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So I wanted to start dabbling in building different types of effects for someone (my cousin), and he mentioned he wanted a few things but wants them all to be true bypass. I ask him if he can actually tell a sonic difference between pedals that are and aren't true bypass, to which he said "yes". SO! My question is the following. What makes an effect true bypass? Are there any good examples of true bypass effect kits? I'm looking to build one or more of the following. ABY switch, Reverb, and Overdrive.

I know it's probably been talked about to death, but keep in mind I'm still new to all this. Thanks guys!

jwar wrote:So I wanted to start dabbling in building different types of effects for someone (my cousin), and he mentioned he wanted a few things but wants them all to be true bypass. I ask him if he can actually tell a sonic difference between pedals that are and aren't true bypass, to which he said "yes". SO! My question is the following. What makes an effect true bypass? Are there any good examples of true bypass effect kits? I'm looking to build one or more of the following. ABY switch, Reverb, and Overdrive.

I know it's probably been talked about to death, but keep in mind I'm still new to all this. Thanks guys!

Everyone else can correct me if I'm wrong, but true bypass usually means two things - the input jack is connected directly to the output jack, and the actual circuit is disconnected from the audio path when bypassed.

Back in the old days, EHX used to say that their pedals had "hardwire bypass", which satisfied the first requirement above, but they left the pedal's circuit connected to the audio path, which creates a load and that resulted in pretty horrific tone suck (my BMS sounded like a blanket in bypass before I had it modded).

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. You can also use a 2pdt switch if you don't need an LED.

bigchiefbc wrote:Everyone else can correct me if I'm wrong, but true bypass usually means two things - the input jack is connected directly to the output jack, and the actual circuit is disconnected from the audio path when bypassed.

Back in the old days, EHX used to say that their pedals had "hardwire bypass", which satisfied the first requirement above, but they left the pedal's circuit connected to the audio path, which creates a load and that resulted in pretty horrific tone suck (my BMS sounded like a blanket in bypass before I had it modded).

Nailed it, yo.

True bypass just means that when the pedal is bypassed, the signal goes straight from one jack to another, and the pedal circuit is completely disconnected. The box is basically just acting as link between the two cables plugged into it.

Good examples of true bypass kits... I actually don't know of any that aren't true bypass. BYOC, GGG, Mammoth. They're all true bypass. There might be a delay or something in the bunch that isn't.

try building something that isn't nowadays. much more complicated.

true bypass means when bypassed, all the internals/circuits of the pedal (aside from the switch) are "removed" from the equation.

this has both advantages and disadvantages.

Seiche wrote:try building something that isn't nowadays. much more complicated.

Maybe not, if you do it right or all the circuitry is on the board.

Some boutique buffered pedals just use true bypass, but a buffer after the bypass.

If the circuit had a high input impedance, you could also just leave the front end connected and send the output through a buffer... that would probably sound just fine.

But, eh, I don't buy the arguments against true bypass. It's true a good buffer will help your tone, but you only need one, and it's better to put it where you want it so it doesn't make your fuzz pedals sad.

McSpunckle wrote:But, eh, I don't buy the arguments against true bypass. It's true a good buffer will help your tone, but you only need one, and it's better to put it where you want it so it doesn't make your fuzz pedals sad.

^i agree. I'm all for deciding yourself (even if you make a few mistakes on the way) rather than someone else doing "what's best for you".

You guys are awesome! This is all the information I wanted and needed! Thanks and keep it going!

moose23 wrote:They say a picture is worth a thousand words. You can also use a 2pdt switch if you don't need an LED.

Oh my god, REVELATION.

Thank you.

I LOVED this!