Don’t worry about trying to find the best volume pedal for your pedal board. We test out and review all of the most popular volumes, so you will be able to pick out the right one for you and your playing style.
There are a few different styles of volume pedals that all have different effects and functions. Some are optical. Some are passive and some have no moving parts at all. All of these different options have slightly different effects on your tone and interact with your other pedals in different ways.
In this review, we will look at all of the top-rated guitar volume pedals and explain the pros and cons of each one, so you can have a better idea which one is right for you. Let’s get started!
The Ultimate List of Volume Pedals for Your Pedal Board
Contents
- 1 The Ultimate List of Volume Pedals for Your Pedal Board
- 1.1 Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal
- 1.2 Ernie Ball VP Jr. Passive Volume Pedal
- 1.3 Dunlop DVP4 Volume X Mini Pedal
- 1.4 Morley Steve Vai Little Alligator Optical Volume Pedal
- 1.5 Fender FVP-1 Volume Pedal
- 1.6 Electro-Harmonix Expression Pedal
- 1.7 Ernie Ball MVP, Most Valuable Pedal
- 1.8 Mission Engineering VM-1 Volume Pedal
- 1.9 Boss FV-50H | Tuner Out Jack High Impedance Volume Pedal
- 1.10 Hotone Soul Press 3 in 1 Mini Volume/Wah/Expression Effects Pedal
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here is a list of the best volume expression pedals that will give you a clean swell and ambient sound.
- Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal
- Ernie Ball VP Jr. Passive Volume Pedal
- Dunlop DVP4 Volume X Mini Pedal
- Morley Steve Vai Little Alligator Optical Volume Pedal
- Fender FVP-1 Volume Pedal
- Electro-Harmonix Expression Pedal
- Ernie Ball MVP, Most Valuable Pedal
- Mission Engineering VM-1 Volume Pedal
- Boss FV-50H | Tuner Volume Pedal
- Hotone Soul Press Mini Volume/Wah/Expression Effects Pedal
Boss FV-500H Foot Volume Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
For many years, the company Boss has been, well, the boss when it comes to all things pedal. This is also the case with this fine piece. Great specs, affordable price – a real beauty!
The casing may be made of aluminum, but don’t let that fool you: FV-500H is one tough piece of hardware, capable of withstanding a lot of shocks and hits, so it’s perfect if you’re often on the road. The pedal itself looks is beautifully designed, with rubber added on the surface to keep your foot in place.
Pros and Highlights
- Sturdy and compact – strong and tough aluminum casing makes this pedal more than fit for every on-the-road situation and intense gig;
- High-level responsiveness – FV-500H is very easy to use, since the sensitive, yet durable build allows you greater range and freer movement without tiring your foot too much;
- Versatility – because of its expression output, you can use this pedal with every amp with expression-compatibility.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- A bit too large for some people – as good as it is, FV-500H is a bit on the larger side, which may bother some people who prefer something less chunky.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Boss FV-500H high impedance foot volume pedal is a real beauty, a practical and strong mono pedal built to help your music kick butt in style! Try it out, you won’t regret it!
Ernie Ball VP Jr. Passive Volume Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
Ernie Ball is another great name in guitar industry, and many pro guitar players can’t live without their pedals. P06180 is one of their finest low budget pedals, giving a lot more than most pedal within this price range.
The 250k potentiometer makes it a very versatile pedal. Since most of the guitars out there have the passive pickup, you’ll be able to connect it with almost any guitar out there. The casing is made out of metal, which adds on the sturdiness. The pedal signal travels through a powerful Kevlar cable.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – for just under 100 bucks, you get a high-quality product you’ll fall in love with!
- Great sound quality – Micro taper switch gives this pedal two swell rates which greatly improve the sound quality;
- Compact build – because of its metal casing, this model is more than useful when it comes to gigs and any on-the-road situation.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Performance issues – However awesome this pedal may be, it has one major flaw – there’s a good chance of you breaking its string even without you going too hard at it.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Cheap, well made, high-quality pedal with great sound, Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180 250K Potentiometer for Passive Electronics is a versatile pedal for everyone. This one performance issue can be a serious minus, but it’s more than worth your time and money!
Dunlop DVP4 Volume X Mini Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
Dunlop DVP4 pedal is a small yet compact little pedal, half of the size of its previous model, DVP3, but with all the good stuff still there.
Its AUX output kicks butt when it comes to versatility. You can use it both for expression and for tuning. Its base plate is covered in rubber, which is a great plus when it comes to its stability. When it comes volume control, its performance is simply amazing – both a beginner and a pro would be delighted to use it!
