Introduction
A volume pedal is an essential effects pedal that allows guitarists to control the volume of their instrument with their foot. It provides smooth, continuous volume control and enables guitarists to create lush volume swells, fade-ins and fade-outs, and momentary muting effects. Every guitarist should consider adding a volume pedal to their pedalboard or effects setup due to the creative possibilities it unlocks.
Volume pedals work by allowing you to control a potentiometer via a rocking foot treadle. As you press down on the treadle, it lowers the resistance on the potentiometer, allowing more of the guitar signal to pass through to the amp. This creates a smooth fade from silence to full volume. Releasing the treadle does the opposite, fading the volume down.
The top volume pedals on the market today include brands like Ernie Ball, Boss, Dunlop, Morley, and Mission Engineering. Popular models include the Ernie Ball VP Jr, Boss FV-500L, Dunlop DVP4, Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie, and Mission VM Pro. Each brand and model provides slightly different features, sweep ranges, size options, and pricing.
Volume pedals open up many creative options that can take your playing to the next level. You can create swelling crescendos, lower your volume for clean passages, eliminate pick noise, and even use a volume pedal as a basic wah effect. Every guitarist from bedroom players to touring pros can benefit from the precision volume control a dedicated pedal provides.
How Volume Pedals Work
Volume pedals come in two main types: passive and active. Passive volume pedals use a simple potentiometer and do not require a power source. The guitar signal passes through the potentiometer, which acts as a variable resistor to control the output volume.
Active volume pedals contain a buffer circuit and require power, usually via a 9V battery or DC power adapter. The buffer provides high input impedance, which prevents signal loss when the guitar’s output impedance interacts with the potentiometer’s resistance. This results in less high end loss compared to a passive volume pedal.
The most common potentiometer types used in volume pedals are:
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Linear – Provides an even rate of volume taper across the pedal’s sweep range. Useful for subtle, gradual volume swells.
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Audio – Similar to linear but with more volume early in the sweep range. Good for playing dynamics.
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Reverse Audio – Provides more volume late in the sweep range. Ideal for dramatic fade-in and swell effects.
Impedance is also an important consideration. Passive volume pedals with higher impedance (>250k ohms) are considered "hi-fi" and retain more high end when controlling lower impedance guitar pickups. "Lo-fi" volume pedals under 100k ohms exhibit a warmer, darker tone. Active pedals with buffer circuits reduce the need to match impedances.
Experimenting with different potentiometer types and impedance values can dramatically impact a volume pedal’s overall tone and sweep range. It’s worth trying out a few options to find the right feel and sound.
Choosing the Best Volume Pedal for Your Needs
When choosing a volume pedal, there are a few key factors to consider:
Size
Volume pedals come in a range of sizes, from mini pedals that save space on crowded boards, to full-size pedals with a longer sweep range.
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Mini volume pedals are extremely compact, often smaller than overdrive or distortion pedals. They take up minimal pedalboard real estate. The tradeoff is a shorter sweep range.
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Full-size volume pedals offer a smooth, gradual sweep thanks to their longer range. However, their larger footprint may present pedalboard placement challenges.
If pedalboard space is at a premium, mini volume pedals are the way to go. For maximum sweep range, full-size models are preferable.
Budget
Volume pedals span a wide spectrum of price points to suit different budgets:
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Under $50: Basic passive volume pedals. No bells and whistles, but get the job done.
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$50-$150: Mid-range models from trusted brands like Ernie Ball, Boss or Dunlop. Well-built and roadworthy.
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$150+: Pro-level volume pedals with premium features. Extended tonal options, tuner outs, LED displays and more.
When starting out, affordable volume pedals offer great value. As your experience grows, consider upgrading to a more versatile pro-level model.
Features
Here are some key features to look for in a volume pedal:
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Smooth, consistent sweep: The pedal’s sweep range should be gradual and even, not jumpy.
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Solid construction: Durable chassis and potentiometer materials withstand heavy use.
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True bypass: Maintains tone when bypassed. Active buffer circuits also available.
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Impedance switching: Lets you optimize for different input/output impedances.
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Tuner output: Handy for muting the signal to tune silently.
Prioritize a smooth sweep feel first. Extra features like tuner outs and impedance switching give added flexibility for gigging musicians.
Using Your Volume Pedal
Proper placement of your volume pedal is crucial to get the most out of it. The most common options are to place it:
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At the very start of your signal chain, before any pedals. This allows you to smoothly control the overall volume going into your other effects.
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In the effects loop of your amp. This lets you control your volume after your distortion/overdrive pedals, giving you cleaner swelling and muting effects.
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After your delay/reverb effects. This allows you to swell and mute the repeats and tails.
