Q: Why are there no LEDs on the BigShot ABY?
A: Our goal was to make the BigShot ABY as compact as possible for pedal board users and keep costs down. When it came to setting priorities, we felt that having an isolation transformer to eliminate noise, polarity reverse to phase align amps and solid construction for added durability scored higher than having lights and a battery holder.

Q: Can I use the ABY backwards as an instrument selector?
A: Yes. Just make sure the isolation transformer is switched out.

Q: What is the difference between the BigShot ABY and those offered by Morley, Whirlwind and others?
A: Those other ABY boxes will work fine in many applications. The BigShot ABY simply adds more functionality with the isolation transformer that helps eliminate ground loops and the polarity reverse that solves the phase problems that occur when using two different amp brands.

Q: Will switching the transformer into the circuit change the tone?
A: Yes and no. It depends on how you are using the ABY. If you are connected directly from your guitar, then the tone will have to be adjusted to compensate on the isolated amp. If you are connected through a buffer first, then the tone will be pretty much unaffected. Always use a high quality buffer like the BigShot PB1 or equivalent as this will ensure the tone of your guitar is maintained.

Q: Will adding a tuner affect my tone?
A: It can. This depends on the tuner. Most will draw some current and therefore load down your pickups. This can cause the tone to change slightly.

Q: Some tuners cause noise – what can I do to solve this?
A: The best way to solve clicking caused by the quartz timers inside tuners is to buffer the guitar signal before it hits the tuner. Always use a high quality buffer like the BigShot PB1 or equivalent as this will ensure the tone of your guitar is maintained.

Q: Will the ABY introduce pops into my guitar signal?
A: Yes and no. It depends on your amp and how much gain (overdrive) you are using. The higher the gain, the more sensitive the input and therefore the higher chance of getting clicks and pops when you switch the unit. This of course is the downside to true-bypass switching. If you want to eliminate any pops, you should consider the Switchbone.

Q: Is it possible to change amp channel and insert effects with a Big
Shot pedal? If answer is yes, what model?
A: Yes... but it depends on your amp.

If you have a two channel amp and would like to switch from channel 1 to channel 2, the BigShot ABY will do this very well. The isolation
transformer can help eliminate buzz and hum problems and allows the phase to be inverted as some amps have different phase on each channel. We shipped 3 ABYs to Sheryl Crow's band for this very application. To insert effects through a loop, the BigShot EFX will do this with two separate loops. So the best solution is of course to get one of each. If however you are looking for a single pedal to do both tasks, the EFX may work. You could use the main guitar output for channel-1 on your amp and loop-2 for channel-2. Loop-2 would be used to insert your effects. The EFX is not equipped with an isolation transformer or phase reversal so it will not be as flexible as the ABY but likely be OK.

If you intend to replace the amp footswitch with one of our pedals, then you would likely have to use a Switchbone or Loopbone to do this as they are equipped with the Slingshot remote system.

Unlike the Tonebone Switchbone or Loopbone that are active, the BigShot pedals are passive. This means that they do not have any type of powering inside. As such, to perform tasks like remote switching amp channels, this task can possibly be done by having a technician make up special adaptor cables, this would only be possible with certain amps that utilize simple contact closures. You would have to consult a qualified technician to have him set this up for you.

So for a basic setup, you can try the EFX on its own. Next step would be to have the EFX and the ABY. To go all the way, the Loopbone may be the solution. It all depends on your amp setup.