The Best Percussion Stomp Boxes for Acoustic Gigs

Since Ed Sheeran broke through that thick, pop-heavy mainstream barrier many years ago, he has been gigging with only two pieces of equipment: His guitar, and his looping station. Sheeran still uses it to this day for percussive use amongst other looping uses. It was his heavy use of, and reliance of, this equipment that…

Ellie Palmer

February 21, 2025

top picks

Perfect for Frequent Gigging

Wazinator Dropkick

Wazinator Dropkick

4.2

Size: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches, Weight: 2.1 lbs. High gain line level output, no preamp required. Strong build quality, withstands heavy use. Made from sustainably grown timber. Connection via 1/4 inch jack. Compatible with various sound systems.

Pros:

Great sound quality
Solid build quality
Easy to set up
Comfortable design ergonomics

Cons:

Limited sound customization
Inconsistent product reviews
Bulky for transport
Potential durability concerns

Specifications:

Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 2.1 lbs
High gain output
No preamp required
Strong build quality
Sustainably grown timber
Made in Australia
1/4 inch jack connection
Unbalanced guitar lead

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Stompbox-Wazinator-Professional-percussion/dp/B01J2ROLCO

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Effortless Plug-and-Play Stomp

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

3.2

Constructed from solid Red Oak. Features a passive internal contact microphone. Velocity sensitive for dynamic sound response. Compact and lightweight. Non-slip rubber feet for stability. Plug and play compatibility with standard instrument cable. Ideal for acoustic performances.

Pros:

High sound quality
Easy setup
Compatible with loop pedals
Enhances acoustic performance

Cons:

Limited volume control
May require external amplification
Not portable for travel
Compatibility issues with pedals

Specifications:

Solid Red Oak construction
Passive internal microphone
Velocity-sensitive response
Lightweight and compact
Slim profile design
Non-slip rubber feet
Plug in via instrument cable
Compatible with loop pedals

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kopf-Percussion-ToeKicker-Acoustic-Stompbox/dp/B07LH6BJC4

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Great Value Drum Sound

SX SBX II Stomp Box

SX SBX II Stomp Box

3.6

Produces bass drum-like sound when stepped on. Connects via standard guitar cord. Compatible with most guitar amps. Facilitates simple rhythmic self-accompaniment. Features an active circuit. Ergonomic design. Solid and sturdy construction.

Pros:

Value for money
Sturdy build quality
Ergonomic design
Easy to use

Cons:

Short battery life
Inconsistent sound quality
Limited functionality
Prone to sudden failure

Specifications:

Produces bass drum sound
Compatible with guitar amps
Uses standard guitar cord
Creates rhythmic accompaniment
Active circuit design
Ergonomic design
Solid construction
Non-slip base
Adjustable EQ response

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SX-SBX-II-Stomp-Box/dp/B004CG2V28

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

We made sure to find, review, and rate cheaper acoustic drum sets and shell packs that

Best Percussion Stomp Box

Have everything included

If you’re looking for a complete drum kit that includes hardware and cymbals, this is the category for you. These kits come with all the essentials—bass drum, snare, toms, cymbals, stands, pedals, and sometimes even a drum throne. They are perfect for beginners or drummers who want a ready-to-play setup without purchasing additional components separately.

Are shell packs only

Shell packs include just the drums—typically a bass drum, snare drum, and toms—without cymbals, stands, or pedals. These are ideal for drummers who already own hardware and cymbals or want to customize their setup with high-quality components.

Read about our review process & our ethics

Since Ed Sheeran broke through that thick, pop-heavy mainstream barrier many years ago, he has been gigging with only two pieces of equipment:

His guitar, and his looping station.

Sheeran still uses it to this day for percussive use amongst other looping uses.

It was his heavy use of, and reliance of, this equipment that set a precedent for the next seven years of artistic performance, and inspired thousands of solo artists around the globe to create their own “one-man-band” sound using percussion and acoustic kick drum stomp boxes.

What are the Best 6 Stomp Boxes on the Market Now?

From the SX SBX II Stomp Box to Baby Grand Acoustic Stomp Box, we will cover a wide variety of stomp boxes to help you decide which one is right for you.

