Volume Pedal Preferences Anyone?

Nathan Golub · Post by **Nathan Golub** » 11 May 2009 10:37 am

I recently bought a Hilton after using pot pedals (with a Matchbox) since I started, so the jury's still out on which I like better tone-wise. There certainly is a difference, and it's very noticeable switching between different amps. For the gigs I've played that I get a real sound check, I've used the Hilton because I have more time to set up. If it's a quick set up then I've used a Goodrich. Tonight's my first session using the Hilton, I'm looking forward to comparing the recorded tone between the two.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 11 May 2009 11:47 am

I do prefer my Shobud pedal, as it's the most comfortable for me. Got it when I bought my first pedal steel in '72, so I'm just plain used to it. I do have 3 Goodrich pot pedals, one of which has the tank circuit (?) installed so you don't lose the highs as you back off. At one time, when I was insane, I played stereo through a big rack. I figured I needed a good stereo pedal. I got the Goodrich active pedal. Three times in a row, when I went into the studio, the engineers said that something was humming. Tried everything. Finally took out a pot pedal. Three times in a row, the engineers said "The hum is gone, and your guitar sounds much better with that pedal."

admin · Post by **b0b** » 11 May 2009 11:56 am

I had a problem with that OLD active Goodrich stereo pedal in the studio, too. It picked up a radio station!

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 11 May 2009 12:00 pm

Good point b0b! I should have mentioned that that was the OLD active pedal. But I'm lucky to have a half dozen of the old AB pots stashed away, so I'm good for the rest of my life with my pot pedals.

admin · Post by **b0b** » 11 May 2009 12:31 pm

I'll knock on wood here. I haven't worn out a volume pedal pot in many, many years. I hear people talking about the hassle of replacing scratchy pots. They are replacing pots every couple of years. Maybe I just don't pump my volume pedal enough. I have a lazy ankle, I guess.

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 12 May 2009 8:36 am

The older Hiltons have a walwart plug (not crazy about that). The new ones have a regular plug, on a detachable cord I believe.

Anything can go, amp, VP, pickup, whatever. I'm not going to carry two of everything to every gig. If something breaks, I just miss a set and drive home and get a replacement. If I go out of town, I carry two of most things.

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 12 May 2009 9:45 am

Another vote for the Goodrich L10K... and no power supply hassle. I think this may be about the 4th or 5th time this argument has shown up and I didn't want to ruin my perfect record by not posting on this one.

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 12 May 2009 10:33 am

b0b wrote:I'll knock on wood here. I haven't worn out a volume pedal pot in many, many years. I hear people talking about the hassle of replacing scratchy pots. They are replacing pots every couple of years. Maybe I just don't pump my volume pedal enough. I have a lazy ankle, I guess.

Neither have I. I guess they made better pots back when we bought our pedals.

Interestingly, the Alan Bradley company claimed that the way we use their pots in our volume pedals was a misuse of them that voided the warranty, and they would not guarantee their pots if they were in a volume pedal.

Nevertheless, mine is still fine even after 25+ years.

Paddy Long · Post by **Paddy Long** » 12 May 2009 8:37 pm

I have 2 Goodrich LDR2's ... they do a brilliant job and have always been available with the international power supply which is essential in this neck of the woods (240v). I just plug them into the power strip in the bottom of my rack ....great consistent tone and totally noise-less !!

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 17 May 2009 12:43 pm

I've used just about every brand of Vol pedal that's ever been marketed starting with a D'Armond on my Fender 400. I must say, however that since switching to a Hilton.....I get the best tone from any guitar it's been connected to. My preference is the Hilton. Yeah, I've had a couple of minor problems with the Hilton, but I also had problems with pedals that had the potentiometers in them so I say "six of one, half dozen of the other" take your pick. IMHO. HAL

Robert Rogers · Post by **Robert Rogers** » 21 May 2009 2:21 pm

I love my hilton.I couldnt play with out it.
Robert Rogers