Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (32)
$99.95
Guitar Center
4.0 (8)
$99.95
Amazon
4.6 (171)
$99.95
Reverb
5.0 (17)
$99.00 New
$66.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (17)
$99.95 $94.95 $5.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.7 (120)
$127.00

Average Price: $100

Standard/Professional

$60

$161+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the world of sonic expressivity with the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal for Active Electronics. This stellar piece of gear is a crucial asset for any pedalboard, often overlooked but undoubtedly impactful. Whether you're aiming for pedal steel-style swells or just seeking the right volume for different parts of songs, this pedal will do the trick. The VP Jr 25K is optimized for active instruments, ensuring you get the most out of your gear without sacrificing signal strength or quality.

The VP Jr 25K is not only performance-ready but also built to last. Crafted with an uncompromising rugged design, it stands up to the rigors of life on the road. The aircraft-grade aluminum housing ensures the pedal's durability, while the long-lasting Vectran cable ensures reliable operation. The VP Jr 25K is the perfect blend of practicality, durability, and versatility, ready to become an essential part of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Optimized for active instruments with a 25kOhm potentiometer
  • Rugged and compact design crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Smooth operation for precise volume control
  • Features a tuner output for silent tuning in the heel-down pedal position
  • Long-lasting Vectran cable for reliable and consistent performance
  • Stainless steel pivot shaft and springs for enhanced durability

Product specs

Type Volume Pedal
Input 1 x 1/4"
Output 1 x 1/4"
Other I/O 1 x 1/4" (tuner)
Power Source Passive
Height 2.4"
Width 3.5"
Depth 10"
Weight 2 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal suitable for active electronics?

Yes, the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal is specifically designed for use with active electronics, making it ideal for guitars and basses with active pickups.

Can the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal be used as an expression pedal?

While primarily a volume pedal, it can be used as an expression pedal with the appropriate Y splitter cable, allowing for versatile control over your effects.

What are the input and output options on the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal?

The pedal features a 1/4" input, a 1/4" output, and an additional 1/4" output for a tuner, providing straightforward connectivity for your rig.

Does the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal require a power source?

No, the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal is passive and does not require an external power source to operate.

How does the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal compare to passive volume pedals?

The 25K VP JR is designed for active signals, offering a smooth, consistent volume sweep without the tone loss that can occur with passive volume pedals in certain signal chain positions.

YourGuitarSage

YourGuitarSage

Ernie Ball VP Jr. Volume Pedal - Gear Review

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball VP Jr. Volume Pedal - Gear Review by YourGuitarSage

Ernie Ball VP Jr. Volume Pedal - Gear Review

YourGuitarSage

YourGuitarSage

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball VP Jr. Passive Volume Pedal | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Ernie Ball VP Jr. Passive Volume Pedal | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Repair by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Volume Pedal Repair

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man & Blues Saraceno - 25k VP JR Pedal by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man & Blues Saraceno - 25k VP JR Pedal

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball 25k VP JR Pedal by BattleOfTheBands

Ernie Ball 25k VP JR Pedal

BattleOfTheBands

BattleOfTheBands

Video thumbnail for Power Supply Mod for Ernie Ball VP JR by shnobel

Power Supply Mod for Ernie Ball VP JR

shnobel

shnobel

Reviews

PROS

  • Designed specifically for instruments with active electronics

  • Plug and play compatibility with effects like Line 6 M9

  • Extremely durable and easy to repair

  • Smooth treadle movement with precise control

  • Can also function as an expression pedal with certain effects

  • Solid metal construction for longevity

  • Versatile use in different pedalboard setups

  • Large pedal design accommodates bigger shoe sizes

  • Smooth sweep ideal for volume swells

  • Offers a wide range of motion for expressive playing

CONS

  • Not suitable for passive pickups without modification

  • Tuner out wired in parallel can degrade tone

  • String mechanism prone to breaking

  • Some users find it expensive for its features

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics.

Features and functionality

  • The VP Jr can be used creatively with big reverbs to let delay tails ring through after muting the guitar signal.

    Source
  • The pedal can function as a splitter using the tuner out, although only one side is affected by the volume control.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The ZepplinDesigns kit eliminates string issues and allows dial-in boosts, enhancing the pedal's functionality.

    Source
  • Installing a Kevlar string from Shnobletone is recommended for durability and longevity.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using the 2-screwdriver method, the string replacement can be done in under five minutes without frustration.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Buckland uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Jonny Buckland

Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from a news post on Coldplay's site, we can see a close-up view of Jonny Buckland's pedalboard during a 2008 tour, which features three EB6181s, each appearing to control a different parameter in his setup.

See how Chino Moreno uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Chino Moreno

Singer, Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via Photo

In this 2010 picture from Premier Guitar, an Ernie Ball 6181 Vp Jr is seen at the far left of his Pedalboard.

See how Dominic Simper uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Dominic Simper

Guitarist, Bassist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Pedalmaniacs

Dominic Simper, rhythm guitarist and keyboardist for Tame Impala, is shown using the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal for Active Electronics on his pedalboard, as seen in a 2011 feature by Pedalmaniacs.

See how Adam Neely uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Adam Neely

Bassist, Keyboardist

Sungazer

...
Verified via YouTube

Shown in this video.

See how Sergio Vega uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Sergio Vega

Bassist

Deftones

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Ernie Ball VP Jr 25k is owned by Sergio Vega

See how Thomas Erak uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Thomas Erak

Singer, Guitarist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via Reddit

Photo of Thomas Erak's pedalboard on r/guitarpedals

See how Francisco Durán uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán uses the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics for his keyboard section since the return of Los Bunkers in March 2023. The proof can be seen in this image: ![source image](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/150401/imagen_2024-07-14_135033872.png).

See how Blues Saraceno uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Blues Saraceno

Guitarist

Poison

...
Verified via YouTube

Blues Saraceno tests the Ernie Ball Music Man 25k VP JR Pedal

See how Jesse Perlman uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Jesse Perlman

Guitarist

The Marías

...
Verified via Photo

In a photograph, Jesse Perlman is seen using the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal for Active Electronics on the left pedalboard, positioned on the far right, alongside the TC Helicon Duplicator - Vocal Effects Stompbox and the Gamechanger Audio Plasma Pedal. This visual evidence confirms his use of this specific gear.

See how Brett Campbell uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Brett Campbell

Guitarist

Pallbearer

...
Verified via YouTube

Guitarist Brett Campbell is shown using an Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal for Active Electronics in the "Rig Rundown - Pallbearer" video by Premier Guitar, where he details his equipment setup.

See how Andy Liszt uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Andy Liszt

Singer, Guitarist

LSD and the Search for God

...
Verified via YouTube

Not sure if this is the active or passive version, but on the side of the pedal it says Ernie Ball VPJR

See how Marc Dorendorf uses Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics

Marc Dorendorf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Marc Dorendorf incorporates the Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal for Active Electronics into his setup, alongside his Roger Mayer Voodoo Vibe pedal and Pete Cornish built-in guitar rack effects, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on his website.

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 Ernie Ball 6181 VP JR 25K Volume Pedal For Active Electronics, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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joey_zendejas

joey_zendejas

Gear IQ 156

leonardo_vilela

leonardo_vilela

Gear IQ 115

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