A footswitch lets you change amp channels, turn reverb on or off or switch a boost without bending down to the knobs. They are model-specific, so the jack type and the number of buttons need to match your amp.
The six units below include a single-button Fender, a Hosa with two latching switches, a Boss that can latch or act as momentary, a three-function Fender, a Peavey with LEDs and a Vox with a stereo cable. Details come from each listing page. We have not used these products ourselves, and durability wording is the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Amp compatibility | Many models fit only certain amps, so check the listing |
| Buttons | One button suits a channel change; two or three add effects control |
| Latching or momentary | Latching stays on until pressed again, momentary works while held |
| Jack and cable | Check for a 1/4 inch plug and whether a cable is supplied |
Specs at a Glance
| Footswitch | Buttons | Connector | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender 1-Button 099-4049-000 | 1 | 1/4 inch jack | Listed for FM, Mustang and Blues Junior amps |
| Hosa FSC-385 | 2 | 1/4 inch TRS | Dual-latching; guitar style |
| BOSS FS-6 | 2 | 1/4 inch stereo input | Each switch set to latch or momentary |
| Fender 2-Button 3-Function | 2 | 1/4 inch jack | Channel, gain and more gain |
| PEAVEY 03620960 | 2 | 1/4 inch cable, 15 ft | LED lights; detachable cable |
| Vox VFS2A | 2 | Stereo cable included | All-metal; twin LEDs |
The 6 Best Guitar Amp Footswitches
1. Fender 1-Button FootSwitch
A single-button footswitch for Fender amps with a 1/4 inch jack, listed as compatible with the FM, Mustang and Blues Junior amps. The listing gives few other details and no cable length.
Suits: a simple channel change on a listed Fender amp. Strengths: a clear amp match. Weaknesses: one button and sparse details. Skip it if your amp is not on the list.
View Fender 1-Button FootSwitch 099-4049-000 on Amazon
2. Hosa FSC-385 Dual-Latching
A guitar-style footswitch with two independent latching controls, a rugged build per the maker and connection through 1/4 inch plugs. The listing describes the connector as TRS and says it works with a wide range of gear, so confirm your amp needs a dual latching switch.
Suits: an amp with two latching jacks. Strengths: two controls in one box. Weaknesses: a general listing without model matches. Skip it if you need momentary action.
View Hosa FSC-385 Footswitch Guitar-style Dual-latching on Amazon
3. BOSS FS-6 Dual Footswitch
A compact unit that combines latch-type and momentary-type switching. Each switch can be assigned as latch or momentary, and a stereo input jack allows a single stereo cable. It can be linked to other Boss footswitches such as the FS-5U, FS-5L and AB-2.
Suits: amps or pedals that accept either action. Strengths: assignable switch types. Weaknesses: no cable is mentioned. Skip it if you want a single-button unit.
View BOSS FS-6 Dual Footswitch on Amazon
4. Fender 2-Button 3-Function
A two-button Fender footswitch labeled for channel, gain and more gain with a 1/4 inch jack. The listing says it is a genuine Fender part, model 0994062000, and gives a package weight of 1.0 pound. Some electrical fields look generic, so check amp compatibility on the page.
Suits: Fender amps that use channel and gain switching. Strengths: three functions from two buttons. Weaknesses: thin details. Skip it if your amp is another brand.
View Fender 2-Button 3-Function Footswitch Channel Gain More Gain on Amazon
5. PEAVEY 03620960 2-Button
A two-button stereo footswitch labeled 1 and 2 with LED lights for dim stages, a molded housing, built-in feet and metal switch parts. A 15 foot detachable 1/4 inch cable with a straight and a right-angle connector is included.
Suits: a Peavey amp with a two-button input. Strengths: LEDs and a long cable. Weaknesses: model fit needs checking. Skip it if you want a metal case.
View PEAVEY 03620960 Multi-Purpose 2-Button Footswitch With LED on Amazon
6. Vox VFS2A Dual
A dual guitar footswitch with all-metal construction, twin LED indicators and a stereo cable included for connecting to the amp, per the listing.
Suits: a Vox amp with a dual footswitch input. Strengths: metal body and LEDs. Weaknesses: few other specs. Skip it if your amp needs a three-button unit.
View Vox VFS2A Dual Guitar Footswitch on Amazon
Setup Tips
- Plug the footswitch in while the amp is off, then power on.
- Check the amp manual for the jack label and the type of cable it expects.
- Route the cable along the edge of the stage so nobody trips on it.
- Keep the switch on a non-slip mat or the pedalboard.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a footswitch without checking the amp model.
- Mixing up latching and momentary behaviour.
- Using the wrong cable type for a stereo jack.
- Assuming every listing includes a cable.
Amp Footswitches FAQ
Which ones are dual latching?
The Hosa FSC-385 is listed as dual-latching, and the BOSS FS-6 lets each switch be set to latch or momentary.
Which ones have LEDs?
The PEAVEY 03620960 and the Vox VFS2A list LED indicators.
The Short Version
For a listed Fender amp, the Fender 1-Button. For two latching controls, the Hosa FSC-385. For switchable action, the BOSS FS-6. For channel and gain, the Fender 2-Button. For LEDs and a long cable, the PEAVEY. For a metal body, the Vox VFS2A.
