Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (10)
$119.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (5)
$119.99
Amazon
4.3 (24)
$119.99
Reverb
5.0 (21)
$99.00 New
$47.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (27)
$119.99
Thomann
4.8 (48)
$160.00

Average Price: $112

Standard/Professional

$60

$161+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Ernie Ball 6166 Mono Volume Pedal! This musical essential has been designed with the modern guitarist in mind, providing a seamless way to control your guitar's volume, all from the tap of your foot.

This volume pedal has been crafted to deliver excellent performance, even with passive instruments, thanks to its 250k ohm resistance. It makes an excellent hands-free alternative for those who love to play with their volume knob, allowing you to create unique tonal textures in combination with other effects.

The Ernie Ball 6166 Mono Volume Pedal also boasts an added microswitch, evening out the taper of the pot throughout the pedal's travel. This clever enhancement is sure to be appreciated by guitarists of all styles. All the jacks have been conveniently located at the front, making for quick and easy plug-in.

This pedal also comes with a handy independent tuner output, allowing for silent tuning when the pedal is in the 'heel down' position. The internal taper switch also enables you to choose between two volume swell rates, providing even more control over your sound.

Key Features:

  • 250k ohm resistance suitable for passive instruments
  • Microswitch for even taper of the pot throughout pedal travel
  • Front-facing jacks for easy plug-in
  • Independent tuner output for silent tuning
  • Internal taper switch for selectable volume swell rate
  • Durable construction for long-lasting performance

Product specs

Height 2.75"
Width 4"
Depth 11"
Weight 3 lbs.

FAQs

Does the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal require a power supply?

The Ernie Ball 250K Mono Volume Pedal for passive signals does not require an external power supply, as it operates passively without needing electricity.

Can the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal be used as an expression pedal?

Yes, the Ernie Ball 250K Mono Volume Pedal can be used as an expression pedal, providing versatility for controlling various effects parameters.

Is the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal suitable for active pickups?

The Ernie Ball 250K Mono Volume Pedal is specifically designed for passive signals, so it may not perform optimally with active pickups.

How durable is the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal?

The Ernie Ball Volume Pedal features a rugged design with aircraft-grade aluminum housing, making it highly durable and suitable for extensive use.

What are the dimensions of the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal?

The Ernie Ball Volume Pedal measures 2.75 inches in height, 4 inches in width, and 11 inches in depth, with a weight of 3 pounds, making it compact yet sturdy.

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Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner - Demo by Guitar World

Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner - Demo

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Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball MVP Volume Pedal Review by Mr Z's Music Lessons

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Reviews

PROS

  • Quality construction ensures durability

  • Quiet operation without signal loss

  • Can be calibrated for optimal expression control

  • Versatile for both volume and expression pedal uses

  • Smooth action allows for precise volume control

  • Built like a brick, very strong and reliable

  • Enables seamless mute between songs for cleaner sound

  • Responsive and balanced, even under intense use

  • Features dual outputs for versatile rig setups

  • Includes a tuner output for convenient onstage tuning

CONS

  • Potentiometer hard to clean and replace

  • String mechanism prone to wear and can be difficult to replace

  • Taper could be more linear for volume control

  • Some users find it expensive for a volume pedal

  • Passive design may lead to 'tone sucking' without proper buffering

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal.

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find placing the Ernie Ball VP Jr at the end of the chain enhances swells, especially when paired with reverb or delay pedals for ambient effects.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Placing the VP Jr between drive and modulation pedals allows users to mute output and eliminate buzz without an effects loop.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The ZepplinDesigns kit is recommended to eliminate string issues and enable a boost function, offering a hassle-free upgrade.

    Source
  • The Kevlar string upgrade from Shnobletone is a popular modification, praised for its durability and ease of installation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal can be used as a splitter using the tuner out, though it affects only one side, offering experimental routing options.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 77 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tylerrosier

It’s a Volume Pedals

No much to say… it’s a well built volume pedal. If you have to change the string I wish you the best of luck and patience.

barrau

chunky volume pedal

just a potentiometer in an expression pedal case.

the construction is fine but the action is done by a string, it seems easy to be degradated and broke with use.

big, comfy and with two outputs (one not affected by the potentiometer). u can use it for tuner (why would u do that lol) or for controlling dry/wet rigs.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

in fx loop for not affecting the gain but just the volume after the stereo side of my pedalboard.

h535
h535

606

The most functional brick.

