If you have a guitar or bass amplifier, the footswitch is a must-have addition that gives you the freedom to change channels and/or activate the effects loop without lifting your hands from the strings to push a button in your amplifier's control panel. However, most footswitches are just that. With this Instructable you will learn how to add a LED that lights up when you press the switch, giving a clear indication of when you have activated the circuit.
Step 1: Tools & materials
A center punch tool.
A drill bit the same size of the LED you have selected.
Small gauge electrical wire.
Small round file.
Small straight file.
One LED for every switch you want to upgrade.
One 100k resistor for every LED.
One 9V battery.
One 9V battery clip.
One rubber band or two-sided adhesive tape.
One on/off switch.
A drop of oil.
A little woody stick.
Some old newspaper.
Step 2: Buying the LEDs
There are lots of LEDs, in lots of sizes and colors. I recommend smaller round ones because it's more simple and they do the work. In this Instructable I used 3/16" round LEDs because the on/off switch I had is that size, so all holes are the same size.
When you buy your LEDs, buy two of every color you want, because if you damage one you'll have a replacement handy. I always do that. Plus, LEDs are not expensive. On the other hand, you have to buy a good quality drill bit, because most footswitch cases are made out of very tough steel.
When choosing your drill bit, have you LED on hand to buy the right one. If you make a bigger hole, you'll have to find a way to hold it in place, and if it's too small, you'll have to go out and find the right drill bit. So, be a good ecologist and buy the right stuff the first time. Less trips to the store = less pollution.