How To Install A Guitar Killswitch
Applying power to the LED without the resistor in place can instantly fry the LED.
- LED Killswitch Wire Layout
- LED Model Installation, for Mono Jack Guitars
- LED Model Installation, for Stereo Jack Guitars
- Non-LED Model Installation
- Additional Killswitch Information
Even if the wire color is different,
the position in relation to the "LED color indicator" dot
will be the same.
Installation For Mono Jack Guitars
This can conserve more battery life over time,
but the killswitch will also work 100%
even if the LED is turned off.
This is the diagram to use if you intend to use some sort of toggle switch to operate the LED, and you don't have or want to use a stereo jack.
Here's a 2nd video showing a similar method of using a toggle for the LED.
Installation For Stereo Jack Guitars
Most guitars with active pickups will have a stereo jack & battery already installed which can also be shared to power the LED.
If you purchased an installation kit, a stereo jack, battery, and connector will be included to wire this configuration. The battery can be stored in most electronics cavities & there's no need to route a new compartment.
This video shows how to wire the killswitch & LED so the light turns on when a cable is plugged in (using a stereo jack)
Non-LED Models
(Both Mono & Stereo Jacks)
and are super easy to install!
Simply connect 1 of the wires to the sleeve(ground) at the jack,
and the other wire to the tip/hot lug.
The two most common jack types are shown & labeled for your reference.
This is for installing a non-LED switch by replacing a potentiometer/knob.
Here's a 2nd video which also shows a non-LED installation, as well as some insights on the LED models.
This video created by Derek at Big D Guitars. (Thank you!)
Additional Information
Installation Kits & Drill Bits
$7.00
Everything You Need In One PlaceMake Your Installation A Breeze
- Here you can find the various kits & accessories to install your killswitch. There's 2 basic kits available for just about any guitar, they are both the same other than the power source used. Both will power your LED for over 100 continuous hours:
#1 - 9v Battery Kit This is perhaps a more common kit since some guitars already have cavities for 9v batteries. If space issues are not a concern, this is a good choice.
The kit includes both a Stereo Jack & a Micro-switch. You can use either one depending on how you want to wire the LED of your switch. The stereo jack will allow you to automatically turn on the LED when a cable is plugged into the guitar, and the micro-switch lets turns your LED on or off whenever you want.
Please note that the kill-switch can still operate even with the LED turned off or left disconnected. Drill bits are available separately (see drop down menu)
#2 - CR2032 (Slim) Battery Kit If you have a guitar like the Ibanez S series, or are running tight on space, this is the better kit. These include a battery carrier, two CR2032 batteries, and both Stereo Jack & Micro-switch.
The profile is much thinner than a regular 9v so you get the benefit of space savings. When one of these kits is used, the included inline resistor (LED models only) is not required for installation. The resistor is only required when using a 9v.
Both Kits are $7 each - Drill bits are available separately -
Our drill bits are made from steel, and can be used to install any and all Iron Age kill-switches. Drill bits are sold separately from the installation kits.
Why use this style of drill bit?
The "Forstner" style bits have a center guide pin that helps to stabilize the spinning bit as it cuts. The result of these bits is a very smooth accurate cut while other bits can have a less-than-desirable rough edge.
To obtain the best results, it's recommended that you drill from the top of the guitar into the electronics cavity. This will ensure the cleanest cut where it matters most.
Quick Tip: Before you start, it helps to lay down some painters tape to protect areas around the drilling point.
Also, you can make an indentation exactly where you want to start using the bit's center guide pin.This will help to keep the bit exactly where you want it once you begin to drill.
Light pressure is best to let the bit do the cutting of the guitar finish before applying a moderate pressure once you're down to the actual wood.
The drill bit diameter is 16mm & can be used to install ALL of our switches.
Each drill bit is $7
*Drill bits are sold separately & are not included with any of the installation kits. -
Needle Rasp Files are now available for enlarging potentiometer holes in order to fit a killswitch. This is the preferred method to use for those wanting to replace their tone knob for a killswitch instead of trying to drill a larger hole without a drill press.
**Our forstner bits are not recommended for hole enlargement as they require material to grab onto at the center for guidance.
Splice Kits For those who aren't solder-savvy or don't have the tools at hand, splices are available. Each splice kit has a total of 4 splices. These are best for non-LED kill-switches where you can simply tap into the ground & hot wires at the jack instead of soldering onto the leads.
