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JHS Little Black Amp Box

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$65.00 to $66.00 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (10)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

Find out who is using JHS Little Black Amp Box

6 community setups

8 wishlisted

53 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (216)

$65.00

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4.5 (11)

$65.00

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4.5 (1312)

$65.00 New

$61.32 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (77)

$65.00 34 available New

$35.00 26 available Used

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4.0 (12)

$65.00

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5.0 (8)

$65.00

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4.7 (240)

$66.00

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£58.00

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Average Price: $61

Budget/Beginner

$299

$600+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Power Attenuators category, JHS Little Black Amp Box is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "JHS Little Black Amp Box". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Product Description:

Get the most out of your amp without disturbing the neighbors with the JHS Little Black Amp Box. This unassuming passive attenuator is designed for those who crave the saturated, full-throated tones of a cranked amp, but need to keep the volume at reasonable levels. With its easy hookup, you can simply connect this box to your amp's effects loop and control the signal sent to your amp's power section.

Once connected, the JHS Little Black Amp Box allows you to push the front end of your amp to its sweet spot without causing an earache. The result is the pure, clear, and natural tone that your amp was designed to deliver, all at a volume that won't cause your neighbors to call the police. This device, handcrafted in the USA, is an ideal addition to any setup and is built incredibly rugged for years of worry-free use.

Key Features:

Designed for amplifiers with an effects loop
Allows for cranked tube tones at lower volumes
Passive design - no power supply required
Easy to connect - input to your SEND, output to your RETURN
Single control for easy operation
Compact and sturdy, ideal for any setup
Made in the USA

Note: This device is not intended for use after the speaker output of any amp.

Product specs

Type	Series Effects Loop Attenuator
Power Handling	Line Level only
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Power Source	Passive
Height	1.57"
Width	1.96"
Depth	4.33"
Weight	0.26 lbs.

FAQs

How does the JHS Little Black Amp Box work with my amplifier?: The JHS Little Black Amp Box connects through your amp's effects loop to control the amount of signal sent to the power section, allowing you to achieve cranked amp tones at lower volumes.
Can the JHS Little Black Amp Box be used with any type of amplifier?: The JHS Little Black Amp Box is designed for use with amplifiers that have a series effects loop. It is not suitable for amps without this feature.
Does the JHS Little Black Amp Box require a power supply?: No, the JHS Little Black Amp Box is a passive device and does not require any external power source to operate.
What are the input and output options for the JHS Little Black Amp Box?: The JHS Little Black Amp Box features one 1/4" input and one 1/4" output, designed to integrate seamlessly into your amp's effects loop.
Is the JHS Little Black Amp Box suitable for live performances?: Yes, the JHS Little Black Amp Box is compact and easy to use, making it a practical choice for live performances where volume control is essential.

Videos

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Derek Paul Guitar

Why I bought...JHS pedals Little black amp box | FULL Review

Derek Paul Guitar

JHS Little Black Amp Box Review

Rich Bischoff

Are you a Bedroom Guitarist with a Touchy Tube Amp? Then you NEED the JHS Little Black Amp Box!

Adam Klintworth

Is the Jhs Little Black Amp Box Good

Dustin Alford

How to Use the JHS Little Black Amp Box

Andrew Siemon

JHS Pedals - Little Black Amp Box Demo

Mike Loves Guitars

JHS Little Black Amp Box, Your Sweet Spot Tone at a Lower Volume

Randy Reviews

Best Attenuators for Guitar (JHS Little Black Amp Box, EHX Signal Pad, Weber MiniMass)

Stompin' Ground

Reviews

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PROS

Enables control of hot signals without tone loss
Maintains amp's tone and response at lower volumes
Works with a variety of amps, including tube models
No power supply needed, simple plug-and-play
Quality build and reliable performance
Allows for cranked amp tones without disturbing others
Effective in both bedroom and apartment settings
Can be used with effects loop for more detailed volume control
Affordable solution compared to higher-priced attenuators

CONS

Potentiometer may lose smoothness in turning
At minimum volume, some tone degradation noticeable
Creates hum with certain setups
Eliminates effects loop feature when in use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JHS Little Black Amp Box.

