I just built my own A/B box!

[Outlaws]

This is awsome. It works...and on the first try no less.

Just thought everyone would like to see.

I am 99.999% done with it. Only thing left it to go to Walmart and get some neoprene stuff so it has a non-slip bottom.

Painted it myself. Dark Blue Metalic Flake with a nice glossy cloating of clear coat.

Dumbass me forgot to prime it after ruffing up the aluminum box for the intent of priming it. lol Oh well. Live and learn. I was too excited to paint the thing becuase the color is so damn nice.

Here are two pics of it.

The first is its color 80% of the time.
The second is the color when the light hits it. You can see it really goes to a gorgeous blue...before the camera flash takes over.

Anyways, I present to you the A/B box:

 

[timboZ]

Looks good!

Did you just use a DPDT switch or did you build a switching circuit?

 

[Outlaws]

Looks good!

Did you just use a DPDT switch or did you build a switching circuit?

Thanks. I used a 3PDT switch.

I think I am gonna build an A/B Y box next. And just for fun I might add a C.

 

[MadAudio]

Very cool paint job, and it looks like it'll take some abuse. Nice work!

 

[timboZ]

At work I have a few good sites bookmarked for DIY stompboxes.
I will post some of the links when I get a chance.

 

[notbradsohner]

are ab boxes hard to make?

 

[Outlaws]

are ab boxes hard to make?

Not really. It really just depends on if you have the equipment or not. The parts can cost a good amount of money if you are building it to work forever. Plus the soldering gun if you don't have one is gonna cost a few more bux. Its not really cost effective to make your own if that one A/B is you are ever gonna make. Infact, pricing all the parts to make something as simple as my MXR Distortion+ is damn near as expensive as just buying one. And I am basing that on the fact that I already own a soldering gun and drill w/ bits. And after all is said and done, get the drill holes perfect is a pain in the ass if you don't have a drill press. And further, you still have to paint the sucker. Automotive paint is like $5 a can. I didn't use the whole can. I used a lot, but not the whole thing, and I don't think I have anything that needs the rest of it as of yet. Plus the laquor, but that I think I can find a use for the rest of. Oh, and primer if you want the paint job to last... which is something I didn't even buy...lol...

Oh, and that footswitch...good ones cost about $12-16 for that piece alone. You can get them a bit cheaper if you buy in lots of 10 or 100.

 

[Purge]

Outlaws--that's really cool. Are you gonna build more stompboxes since you've got a head start on materials?

 

[Outlaws]

Outlaws--that's really cool. Are you gonna build more stompboxes since you've got a head start on materials?

Ya, I am hooked. I think I am gonna build a couple and put them on eBay and see what happens. I just got some LEDs and the resistors. Plus a 9v connector so it can have LEDs to display the output, or just work on its own with no power supply of anysort...the LED won't light up then, but batteries suck imo when they are not neccessary.

I swear, I am gonna start smoking again if I keep browsing Mouser's website much longer. These PDF pages are driving me crazy.

 

[DJL]

At work I have a few good sites bookmarked for DIY stompboxes.
I will post some of the links when I get a chance.

Way kool... post all of them... thanks.

 

[Son of Mixerman]

Freaky! I built one just like that 15 years ago, same color and everything.

If I say its beautiful it's because Im biased


SoMm

 

[timboZ]

Way kool... post all of them... thanks.

This site sells parts and kits.It also has some good resource for DIYers.
http://www.smallbearelec.com/home.html

If you build a clone of a pedel will you be doing what Behringer did.

 

[DJL]

This site sells parts and kits.It also has some good resource for DIYers.
http://www.smallbearelec.com/home.html

If you build a clone of a pedel will you be doing what Behringer did.

Thanks for the link... I'll go check it out now, thanks again. Oh, and the answer is... no.

 

[Outlaws]

If you build a clone of a pedel will you be doing what Behringer did.

Thats funny...my pedal works when I plug it in...

 

[adamo_musica]

i could use one of those. if i wanted to do the same how would i go about doing that?

 

[Clive Hugh]

I have built these occasionally, originally before channel switching became standard and now for using various effects in different channels and I don't want to use the channel switch, meaning I can run my pod into Ch2 and set it dirty and run the rest of my effects into ch1 clean but still have the option of switching the pod to the clean channel for a different tone.
I always make the case, its pretty easy, use panel steel and draw it out like a box you have cut open. To fold put it in a vise, pack it if required and when you hit it to make the fold use a block of wood.
You have to cut the bottom fold at 45o. but it works out good.
I also put the jacks in the side so it fits my pedal board. The whole thing costs under $20.
I don't bother painting mine as I can't be bothered and the climate here is dry, it rains maybe 2 or 3 times a year and things don't rust very much.
As long as they work.
But they are useful.