The Goodrich H120 HighBoy is a full-height passive volume pedal, and Goodrich calls it a trusted standard for pedal steel players. Because it is passive, there is no battery, no power supply, and no active circuitry in the signal path: the pedal works by varying the signal directly, which the maker says preserves your natural tone. Goodrich describes the H120 as delivering "a natural, even taper that stays out of your way and lets your playing shine," built with rugged, stage-ready construction1.
Size and weight
The HighBoy is a full-height pedal, and its heft is part of the design. Goodrich lists the H120 at 3.2 lbs21. That weight comes from the rugged, stage-ready construction the company uses, and it gives the pedal a stable platform underfoot, which matters for pedal steel players who work the rocker constantly.
Goodrich also lists an H-120 "One of a Kind" variant at 3.5 lbs, slightly heavier than the standard HighBoy's 3.2 lbs41. The two figures come from the maker's own product pages, so treat 3.2 lbs as the listed figure for the H120 HighBoy and 3.5 lbs as the figure for the one-of-a-kind unit.
Passive design and how it works
Goodrich's own article on active versus passive volume pedals places the H-120 among models that "preserve the organic interaction between the guitar, pickups, amplifier, and player"5. In practice, a passive pedal like this one needs no power at all: no battery, no adapter, no current draw. That also means it behaves differently from active volume pedals, which use powered circuitry to buffer the signal.
Goodrich's support pages describe the H-120 as a "Classic full-height passive volume pedal with smooth sweep and dependable control"56.
What the passive design means for a player:
- No battery, adapter, or current draw anywhere in the pedal1
- The signal from the guitar or pedal steel is varied directly, with no powered circuitry in the path1
- Goodrich says this preserves your natural tone1
- It differs from active volume pedals, which use powered circuitry to buffer the signal5
Price and the blemished option
Goodrich lists the H-120 HighBoy at $480.00 USD, currently on sale at $365.00 USD3. The company also sells a blemished version of the H120. According to Goodrich, a blemished unit has minor cosmetic imperfections only, and is "fully tested and guaranteed to deliver the same smooth taper, tone, and reliability" as a standard pedal. The blemished H120 was listed at $278.00 USD, reduced to $200.00 USD1.
The blemished H120 carried minor cosmetic imperfections only, offered at a reduced price compared with the standard model1.
The versions of the H-120 the maker lists:
| Version | Weight | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| H120 HighBoy (standard) | 3.2 lbs21 | $480.00 USD, on sale at $365.00 USD3 | Full-height passive pedal |
| H120 blemished | Not separately listed | $278.00 USD, reduced to $200.00 USD1 | Minor cosmetic imperfections only1 |
| H-120 "One of a Kind" | 3.5 lbs4 | Not listed | Maker's one-off variant |
Background
Goodrich states that it has been building volume pedals with the same precision and durability since 19651. The H120 HighBoy sits alongside the company's other full-size passive pedals, such as the Goodrich Classic, and shares the same passive approach found across Goodrich's volume pedal range51. For players comparing it with compact or active alternatives, the HighBoy's differences are its full-height rocker, its 3.2 lb build, and its all-passive signal path12.
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Questions
Is the Goodrich H120 HighBoy a passive volume pedal?
Yes. Goodrich describes the H-120 as delivering smooth, passive control with a classic high-profile feel, and the company's own article on active versus passive pedals lists the H-120 among models that preserve the organic interaction between the guitar, pickups, amplifier, and player. A passive design means no battery or power supply is needed, and the maker says it preserves your natural tone.
What does a blemished Goodrich pedal mean?
A blemished Goodrich pedal is a unit with minor cosmetic imperfections only. Goodrich states that these pedals are fully tested and guaranteed to deliver the same smooth taper, tone, and reliability as a standard unit, and sells them at a lower price than a new one.
How much does the Goodrich H120 HighBoy weigh?
Goodrich's product page lists the H120 HighBoy at 3.2 lbs. The company's one-of-a-kind H-120 variant is listed at 3.5 lbs, so weights can differ slightly between individual units.
Does the Goodrich H120 HighBoy need power?
No. The H120 is a passive volume pedal, so it has no circuitry to power and needs no battery, adapter, or current draw. It works by varying the signal from your guitar or pedal steel directly, which is why Goodrich says it preserves your natural tone.
Sources (6)
- Goodrich H120 Volume pedal, HighBoy (Blemished), Goodrich Sound Company
- Goodrich H-120 HighBoy Volume Pedal, Goodrich Sound Company
- Goodrich L-120 LowBoy Volume Pedal, Goodrich Sound Company
- H-120 One of a kind, Goodrich Sound Company
- active-vs-passive-volume-pedals, Goodrich Sound Company, 2026-05-14
- Goodrich Volume Pedal Repairs, Goodrich Sound Company, 2026-04-12
