10 Best Volume Pedals for the Guitar UK 2024 | Fender, Ernie Ball and More

The MVP from Ernie Ball is more than just a volume pedal. For one, it allows you to change your regular dynamics in a live mix, plus it has a gain section that will give you an additional 20dB boost. This is a brilliant way of getting a little extra dirt from your amp, as well as allowing you to take centre stage when the solo time comes. 

Moreover, it's constructed for the end of days, so you don't have to worry about treating it delicately, and it comes with minimum volume control for you to set your range. Plus, being an active pedal, you don't have to worry about it clouding your signal. 

For many of you, it will be unsurprising to see Boss so high up on our list. However, unconventionally we've opted for the FV-30H over the previous FV-500H (ranking number 5) due to the smaller footprint. This one has shaved off a good 10 cm or so, and while it's smaller, it's not too tiny that some find it tricky to play.

Of course, you do lose some features, such as the rubber and minimum control knob, but other than that, you can expect the same functionality; you'll have the smoothness of the pedal itself and a range full of character. 

This offering from Hotone packs something a little different from all the other pedals in this list. You see, not only can it operate as both a volume and expression, but there's a wah circuit in there too, so it's a pretty handy little 3-in-1 package. Add to that plenty of controls and smooth application and this is certainly a solid option. 

The sounds of the volume and effects are crystal clear thanks to the active style, and although the wah isn't the greatest, it's still respectable. Best of all, you get all of this for a wallet-friendly price tag. 

Although it's impossible to have a single pedal that controls volume and expression, it is possible to have an expression pedal that will work with multiple modulations thanks to the wizards at Electro-Harmonix. So grab your delay and the chorus, connect to the two separate outputs and start getting creative. 

Plus, as well as allowing you better control over modulation, this expression pedal also has some built-in controls such as range and reverse to spark even more inspiration. As always with EHX, it's extremely affordable too. 

Many of the pedals Boss produces are thought of as the industry standard, and the FV-500H is no different. It's constructed using heavy-duty aluminium and contains rubber pads to ensure ease of use. It also has an expression out jack, meaning you can connect it to your pedals and use it as an expression. 

The device also comes with a minimum volume knob that allows you to dial in your range, which we're sure many players will find useful. It's big, so you'll want to be wary of that before buying. But, that does mean you'll know when you've forgotten to pick it up from the gig, something we're all guilty of!

While it might be called an Ernie Ball VP Jr, the fact is, this isn't that much smaller than many of the traditional sized volume pedals and nowhere near the same size as the mini versions. Nonetheless, it still shouldn't be overlooked. 

EB's biggest selling point is their construction, as pretty much any pedal they create is indestructible. So, if you're known to be a little heavy-handed with your gear, this is ideal. Furthermore, many acknowledge the company's ability to produce smooth travel and a steady range, making it great for those using it frequently throughout their set. 

Fender isn't especially renowned for its work with pedals. But, over the past few years, they've been taking steps to address that. Here we have their take on a volume/expression pedal – a new completely analogue circuit that comes in a stage-ready enclosure. 

On top of the enclosure, you'll find a rubberised pad that increases grip as well as being durable. We also like the top-mounted jacks for saving valuable space on your board and the nifty little LED switch that allows you to turn the light on or off depending on your preference. 

DOD are one of the most well-respected pedal companies around and for good reason – they've been doing this for over 40 years. Here, they've channelled their knowledge into creating a simple passive volume pedal that functions well and looks the part too. 

Coming in just over 12 cm, this is the smallest option in our ranking and is about the size of a regular Boss compact pedal. This means it easily saves space, but it can be tricky to work with, particularly if you have big feet. 

If you're looking to purchase your first expression pedal, but you don't want to throw loads of cash all at once, then this offering from M-Audio is a great way to learn how to use one. Although originally designed for use with keyboards and other MIDI equipment, it still works well when synced with a guitar effects loop. 

The pedal is made from plastic, and while that has its advantages, like being slight, it does mean that it isn't so robust. Therefore, if you're planning on gigging, it might not last as long as the other options on the list. That said, it's hard to complain at this price. 

The first in our ranking is this DVP4 Volume X Mini from Dunlop. As you may be able to see, its stand-out feature is its board-friendly size. Not only is it smaller, but it's also constructed from lighter aluminium, so it saves on weight too. This is handy if you find yourself carrying your pedals frequently. 

Along with the classic mono outputs, there is an aux option that can be used in conjunction with tuners or the effects loop, meaning it works both as a volume and expression pedal. However, some players have found that the range isn't so good, so if you want your pedal to do swells, this isn't the best option.