Some essential volume pedal techniques every guitarist should know:
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Volume swells – Rock your foot back to fade in notes or chords for dramatic impact.
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Faux boost – Set your pedal at less than max volume, then quickly rock forward for solos.
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Muting – Press down fully to cut off notes completely. Great for percussive chops.
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Slow fades – Gradually decrease your volume during a chord progression for fade-out effects.
Creative applications of volume pedals:
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Use as an expression controller for effects like wah or whammy pedals.
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Achieve swelling envelope filter effects by placing it before auto-wah pedals.
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Simulate violins by swelling in high notes on the G string.
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Fake a backward tape effect by swelling in notes and quickly muting.
Experiment with different placement options and volume pedal techniques to find exciting new tones and take control of your dynamics. The options are endless!
Volume Pedal Reviews
Ernie Ball VP Jr.
The Ernie Ball VP Jr. is one of the most popular mini volume pedals on the market. Its compact size makes it a great choice for crowded pedalboards, but it still provides a smooth and consistent sweep.
Pros:
- Small footprint saves pedalboard space
- Smooth tapered pot for natural volume sweep
- Durable construction for gigging musicians
- Affordable price around $100
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features of larger pedals
- Smaller sweep range than full-size pedals
Ideal For: Guitarists looking for a basic, road-worthy mini volume pedal. The VP Jr gets the job done without taking up much space.
Boss FV-500H
With high-end features like an LED indicator and tuner out, the Boss FV-500H is a top choice for pro guitarists. It delivers the smooth, consistent sweep Boss is known for in a rugged metal chassis.
Pros:
- Extra-long treadle for extended sweep range
- High-quality buffer circuit preserves tone
- LED indicator is easy to see on dark stages
- Tuner out jack for quick tuning between songs
Cons:
- Higher price around $150
- Larger size than mini pedals
Ideal For: Professional guitarists who need advanced features and rugged reliability. The FV-500H is built to withstand years of gigging.
Mission Engineering EP-1
The Mission Engineering EP-1 stands out with its ultra-compact size and top-mounted location of the treadle. It’s engineered for smooth, quiet operation despite its small footprint.
Pros:
- Innovative space-saving design
- Quiet optical sensor operation
- Affordable price under $100
Cons:
- Limited features compared to larger pedals
- Sweeping sideways may feel awkward
Ideal For: Guitarists with the most crowded pedalboards. The EP-1 takes up barely any space while still offering smooth, quality sweep control.
DIY Volume Pedal Projects
Building your own DIY volume pedal can be a fun and rewarding project for guitarists who want to customize their rig. Here are some tips for putting together a basic volume pedal at home:
Basic Passive Volume Pedal Build
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The main components needed are an enclosure, potentiometer, input and output jacks, and foot treadle. A passive volume pedal uses a simple resistor-based circuit.
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A 10K or 25K linear potentiometer wired as a variable resistor provides the volume control. Reverse log taper pots can also be used.
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Enclosure can be plastic or metal. Mount the potentiometer and jacks, then connect the foot treadle mechanism.
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Wiring is straightforward – input jack tip to one end of pot, output jack tip to the other. Sweep the treadle to vary resistance.
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Add knobs for min/max volume limits. Optionally add an LED indicator and true bypass switching.
Upgrade Ideas
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Buffer circuit – Add a buffer amp to prevent high-end loss on long cable runs. JFET buffers are a good option.
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Impedance selector – Use a rotary or toggle switch to select between high and low impedance modes.
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Expression out – Add a TRS jack to use the volume pedal as an expression controller.
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Tuner out – Install a tuner out jack for muting output when tuning.
DIY Resources
Check out these links for complete DIY volume pedal instructions, schematics, and parts lists:
BYOC Volume Pedal Instructions
General Guitar Gadgets Passive Volume Pedal
Mammoth Electronics Volume Pedal
Building your own volume pedal is a great way to learn about guitar effects and get just the features you want! The resources above make it easy to create a custom pedal to suit your needs.
Volume Pedal FAQ
Some common questions about volume pedals:
Do I need a volume pedal if my guitar already has volume knobs?
A volume pedal gives you much more precise and convenient control over your guitar’s volume than turning the knobs by hand. With a pedal you can create smooth, gradual volume swells and make quick mute/unmute effects during playing. The pedal also frees up both hands to focus on playing. So even with volume knobs, a dedicated volume pedal is incredibly useful.
Can you use any expression pedal as a volume pedal?
Technically yes, but expression pedals are designed for controlling effects parameters, not main volume. So they may not have the right sweep range, taper, or impedance optimzied for volume control. A pedal labeled as a "volume pedal" is engineered specifically for that purpose.
What’s the difference between a volume pedal and an expression pedal?
