What is the primary material used in the Boss FV-500H construction?

The pedal is constructed from rugged aluminium die-cast metal, designed for professional road use and high durability.

Can the FV-500H be used as an expression pedal?

Yes, it features a dedicated expression output jack that can be connected to synths, amps, and effects pedals to control various parameters.

What is the difference between the FV-500H and the FV-500L?

The FV-500H is a high-impedance pedal for guitar-level signals, whereas the 'L' version is low-impedance for line-level signals or use after buffered effects.

Does the FV-500H require a battery or power supply for volume control?

No, the volume control functionality is passive and does not require external power to operate.

How does the minimum volume knob work?

The side-mounted knob allows you to set a baseline volume so that the 'heel-down' position isn't completely silent, which is useful for switching between rhythm and lead levels.

Is there a dedicated output for a tuner?

Yes, the pedal includes a dedicated Tuner Out jack, allowing you to connect a tuner without placing it directly in your main signal path.

Can I adjust the physical resistance of the pedal's movement?

Yes, it features a built-in torque adjustment screw that allows the user to make the pedal action tighter or looser based on preference.

What keeps the pedal from sliding during use?

The FV-500H is designed with built-in rubber grips on the top surface for the foot and rubber feet on the bottom to ensure it stays in place on the floor.

Is the FV-500H mono or stereo?

The FV-500H is a mono high-impedance pedal. Users requiring stereo operation typically look toward the low-impedance FV-500L model.

Can this pedal be used with keyboards?

While it can function as an expression pedal for keyboards, the high-impedance input is specifically optimized for passive guitar pickups rather than line-level keyboard outputs.

How does this pedal help with guitar solos?

It allows a player to instantly increase their volume for a solo or main riff and then pull back for rhythm playing, providing precise dynamic control.

What is the typical price for a Boss FV-500H?

The typical retail price for the Boss FV-500H is approximately £125.

Gear article

Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal

The Boss FV-500H is a high-impedance mono volume and expression pedal designed for use with electric guitars and basses. Constructed from heavy-duty die-cast metal, it has become an industry standard for live performance and studio applications due to its rugged build and ultra-smooth mechanical action.

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Overview

The Boss FV-500H serves as a versatile utility pedal for guitarists, providing hands-free control over signal levels. It is the high-impedance version of the Boss FV series, specifically tailored for placement at the beginning of a signal chain or directly after a passive guitar. The pedal is physically distinguished by its large footprint and rubberised grip surfaces, ensuring stability and precise control during operation.

Design and Construction

Built for professional use, the FV-500H features a rugged die-cast metal body designed to withstand the rigours of touring. The pedal includes a friction adjustment screw, allowing the player to customise the torque or 'feel' of the pedal's travel. For added utility, the top surface features non-slip rubber grips, and the base is fitted with rubber feet to prevent sliding on stage floors.

Connectivity and Features

The FV-500H provides a straightforward but flexible set of inputs and outputs:

Input/Output: Standard 1/4-inch mono jacks for guitar signal routing.
Expression Output: A dedicated jack for connecting to synthesizers, amplifiers, or effects pedals that support expression control.
Tuner Out: A convenient dedicated output that allows for silent tuning or constant monitoring without affecting the main signal path.
Minimum Volume Knob: A side-mounted control that lets users set the lowest volume level reached when the pedal is in the fully 'heel-down' position.

Suitability and Performance

As a high-impedance (H) model, this pedal is ideally suited for passive guitar pickups. It excels at creating swells, controlling gain stages by limiting the input sent to overdrive pedals, or simply acting as a master mute. Its smooth action is often cited as a primary reason for its popularity in both stage and studio environments.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to plastic-bodied alternatives like the Yamaha FC7, the Boss FV-500H offers significantly higher durability and a larger physical platform. While basic utility pedals like the Behringer UC200 or Boss NS-2 handle specific signal processing tasks, the FV-500H is a mechanical controller. Unlike active volume pedals that require power, the FV-500H operates passively for volume functions, though it offers a more robust build than standard entry-level volume controllers.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Boss FV-500H construction?: The pedal is constructed from rugged aluminium die-cast metal, designed for professional road use and high durability.
Can the FV-500H be used as an expression pedal?: Yes, it features a dedicated expression output jack that can be connected to synths, amps, and effects pedals to control various parameters.
What is the difference between the FV-500H and the FV-500L?: The FV-500H is a high-impedance pedal for guitar-level signals, whereas the 'L' version is low-impedance for line-level signals or use after buffered effects.
Does the FV-500H require a battery or power supply for volume control?: No, the volume control functionality is passive and does not require external power to operate.
How does the minimum volume knob work?: The side-mounted knob allows you to set a baseline volume so that the 'heel-down' position isn't completely silent, which is useful for switching between rhythm and lead levels.
Is there a dedicated output for a tuner?: Yes, the pedal includes a dedicated Tuner Out jack, allowing you to connect a tuner without placing it directly in your main signal path.
Can I adjust the physical resistance of the pedal's movement?: Yes, it features a built-in torque adjustment screw that allows the user to make the pedal action tighter or looser based on preference.
What keeps the pedal from sliding during use?: The FV-500H is designed with built-in rubber grips on the top surface for the foot and rubber feet on the bottom to ensure it stays in place on the floor.
Is the FV-500H mono or stereo?: The FV-500H is a mono high-impedance pedal. Users requiring stereo operation typically look toward the low-impedance FV-500L model.
Can this pedal be used with keyboards?: While it can function as an expression pedal for keyboards, the high-impedance input is specifically optimized for passive guitar pickups rather than line-level keyboard outputs.
How does this pedal help with guitar solos?: It allows a player to instantly increase their volume for a solo or main riff and then pull back for rhythm playing, providing precise dynamic control.
What is the typical price for a Boss FV-500H?: The typical retail price for the Boss FV-500H is approximately £125.