If you are serious about your guitar playing, you will want the best volume pedal.
While most guitar players don’t even consider the necessity of a volume pedal in their instruments, learning to use the volume control on your guitar will open up a whole new world of subtleties and expression in your playing.
It can be easy to get seduced by pretty designs and colors of volume pedals, but in this case, it’s important to cut through the marketing fluff and find the volume pedal that’s best for your needs.
I’ve done the hard work for you (and selected my own pedal) and have found the best pedals in the market. They are listed below for your review.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 250K Potentiometer | Best Overall |  |
| Quik Lok VP-26U Volume Pedal | Budget Pick |  |
| Ernie Ball MVP | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 250K Potentiometer
Pros:
- Very cost-effective
- Improves your volume swells
- Small and compact design
- Great for stomp combos
- Smoother feels than the Boss FV-500
Cons:
- Dull volume knob
- Reliability can be questionable at times
The Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 is one of the best volume pedals for any budget. It is incredibly cheap compared to other pedals, but it still offers an exceptional effect that people won’t be able to ignore.
It offers a classic design that you would expect from a volume pedal, and its knob is a smooth, large diameter that is very easy to twist. This volume pedal from Ernie Ball comes in very handy during live performance situations because it gives you more freedom of control.
When you pull this pedal into its resting position, it will click into place or lock out. This enables you to use the pedal as a hard-tail switch for your pedalboard setup.
2. Ernie Ball MVP
Pros:
- Easy to use – you can change volume with your foot
- High-quality non-slip rubber pads
- Generously sized and great for big joints
- Several levels of sensitivity
- Easy to use for either left or right foot players
- Classic design that’s perfect for any amp
- One of the best volume pedals on the market today
Cons:
- Power only lasts for about five hours of use
- Switch gets stuck on and off
- Higher price point than most pedals
This great volume pedal from Ernie Ball is an excellent choice on our list of the best volume pedals for guitar. It’s easy to use, and it comes with several benefits that make it ideal for use during a gig.
The Ernie Ball MVP Pedal is a large sized pedal, and this is a great thing as it’s about the size of your foot – so you don’t miss a beat or have to look down to make your changes. Muscle memory is also excellent with this pedal as your foot will automatically hit the right spot.
3. BOSS Heavy Duty Low Impedence Line Level Stereo Volume/Expression Guitar Pedal
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Dual output jacks
- 3-way pickup selector
- True bypass
- Angled to make it easier to use
- 9-volt power
Everyone who has ever played the electric guitar has needed a volume pedal at some point. Whether you’re looking for more control over your effects pedals or integrating volume control into your practice routines, it’s important to choose the right pedal for your needs. Entry-level options offer a less complicated design, while others can handle loads of volume, come with rugged metal cabling, and/or have some special features that take your playing to the next level.
If you’re new to the world of volume pedals, we recommend selecting from an entry-level pedal that also includes volume expression. The Boss FV-500 is a great place to start if you want to practice in your room and learn how to manipulate the sound by varying the effects.
If you’re a pro who needs to practice with distortion and drive on a regular basis, then the FV-500L is a great option as it gives you a three-way amp selector switch instead of the typical volume and wah effects.
4. Signstek Guitar Stereo Sound Volume Pedal DJ Band Guitar Pedal
This is an awesome little pedal. I have it hooked up to a wireless transmitter and use it to control the level of the Headphone Amp in my home studio. Very useful and it s worth considering buying.
5. Valeton EP-2 Passive Volume & Expression Guitar Bass Keyboard Synth Synthesizer Workstation EXP Pedal
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Sturdy design that’s great for beginners, but reliable enough for pros as well
- Special design that’s great for connecting to all kinds of electronic equipment
The Valeton EP-2 is your solid basic option for a volume pedal. One thing to note about this pedal, though, is that it does not include a rubber cover. This volume pedal is suitable for a variety of instruments, and it also comes with a range of options for how you want to use it.
With a full metal body and a wide base plate, the EP-2 is tough enough to stand up to the wear and tear symptoms of playing on the road. The rubber end of the pedal on the other end provides grip, as does a rubber strip running down the middle. This strip also comes in handy if you’re playing standing up and don’t want the pedal to snap off if it hits the floor.
6. Morley PLA Steve Vai Little Alligator Optical Volume Pedal
Pros:
- Unique and attractive design
- Available in a number of color options
- Able to control your entire rig from a single point
- Great for all kinds of musicians
- Compatible with other amplifiers and systems
- Ships worldwide
- Doesn’t need batteries
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Occasional reliability issues
- Some issues with the on-off switch
Volume and wah pedals are staples of the modern musician’s rig. And one of the best volume pedals on the market today is the PLA Steve Vai little alligator from Morley. This smooth as butter and highly precise pedal is perfect for musicians looking to enhance their tone.
The PLA Steve Vai comes with a unique design and a responsive electromagnetic design which allows you to control multiple amplifiers and entire rigs with it. On top of that it’s also adaptable, as you can use it with both active guitar and bass rigs. Plus it ships worldwide.
The PLA Steve Vai little alligator has an incredibly fluid operation, and the best part is that it doesn’t need batteries. This means you won’t be spending on batteries and can easily save money by using it.