Expression pedals are made for controlling effects parameters and can be used with a wide variety of pedals. Volume pedals are specialized for controlling a guitar’s main volume level. Volume pedals aim to retain tone and dynamics better. But in a pinch, an expression pedal can be used for volume.
Are optical volume pedals better than potentiometer-based ones?
Optical pedals use an infrared LED and photoresistor for smooth, contactless operation. Potentiometer pedals use a sliding pot for classic analog feel. Optical pedals are known for exceptional durability and reliability. But some players prefer the vintage vibe of a quality potentiometer pedal. Try both to choose!
Can a volume pedal also work as a gain boost?
Volume pedals reduce the signal, so they can’t boost gain on their own. But some pedals have a built-in active buffer circuit that provides up to 20dB of clean gain. This allows the pedal to unity match the bypassed signal level or even give a volume boost. It’s a useful feature for certain setups.
Conclusion
When shopping for a volume pedal, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, think about your needs – do you need a compact mini pedal to save space on your crowded pedalboard, or a full-sized pedal with a longer sweep range? Look at the features too – do you want a pedal with a tuner out, buffer circuit, or advanced taper curve? Setting a budget will also help narrow your choices.
Once you’ve found the right volume pedal for your rig, spend time experimenting with it and learning some essential techniques. Using your heel toe to rock the pedal, practicing smooth, gradual swells, and incorporating muting are skills every guitarist should develop. With some practice, you’ll be able to pull off jaw-dropping swells, kill the noise between chord changes, and use your volume pedal dynamically like an instrument.
Beyond the basics, a volume pedal unlocks creative possibilities limited only by your imagination. Try using your volume pedal as a faux-wah effect, or hook it up to your delay pedal for cascading repeats that fade in and out. Some volume pedals can also function as expression controllers – you can use them to control parameters on other effects. The sounds you can create are endless.
Investing in a quality volume pedal is one of the best ways to take your guitar playing and creativity to the next level. They enable techniques and textures simply not possible with your guitar’s volume knobs alone. With the right volume pedal for your needs, you’ll find inspiration in new and exciting ways.
Related Products
While dedicated volume pedals are the best way to precisely control your volume, there are some alternative pedals that can provide volume control in different ways. These can be handy additions or substitutions depending on your needs and setup.
Expression Pedals
Expression pedals are very similar to volume pedals in how they work. The main difference is that expression pedals are designed to control parameters other than just volume, like effects levels, wah, pitch shifting, and more.
Many guitarists use expression pedals for volume rather than dedicated volume pedals because they offer more versatility. The downside is they may not feel or function quite as smoothly for volume applications specifically. Popular choices include:
- Dunlop DVP4
- Mission Engineering EP-1
- Moog EP-3
- Roland EV-5
Volume Boxes
Simple volume boxes like the Ernie Ball 6166 provide a mini volume pedal in a compact stompbox format. Just tap with your foot to boost or cut volume as needed.
While not as nuanced as a full-size volume pedal, these are great for gaining quick volume control without taking up much pedalboard space.
Amp Channel Switchers
If you have an amp with footswitchable channels, a channel switcher pedal like the Boss FS-5L can be handy for volume boosts.
For example, set your clean channel at a lower master volume, and your high-gain channel much louder for solos. Then switch channels with your foot when you need a volume boost.
Compressor Pedals
Compressor pedals like the MXR Dyna Comp can also increase your guitar’s output volume, especially when playing dynamics are high. Use your guitar’s volume knob to control overall output.
While not a direct substitute, compressor pedals can give some volume swelling effects and boost consistency.
Volume/Expression Multi-Function Pedals
Pedals like the Source Audio Dual Expression offer both volume and expression control in a single pedal. Presets can be saved for using it as either a volume or expression pedal.
This combines the precision of a volume pedal with the flexibility of an expression pedal in one compact unit.
Final Thoughts
Volume pedals are an essential tool that every guitarist should have in their rig. They open up a world of expressive possibilities, from gentle swells to dramatic fade-outs. With the ability to precisely control your guitar’s volume, you gain immense creative flexibility.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the top volume pedals on the market, dug into the engineering behind them, and provided tips on how to maximize their potential. While the options may seem overwhelming at first, the core functionality of volume pedals is simple – a smooth, consistent sweep to shape your guitar’s dynamics.
When choosing a volume pedal, prioritize feel and reliability over bells and whistles. Test different models in person whenever possible. Consider your budget, but don’t sacrifice quality. With proper care, a sturdy volume pedal will last for years of gigging and recording.
It’s time to stop leaving your guitar’s volume static. Add a volume pedal to your board and transform your playing. Experiment with swelling in chords, fading out solos, and crafting fluid transitions. The only limit is your imagination – let your inner expression sing. A volume pedal is one of the most rewarding investments any guitarist can make.