Double Bass Volume Pedal?

[Michael F Clef]

Hello.
I would like to get a Volume Pedal.
I play an NXT 5 String Upright. I am happy with my sound. I have a bit of a crossover sound, even though I play in New Orleans and Gypsy Jazz ensembles. I run through a sansamp preamp into my PJB BG 400 or my Traynor sb115. It's impossible for me to manipulate the dynamics I need with technique alone. Can anyone recommend a good volume Pedal you have experience with? Thank you.

 

[tb-player]

I use this one. No frills. Definitely gets the job done.

Ernie Ball 6180 VP JR 250K Volume Pedal for Passive Electronics

 

[fu22ba55]

I use this one. No frills. Definitely gets the job done.

Ernie Ball 6180 VP JR 250K Volume Pedal for Passive Electronics

This Ernie Ball pedal is great (and a bit of an industry standard) because it's passive. One less 9 volt to worry about (like in the Morleys). And you can change out the pot when it gets scratchy, or if you want to change the impedance or taper-style.

Goodrich makes some more expensive passive pedals that are more low-profile because they fit better under a pedal steel. (The Ernie Ball is too tall for pedal steel, but works great for anything else).

 

[DoubleMIDI]

If you use an external preamp and want to use a passive volume pedal you should put it after the preamp in the chain.
Maybe not needed if the EUB has an internal buffer (the NXT might have one), but anyway a good idea.

The Morley was designed to avoid any potentially scratching pots (it happens earlier or later with them) for the pedal movement and uses an optical bridge to control the volume. For this an active electronics is needed, so choose what you prefer.

 

[Michael F Clef]

[QUOTE...If you use an external preamp and want to use a passive volume pedal you should put it after the preamp in the chain... Morley was designed.... active electronics is needed...[/QUOTE]

I think the way I set up on stage, it is better for me to have my bass run to the volume pedal where I stand, then the patch cord to where I have my preamp sitting on top of my amp. The volume pedal would be before the pre in the signal chain. So if I understand you correctly, I would need an active volume pedal such as the Morley?

 

[PaulCannon]

The only volume pedal I've tried that works the way I want it to is made by Lehle. The others are mostly glorified on-off switches.

 

[Michael F Clef]

The only volume pedal I've tried that works the way I want it to is made by Lehle. The others are mostly glorified on-off switches.

Interesting insight Paul. Would you please elaborate? Thank you.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

I think the way I set up on stage, it is better for me to have my bass run to the volume pedal where I stand, then the patch cord to where I have my preamp sitting on top of my amp. The volume pedal would be before the pre in the signal chain. So if I understand you correctly, I would need an active volume pedal such as the Morley?

It depends if you have active electronics (battery powered) in your instrument.
If you have active electronics you can put a passive volume pedal anywhere in the chain, but if the instrument has no power source, the pot in the volume pedal has a low input impedance and degrade the sound quality if connected directly to the instrument.
I never had a Morley, but I know how it works (and what it costs…).

 

[PaulCannon]

Interesting insight Paul. Would you please elaborate? Thank you.

I've tried a lot of volume pedals, and most of them are very difficult to control. Typically about 90% of the range in volume is in the last centimeter of the pedal's movement. If you need to play with a lot of dynamics and self-regulating balance, using just any old volume pedal is endlessly frustrating.

The Lehle is a bit better. It uses magnets, so the rate of volume change is more even across the pedal's positions. It still takes a lot of practice to get used to, but it's by far the best option I've tried. It can also be used to boost your signal if needed, which is a nice feature but certainly not unique.

My only complaint is that it requires a power source, which means yet another cable to hook up. But that's a very, very small price to pay.

 

[damonsmith]

I've tried a lot of volume pedals, and most of them are very difficult to control. Typically about 90% of the range in volume is in the last centimeter of the pedal's movement. If you need to play with a lot of dynamics and self-regulating balance, using just any old volume pedal is endlessly frustrating.

The Lehle is a bit better. It uses magnets, so the rate of volume change is more even across the pedal's positions. It still takes a lot of practice to get used to, but it's by far the best option I've tried. It can also be used to boost your signal if needed, which is a nice feature but certainly not unique.

My only complaint is that it requires a power source, which means yet another cable to hook up. But that's a very, very small price to pay.

Seems to be the only worthwhile one out there. I would add that it is very heavy as well! The power source thing is a bit more annoying than you might think, as well. Still the best one, I have one.