So, without further adieu…

Perfect for Frequent Gigging

Wazinator Dropkick

Wazinator Dropkick

4.2

Size: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches, Weight: 2.1 lbs. High gain line level output, no preamp required. Strong build quality, withstands heavy use. Made from sustainably grown timber. Connection via 1/4 inch jack. Compatible with various sound systems.

Pros:

Great sound quality
Solid build quality
Easy to set up
Comfortable design ergonomics

Cons:

Limited sound customization
Inconsistent product reviews
Bulky for transport
Potential durability concerns

Specifications:

Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 2.1 lbs
High gain output
No preamp required
Strong build quality
Sustainably grown timber
Made in Australia
1/4 inch jack connection
Unbalanced guitar lead

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Stompbox-Wazinator-Professional-percussion/dp/B01J2ROLCO

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Wazinator Dropkick: Overview

As an artist, you’ll save a bunch of time on EQing with this pedal! Just plug it into your amp or PA system and you are literally ready to go.

It's a really superb instrument to play. It’s full of punch, power and convenience. This acoustic stomp pedal is pretty close to not needing any EQ adjustment at all.

This is one of the best acoustic stomp boxes on the market.

Wazinator Dropkick

Wazinator Dropkick

Size: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches, Weight: 2.1 lbs. High gain line level output, no preamp required. Strong build quality, withstands heavy use. Made from sustainably grown timber. Connection via 1/4 inch jack. Compatible with various sound systems.

Effortless Plug-and-Play Stomp

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

3.2

Constructed from solid Red Oak. Features a passive internal contact microphone. Velocity sensitive for dynamic sound response. Compact and lightweight. Non-slip rubber feet for stability. Plug and play compatibility with standard instrument cable. Ideal for acoustic performances.

Pros:

High sound quality
Easy setup
Compatible with loop pedals
Enhances acoustic performance

Cons:

Limited volume control
May require external amplification
Not portable for travel
Compatibility issues with pedals

Specifications:

Solid Red Oak construction
Passive internal microphone
Velocity-sensitive response
Lightweight and compact
Slim profile design
Non-slip rubber feet
Plug in via instrument cable
Compatible with loop pedals

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kopf-Percussion-ToeKicker-Acoustic-Stompbox/dp/B07LH6BJC4

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox: Overview

Next up on our list is a hand-crafted oak stompbox from Kopf Percussion, aptly named the ToeKicker. I love the design of this one, as well as the sound, which is why we have chosen it first on our list.

The ToeKicker allows you to tap your foot while playing guitar and get a nice full and round “kick drum” sound to enhance any acoustic performance.

It’s quite amazing how large of a sound you get when using this little unit. The hand-crafted build quality cannot be rivaled.

The ToeKicker isn’t just for acoustic guitarists. If you’re a percussionist, consider the possibilities of using this box alongside your cajon or other auxiliary percussion.

Kopf Percussion offers a lifetime warranty. If anything should happen to go wrong with it, you can send it back and they will repair or replace it for free.

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

Toekicker Acoustic Stompbox

Constructed from solid Red Oak. Features a passive internal contact microphone. Velocity sensitive for dynamic sound response. Compact and lightweight. Non-slip rubber feet for stability. Plug and play compatibility with standard instrument cable. Ideal for acoustic performances.

Great Value Drum Sound

SX SBX II Stomp Box

SX SBX II Stomp Box

3.6

Produces bass drum-like sound when stepped on. Connects via standard guitar cord. Compatible with most guitar amps. Facilitates simple rhythmic self-accompaniment. Features an active circuit. Ergonomic design. Solid and sturdy construction.

Pros:

Value for money
Sturdy build quality
Ergonomic design
Easy to use

Cons:

Short battery life
Inconsistent sound quality
Limited functionality
Prone to sudden failure

Specifications:

Produces bass drum sound
Compatible with guitar amps
Uses standard guitar cord
Creates rhythmic accompaniment
Active circuit design
Ergonomic design
Solid construction
Non-slip base
Adjustable EQ response

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/SX-SBX-II-Stomp-Box/dp/B004CG2V28

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

SX SBX II Stomp Box: Overview

The instructions are as simple as you can get: Plug your stomp box into an amp or PA system, and get playing.

