Volume Pedal Recommendations?

Tom Karol · #1 08-16-2010, 08:41 AM

I'm considering getting a volume pedal. Intended use will be, guitar-volume pedal-amp - no additional effects. I just want it to be smooth, uncolored, and reliable - no particular bells or whistles. Any suggestions? Thanks!

GodinFan · #2 08-16-2010, 08:51 AM

I really like my Ernie Ball VP Jr. Solid, reliable and it has a tuner out as well.

Tom Karol · #3 08-16-2010, 09:13 AM

Thanks. I checked it out. $84 @ MF. They have a model for 'active' guitars (25 kOhm pot as opposed to a 250 kOhm pot for 'passive' guitars). This particular guitar is an acoustic/electric with a 9v-powered preamp (but the volume control is not easily changeable on the fly), so that could be important. And, yes, the tuner-out is very convenient. Thanks again.

jazzrat · #4 08-16-2010, 09:35 AM

I also use an EB Jr. for jazz gigs and a full size one on my pedal board.

mambosun · #5 08-16-2010, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GodinFan

I really like my Ernie Ball VP Jr. Solid, reliable and it has a tuner out as well.

I think the Boss FV500H could fit the bill too.

Very sturdy, very handy Vol mini control, many connections (incl. tuner out), and slightly cheaper than the EB.
I currently use the FV500L, at the end of my effect pedal board, but in your configuration the 500H is more appropriate.

Otto · #6 08-16-2010, 02:30 PM

The best one I know of is the one made for steel guitars by Telonics, Inc. in Mesa Arizona. It is expensive, but is very transparent in passing the sound through. Let me know if you want details and I can send information.

Dad3353 · #7 08-16-2010, 03:28 PM

Good evening, Tom...
The old Morley pedals are very reliable, colourless, and don't become 'scratchy' with time, being photo-electric. They are, however, mains-powered, not 'passive'. I like the huge chrome box and ultra-wide footplate. Built like a tank.

bluemood · #8 08-16-2010, 03:39 PM

I have a Jim Dunlop model GCB-80 passive volume pedel built like a tank...No color here ...Looks like a crybaby wha...I did have to adjust something when I first got it works fine...Erine ball seems to be the standard.

Scrybe · #9 08-16-2010, 03:45 PM

Another vote for the Ernie Ball as solid, reliable, and the best on the market that I've come across so far. I don't own one yet, but when I do go for a volume pedal (I try to work with the volume controls on my guitar instead, but am seeing the use more and more for a pedal in some situations), that'll be the one I get.

Tom Karol · #10 08-23-2010, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. The Ernie Ball VP Jr. looks good. But ...
I made 2 new patches on my VOX ToneLab ST (with built-in tuner).
1) Just a bit of spring reverb (which sounds better than the reverb on either of my amps anyway);
2) Just a bit of spring reverb preceded a touch of delay.
Then I actually read the manual in order to set the onboard volume pedal's maximum on 10 (default) and minimum on 7 (instead of the default of 0).
Now I've got relatively uncolored Jazz lead and rhythm settings for my A/E hybrid which has a volume control which is somewhat difficult to modify on the fly.
(My Tele and 335 clones don't present this problem.)