If you have an LED model switch, some soldering would still be required for the resistor & maybe the battery connector wires. To make these work, all you need is some pliers.
The terminal ends get crimped onto the wires of your kill-switch.
Next the folding splice gets wrapped around the wire you wish to tap into (ground & hot wire coming from the jack).
Once the wire is seated in between the metal blade, firmly close the splice until it snaps shut.
Finally connect your kill-switch wire with the terminal attached to the side of the splice until it seats firmly.
Needle rasp files are $3 & Splice kits (4 Splices) are $2
Iron Age Guitar Kill Switch (non-LED)
$29.00
"THIS Is The Perfect Mod To Set Your Axe Apart"No Tacky Kill-Boxes or Extra Pedals, Just Sleek Looks & Supreme Functionality.
-
With your finger on the button,
all it takes is a pleasant click to unleash a barrage of exhilarating
possibilities.We've all seen those bulky & brightly colored killswitches that can detract from your guitar's original style.
And using a killswitch pedal just doesn't allow for the same quick-action functionality.
With our killswitches however, the power is quite literally at your fingertips.
You can momentarily cut the power to your pickups in an instant without missing a beat, it's all within reach. These are "momentary switches".
Not only that but if you're looking to install a new mod or add a finishing touch to your guitar project. These switches are perfect for matching your current guitar's hardware.
It's a sleek factory-look available in 3 attractive finishes.
- Black Stealth
- Spartan Steel
- Vintage Gold
Your Search For The Right Switch Ends Here.It's the distinguishing factor to any hot-rodded guitar or project axe that so many guitarists agree with.
There's a Reason We're Number One
When it comes to guitar kill-switches, we don't cut corners & our customer satisfaction is top-notch. See for yourself below!
**Intended for high-gain applications,
as using these with clean tones can lead to unwanted popping when activated
as with all kill-switches. -
Rated for a whopping 500,000 presses,
these switches are ready to endure some serious abuse over the years.
They're what's called "momentary switches",
meaning that they only cut-off ( ground out) your guitar's signal while being pressed,and resume normal sound when released.
When this technique is used rhythmically & in conjunction with your playing,
it creates a machinegun/stutter effect that some notable guitar players have adopted as a distinction to their playing.
(Buckethead, Eddie Van Halen, & Tom Morello)
Unlike our LED illuminated switches that have several installation options,
these ones work with BOTH active/passive pickups & still look outstanding! -
As far as hooking up the electronics, it can be done in no time flat.
Simply connect one wire to a ground of your choice (Jack, Ground Plate, or Back of Potentiometer)
and
connect the other lead to your pickup's positive+ (At the Jack or Potentiometer).
There's no polarity so there's no way to mix up these two wires.That's it.
It really is that simple.To make installation more streamlined, all of our killswitches have the same 16mm mounting-hole diameter.
Use your own drill/bit or method, or pick up the exact diameter bit along with your order >here<
-
Each switch is built with a construction that emanates quality from the second you grasp it in your hand.
They're built TOUGH to withstand anything you throw at them.
And the button's action?
The button itself is nothing less than satisfying to click, providing crisp action & a smooth release for functionality that inspires confident playing.
All switches are pre-wired to make installation a breeze & save you time.
Installation can be accomplished in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Each switch has a slightly raised button so you can pinpoint it by feel and a distinguishing Iron Age logo so you know it's up for anything.
Each order includes:- 1 Premium Killswitch (Pre-wired)
- 1 Rubber gasket to protect your guitar's finish underneath.
- 3 Complementary Iron Age Picks
- An "Iron-Fist" 365-day, no-bull ,Warranty
- Incredible customer service around the globe which Iron Age is known for.
No other install kits are required.
>Click Here< for our bits
Order yours today & get ready for inspiring action and a new wave of creativity to flow with every press!
-
Here at Iron Age, our mission isn't accomplished at checkout.
It's not done when your item ships out,
nor when it arrived conveniently at your door.
Only when you're 100% satisfied with your purchase, can we rest knowing that we did an outstanding job.
That's why we offer our "Iron Fist" Warranty that covers all switches for an entire 365 days. No bull & no questions asked.
If you believe your switch arrived defective, we'll take your word for it.
If it goes out for any reason during this time or stops functioning as intended,
no problem.
It doesn't matter if you're here in the US or across the pond in France or Indonesia, we'll make it right 100%.
Don't hesitate now, choose the finish that suits you best & order today,
knowing that you're getting the best in the business.
