Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (8)
$125.99
Amazon
4.3 (70)
$93.95
Amazon Prime
Reverb
5.0 (15)
$105.95 New
$29.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (27)
$125.99

Average Price: $98

Standard/Professional

$60

$161+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your dynamic range with the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal, a true staple for the discerning musician seeking precision in their play. Crafted with durability and performance in mind, this pedal stands out for its heavy die-cast housing, designed to endure the rigors of the road and the intensity of passionate performances. Unlike its peers, the GCB-80 doesn't just offer volume control; it delivers it with an unparalleled smoothness thanks to its one-million cycle potentiometer. This isn't just any pedal—it's a testament to Dunlop's commitment to quality, ensuring that your sonic expressions are not just heard but felt, without the need for external power. It's a seamless blend of reliability and high fidelity, making it a perfect match for guitarists and bassists alike who seek to push their musical boundaries.

Key Features:

  • Heavy die-cast housing for unmatched durability
  • One-million cycle potentiometer offers smooth and responsive volume control
  • Passive design, eliminating the need for power input
  • Ideal for both guitarists and bassists
  • Designed for extended use, ensuring longevity and consistent performance

Product specs

Brand Dunlop
Model GCB80 High Gain Volume Pedal
Finish Black
Year 1990 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Controller, Expression and Volume Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

Does the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal require a power supply?

No, the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal is a passive design, so it does not require a power supply to operate.

What makes the Dunlop GCB-80 suitable for high gain applications?

The Dunlop GCB-80 is designed with a one-million cycle potentiometer, providing smooth volume control ideal for high gain settings without signal loss.

How durable is the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal?

The Dunlop GCB-80 features a heavy die-cast housing, ensuring durability and reliability for extensive use in live performances and studio settings.

Can the Dunlop GCB-80 be used with both electric guitar and bass?

Yes, the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal is versatile and can be used with both electric guitars and basses, offering consistent performance across instruments.

How does the Dunlop GCB-80 handle signal clarity?

The passive design of the Dunlop GCB-80 ensures that your signal remains clear and uncolored, maintaining the integrity of your tone throughout its range of motion.

LeFevers Audio

LeFevers Audio

Worship Pedalboard Walkthrough 2014

Video thumbnail for Worship Pedalboard Walkthrough 2014 by LeFevers Audio

Worship Pedalboard Walkthrough 2014

LeFevers Audio

LeFevers Audio

Video thumbnail for Stompbox Saturday : April 11, 2015 : Volume Pedal Shootout (Ernie Ball, Boss, Dunlop) by Sean Pierce Johnson

Stompbox Saturday : April 11, 2015 : Volume Pedal Shootout (Ernie Ball, Boss, Dunlop)

Sean Pierce Johnson

Sean Pierce Johnson

Reviews

PROS

  • Handles high gain without tone compromise

  • Plug and play, easy setup

  • Durable, solid construction

  • Smooth, responsive rocker platform

  • Passive, no power required

  • Affordable for a Dunlop product

  • Compatible with crowded pedalboards

  • Broad sweep of motion for subtlety

  • Intuitive taper, no added noise or hiss

  • Versatile across the signal path

CONS

  • Some units don't go to absolute zero volume

  • Limited control between 0% and 50% volume

  • Superior control and smoothness found in competitors

  • Misleading "Hi Gain" name, no active electronics

  • Not completely silent, even when off

  • Some experience looser treadle teeth, affecting sweep

  • Range limitations with certain guitar effects like fuzz

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The GCB-80 volume pedal may not completely mute when in the heel-down position without adjustments.

    Source
  • The stock pedal includes only one input and one output, but the mod allows for an additional constant volume output.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the treadle gear by one notch can make the pedal silent in the heel-down position.

    Source
  • Adjusting the potentiometer's brace with just one screw allows for quick modifications to silence the pedal effectively.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pedal is noted for its heavy and bulky build, similar to the Crybaby casing.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the pedal's sweep to be flimsy and not ideal for volume swells.

    Source
  • Some owners report that their GCB-80 silences the signal fully without any modifications.

    Source
  • Minor adjustments to achieve silence do not significantly lower max volume, according to user feedback.

    Source
  • After modifying the pedal to include an auxiliary output, users report no significant tone suck, enhancing its utility for various applications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ernie Ball VP Jr. is recommended as an alternative with a more natural swell feel, despite some tone suck.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • To improve durability, consider an active Ernie Ball VP with a Kevlar string to prevent breakage.

    Source
  • A simple mod involves adjusting where the potentiometer's teeth meet the wheel to ensure full silence in the heel-down position.