Use cases and applications

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Passive volume pedals can mimic the Little Black Amp Box's function in an effects loop, enabling users to test a similar setup before purchasing.
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Particularly beneficial for players using solid-state amps or tube amps where distortion is generated mainly from the preamp section.
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The JHS is less effective for high-volume breakup tones required by amps like Fender, which rely on power stage distortion.
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Ideal for setups where maintaining low stage volume is crucial, such as when mic'ing amps during live performances without affecting preamp tone.
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It's effective for users who achieve their tone from a cranked preamp rather than a power section, making it suitable for amps with prominent preamp distortion.
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User experience

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Reports of tone degradation exist, but many find it negligible compared to the convenience of using the device to manage volume.
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Owners of high-volume amps, like the Marshall DSL5, have found that using additional pedals in the effects loop can maintain desired tone levels at lower volumes.
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Value and pricing

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Some users suggest alternatives like the Saturnworks model, which provides a similar function at a lower cost of around $15-20.
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A Saturnworks equivalent offers a similar function at a lower cost, though shipping can significantly impact the overall price, especially internationally.
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Features and functionality

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The device's effectiveness is diminished if the amp's distortion primarily comes from the power section, such as with many Marshall models.
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The JHS Little Black Amp Box is essentially an external master volume, offering volume control in amps that lack this feature.
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The JHS Little Black Amp Box primarily acts as an additional preamp volume control, limiting its effectiveness for achieving power tube distortion at low volumes.
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The JHS Little Black Amp Box allows finer control of the amp's volume, functioning between the preamp and power amp to manage signal levels effectively.
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The device is best used as a master volume control in amps lacking this feature, enabling preamp saturation without increasing power amp volume.
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Comparisons

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Users compare its functionality to an EQ pedal like the Boss GE-7, which offers additional EQ features alongside volume control in the effects loop.
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Unlike attenuators, the JHS Little Black Amp Box doesn't preserve the interaction between output transformers and speaker coils, which is critical for authentic cranked tube amp sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users have successfully created DIY versions using two jacks and a 100K potentiometer, indicating potential for customization and cost-saving.
Source

Critic Reviews

JHS Little Black Amp Box Review | Performer Mag

performermag.com

The JHS Little Black Amp Box is a game-changer for players craving that rich tube amp tone without the volume headache. Its straightforward design and passive circuit make it a breeze to use, allowing for a significant volume reduction without sacrificing sound quality. While some may argue it slightly alters tone, careful EQ adjustments can easily remedy this. At $45, it's a small price for a tool that enhances usability, especially for high-wattage amps. Just remember, it's not a permanent solution, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's setup.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

pitchy

387

over 4 years ago

You one time you may get a Thank You card…from venues, band members and the deaf!

I bought this in hope to give my Fender 2x12 a chance to get cranked, but not at super loud, glass shattering volumes. Took it straight into a gig, patched it into the effects loop of the amp, and that was an amazing gig, at a suitable volume, dynamic range held in tact, and other effects pedals kept in check.

It may only get used on occasions, but this literally saves a gig from a volume prospective. Does the job perfectly for the price it cost. Get one, keep in your gig bag, and use when necessary. You’ll be thankful!

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Pop Blues

jredden

471

over 5 years ago

Amp Slave Secret Weapon

With my Vox AC30S1 amp it get's cranked power amp tone at sensible volume. Bedroom levels really, it does what it does amazingly.

But even more-so when you bring amp slaving into the equation, it get's my Orange Micro Dark preamp through my AC30's power amp both working at saturated levels, driving the AC30's 4 power valves enough to add more warmth to the Micro Dark's tone. Still-so the JHS can bring that down to sensible volume.

Roles:

Guitarist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Alternative rock Indie rock Metal

From Gear Setup

henrico_gouvea

215

about 6 years ago

Does the job

I bought this one to be able to reach the valve saturation on room volumes with my fender blues deluxe amp. And this pedal takes you there. The only bad side of it is that it eliminate your effects loop feature.