Fender's combo volume/expression pedal is a single rocker unit that does two jobs at once: it works as a volume pedal, and it works as an expression pedal for sweeping parameters on another device. It is built around an original Fender circuit, and it is aimed at players with crowded boards: it uses top-mounted jacks so it can squeeze into cramped spaces where side-mounted plugs would not fit1.
What it does
As a combo pedal, it covers the territory of two separate foot controls1:
- Volume mode: shapes your signal level from the floor, like a standalone volume pedal1.
- Expression mode: sends control data to a compatible device, sweeping a parameter with your foot1.
If you are new to the category, the Expression Pedals page explains how expression control works and how it differs from a straight volume pedal; the Volume Pedals page covers the other half of its job.
The top-mounted jack arrangement is the practical detail that sets it apart. On a tight pedalboard, side-mounted jacks can force a pedal to sit with gaps around it for the plugs; top-mounted jacks let the pedal sit flush against its neighbors1.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Combo volume/expression pedal1 |
| Circuit | Original Fender circuit1 |
| Jacks | Top-mounted1 |
| Power | 9V battery or center negative AC adapter1 |
| Lighting | Switchable LED1 |
| List price | $119 street1 |
Power and practical details
The pedal operates on a 9V battery or a center negative AC adapter, so it can run without an external supply if you would rather keep it off your power brick1. It also includes a switchable LED light, which makes its position easy to see on a dark stage1.
Because it takes a 9V battery or a center negative AC adapter, the pedal can run entirely on battery power, which keeps it off a shared supply on a crowded board1.
Where it sits in Fender's range
Fender makes several pedals in this space. Alongside this combo unit, the company's lineup includes the Fender EXP-1 Expression Pedal, the Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression, the Fender Tread-Light Expression Pedal, and the Fender Treadlite Volume/Expression. See the Fender brand page for the wider range.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar included the pedal in its buying guide for expression pedals. The guide's entry reads1:
"this combo volume/expression pedal uses top-mounted jacks in order to squeeze into cramped spaces"
The guide also noted that it was "Created around an original [Fender] circuit," and listed it at $119 street1.
Sources (1)
- 10 Expression Pedals That Will Give You Total Control, Premier Guitar (www.premierguitar.com), 2023-04-07
