Volume Pedals

Volume Pedals are simple, yet surprisingly versatile. Volume pedals, as the name would suggest, allow you to control your volume in a foot pedal format.

There are two types of volume pedal: Active and Passive. Passive volume pedals are quite easy to understand, they function the same as the volume potentiometer on your guitar. This makes them convenient and easy to use, and they don't normally require a power source to function. It is important to note that passive volume pedals can be quite sensitive to their position in your signal chain. Active volume pedals utilise an amplifier circuit which acts as a buffer, or sometimes as a boost. Unlike passive volume pedals, they require a power source to function, however due to the buffered nature of active pedals, they do not cause loading or signal loss due to their position in the chain.

They are usually ‘passive’ effects which mean they don’t need any power. Some volume pedals, such as the ones in the Dunlop range, are also able to function as an expression pedal. Volume pedals for guitar are always found on the huge pedal boards of ambient musicians. They use them to swell into chords, removing percussive attack and creating gentle synth-like pads. Country players often adopt volume pedals to mimic the distinctive wail of a pedal steel guitar.

You can use the volume pedal to create ambient swells, and violin-like effects in your playing. They also act as a way to increase your output on the fly, when you need just a bit more" oomph" to cut through if you're playing live, making them an extremely versatile and valuable pedal.

Why Should I Choose a Volume Pedal?

• Easy to use and simple, yet versatile
• Transform your guitar into a pedal steel, violin or synth
• Come in a variety of different sizes and styles
• A guitar volume pedal balances your level hands free
• Some double as expression pedal