Ghetto effects loop

[pdadda]

So I have a single channel amp (2inputs though) with no effects loop, and I have some pedals that I like that are not true bypass (so they change the tone a bit). I was thinking about getting something like the EHX Switchblade and running my guitar into switchblade, one out straight to the amp, and the other out to the pedals then to the amp). But then, I would have to keep the pedals always on in the effects loop, and I only use some in combination with others. Any good workarounds for this other than modding my pedals to true bypass?

 

[Adam P]

You could probably have a good tech install an effects loop in your amp. I wouldn't think it would take more than a couple 1/4" jacks (one that is normalled to the other when its open).

 

[ggunn]

So I have a single channel amp (2inputs though) with no effects loop, and I have some pedals that I like that are not true bypass (so they change the tone a bit). I was thinking about getting something like the EHX Switchblade and running my guitar into switchblade, one out straight to the amp, and the other out to the pedals then to the amp). But then, I would have to keep the pedals always on in the effects loop, and I only use some in combination with others. Any good workarounds for this other than modding my pedals to true bypass?

You can certainly do that without hurting anything, but there will be some down sides. One is that whatever noise your FX boxes generate will be injected into your sound whether or not you are using them, which might be worse than enduring the lack of true bypass. Another is that on some amps that have two inputs per channel (Fenders, for example), the second input is considerably "cooler" than the first, so there will be a volume imbalance.

You could build a bypass box for your FX pretty easily, though. It just takes a DPDT footswitch and four 1/4" jacks. If you number the pins on the switch:

1 4
2 5
3 6

Short 1 to 4 to make the bypass.
2 is the input from your guitar and 5 is the output to your amp (a pair of 1/4" jacks).
3 is the send to your FX chain, and 6 is the receive (the other pair of jacks).

When the switch is in the bypass position, both the send to the chain and the receive are isolated. You could get a Switchblade and swap the SPDT switch for a DPDT, add a couple of jacks, and rewire it without too much trouble. You'd have plenty of room; those boxes are pretty much empty.