As promised, I built an A/B Switch stompbox based on the layout I found over at GeneralGuitarGadgets.com.   I had already ordered another 125B enclosure from Pedal Parts Plus to house the build, but then while browsing the shelves of a local thrift shop, I found this interesting aluminum container.  The red and white design just screamed “use me for your pedal!”  For $.49 cents, how could I resist?  Compared with the 125B enclosure (the height is almost identical), this lightweight box is wider and it feels just barely able to withstand a hard stomp.  For my purposes — switching between my rig/amp and a tuner — I felt it would suffice, as it would not be the most frequently stomped pedal in my chain.  This stompbox comprises (1) stereo input jack, (2) mono output jacks, (2) LED’s and bevels, (1) 3PDT stomp switch, a 9V battery snap, and a DC jack.

What does this pedal do?

By placing this pedal at the beginning of my chain, I can connect “A” to my effects chain, and “B” to a tuner.  This allows me to quickly switch to my tuner without disconnecting my guitar (avoiding ugly pops).  Of course, I could have purchased a tuner pedal, but that could set me back $100.  This stompbox also gives me the ability to route two incoming signals, like two guitars, and switch between them without having to unplug any cables. Like the True Bypass Dual Looper (my first stompbox build), this pedal is passive, meaning there is no active circuit. I completed this pedal for about $10.00.

If you look closely you can make out “Philip Morris” on the side of the lid.

Since my first build, I worked on my soldering skills and began using 60/40 Standard Rosin-Core Solder from Radio Shack.  Both efforts greatly improved my work as I had little difficulty achieving good solder joints.  I also started using 24-gauge stranded wire.

One takeaway:

This type of container is challenging because it is quite malleable and not as strong as a standard pedal enclosure.  It suits my purposes because I probably will not step on it that often.  For more active use, one should probably stick with standard enclosures. In addition, there is still the question of “what do I do with the lid?”  I am looking for ways to secure it while leaving it conveniently removable.

Next: I hope to report back soon on a delay pedal I am building, based on the Echo Base circuit found here.