their owners
This is the True-Bypass Loop Switch Box kit. Simply a switch box that will truebypass switch a loop in and out of your signal path. The project page outlines how you would use this box to control your guitar signal to your amp. It is called passive, since the signal paths do not have any active circuits (no boost or buffering, etc). The 9 volt power going into box is only to control the LED indicator. Use the project documents provided, starting with the General Build Instructions.
Here's an inside view of the unit we built to give you a real view of the construction.
More about this project
Notes, sounds and related links
Single Effects Loop Switch Box
This is a simple effects loop switch box. This is sometimes called a "true bypass box" since it can be used to switch in/out an unruly old non-true-bypass vintage stompbox to make it "true bypass". There is example diagrams of how you can use this box below, at the end of the page. This switch box can allow for a clean signal straight to your amp, completely bypassing your pedal board. Another useful aspect is that it can be used to switch on several effects with just one click of a switch.
Dual Effects Loop Switch Boxes
We are presenting 3 different Dual Loop switch boxes here. The first is where the two switches activate or bypass each loop independent of the other loop, so you can choose either loop to be on or both loops on or both loops bypassed. The later two will toggle between the two loops with one click of the switch. There is no provision for both loops to be on at the same time. These are to be used if you have two loops of effects that will never be active at the same time and you want to switch quickly (one press of the foot switch) from one to the other.
Dual Effects Loop Switch Box
Dual effects loop switch box that allows you to true-bypass switch on or off two separate effects loops. Note that the switching between loops is devised so that the input of the unused loop is shunted to ground. This will prevent noise from the unused loop with an open input.
Dual Effects Loop Switch Box (Toggle)
Here is a dual effects loop switch box. Switch between two different effects loops. An excellent solution for switching between two completely different sounds with one switch click. Note that the switching between loops is devised so that the input of the unused loop is shunted to ground. This helps prevent noise when there is a high gain pedal in the loop.
Dual Effects Loop Switch Box (Toggle) with Bypass
Another dual effects loop switch box that allows you to switch between two different effects loops or bypass them both.
Buy a Effects Loop Switch Box (One Loop)
Buy a Dual Effects Loop Switch Box
Effects Loop Switch Box Application Diagrams
Here is a diagram example showing the use of the Effects Loop Switch Box. The box is used to switch in or out a "loop" of guitar effect pedals. Very useful in may rigs. Especially useful if you want to switch on several effects with one press of a foot switch. 
Here is a diagram example showing the use of the Dual Effects Loop Switch Box. 
Ready to build? We have the kit.
Buy a Single Loop Switch Box Complete Kit. Includes all the parts and materials you need to build one, all for about the price you would pay for the parts.
Buy a Dual Loop Switch Box Complete Kit. Includes all the parts and materials you need to build one, all for about the price you would pay for the parts.