7. Quik Lok VP-26U Volume Pedal
Pros:
- Good range
- Sturdy construction
- Solid and smooth action
- Stable base
Cons:
- Not a full-size 57-key unit
- Pricey
Our top pick for the best volume pedals is the Quik Lok VP-26U. This pedal has a solid and stable base, so you can use it on a wide range of surfaces. The rubber feet (on the bottom of the pedal) grip the floor, preventing sliding when you use the pedal during performances or rehearsals.
The Quik Lok features a solid and smooth action that enhances your performance. You can also store it away easily when you’re done with it as this pedal is compact and lightweight.
There are a number of reasons why this pedal is the top one in the market today. One of the reasons why this is the best volume pedal is that it features a very wide range. This ensures that you can keep the volume at very low frequencies without sounding thin, while also being able to crank up the pedal and let it get really loud.
8. Fender FVP-1 Volume Pedal
Pros:
- The pedal does not require power at all
- It’s an ideal option for live performances
- It has a simple design
- It’s very sturdy
- It’s easy to get “connected” to your guitar
- The pedal feels solid
- The pedal height can be adjusted easily
- You can use this to control the volume of multiple pedals at once
- Commands a wide variety of budget and premium guitars. It’s also ideal for both left- and right-handed guitarists
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
The FVP-1 volume pedal from Fender is one of the most ideal products for performing live. It comes with an elegant and sturdy design, and the true bypass switch helps prevent signal loss. As compared to other volume pedals, the FVP-1 is less noisy and provides a fluid motion.
9. Donner Wah Cry 2 in 1 Mini Guitar Wah Effect/Volume Pedal True Bypass
Pros:
- True bypass
- Mini body/easy to carry
- Easily adjustable body height
- Rubber to prevent slipping
- High quality sound
The Donner Wah Cry 2 in 1 Mini Guitar Wah Effect/Volume Pedal is our favorite wah wah pedal with adjustable height and is made of aluminum, making it easy to be carried around. It has true bypass and a high-quality cube effect which helps to keep your guitar’s tone pure. The pedal is horizontally adjustable and is guaranteed to last a long time. It’s highly recommended for those who find it difficult to adjust wah pedals on their own.
The Donner Wah Cry does get hot when used frequently, but this is very common for pedals. There’s nothing wrong with the product, but it’s not a major issue. It’s not so much about the heat, but more about the repeated turns of the plastic casing over time. This is a problem for all manufacturers, and not just for Donner.
Also, note that the volume pedal does not function as the “standard” wah pedal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best volume pedal?
The first thing we want to tell you is that volume pedals aren't necessary if you’re a guitarist that only plays at home with headphones. Volume pedals are designed to be used when you are playing live.
That said, we won't tell you NOT to get one if you just want to practice with headphones. Many of us at Uplifting Families like to use volume pedals at home to control our live performance tone, from lowering the volume on solos to powering up the volume when we want to hear the full blast of the instrument and amp.
If you do want one, but aren't sure which is the best, we have learned a few things about this often-overlooked part of your rig: You can never really have enough pedal volume.
That is, you should be able to turn the volume all the way down without ever having to hold it down.
How do I choose a volume pedal?
Choosing a volume pedal can seem daunting as there are almost a dozen that we feel are worth your consideration. However, it may seem less overwhelming if you are able to determine your criteria in advance. Your volume pedal is a tool and if you are able to determine for what purpose it will be used, you can usually pinpoint a pedal to suit your needs.
For example, if you use multiple amplifiers in a band situation, then we highly recommend the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO-5. Its ability to switch between two amplifiers swiftly and cleanly is a necessity. It also has an option for a buffered output, which will further clean up your signal and keep things quiet. If you arenʼt necessarily switching between multiple amplifiers and want to continue using a single amplifier, but just want to switch from the amplifier’s direct out to your amp, the Boss SSA-2 might be a better option.
What is a passive volume pedal?
Passive Volume pedals are volume pedals that don’t have any internal circuitry to boost the pedal’s volume level when you press down on them. To get the full volume level, you must be able to press down each full millimeter of the pedal, otherwise, you’ll just be getting a partial volume level and you may not be satisfied with that.
Filtering is something that helps clean up and improve tone, and it does this both when you’re not touching the string and also when you are. So, when it’s released, it can provide additional gain or volume. This is something you can emulate with a volume pedal in the traditional passive variety.
Can you use a volume pedal as an expression pedal?
While some guitarists use pedals interchangeably, it's more common for a guitarist to choose one or the other. Expression pedals are definitely the more convenient option, as they only require you to move your foot for volume control. Volume pedals tend to be more useful for live performances, because you have more flexibility when it comes to placement.
If you need an expression pedal but don't have one, or you are looking to replace an old one, you might be able to use a volume pedal in its place. Just remember to choose a volume pedal with a long cord, so you can connect it to your amp across the stage.
Conclusion
For the easiest experience, we recommend that you use whatever came packaged with your guitar. However, if you think that your volume pedal is no longer up to the job, or if you think that it’s not compatible with your existing setup, then here are the best volume pedals in 2017.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 250K Potentiometer | Best Overall | |
| Quik Lok VP-26U Volume Pedal | Budget Pick | |
| Ernie Ball MVP | Upgrade Pick | |