Electronic stomp boxes house the circuitry that allows guitarists and other musicians to alter their sound output with special effects such as distortion, fuzz, compression, and reverb, among others.
Transistor-equipped stomp boxes introduced in the early 1960s allowed musicians such as Jimi Hendrix to alter the sound output of guitars with the touch of a foot or toe, a feat previously only achievable by manipulating bulky amplifiers. Today, stomp boxes comprise an almost $4 billion worldwide market, projected to grow to $5.3 billion by 2032.
The devices process the signal between a guitar and an amplifier, controlled by a variety of knobs and switches, and most commonly, a foot pedal. They may be single-effect or multi-effect, utilize digital, analog, or hybrid circuitry, and can be powered by a battery or an external adapter. Analog stomp boxes use electronic components like resistors, capacitors, transistors, and diodes, while digital boxes use microprocessors, memory, and software to process the sound.
Most stomp boxes utilize metal housings to withstand the rigorous use typical in musical performances. Die-cast aluminum is popular for its lightweight durability, and its ability to shield electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) that could impact signal integrity. The material is relatively easy to machine, making it easier to drill holes for switches, jacks, and knobs. Unpainted or coated with tough powder paint, die-cast aluminum housings can be readily customized to the unique style of the designer or musician.
Hammond Manufacturing, a provider of transformers, racks, cabinets, and enclosures, offers the popular 1590 Series Stomp Boxes in a rugged, die-cast aluminum alloy, designed to cope with the demands of on-stage environments.
Available in rectangular sizes—as well as octagonal and two trapezoidal sizes—the stomp boxes come standard with a smooth gloss polyester powder paint finish, which provides a good surface for customizing with labels and silk screening. The paint finish appears only on external surfaces to maintain RFI integrity.
The 1590BBCB is a cobalt blue, EMI-shielded, 4.70 inch x 3.70 inch x 1.34 inch enclosure (Figure 1 left) that, like other devices in the series, is IP54 rated with a lap joint seal construction to protect against dust and splashing water. Like other models, it is also available with a silicone gasket option, the 1590BBGASKET, that is supplied loose inside the enclosure and can be applied to provide a water-tight IP65 rating.
Additional shapes available include the 1590TRPBCB which is a narrow trapezoidal stomp box enclosure with a length of 4.41 inches, small end width of 2.42 inches, and large end width of 3.11 inches (Figure 1, middle), while the octagonal 1590STPCCB (Figure 1, right) measures 5.23 inches on each side.
Moreover, the Hammond 1590 Series enclosures feature a low side wall draft angle of two degrees or less to ensure easy PC board mounting.
Customization options
The devices come in five standard colors, while others may be available upon request. Hammond operates two dedicated modification facilities, one in North America and the other in Europe, where enclosure modification teams can customize the boxes with holes, cutouts, silk screening, special length extrusions, and so forth. Those teams are available to help eliminate scrap and design errors by confirming correct interpretation of design requirements.
Conclusion
Hammond 1590 Series stomp boxes are a popular option for musicians. Product designers and do-it-yourselfers can incorporate a variety of sound and pitch-altering electronics such as distortion circuits, ring modulators, digital delays, plus chorus, flanger, and phaser circuits. Robust and resistant to dust and water—or water-tight with optional gaskets—these customizable enclosures can meet the needs of enthusiastic musicians during on-stage performances.
About the Author
Pete Bartolik is a freelance writer who has researched and written about IT and OT issues and products for more than two decades. He previously was news editor of the IT management publication Computerworld, editor-in-chief of a monthly end-user computer magazine, and a reporter with a daily newspaper.
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