Creating a guitar kill switch is a fantastic and relatively simple modification for guitarists looking to add unique sonic textures to their playing. At its heart, a kill switch cuts the signal from your pickups, creating a momentary silence or stutter effect. To achieve this, you’ll need to understand the types of switches that are best suited for this modification. This article will guide you through the essential switch types for building your own guitar kill switch.
Understanding Basic Switch Types: STSP and SPDT
For a guitar kill switch, the most straightforward and effective option is a simple STSP (Single Throw Single Pole) switch. Imagine this switch as a basic light switch; it has two positions: on or off. Electrically, an STSP switch features two terminals. When the switch is in one position, these terminals are connected, allowing the signal to pass through. In the other position, the connection is broken, interrupting the signal. This on/off functionality is precisely what you need for a kill switch to silence your guitar.
You might also encounter SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switches. These are slightly more versatile, featuring three terminals instead of two. An SPDT switch, in essence, acts like two STSP switches in one. In one switch position, the middle terminal connects to the top terminal. In the other position, the middle terminal connects to the bottom terminal. While an SPDT switch can be used for a kill switch, you’ll only utilize two of its three terminals to achieve the same on/off function as an STSP switch. Therefore, for simplicity and directness, an STSP switch is generally preferred for a standard kill switch installation.
Momentary vs. Latching Kill Switches: Choosing Your Action
Beyond the terminal configuration, switches are also categorized by their mechanical operation: momentary or latching. This distinction is crucial for the feel and function of your guitar kill switch.
Momentary switches only activate (make or break the circuit) while you are physically holding the switch in the activated position. As soon as you release the switch, it springs back to its original state. Think of a doorbell button; it only rings while you are pressing it. For a kill switch, a momentary switch is almost always the desired type. Pressing and releasing a momentary kill switch creates the stuttering, rhythmic “kill” effect that is characteristic of this modification.
There are two sub-types of momentary switches relevant to kill switches: “normally closed” (or “always on”) and “normally open” (or “always off”). A “normally closed” momentary switch is conductive (allowing signal to pass) in its resting state. Pressing the switch breaks the circuit and silences the guitar. Conversely, a “normally open” momentary switch is non-conductive in its resting state. Pressing this type of switch completes the circuit. For a kill switch that silences your guitar when activated, you will typically want a “normally closed” momentary switch.
Latching switches, on the other hand, maintain their state once manipulated. Like a pickup selector switch on your guitar, a latching switch will “latch” into position and stay there until you physically change it again. While latching switches are common for pickup selection and other guitar functions, they are generally not ideal for kill switches. A latching kill switch would act more like an on/off mute button, rather than a dynamic effect. A notable exception, as mentioned earlier, is using a pickup selector itself as a kill switch, a technique popularized by guitarists like Tom Morello. However, if you are installing a dedicated kill switch, a momentary switch is overwhelmingly the preferred choice for achieving the classic kill switch effect.
By understanding the differences between STSP and SPDT switches, and momentary versus latching actions, you can confidently select the perfect switch to bring the exciting sonic possibilities of a guitar kill switch to your instrument.
