Volume pedal

[JB_From_Hell]

Like many of us, I'm into dialing in a dirty tone and varying it with the volume knob. Earlier today, I watched a Tim Pierce video where he demonstrated how using a pedal rather than the pot sounds different. It got me thinking that I've never really used a volume pedal, and maybe I'd like one.

I like the feel of Dunlop wahs, so should I just go for one of their volume pedals, or is there something better?

 

[dystrust]

Re: Volume pedal

Like many of us, I'm into dialing in a dirty tone and varying it with the volume knob. Earlier today, I watched a Tim Pierce video where he demonstrated how using a pedal rather than the pot sounds different. It got me thinking that I've never really used a volume pedal, and maybe I'd like one.

I like the feel of Dunlop wahs, so should I just go for one of their volume pedals, or is there something better?

I used an Ernie Ball volume pedal for years. I liked it better than the Dunlop because of the larger treadle (size 13s man) and because the higher tension gave it a smoother feel. It was also easier to do fine adjustment and harder to move it by mistake. I haven't been using it much lately because I'm using both channels of my Jubilee heads now instead of just riding volume on the lead channel. If I go back to a simpler rig where I'm riding volume for clean, I'll put it back on my board.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Volume pedal

First figure out if you want passive or active and if you'll put it first or after a buffer. If you want to simulate a volume control on a guitar, you'll want a 250K. If you are putting after a buffer a 25K will give a smoother taper. On the active side, something like a Morley gives a super smooth taper.

I've used an EB Jr. for a long time but... The new Dunlop Volume X line is really nice. (Three sizes, the Mini fits anywhere and the jumbo one is huge and on Musicians Friend SDOTD every so often). They can be used as both volume and expression easily.

 

[beaubrummels]

Volume pedal

I've used EBs for 20+ years, but I only put them on the board if I know there's a track in the set list that needs it, like a slide number or ambient swell thing. It shaves off some sweet treble I want at my disposal, so the volume pedal only gets plugged in if I really need it.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Volume pedal

I know exactly what you mean. I'm surprised there isn't a 1M volume pedal for less loading when it's first in the chain.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Volume pedal

My foot is a 12, but I get along with the Dunlop size/shape really well.

It's likely going to be the first thing in the chain, in front of a Crybaby, and some dirt pedals. I guess I'm simulating a guitar's volume knob... sort of. I'm going to use the pedal to control the overall gain level, but I don't really care if it works exactly like the volume knob, as long as it works well.

Any opinions on the Visual Sound Volume? I know it's old and discontinued, but the LEDs on the side look sweet.

 

[Inkstained]

Re: Volume pedal

I recently got an Ernie Ball VP Jr. Had it less than a month, and the kevlar string hasn't broken yet (famous last words?)

I put a buffered Fulldrive 3 in front of it. My current pedal mess:

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[Jacew]

Re: Volume pedal

I recently got an Ernie Ball VP Jr. Had it less than a month, and the kevlar string hasn't broken yet (famous last words?)

That is hideously annoying to fix and it alone is the reason I would really advice never to buy one.

I had EB VP jr.for a week or two. Got it used, previous owner had messed up the fix, so it didn't move all the way open. I spent days swearing and hurting my fingers trying get it right. When I got it fixed, I sold it off as quickly as possible.

I've been happy with Boss FV500. Not quite as smooth as EB, but way better desinged. It does have not too convincing looking pot, but it's also easy and very cheap to replace. Has worked perfectly thus far.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Volume pedal

I recently got an Ernie Ball VP Jr. Had it less than a month, and the kevlar string hasn't broken yet (famous last words?)

I put a buffered Fulldrive 3 in front of it. My current pedal mess:

[/url][/IMG]

The None-More-Black set of pedals. Just need a black board to mount them to.

 

[Inkstained]

Re: Volume pedal

The None-More-Black set of pedals. Just need a black board to mount them to.

Going into a wine-red DRRI ...