Pros and Highlights
- User-friendly – controls may be basic, but that only makes it more easy to use if you’re a beginner;
- Small and sturdy – it may be half the size of its previous model doesn’t take on its overall stability – this pedal can take a lot of punishment, and still work smoothly;
- Excellent sound quality
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Too dark – it sounds a bit silly, but because its color is so dark, you might need to look very carefully if you’re playing somewhere with low lighting.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
If you’re a player heavily relying on your volume pedal, Dunlop DVP4 mini pedal is a perfect pedal for you!
Morley Steve Vai Little Alligator Optical Volume Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
Morley PLA Steve Vai Little Alligator Optical Volume Pedal is a simple and basic pedal when it comes to controls, but make no mistake: this sexy little thing is a pleasure to work with. After all, it was made under instructions of Steve Vai himself – it can’t be anything but good!
This classy-looking pedal provides smooth and strong sound, and it retains its quality even if you put a bunch of other sound effects in the mix. The Volume knob does its job extremely well – the transition between rhythm vocals and lead vocals and back is just super smooth!
Pros and Highlights
- Sturdy build – the durability of this pedal is simply impressive;
- Reliable – since it’s using electro-optical circuitry, you won’t need to worry if pots would wear out;
- User-friendly – basic instructions, but covering everything a guitar player really needs. Another pedal perfect both for pros and for beginners!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Heavy stomps may loosen it up – a fair warning to you stompers: be careful! Constant heavy stomping may cause the pedal to loosen up and lose precision over time.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Morley PLA is a beauty on the outside and a beast on the inside, and it gives you all you could hope for, and then some! And as a bonus feature, it comes with a two-year warranty.
Fender FVP-1 Volume Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
This pedal is so metal! And we’re not kidding! Fender FVP-1 volume pedal is made almost entirely made out of metal. A bit on the chunkier side, this pedal is extremely stable, durable, and to top it all off, it’s very well designed.
Aluminum casing gives it the much-needed durability, and because it’s a passive volume pedal, it is compatible with basically all passive guitars on the market. It’s also equipped with a tuner jack for on-stage tuning, and the natural sound of your guitar always retains its quality, while 250k potentiometer guarantees a long operating period without any hitch.
Pros and Highlights
- Sturdy and stable – aluminum casing gives strength to the overall construction, while specially carved surface gives you a stable footing;
- Versatility – this pedal is able to connect to all passive guitars, and you’ll be able to use it both as a volume and as an expression pedal;
- High tone quality – because it’s equipped with state-of-the-art circuitry, Fender FVP-1 allows your guitar to always have an impeccably clean tone in any situation.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Basic controls – the lack of more advanced controls may bother some players, but the majority will be more than satisfied with its current configuration.
Bottom Line
Fender means quality, and this more than applies in this case. FVP-1 is a great choice both for casual and for more demanding players, giving more than you can expect for such a low price.
Electro-Harmonix Expression Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
This cyberpunk-looking pedal really stands out. Its sleek and modern design on the side, Electro-Harmonix Expression pedal is made without a single moving part! It has all the basic controls, but it comes with a bonus: it has a special control which allows you to control the expression range. You get Bypass Setting, Reverse dial, and a button for calibration control.
You may need a bit of time to get used to it, but it’s more than worth it! It runs smoothly, you can adjust its sensitivity, and it gives you some very interesting options when it comes to sound adjustment. And don’t worry about the sound quality – it is impeccable!
Pros and Highlights
- No moving parts – the sturdy one-piece construction practically guarantees you won’t be getting any mechanical failures on stage, or at all!
- Superior sound quality
- Versatility – with both basic settings and advanced settings, EH Expression Pedal can be used both by casual players and by pros.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Takes a bit of time to master – since it works differently than typical pedals, it may not everyone’s cup of tea, but the pay of is absolutely worth it.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Electro-Harmonix Expression Pedal is a treasure trove of possibilities when it comes to sound control and manipulation, and though it may not be for everyone looks-wise, you’ll fall in love with it once the moment you start playing.
Ernie Ball MVP, Most Valuable Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
VP Jr. was in an amazing pedal Ernie Ball can be proud of, its big brother, called MVP – Most Valuable Pedal – takes the cake. This pedal works with both active passive signals since it has both a 9v battery and the option to be powered in the standard way.
The best feature of this pedal is the ability to control volume and gain at the same time. Heel position allows you to set the volume to the minimum, while to position gives you the maximum volume level. The signal is stable at any volume which gives you an amazing sound quality. An amazingly versatile pedal!
Pros and Highlights
- Gain – this pedal gives you a boost of 20 dB so you can absolutely shred your solos and make your amps give you their maximum strength!
