Ampeg Sub-Blaster LED Addition

by Dave

After much planning and some patient soldering, my Ampeg Sub-Blaster now has an LED and is still wired for true bypass. Here’s the pedal before the addition.

And the guts of the pedal…

And the backside, too…

First I soldered the wires, LED, and resistor together (mostly so I could get some confidence as this was only my second time using a soldering iron). I then replaced the DPDT switch with a 3PDT switch. The additional pole and throws allowed me to add the LED without sacrificing true bypass switching. After that I attached the LED/resistor/wire strand to the switch and effect PCB. Here’s the final result.

Here’s a closeup of the LED lead where it’s tapping into the power supply.

I was very pleased when I plugged in the pedal and it worked on the first try. I then turned my attention to drilling for the LED bezel. I think I made it more difficult than it needed to be, but the result was good. Drum roll please…

And with the ridiculously bright blue LED on…

There you have it, kids. A sweet pedal is even better thanks to the internet’s endless information and my willingness to experiment on expensive gear.