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Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner Review — Volume & Tuning 

Ernie Ball might not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of tuning pedals, but the Californian company has actually had great success with a range of accessories, including the VPJR volume pedal. Now, they wanted to go out of the box with this product, adding a tuner on top of it.

I like my tuners to be tuners and volume pedals to stay that, but I must admit I was excited testing this tool.

As musicians continually seek streamlined solutions for their pedalboards, this product from Ernie Ball sets new standards.

This Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner review will critically examine the pedal, assessing its functionality, design, and overall value, keeping in mind its dual purpose and the manufacturer’s reputation for quality.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unboxing

Upon unboxing, the Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner reveals its robust construction, a hallmark of Ernie Ball’s design philosophy. The pedal’s dimensions of 2.5 x 10 x 3.5 inches and a weight of 2.6 lbs convey a substantial yet manageable size. 

Its compact, rugged aluminum housing ensures durability, essential for withstanding the demands of frequent use. The pedal also features a PVC-coated Kevlar cord, enhancing its longevity and ensuring smooth operation.

Now, the irony of that comes with the pedal is that it might take up more space on your pedalboard than, say two smaller pedals, one of them being a mini tuner. In other words, Ernie Ball probably thought about the utility of saving space on a pedalboard, while, in reality, their pedals are still huge. Perhaps I am just being too picky. After all, it does save space compared to normal-sized pedals, especially if one of them is a volume pedal.

In addition to its standard offerings, the Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner also presents musicians with two exclusive limited editions: the Roadrunner and Super Bee. These limited editions bring a unique flair to the already versatile pedal, offering different aesthetic choices. One features a roadrunner rocking a guitar and it’s blue, while the other is distinctively yellow and has a bee rocker.

Available Modes

Ernie Ball didn’t experiment much with the tunning modes, as we should remember that the pedal is primarily for volume.

This chromatic tuner offers moderate versatility with its three modes: volume only, tuning only, or both. Switching between these modes is facilitated by a responsive touchscreen, a modern addition that elevates the user experience.

Tuning Accuracy

The VP JR Tuner excels in tuning accuracy, boasting a 0.1-cent precision in chromatic mode. With its reference pitch of A440, it aligns with the standard tuning needs of most musicians. The pedal’s enhanced definition digital tuner not only ensures accurate tuning. It also provides a visually pleasing experience, crucial in both studio and live settings.

I really love how sensitive the digital needle looks on the display, which adds the feeling of precision when tuning your instrument.

Ernie Ball VPJR Tuner Display and Power Options

Besides the tuning indicator, the digital screen offers a clear display of volume levels, a feature not commonly found in traditional volume pedals. As you press the pedal, the volume will increase up to 10 and go back to 0 when pedaling it down.

The VP JR Tuner’s power requirements are notably efficient, requiring a 9V-18V DC power supply and a minimum power usage of 150mA. This power flexibility, combined with its dual input and output options (2 x 1/4″ each for instrument/effect return and main out/effect send), makes it a versatile choice for various setups.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Dual functionality — A space-saving solution combining a tuner and volume pedal.
  • High tuning accuracy — With 0.1 cent precision in chromatic mode.
  • Durable construction — Featuring a rugged aluminum housing and PVC coated Kevlar cord.
  • Versatile power and connection options — Accommodating a range of power supplies and offering multiple input/output ports.

Cons:

  • Complexity for some users — May not appeal to those who prefer single-function pedals.
  • Size and weight — Slightly heavier and bulkier compared to simpler pedals, potentially impacting pedalboard space.

Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner Review Summary

Here’s the Ernie Ball VP JR Tuner review summary.

  • Manufacturer and Type: Ernie Ball’s VP JR Tuner, a unique 2-in-1 pedal combining tuner and volume functionalities.
  • Tuner Specifications: Chromatic tuner with a reference pitch of A440 and an impressive 0.1 cent tuning accuracy.
  • Versatile Modes: Offers three modes – volume only, tuning only, or both, easily switchable via a responsive touchscreen.
  • Construction and Dimensions: Durable design with a rugged aluminum housing, PVC coated Kevlar cord, measuring 2.5 x 10 x 3.5 inches and weighing 2.6 lbs.
  • Input/Output Options: Equipped with 2 x 1/4″ inputs (instrument, effects return) and 2 x 1/4″ outputs (main out, effects send), catering to various setup needs.
  • Power Supply Compatibility: Supports a 9V-18V DC power supply with a minimum power usage of 150mA, enhancing its adaptability.