The Amp Switching Conundrum Redux (Though Slightly Different!)

[László]

Never mind. I just answered my own question. The Lehle 1 at 3 amp switcher requires the transformer of the P-split to avoid ground loops with a 3 amp setup, and I already am using one of those, which I want to not have to use just to switch amps.

I'll find something else.

I just edited out all my other questions. This should be pretty simple now.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

We're still here for you Les. Even when you don't need us.

 

[László]

We're still here for you Les. Even when you don't need us.

that's what I love about you guys!

 

[Dusty Chalk]

:creep:

 

[alantig]

We're still here for you Les. Even when you don't need us.

that's what I love about you guys!

Not so much when we're here when you don't want​ us!

 

[László]

Well, every gadget one adds seems to introduce a certain amount of tone suck, or switching noise, unless you get into some pretty expensive stuff, and even then, there are compromises.

Like, I don't need a 14 pedal switch box to run 6 pedals in a line that are all true bypass, just to get a couple of amp switching choices. And I really prefer not to add another transformer to the signal chain to avoid ground loops.

I may soon, but for now I found this fantastic 10 Step technique for switching amps -- and it actually works with no tone suck!!

Step 1: Activate legs.

Step 2: Raise butt from chair by standing up.

Step 3: Actuate walking motion, and proceed to amp #1.

Step 4: Switch amp #1 to standby.

Step 5: Unplug cable from amp #1.

Step 6: Proceed to amp #2.

Step 7: Plug cable into amp #2.

Step 8: Switch amp #2 out of standby to "on."

Step 9: Shut up.

Step 10: Play the damn guitar.

Optional: Hire someone to hang around the studio and do this.

Alternative Option For Younger Musician: Have adoring girlfriend/significant other/fan do this. Since I'm too old for that, I may have to go with the first option.

 

[Herr Squid]

Seems to me you just answered your own question about why a Youtube dude doesn't use amp switchers.

Ah. Maybe that was in the stuff you deleted!

 

[László]

Seems to me you just answered your own question about why a Youtube dude doesn't use amp switchers.

Ah. Maybe that was in the stuff you deleted!

Nah, the stuff I deleted was more "Les spewing more nonsense and anxiety over which amp switcher to go with."

The YouTube dude I was talking about was Tim Pierce, one of the greatest session players in LA of all time.

But having slept on it, I'm still going to look into a switching or patching system of some kind just to make sessions go faster when clients are over. I won't use it all the time, though.

 

[aristotle]

Remind me again how many heads and cabs are involved with your application?

 

[toothace]

Dude...you are recovering from a heart procedure...you can't be getting up and walking over to the amps!!:tongue:

 

[Deleted member 5962]

See, I'm interested in this though, because I'd like to be able to switch between two amps live, during a song. And I haven't found any way of doing it yet that doesn't cost a significant amount of money. To think of paying $500 or more to switch amps/cabs, then have tone suck... NAH! But that leaves me with no solutions yet. As of now, a simple but good A/B/Y (probably Fulltone) is how I'm leaning, but that setup is just switching which amp gets the signal, so you have to have cabs for each amp.

 

[László]

Remind me again how many heads and cabs are involved with your application?

Right now, two heads, two cabs and one combo amp. But in 2016 I'll probably add a DG50 head and another cab. One of my more absurd issues is where to set up everything, but that's another kettle of fish.

Since I have a break for this holiday week, I figured it'd be a good time to get things set up and ready to go, since breaking the gear down won't interfere with my work schedule (the ad agencies close down for the holidays). So it's something I've been planning to decide on in the next day or two, and then just do it.

 

[László]

See, I'm interested in this though, because I'd like to be able to switch between two amps live, during a song. And I haven't found any way of doing it yet that doesn't cost a significant amount of money. To think of paying $500 or more to switch amps/cabs, then have tone suck... NAH! But that leaves me with no solutions yet. As of now, a simple but good A/B/Y (probably Fulltone) is how I'm leaning, but that setup is just switching which amp gets the signal, so you have to have cabs for each amp.

I've looked at the Fulltone, too. It's a very good switcher.

Dude...you are recovering from a heart procedure...you can't be getting up and walking over to the amps!!:tongue:

Honestly, that's the thought that got this whole conundrum going!

 

[aristotle]

Right now, two heads, two cabs and one combo amp. But in 2016 I'll probably add a DG50 head and another cab. One of my more absurd issues is where to set up everything, but that's another kettle of fish.

Since I have a break for this holiday week, I figured it'd be a good time to get things set up and ready to go, since breaking the gear down won't interfere with my work schedule (the ad agencies close down for the holidays). So it's something I've been planning to decide on in the next day or two, and then just do it.

Cool. I'm thinking of a fun little project. It won't be ready in time for your needs, but I was pondering building...say...something that can handle 8 heads and 8 cabs (that won't begin to cover my needs, but it's a start anyway). For combo's, they will just be treated as a separate head and cab by the system. Build it out of (beefy) relays. Inputs and outputs of unused amps will be switched to loads. I'll make it easy, and just do a single guitar input. Only 1 amp will ever be the "active" amp, and only 1 cab will be the active cab. It'll be up to me to make sure that the amp and cab that I select are matched with respect to impedance (I'm not super particular about that anyway....in fact, sometimes I go out of my way to mismatch impedance to either accentuate or detract from mids...) So long as I'm not concerned with switching while actually playing (and I'm not) it's an easy design, and can be done safely and without "tone suck". I'll probably go old school and use push buttons to select the active amp and cab rather than some software GUI.