This pedal is built like a brick. It has a excellent smooth sweep allowing for amazing smooth volume control, and is also solid enough to accomplish most DIY jobs. What more could you want.

othiym23

you can stand on it

This thing is totally bombproof and deeply satisfying to use. I saw Pitchblende use two of these in series and while that was, in retrospect, sort of gratuitous, when they needed to stomp on that second pedal and really take it over the top, it was extremely gratifying.

cloudtapes

Get those swells.

I use this along with my EHX Small Clone to get some cello-esque sounds. I used to spin the volume knobs to make it happen, but this just makes life a lot easier. Plus I can rock back, mute my bass, and have dead silence between songs. This pedal allows for a lot of control, especially with the dipper switch.

dane_constant

Best volume pedal

There are many techy snobs out there that will critique this pedal for being passive and 'tone sucking' but if you properly buffer your board (and don't use the tuner out) this is the most responsive and balanced volume pedal under $250 plain and simple.

zach_epps

Average

I had the string break on it but it was after I had bought it used and was using it pretty roughly trying to get an intense tremolo effect haha... thankfully a replacement string is only $5.

skylinerr

Good Volume

recently my roland vol pedal broke and I cant find one as good as it was

Genres:
emilio_alfieri

Amazing Volume pedal

"Easy" is the keyword. I really appreciate this Ernie ball, the price is very high for a volume pedal But is quality is extremely high! It has an input and output (like all the pedal) plus a tuner input. Cool!

Roles:
Genres:
donnyj

Ernie Ball Volume Pedal

Great to use if your not into using your hand to control volume. I use it mainly for when I want to tune real quick on stage. Nice addition to the pedal board.

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jan Borysewicz uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Jan Borysewicz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lady Pank

...
Verified via Photo

Jan Borysewicz used the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, as shown in a post on his official Instagram account.

See how Stu G uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Stu G

Singer, Guitarist

Delirious?

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows 2006 pedalboard of Stu G, one of the pedals that can be seen in the photo are 2 Ernie Ball volume pedals.

See how Zach Sutton uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Zach Sutton

Singer, Bassist

Hippo Campus

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:22 and several other instances you can see him stepping on his volume pedal.

See how Dhani Harrison uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Dhani Harrison

Guitarist

George's Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout the video, an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal can be seen on Dhani's effects board.

See how Chris McQueen uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Chris McQueen

Guitarist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

In this old photo of Chris' effects setup, a Ernie Ball Volume Pedal can be seen.

See how Ben Monder uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Ben Monder

Guitarist

Theo Bleckmann and Ben Monder

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

Ben is well known for using the volume pedal as a means of articulation (ala Bill Frisell).

See how Kaki King uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Kaki King

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Pedal 46 in Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World's Greatest Guitarists, as can be seen in the quick browse video at 0:21. It is also mentioned in this July 2010 Premier Guitar interview.

Tell us about your pedals

My pedalboard is always in a state of flux, but currently I’m using an Ernie Ball volume pedal for swells and a simple Boss DD-3 for delay. I also have a Boss TR-2 Tremolo pedal and a Boss OC-3 Super Octave pedal, and a Fulltone OCD distortion pedal. For weird sounds, I’ll sometimes use my Electro- Harmonix Harmonic Octave Generator.

See how Ian Haug uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Ian Haug

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Effects Bay

In this photo, provided by Tim Grime, it is revealed that Haug uses Ernie Ball Volume Pedal.

See how Adam Rogers uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Adam Rogers

Guitarist

John Patitucci Electric Guitar Quartet

...
Verified via Adamrogersmusic

Guitarist Adam Rogers is listed as using the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal on his official website, adamrogersmusic.com.

See how Eric Krasno uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Eric Krasno

Guitarist

Lettuce

...
Verified via Guitar Messenger

There is an Ernie Ball Volume pedal on the right of the pedalboard.

See how Mathieu Vandekerckhove uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Mathieu Vandekerckhove

...
Verified via YouTube

From 6:10 you can see it through all pedalboard part.

See how Joshua Hodges uses Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal

Joshua Hodges

Singer, Guitarist

Starfucker

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Imgur, Joshua Hodges uses an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, positioned just out of frame to the right.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
licha_vece

licha_vece

Gear IQ 4204

licha_vece

licha_vece

Gear IQ 4204

karamazov

karamazov

Gear IQ 521

hope

hope

Gear IQ 81

jasonoldsu

jasonoldsu

Gear IQ 149

steph_said_so

steph_said_so

Gear IQ 1026

stephen_bourque

stephen_bourque

Gear IQ 190

scot_fleming

scot_fleming

Gear IQ 109

mr_mulberry

mr_mulberry

Gear IQ 91

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Actual version of the Ernie Ball volume pedal Jimmy uses as seen at 15:03 of video

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