You’ve likely come across the term “true bypass” when researching or reading about pedals. But what are true bypass pedals?
True bypass pedals have become increasingly popular among players, who, quite rightly, want to preserve the natural sound of their guitar and amp.
However, true bypass isn’t the golden ticket some people would have you believe. True-bypass pedals are not without their complexities and possible drawbacks.
From signal loss to high-end frequency attenuation, understanding the nuances of true bypass is important for optimizing your pedalboard. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of true-bypass pedals, their impact on your tone, and how to effectively incorporate them into your signal chain for the best possible sound.
What Does True Bypass Mean?
In simple terms, true bypass is a feature in guitar effect pedals that lets the unaltered signal from the guitar pass through the pedal when it is turned off. The purpose of true bypass is to prevent any alteration to the guitar’s tone by the pedal’s circuitry when the effect is not in use.
How True Bypass Works
True bypass works by using a mechanical switch (often a 3PDT switch [1]) to physically disconnect the pedal’s circuit from the signal path. When the pedal is off, the switch directs the input signal directly to the output, bypassing the internal components.
This makes sure that the signal remains as close as possible to its original form without any coloration or alteration from the pedal’s electronics.
Pros of True Bypass
True bypass pedals are loved because they maintain a guitar’s pure tone without altering it. When the effect is turned off, true bypass pedals stop any tone coloration from the pedal’s internal circuitry. This feature makes sure that your guitar’s original tone is preserved, providing a clean and authentic signal path.
Additionally, true bypass pedals do not interfere with the signal when off, unlike always-on buffers, which can introduce subtle tonal changes even when the effect is not in use.
Cons of True Bypass
Despite their advantages, true bypass pedals come with some potential drawbacks. One significant issue is “tone suck,” a phenomenon where signal loss and high-end frequency attenuation occur due to the combined effect of multiple true bypass pedals and long cable runs. This is especially noticeable when using around five or more pedals and can be exacerbated by low-quality cables and connections.
Moreover, true bypass pedals can sometimes produce audible pops or clicks when switched on or off, which can be distracting during live performances. In high-gain situations, these pedals may also contribute to increased noise and hum.
The Alternative to True Bypass
True bypass pedals are lauded for their ability to preserve a guitar’s natural tone, but they aren’t the only option available. Another common type is a buffered bypass. Buffered bypass pedals use a buffer circuit that remains active even when the pedal is off. This circuit strengthens and preserves the signal, which is especially important if you’re using long cables or a lot of pedals (more than five or six).
When you use a buffer, it helps maintain a consistent signal level, preventing the “tone suck” you can find with true bypass setups. This tone suck happens due to the capacitance of cables and the loading effect on pickups, leading to a loss of high frequencies. By using a buffer, the signal is kept strong and clear, making sure that your tone stays strong and clear throughout the signal chain.
Finding the Right Balance
You might want to think about using a hybrid approach that incorporates both true bypass and buffered pedals in your signal chain. Or, if you find you have a lot of true bypass pedals, you could also use a guitar buffer pedal in your setup.
Learning how to use a guitar buffer pedal can help maintain signal strength and clarity, preventing tone suck and preserving the quality of the sound across bigger signal chains.
This balanced approach allows you to enjoy the pure tone of true bypass while benefiting from the signal stability provided by buffers.
