Ernie Ball 6180 VP Jr 250K

This is a volume pedal. Plain and simple. You don't need editing options, digital conversions, thoughts whether it's best with a tube or a transistor. This is pure analog. You get a 1/4" inputs, output and tuner jack. It says 'Tuner Out' on the pedal, but it is in fact just a parallel signal, so you could actually use this, as a passive split, should you feel the need for that.


UTILIZATION

I bought this pedal as an expression pedal to run along my G-system. The space at my began to be a bit crowded with all the 6166 volume pedals (the big brother to the 6180 VP Jr. hence the name), so I went for this instead.
You do get a Jr. pedal, that's for sure. I don't mind at all, but if you got a big foot, like a size 11 or 12, you might get into trouble with this one.
When using it as an expression pedal with the G-system, you have to take into account, that you'll miss the last few percent of range. You won't be able to hear it though, as the G-system adapts to the range, and still provide you with 100% range.

SOUND QUALITY

As I wrote in my review of the 6166 :"This is were you might find some issues. I've not experienced it myself, even though I'm a huge sucker for tone, but some people complain about the fact, that this pedal takes away some of your treble signal, when pulled slightly back. Some have also complained about the parallel output (tuner) to suck away some tonal quality to the main signal. I haven't experienced that myself neither. It might all just come down to a matter of buffers in the setup (and partially also some psychological factors)." And that is also true with this one. I've used it a single time as a volume pedal, and didn't notice any of the issues mentioned.

OVERALL OPINION

If you don't need the big 6166 pedal, go for this one instead. It's completely like the 6166, but just smaller. You have the same sturdiness and unbreakable construction. Your wallet won't be ripped as much either, so you can't go wrong. Possible repairs on this one, are identical to the 6166.

This is the pedal you see on almost every pro's pedal board. The Ernie Ball VP Volume Pedal.

This pedal is completely passive and does not use any sort of battery or power supply.

No real need for this pedal, but I found a good deal on one and thought I'd give it a shot. I paid $40 for it. I replaced the pot and string on it. Which is a simple concept, but sort of a pain to do.

It makes sense, you plug in you plug out and you've got an added volume control. Well built externally. I'll get to the insides in a minute. The grip tape on top of the pedal is nice and does its job of keeping your foot on without slipping and sliding.

The string will break sooner or later. It is the most basic concept to replace, but the way the pedal is built, it is extremely hard to squeeze your hands inside there and get everything going. Then you put it back together and realize you screwed up and have to do it all over.

You'll get the hang of it. It would just have made sense if Ernie Ball used a higher quality rope or some sort of rubber belt.

I stopped using this pedal with bass because it will suck some of your mids out.

The outside is built like tank. Just don't toss is in a backpack or let anything interfere with the string.

This pedal does what it should, adjust volume. I wish it didn't suck mids and also it could stand to be a bit more road worthy.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The VP JR. is a passive volume pedal from Ernie Ball. There are no bells and whistles; there is an input jack to plug your instrument into, an output jack to plug your amplifier into, and an output jack to plug your tuner into. It has a potentiometer with 250k ohm of resistance, so it is suitable for passive instruments. A micro switch offers two different styles of swell rates. Dimensions are 3-12" wide x 10" long x 2-3/8" high.

UTILIZATION

The actual foot pedal and shell of this pedal is built out of solid metal, and the pivot shaft and springs are made of stainless steel, so they should last. This pedal uses a Kevlar string, that over time, wears out and needs replacing. That isn’t too much of a pain since they are available for purchase online, but I would think Ernie Ball would come up with a better system or provide an extra string or two with your initial purchase. Having the tuner output is a good bonus not found on all volume pedals, but I would like to have seen a minimum volume setting like on the Boss models.

SOUND QUALITY

This pedal does change your tone a little when it’s in your signal path. I’ve tried it in the loop of my amps and in front of the amp, it sucks a little tone. When I used this pedal I just compensated a little more high end on my amp and it was fine, but I thought it needed mentioning. The two tapers are very smooth and the pedal rolls back very cleanly. You can go from clean to dirty if it’s in front of your amp, or as a more dramatic volume only alteration when it’s in your effects loop. I like to do volume swells and violin like passages, and the tapers on this pedal work well for that.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall I liked this pedal until I picked up the Boss volume pedal. The Boss pedal is huge in comparison, but is built to last a lot longer and incorporates a minimum volume knob. This is great for going between two different settings and not having to worry about over shooting it. The Boss also does not seem to suck as much tone off the high end as the Ernie Ball. I have to give the smoothest taper feel to Ernie Ball though. If reliability and tone suck is more important to you, I’d go with the Boss. If pedal feel and pedal board real estate is more important go with the Ernie Ball.