    Source
  • An auxiliary output can be added to the GCB-80 for constant volume use, ideal for tuners, by adding a 1/4" jack with black and red wiring from the circuit board.

    Source
Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
timebaby

Solid Volume Control

Ok, so I'm not really a player who tinkers a lot with volume. The styles of music I play tend to favor extreme tones, whether it's loud, saturated distortion/fuzz, or heavily layered time and modulation effects. I'm not someone who's going to "roll back the volume knob" to clean up a fuzz or an overdrive, because I just don't play the kind of music where that's particularly desirable. When I use this pedal it's basically for doing swells, or turning the volume down in a live setting between songs. The sweep is good enough for those purposes.

I will say that despite feeling like a brick, the teeth on the treadle got loose from the volume pot on mine, and I had to take it apart and reassemble it to get the full sweep back, so maybe the build quality could be better.

From Gear Setup
nickgrooves

Smooth function, great taper, stays in place, never lets me down.

There are tons of volume pedals out there. I've seen some with marked volume levels, knobs, boosts ... All I really need in a volume pedal is off and on and the taper in-between for swells. This model never really goes completely silent, which is why I've given it 4 stars. But everything else is spot on. Quiet - no line noise - and does NOT color my signal. And yes, I've found other volume pedals that color the signal. Main reason I love this one. Does what it says and no extra surprises.

blondguru

There are Better Options

Might be that it's just touchy, but I don't enjoy it much. If the pedal is at half, the guitar isn't heard at all through the amp. At full power, it's screaming. This is with the amp volume at 12 O'clock. Might need some work done, but I'm not impressed.

From Gear Setup
mightyjake182

Shut up quickly or slowly

This is a volume pedal that does the exact same thing your guitar's volume knob does.

madbish

Not really a big fan

I own this pedal but, it's not a very good one as it doesn't have a wide range, will be updating it soon.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via reverb.com

"These volume pedals are always on my pedal boards, ever since I was a teenager. Tuner and volume pedal are as essential as having a guitar and an amp for me. It's a quick way to adjust the output level as well as tone on the fly while you’re busy playing and or singing. Also, for me it's a comforting feeling to be able to rest my foot on it near a mic stand to know where I am at all times (as I tend to close my eyes quite a bit while playing shows). All of these pedals have been used on stage and or to record. I never not have one, and they are all signed or drawn on, because I’m silly like that." - Frank

See how John 5 uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

John 5

Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Photo

In a photograph of John 5's pedalboard, a Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal is visible next to his wah pedal. Despite the photo's low quality, the word "volume" can be discerned at the top of the pedal, confirming its identity.

See how Steve Hackett uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Steve Hackett

Guitarist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Exclusive Steve Hackett Pedalboard Demo" on YouTube, Steve Hackett uses the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal. While it may resemble a Crybaby wah pedal, it functions as a volume pedal in his setup.

See how Juninho Afram uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Juninho Afram

Guitarist

Oficina G3

...
Verified via Photo

Juninho Afram uses the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal, as seen in a user-uploaded photo on Wordpress.

See how Axel Rudi Pell uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Axel Rudi Pell

Guitarist, Composer

Axel Rudi Pell (band)

...
Verified via GITARRE & BASS

In an interview with GITARRE & BASS, Axel Rudi Pell emphasizes his reliance on traditional stage setups, mentioning his preference for a full sound from amps, monitors, and sidefills, which aligns with his use of the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal. This setup is integral to his rock 'n' roll performance style, contrasting with the more polished sound of in-ear monitoring systems.

See how Brian McBride uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Brian McBride

Guitarist, Music Producer

Stars of the Lid

...
Verified

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Brian's rig includes a Dunlop High Gain Volume pedal.

See how Roger Franco uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Roger Franco

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Roger Franco uses the Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal, as shown in a photo uploaded to his blog.

See how Leendert Haaksma uses Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal

Leendert Haaksma

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

@1.17 you can spot this pedal on his pedalboard. It is used as an EXP pedal for his Timeline

Album Usage

The Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dunlop GCB-80 High Gain Volume Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
M

mark_harding

Gear IQ 59

blondguru

blondguru

Gear IQ 2065

mikky_whalan

mikky_whalan

Gear IQ 317

mikky_whalan

mikky_whalan

Gear IQ 317

volcarock

volcarock

Gear IQ 4041

timebaby

timebaby

Gear IQ 387

mikky_whalan

mikky_whalan

Gear IQ 317

More Dunlop Volume Effects Pedals

Similar

Gear Guides