Spartan Steel, LED Guitar Kill Switch
$30.00
"Create Insane Effects Like the Pros With a Push of a Button"All The Power, At Your Fingertips
-
Everyone is looking for something that sets them apart.
an uncommon sound.That's because if we're truly saying something,
that expression will belong to us and to nobody else.
**Intended for high-gain applications,
To that end,
many of us search for things that will allow us to exhibit our creativity and make a statement that feels radically different.
Adding a killswitch to your gear arsenal is like adding an entirely new dimension to your dynamics;
a different way to express & shape your musical phrasing.
After all,
sometimes it's not What you say, but How you say it.
Not only that,
but a spectacular mod such as this one,
can open new avenues of creativity for you to explore.
Iron Age killswitches - Simple, versatile and hugely powerful.
as using these with clean tones can lead to unwanted popping when activated
as with all kill-switches. - Our momentary kill switches work by cutting power to your pickups while being pressed,
and resume to your normal operation when released.
When this technique is used rhythmically & in simultaneously with your playing,
it creates a staccato/machinegun effect that some notable guitarists have adopted as a signature to their playing.
(Buckethead, Eddie Van Halen, & Tom Morello)
Remember
“The music is in the space between the notes”
-Debussy
-
Lucky for you, these switches are compatible with BOTH passive & active pickup guitar setups.
It just depends on the configuration you want to use.
Do you want control of the LED? Any toggle switch will work for this, but we also offer some micro-switches on our Installation Kit page. (Install Kits are optional & sold separately)
Do you want the LED to automatically turn on when the instrument cable is inserted? Then a simple stereo jack will do the trick. Most active-pickup guitars already have one installed! These are also available on our Installation Kit page. (Install Kits are optional & sold separately)
Can you use the killswitch without the LED? For sure, simply cap off the two lighting wires. The switch will still function 100%
Do these work on bass guitars too? Absolutely worked on this awesome Krashburn Atlass II Bass :)
Installation is a breeze with our provided installation guides & FAQ.
Countless customers have transformed their guitars into outstanding icons with little to no issues due to the resources provided & our willingness to help.Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions regarding installation.
-
Say goodbye to bulky kill-boxes or finicky plastic buttons!
Each killswitch features a stainless "spartan" steel look that's both
rugged & embodies relentless durability.The button's action leaves a satisfying click in its wake, providing you with accurate, reliable functionality. It's also a joy to press!
On a dark stage, the illuminated button is a real eye-grab, inspiring confidence and quickly pinpointing the button without missing a beat.
To make life just a bit easier for you, each switch comes with professionally soldered leads. This saves you time & some of the hassle of having to hook up extra wires.
Installation is a cinch with just some basic wiring skills. There's 2 killswitch wires, & 2 LED wires. There's no need for complicated splicing or wire-routing. You can have your switch up & running in as little as half an hour.
There's 3 LED colors available to light up the stage!
Blue, Red, & White
Are LED Lights not your thing? No worries. You can simply cap off the LED wires & leave them unhooked. Just connect the remaining 2 killswitch wires.
You still get 100% functionality & a super-sleek look.
Each order includes:
- 1 Premium LED Killswitch (Pre-wired)
- 1 Rubber gasket to protect your guitar's finish underneath.
- 1 150 ohms resistor for your LED
- 3 Complementary Iron Age Picks
- An "Iron-Fist" 365-day, no-bull ,Warranty
- Incredible customer service around the globe which Iron Age is known for.
**Installation kits & drill bits are optional & sold separately
>Click Here< to learn morePick your LED color & order yours today. A new dimension of rhythmic playing awaits!
- Here at Iron Age, our mission doesn't end at checkout.
It doesn't end when your item ships out,
nor when it arrives conveniently in your mailbox.
Only when you're 100% satisfied with your purchase, can we rest assured that we did an outstanding job.
For this reason, our "Iron Fist" Warranty is offered, covering all switches for an entire 365-days. No bull & no questions asked.
If you believe your switch arrived defective, we'll take your word for it.
If it goes out for any reason during this time or stops functioning as intended,
no problem.
It doesn't matter if you're here in the US, up north in Canada, or across the pond in Sweden, we'll make it right 100%.
Knowing that you're getting the best in the business,
don't hesitate now, choose the LED color that suits you best & order yours today!
