Footswitch-able FET Boost

[martin manning]

Could be that after 002 the FET level control was moved from the FET board to the front panel, and then foot switch control was added to 004 and 005 afterward with the FET jack left in place.

I don't suppose anybody has a gut shot showing what's inside 004 and 005?

Edit, this is from the files section, supposed to be 004. Looks like a relay has been added to the FET board.

[GAStan]

What I find interesting on #005 is the fact it already has a front panel FET level adjustment.

Here is my #004 SSS where I put the pot in the input hole.

20250319_071950.jpg

It's not only #005. #004 has it too and both of SRV's amps as well. The 'Mid Accent' switch on the far right was also replaced by an actual presence potentiometer on #005 and at least on one of SRV's amps, too:

My bad, that'll teach me to answer when I'm rushed. It was actually a SSS #002 based build I did. At the time I didn't pay any attention to the others. Thanks for the education

[captaincoconut]

Could be that after 002 the FET level control was moved from the FET board to the front panel, and then 005's foot switch control was added afterward with the FET jack left in place.

I don't suppose anybody has a gut shot showing what's inside 004 and 005?

Edit, this is from the files section, supposed to be 004. Looks like a relay has been added to the FET board.

Interesting...the FET jack is still wired up, so it must have a function even with the relay. Unfortunately, there are no gutshots of 005.

My bad, that'll teach me to answer when I'm rushed. It was actually a SSS #002 based build I did. At the time I didn't pay any attention to the others. Thanks for the education

I think 99% of all SSS builds on this forum as well on the aftermarket that appeared over the last couple of years are based on 002! Two Rock and Ceriatone have amps based on 004. Bludotone and Amplified Nation both offer 005 based builds.

[martin manning]

I think this is what HAD might have done to add a foot-switched FET Boost to SSS that already had Normal and FET input jacks and the FET gain control on the front panel.
Ian's PCB with integrated relay (shown above in this thread) is exactly what is needed for a conversion.

For a new build I would definitely go with a single input jack and the FET relay circuit shown above and in the ODS Eyelet Boards .pdf in the files section.

[captaincoconut]

I think this is what HAD might have done to add a foot-switched FET Boost to SSS that already had Normal and FET input jacks and the FET gain control on the front panel.
Ian's PCB with integrated relay (shown above in this thread) is exactly what is needed for a conversion.

For a new build I would definitely go with a single input jack and the FET relay circuit shown above and in the ODS Eyelet Boards .pdf in the files section.

Thanks for putting that together! So, if I get your schematic right: without a footswitch connected FET and NORMAL inputs would work as usual. With a footswitch connected and being plugged into the FET input, I could basically switch between FET and NORMAL, right?

[martin manning]

Exactly.

[captaincoconut]

Coincidentally, it seems that's also how Amplified Nation build their Steel String Singer, which is supposedly a clone of #005! I read somewhere on this forum that Taylor had some insight into the actual amp, but don't know if it's true. Anyway, the AN SSS also has two seperate inputs, a pedal/manual switch on the back of the amp and a footswitchable FET boost. The manual of the amp says (about the pedal/manual switch on the back of the amp):

FET Off Switch: Turns the FET input off and switches your guitar into the NOR (Normal) channel. When using the footswitch, put the switch to ‘pedal’. You must be plugged into the FET channel for this switch to work.

[martin manning]

That seems to confirm the hypothesis. I wonder why the ODS never got a foot-switched boost?

[GAStan]

Great question Martin, especially when it's not too difficult. As you pointed out he did make the FET board with a relay. I think I'm going to try this on my BM build, the FET/relay combined.

[didit]

Ian's PCB with integrated relay (shown above in this thread) is exactly what is needed for a conversion.

A combination of circumstances obliged me to essentially pack all my amp building tools, WiP projects, etc., away for the past few years and I had not fully finished it. That said I'm slowly unpacking in my new lab space, and I have a few boards of the five piece minimum from my 2nd rev proto run.

Confident the circuit was correctly captured and the board will work. My plan at the outset was to make files available once 110% confidence is achieved. With slight hesitation willing now to share by sending one or two out, assuming recipient is willing and able to work through their build without detailed "hand-holding" instructions.

PM if there's interest.

Best ..