- Sturdy construction – MVP’s metal casing provides sturdiness and stability, so you can take it to any gig and just let loose;
- Excellent sound quality – the sound keeps its clarity and strength on both the highest and the lowest settings.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- A bit pricey – Ernie Ball MVP is on the more expensive side, so if you can afford it, go for it!
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Ernie Ball MVP is, just like its name says, an MVP of pedals. This hybrid is a bit pricey, but when you consider all it is offering, it’s worth every penny!
Mission Engineering VM-1 Volume Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
Mission Engineering is not a super-famous name like most of the pedal-manufacturing companies on this list, but they don’t give a heck: VM-1 volume pedal is a simple, yet powerful pedal which can beat most of the other high-end pedals in every aspect. “High-level performance, high-level price” applies here as well, but it’s more than worth it.
The manufacturers made sure to make a pedal with amazing levels of precision and sound quality. This mono pedal has only one input and output, and an additional output which serves as a Tuner Out, so you can attach a tuning device to it, which is great for live gigs. You’ll be able to use it for years without worrying about it breaking: this pedal is a reliable and durable piece of hardware.
Pros and Highlights
- Durability – The sturdy metal casing protects all the important stuff inside, so even if constantly on the road, rest assured: it will work like a charm;
- Precision – This pedal gives you perfect control over the sound, so you’ll be able to pinpoint just the right type of sound;
- Versatility – You can use VM-1 with the vast majority of the guitars out there because of it being a passive pickup pedal. The 500k impedance is just neat.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Pricey – It’s just like we already said above: “High-level performance, high-level price”.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Mission Engineering VM-1 volume pedal absolutely kicks butt on all levels! It falls under pricier pedals on this list, but it more than pays off!
Boss FV-50H | Tuner Out Jack High Impedance Volume Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
Another Boss pedal on this list, FV-50H offers a bit more than its price suggests, but it is a bit weaker than its cousin, the FV-500H. Yet, this stereo pedal is a really nice peace, with a metal base and a comfortable plastic pedal, and being a stereo pedal makes it a bit more versatile than most other pedals within its price range.
Other two input and output jacks, which allow connection to two instruments or amps at the same time, FV-50 also has a Minimum Volume Knob, which is what the Boss pedals are known for. We also have a Tuner Out jack for on-stage tuning, and the pedal itself gives a lot of precision when it comes to sound control.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – FV-50H is an extremely affordable pedal, and yet, it has a lot to offer;
- Great sound quality and precision – the pedal is sensitive and gives you great levels of control, plus you can tune your instrument on stage;
- Versatile – because it’s a stereo pedal, you can connect two instruments/amps. And all that without any technical issues.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- The pedal can get loose – the pedal is made of plastics, so it doesn’t have the same level of durability as its metal base does, so it can get loose after a while.
Bottom Line
Boss FV-50H is a great budget pedal with a lot going on under the hood. Feel free to give it a shot!
Hotone Soul Press 3 in 1 Mini Volume/Wah/Expression Effects Pedal
Specs, features, and benefits
Hotone Soul Press is a bit gentler compared to most of the pedals on this list, but bot does it have a lot to offer! This mono pedal can be used as a volume, a wah, and an expression pedal with just a flick of a switch! It’s not that it isn’t durable, on the contrary, but due to its small dimensions, don’t stomp on it too hard. It is, after all, a mini pedal!
Soul Press has an active volume mode which keeps the sound quality on point. The Bottom Value knob controls the minimum volume, and the wah sound is pretty good! This is definitely a very versatile pedal, more than fit for beginners and mid-level guitar players, although it takes a bit of time to master because of it being as small as it is.
Pros and Highlights
- Price tag – for a relatively small sum you get 3 pedals in one high-quality package!
- Great sound quality – Sound loss in volume mode is practically eliminated, so the sound quality is always high;
- Easy to use – perfect for beginners and intermediate players.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Size – as good as it is, its small size may be a deal breaker for those who prefer a bit heftier pedals, but this is just nitpicking.
Video Demo Review
Bottom Line
Hotone Soul Press is a gem, plain and simple, a versatile, beginner-friendly highly affordable 3 in 1 pedal with a lot to offer!
What We Recommend and Why
Whoo boy. This was NOT an easy choice, but since we have to pick one for you, our choice would be the Boss F-V 500H.
It offers so much for such a small price, and even though it’s designed with for beginners and mid-tier players, even pros can get a lot from it. Great sound quality, three work modes, zero loss of tone, and great accuracy – it’s a great choice for everyone. But if the size does matter for you, check out any other pedal from our list, and whichever you choose – rock on!