Black Stealth, LED Guitar Killswitch
$30.00
"All The Power, At Your Fingertips"
Create Insane Effects Like the Pros With a Push of a Button
- Sometimes you want to make a statement.
You don’t just want to speak, you want to yell.
You don’t just want to paint, you want to drench.
Playing guitar is as tactical as it is creative,
and knowing how to surprise an audience
can be the difference between "so-so" or creating a remarkable impression.
Knowing when and being able to pull out the stops,
just at the height of tension,
can make your performance linger well beyond its time.
It can be a way of not just speaking but being heard.
A killswitch is a tool that can you accomplish just that.
To push your music even further and to break the tension like a fever.
Killswitches are a simple,
easy way to add a whole new dimension to your playing,
and totally transform your guitar into a show-stopper.
**Intended for high-gain applications,
as using these with clean tones can lead to unwanted popping when activated
as with all kill-switches. -
A guitar kill-switch works by momentarily cutting power to your pickups while pressed.
Once you release the button, all sound instantly resumes back to normal.This does not harm your pickups or electronics at all, and is done by simply grounding out the pickup signal.
When used rhythmically & in conjunction with your playing,
it creates a choppy/staccato effect that some prominent guitarists have adopted as a staple to their playing.
(Buckethead, Eddie Van Halen, & Tom Morello)
Afterall,
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”
-Mozart -
Lucky for you, these switches are compatible with BOTH passive & active pickup guitar setups.
It just depends on the configuration you want to use.
Do you want control of the LED? A passive install kit w/ micro switch will do.
Do you want the LED to automatically turn on when the instrument cable is inserted? Then an active install kit with a stereo jack will do the trick. (Most active-pickup guitars already have one installed!)
Can you use the killswitch without the LED? For sure, simply cap off the two lighting wires. The switch will still function 100%
Do these work on bass guitars too? Absolutely worked on this awesome Krashburn Atlass II Bass :)
Installation is a breeze with our provided installation guides & FAQ.
Countless customers have transformed their guitars into outstanding icons with little to no issues due to the resources provided. -
No more evil kill-boxes or tacky buttons!
Each of our killswitches features a stealthy black finish to have your guitar looking like a nighthawk stealth bomber.
The aircraft-grade aluminum body is nothing less than rugged too. Up for anything you throw at it, and ready to provide countless hours of fun effects.
The button's action leaves a satisfying click in its wake, providing you with accurate, reliable functionality. It's also a joy to press!On a dark stage, the illuminated button is a real eye-grab, and can be quickly pinpointed without missing a beat.
To make life just a bit easier for you, each switch comes with professionally soldered leads. This saves you time & some of the hassle of having to hook up extra wires.
Installation is a cinch with just some basic wiring skills. There's 2 killswitch wires, & 2 LED wires. There's no need for complicated splicing or wire-routing. You can have your switch up & running in as little as half an hour.
There's 6 LED colors available to light up the stage!Blue, Green, Magenta, Red, Yellow, & White
Are LED Lights not your thing? No worries. You can simply cap off the LED wires & leave them unhooked. Just connect the remaining 2 killswitch wires.
You still get 100% functionality & a low-key stealthy look.
Each order includes:- 1 Premium LED Killswitch (Pre-wired)
- 1 Rubber gasket to protect your guitar's finish underneath.
- 1 150 ohms resistor for your LED
- 3 Complementary Iron Age Picks
- An "Iron-Fist" 365-day, no-bull ,Warranty
- Incredible customer service around the globe which Iron Age is known for.
**Installation kits & drill bits are optional & sold separately
>Click Here< to learn morePick your LED color & order yours today. A new dimension of rhythmic playing awaits!
-
Here at Iron Age, our mission doesn't end at checkout.
It doesn't end when your item ships out,
nor when it arrives conveniently in your mailbox.
Only when you're 100% satisfied with your purchase, can we rest assured that we did an outstanding job.
For this reason, our "Iron Fist" Warranty is offered, covering all switches for an entire 365-days. No bull & no questions asked.
If you believe your switch arrived defective, we'll take your word for it.
If it goes out for any reason during this time or stops functioning as intended,
no problem.
It doesn't matter if you're here in the US or across the pond in the UK or New Zealand, we'll make it right 100%.
Knowing that you're getting the best in the business,
don't hesitate now, choose the LED color that suits you best & order today!
