The Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression is a treadle-style pedal that does two jobs: a toggle switch assigns it either volume or expression duties1. Fender released it in November 2020 alongside a separate Tread-Light Wah pedal, as part of the company's fast-expanding effects line23.
What it does and who it suits
As a volume pedal, Guitar World described it as "Ideal for those who use volume pedals to sweep in chords à la [Allan Holdsworth]"2. As an expression pedal, it is aimed at musicians looking to control other effects pedals and keyboards2. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley suggested it for players "Looking to perfect those pedal steel country bends? This could be just the thing."3
Controls, jacks and power
- A toggle switch assigns volume or expression duties1
- Top-mounted jacks for easier pedalboard integration2
- Switchable purple LEDs to show whether the pedal is on or not3
- Takes 9V power3
The treadle grip is rubber rather than wood, and the lightweight anodized aluminum enclosure is extended to a foot-long to accommodate the treadle3.
Related pedals
Fender also makes the Fender EXP-1 Expression Pedal and the Fender Treadlite Volume/Expression, an earlier treadle-style model announced at NAMM 2020. For more on how pedals like this fit a board, see Expression Pedals and Volume Pedals.
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Questions
Can the Fender Tread-Light work as both a volume and an expression pedal?
Yes. A toggle switch assigns the pedal to either volume or expression duty, so one treadle pedal can do both jobs. As a volume pedal it suits players who sweep in chords in the manner of Allan Holdsworth, and as an expression pedal it can control other effects pedals and keyboards.
What power does the Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression use?
The pedal takes 9V power, according to MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley. No current draw, battery option or polarity figure is given on this page, so plan a pedalboard power supply around the 9V requirement and the pedal's place in the Fender Tread-Light range.
How much does the Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression cost in the US?
Guitar World reported a retail price of $99.99 when the pedal became available in November 2020, and MusicRadar listed it at $99 (with a UK price of £79) the same month.
Is the Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression a wah pedal?
No. It is a volume/expression pedal. Fender released it alongside a separate Tread-Light Wah pedal in November 2020, so the two are siblings in the range rather than one pedal doing both jobs.
Where are the jacks on the Fender Tread-Light Volume/Expression?
The jacks are top-mounted, which Guitar World notes makes pedalboard integration easier, since cables run upward rather than out sideways.
Sources (3)
- Fender announces 4 new guitar and bass effects pedals, MusicRadar, 2020-08-10
- Fender releases '70s-vibed Tread-Light Wah and Volume/Expression pedals, Guitar World, 2020-11-23
- Fender's floor game takes another step forward with the Tread-Light Wah and Volume/Expression pedals, MusicRadar, 2020-11-24
