Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

[Fresh_Start]

I bought a Morley "Little Alligator" a while ago because it's active, buffered and the adjustable minimum volume knob seemed like a great idea. Unfortunately, the taper is just too abrupt for me.

I tried an Ernie Ball VP Junior 250k today, but didn't have the Little Alligator with me for comparison. The sweep on the E.B. seemed much better with more gradual volume control, but I wonder about a potential for loss of high-end with the volume rolled down. Also, I really like the adjustable minimum volume on the Morely. The E.B.'s tuner-out jack would be sweet, though.

Has anybody compared the E.B. volume pedals to Morley's Pro Series PVO? That one is supposed to have an audio taper (instead of the linear taper of the Little Alligator). Unfortunately, I can't seem to find anyone local that carries it.

Slightly off topic - and into the imponderable "where should I put the ____ pedal in my signal chain" question. Right now I've got the Little Alligator at the end of the signal chain, and it's in the effects loop when I'm playing the TradeMark 10. The PVO is supposed to be in front of the amp, not in the effects loop, according to Morely. What would be the downside of putting a volume pedal before echo/chorus (H2O) and tremelo pedals?

Thanks in advance for the help (and yes I did a search for volume pedal threads but didn't find an answer exactly for this situation).

Chip

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

Shameless Bump

I know the post is too long but need some help here...

Chip

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

Hello Chip....I've been using an EB Mono Volume pedal for many years and it's very rugged and has given me 0 problems..

Mine has a little switch under the front toe down position on the pedal that allows you to pick the taper you like...This pedal has a gradual 250k taper and a nice smooth action..I use my EB as a master volume control that plugs either into my CT's expression pedal jack or the volume pedal jack on my new Vox Valvetronix Foot Controller...I've not use this pedal after my guitar and before my amp,but my rhythm guitarist does and has no problems...

John

 

[Hellion]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

I don't currently own either of the two, however, I used a Morley volume pedal for several years and was extremely pleased with the performance.

 

[jetjoe002]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

If any PASSIVE vol pedal is in its toe down (0 vol loss) position, then this means there will be no high end loss as well, right? I'm planning on getting an EB jr. vol and placing it after my guitar and ZIM distortion stompbox.

guitar > ZIM or DS1 > EB passive vol > wah > ZIM or DS1 > RC boost > delay > amp (no fx loop)

I plan on using the vol for textural effects, not something that I would leave in the in-between positions for any long periods of time. basically my question is, the pot won't effect tone or vol in any sort of way so long as it's not being used to roll off anything, right?

 

[aleclee]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

If any PASSIVE vol pedal is in its toe down (0 vol loss) position, then this means there will be no high end loss as well, right? I'm planning on getting an EB jr. vol and placing it after my guitar and ZIM distortion stompbox.

There will be high end loss, just like there's a wee bit of high end loss through the volume pot on your guitar, even when dimed. This would be less so if you had a buffered stompbox in front of it but the ZIM is true bypass so when it's not engaged, the volume pedal will load the pickups.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

I use the EB and it works beautifully and I've never had a problem with it. It's built very solid.

I use mine after the effects chain (last/right before my guitar). Very nice and handy piece of equipment to have for a not so bad price. Highly recommended.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Volume pedals: Ernie Ball vs. Morely

Thanks guys - sounds like the Ernie Ball is the "standard" for good reasons.

Chip