Spartan Steel (Chrome), LED Guitar Kill Switch (Toggle)
$33.00
Kill The Signal In Between Sets"They Do In Fact Engage. Replace Your Volume Knob & Go Full Blast On/Off"
-
Everyone is looking for something that sets them apart.
an uncommon sound.That's because if we're truly saying something,
that expression will belong to us and to nobody else.
To that end,
many of us search for things that will allow us to exhibit our creativity and make a statement that feels radically different.
Adding one of these killswitch to your gear arsenal is like adding an entirely new dimension to your dynamics;
a different way to express & shape your musical phrasing.And because it can be used as a toggle, it's great for muting your guitar in between sets.
After all,
sometimes it's not What you say, but How you say it.
Not only that,
but a spectacular mod such as this one,
can open new avenues of creativity for you to explore.
Iron Age killswitches - Simple, versatile and hugely powerful. -
This model of killswitch acts just like a toggle. When pressed, it remains engaged & all sound is eliminated. That is, until you press the button again to disengage & resume normal sound.
It can however, still be used rhythmically to create momentary killswitch effects, it just takes a bit more effort to match the speed of our regular momentary switches.
The mechanism itself acts by grounding out the signal to your pickups. Meaning the signal never reaches back to your amp & is stopped at the source. This doesn't harm your electronics in any way, nor does it create any unwanted popping noises when activated in distorted guitars.
Some notable guitarists who have adopted the killswitch as a signature to their playing include:
Buckethead, Eddie Van Halen, & Tom Morello
Remember
“The music is in the space between the notes”
-Debussy -
Lucky for you, these switches are compatible with BOTH passive & active pickup guitar setups.
It just depends on the configuration you want to use.
Do you want control of the LED? Any toggle switch will work for this, but we also offer some micro-switches on our Installation Kit page. (Install Kits are optional & sold separately)
Do you want the LED to automatically turn on when the instrument cable is inserted? Then a simple stereo jack will do the trick. Most active-pickup guitars already have one installed! These are also available on our Installation Kit page. (Install Kits are optional & sold separately)
Can you use the killswitch without the LED? For sure, simply cap off the two lighting wires. The switch will still function 100%
Do these work on bass guitars too? Absolutely worked on this awesome Krashburn Atlass II Bass :)
Installation is a breeze with our provided installation guides & FAQ.
Countless customers have transformed their guitars into outstanding icons with little to no issues due to the resources provided & our willingness to help.Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions regarding installation.
-
Say goodbye to bulky kill-boxes or finicky plastic buttons!
Each killswitch features a stainless "spartan" steel look that's both
rugged & embodies relentless durability.The button's action leaves a satisfying click in its wake, providing you with accurate, reliable functionality. It's also a joy to press!
On a dark stage, the illuminated button is a real eye-grab, inspiring confidence and quickly pinpointing the button without missing a beat.
To make life just a bit easier for you, each switch comes with professionally soldered leads. This saves you time & some of the hassle of having to hook up extra wires.
Installation is a cinch with just some basic wiring skills. There's 2 killswitch wires, & 2 LED wires. There's no need for complicated splicing or wire-routing. You can have your switch up & running in as little as half an hour.
There's 3 LED colors available to light up the stage!
Blue, Red, & White
Are LED Lights not your thing? No worries. You can simply cap off the LED wires & leave them unhooked. Just connect the remaining 2 killswitch wires.
You still get 100% functionality & a super-sleek look.
Each order includes:
- 1 Premium LED Killswitch (Pre-wired)
- 1 Rubber gasket to protect your guitar's finish underneath.
- 1 150 ohms resistor for your LED
- 3 Complementary Iron Age Picks
- An "Iron-Fist" 365-day, no-bull ,Warranty
- Incredible customer service around the globe which Iron Age is known for.
**Installation kits & drill bits are optional & sold separately
>Click Here< to learn morePick your LED color & order yours today.
- Here at Iron Age, our mission doesn't end at checkout.
It doesn't end when your item ships out,
nor when it arrives conveniently in your mailbox.
Only when you're 100% satisfied with your purchase, can we rest assured that we did an outstanding job.
For this reason, our "Iron Fist" Warranty is offered, covering all switches for an entire 365-days. No bull & no questions asked.
If you believe your switch arrived defective, we'll take your word for it.
If it goes out for any reason during this time or stops functioning as intended,
no problem.
It doesn't matter if you're here in the US, up north in Canada, or across the pond in Sweden, we'll make it right 100%.
Knowing that you're getting the best in the business,
don't hesitate now, choose the LED color that suits you best & order yours today!