 

[László]

Cool. I'm thinking of a fun little project. It won't be ready in time for your needs, but I was pondering building...say...something that can handle 8 heads and 8 cabs (that won't begin to cover my needs, but it's a start anyway). For combo's, they will just be treated as a separate head and cab by the system. Build it out of (beefy) relays. Inputs and outputs of unused amps will be switched to loads. I'll make it easy, and just do a single guitar input. Only 1 amp will ever be the "active" amp, and only 1 cab will be the active cab. It'll be up to me to make sure that the amp and cab that I select are matched with respect to impedance (I'm not super particular about that anyway....in fact, sometimes I go out of my way to mismatch impedance to either accentuate or detract from mids...) So long as I'm not concerned with switching while actually playing (and I'm not) it's an easy design, and can be done safely and without "tone suck". I'll probably go old school and use push buttons to select the active amp and cab rather than some software GUI.

I wish I had your mad skills, my friend!

I'm a little discouraged tonight; I've reported in another thread that two fingers on my fretting (left) hand have suffered from paresthesia since my surgery. I was told it'd go away. It hasn't, and I'm seeing a specialist in a couple of weeks.

The trouble is, the fingers on my hand are getting weak - I had the shock of my life tonight: I was barely able to fret an E major barre chord! I was already having trouble with minor barre chords because my hand couldn't put enough pressure on the first finger to keep the strings held down, but a major chord...this is new.

In fact, my fingers could hardly fall into place as they normally do.

This is not good. I suppose it's what getting old is like, but the greatest joy of my life is music, and not being able to play...well...I dunno if the whole amp thing matters any more.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Yeezh. I hope things get better for you. I completely understand it's your nightmare, but my nightmare is not being as smart as I used to be, but still remembering being smart -- and I'm there. It's not as bad as I imagined, actually. What about keyboards, can you still play? Programming?

 

[toothace]

Positive thoughts for your recovery Les! Good luck with the specialist:top:

 

[andy474x]

Thoughts and prayers for your paw Les.

I had a coworker 6-7 years ago, whose husband is a chiropractor (I know, just hear me out, it's not what you think), he had surgery and lost a significant amount of function in his dominant arm and hand - to the point that considered early retirement due to disability. However, he waited it out, with therapy of course, and is practicing again. What the surgery was, I can't recall. My point is, these things can heal, but they can also take time. Especially in the peripheral nervous system (outside the spinal column), healing and regeneration can occur, although it isn't a fast or efficient process. That recently lowered A1c value is also a very positive factor for nerve health.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100927141144.htm

Another quick anecdote, I sliced a nice portion of a fingertip on my left hand nearly off about 6 years ago, had to get it stitched up and no doubt severed the nerve connection to my fingertip. While I had no loss of function, it felt off for a LONG time, basically numb, but it did return to normal. I know, I'm really reaching with that one...

I apologize if I've made too many assumptions, but I think damage related to your surgery would be to the peripheral nervous system. You may be losing some strength right now, because of how long you've had less nervous supply to the fingers - doesn't necessarily mean the nerves themselves are getting worse. I've compared a lot of apples and oranges here, but the moral of the story is don't lose hope, it can improve!

 

[aristotle]

I wish I had your mad skills, my friend!

I'm a little discouraged tonight; I've reported in another thread that two fingers on my fretting (left) hand have suffered from paresthesia since my surgery. I was told it'd go away. It hasn't, and I'm seeing a specialist in a couple of weeks.

The trouble is, the fingers on my hand are getting weak - I had the shock of my life tonight: I was barely able to fret an E major barre chord! I was already having trouble with minor barre chords because my hand couldn't put enough pressure on the first finger to keep the strings held down, but a major chord...this is new.

In fact, my fingers could hardly fall into place as they normally do.

This is not good. I suppose it's what getting old is like, but the greatest joy of my life is music, and not being able to play...well...I dunno if the whole amp thing matters any more.

Naw.... You're still only 6 months out of surgery. The body is an amazing thing when it comes to healing. It does it on its own schedule, and there will be fits and starts to be sure... But the trend will be in the right direction, I know. Mark my words. A year from now, you'll have to force yourself to try to remember how it felt not having full use of your fingers....

 

[Boogie]

Naw.... You're still only 6 months out of surgery. The body is an amazing thing when it comes to healing. It does it on its own schedule, and there will be fits and starts to be sure... But the trend will be in the right direction, I know. Mark my words. A year from now, you'll have to force yourself to try to remember how it felt not having full use of your fingers....

I couldn't agree more. The brain is the most important healing organ of the human body...keep focused on he end goal and ignore the limitations. If your fingers aren't responding right, go Django-style or sport an open tuning and grab your slide. The Les I know is resourceful and nigh-invulnerable. Go kick that guitar's a$$!