What's the difference between true bypass and buffered effects pedals?

In the world of guitar pedals, there are two main types of bypass: true bypass and buffered bypass. Both of these types of bypass have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to understand the differences between them in order to choose the right pedals for your rig.

TRUE BYPASS

True bypass is a type of bypass that allows the guitar's signal to pass through the pedal completely unaltered when the pedal is off. This means that when the pedal is not in use, it does not affect the guitar's tone in any way. This is often considered to be the "purest" form of bypass, and it is favored by many musicians for its clarity and transparency.

BUFFERED BYPASS

Buffered bypass, on the other hand, uses an active circuit to buffer the guitar's signal. This means that even when the pedal is off, the signal is still passing through the pedal's circuitry. This can have the effect of boosting the signal and making it more consistent, which can be useful in certain situations.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES  OF TRUE BYPASS 

One of the main advantages of true bypass is that it preserves the integrity of the guitar's tone. Because the signal is not passing through the pedal's circuitry when the pedal is off, there is no chance of the pedal degrading the guitar's tone. This can be especially important in rigs with many pedals, as each pedal's circuitry can add a small amount of coloration to the signal.

However, there are also some disadvantages to true bypass. Because the signal is not passing through the pedal's circuitry when the pedal is off, the pedal can actually weaken the guitar's signal. This can be particularly noticeable in rigs with long cable runs, as the signal can become weak and noisy over long distances.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES  OF BUFFERED BYPASS

In contrast, the main advantage of buffered bypass is that it can boost the guitar's signal and make it more consistent. This can be useful in rigs with long cable runs, as it can help to maintain the strength and clarity of the signal. Additionally, some pedals, such as overdrive pedals, actually require a buffered bypass in order to function properly.

However, there are also some disadvantages to buffered bypass. Because the signal is passing through the pedal's circuitry even when the pedal is off, the pedal can add a small amount of coloration to the guitar's tone. This can be particularly noticeable in rigs with many pedals, as the coloration from each pedal's circuitry can accumulate and affect the overall tone.

In conclusion, the difference between true bypass and buffered bypass is that true bypass allows the guitar's signal to pass through the pedal completely unaltered when the pedal is off, while buffered bypass uses an active circuit to buffer the guitar's signal. Both types of bypass have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on the specific needs of the musician and their rig.