How about sound-wise? With this piece of equipment, SX have created a well designed, solid, ergonomic, bass drum stomp box.

It produces a strong signal, and a surprisingly nice low-end thump – even without any equalization. Perfect for simplicity!

If you’re looking for simplicity, which is hard to find in the world of music technology, then this is the one for you.

SX SBX II Stomp Box

SX SBX II Stomp Box

Produces bass drum-like sound when stepped on. Connects via standard guitar cord. Compatible with most guitar amps. Facilitates simple rhythmic self-accompaniment. Features an active circuit. Ergonomic design. Solid and sturdy construction.

No Power Required

Logjam Logarhythm Mk4

Logjam Logarhythm Mk4

3.5

Foot-operated piezo stomper. Direct connection to amp or PA via 1/4" cable. No batteries or power supply needed. Smooth stomping area for comfort. Compatible with DI boxes for enhanced sound. Versatile tone options based on foot placement.

Pros:

Compact design
Versatile tonal options
Compatible with DI boxes
Good performance with PA

Cons:

Quiet output level
Needs DI box for performance
Limited compatibility with small amps
May require additional gain

Specifications:

Foot-operated stomper
Smoother radius design
No batteries required
Connects with 1/4" cable
Triggers electronic bass sound
Compatible with amps/PA systems

Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/c/1444535/789347/11319?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FLogarhythm--logjam-logarhythm-mk4-piezo-stomper&partnerpropertyid=6047429

Reverb: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=67144&awinaffid=1668863&campaign=drumspy&clickref=tracking_code_1&clickref2=tracking_code_2&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Freverb.com%2Fmarketplace%3Fquery%3DLogjam%2520Logarhythm%2520Mk4&platform=pl

Gear4Music: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1117&awinaffid=1668863&campaign=drumspy&clickref=tracking_code_1&clickref2=tracking_code_2&clickref3=&clickref4=&clickref5=&clickref6=&platform=pl

View Price at Sweetwater

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Logjam Logarhythm Mk4: Overview

The instructions are exactly the same: Plug your stomp box into an amp or PA system, and get playing. Is there anything different about this stomp box to warrant why higher in price? The jury is still out on this.

Like the SX model, it generates a solid, well-rounded bass kick sound. If anything, the fact that it’s built from sapele, an African relative of mahogany, and finished with linseed oil, bumps this stomp box above the SX. But that much higher in price? We’re not so sure.

Like the the SX SBX II Stomp Box, the Log Jam Logarhythm Stompbox excels in the art of simplicity.

Logjam Logarhythm Mk4

Logjam Logarhythm Mk4

Foot-operated piezo stomper. Direct connection to amp or PA via 1/4" cable. No batteries or power supply needed. Smooth stomping area for comfort. Compatible with DI boxes for enhanced sound. Versatile tone options based on foot placement.

Punchy Bass, Ultra Portable

Meinl Percussion BASSBOX

Meinl Percussion BASSBOX

4.4

Constructed for portability, the Meinl Percussion BASSBOX delivers punchy low-end bass notes. Compatible with common foot pedals via an aluminum rail. Includes L-shaped bass beater. Ideal for guitarists and singer/songwriters.

Pros:

Excellent sound quality
Highly portable design
Easy to play
Versatile for gigs

Cons:

Build quality concerns
Limited play styles
No adjustable volume
Surface scratches easily

Specifications:

Punchy low end
Immense bass notes
Playable standing/sitting
Attached aluminum rail
Common foot pedal compatible
L-shaped Mein bass beater
Portable design
Easy to carry

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Meinl-Percussion-BASSBOX-Acoustic-L-Shaped/dp/B01B1JHSTO

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Meinl Percussion BASSBOX: Overview

It’s the perfect percussion stomp box for ambient music, as well as hip-hop. It produces a warm, round sound which is exactly what you want from a bass kick in those types of genres.

However, it’s worth adding a small amount of bass to your mixer just to bring the sound out that little bit more. The only downside to this product is that the pedal is in fact not included in the price and has to be ordered separately.

If you can afford that, then we would highly recommend you make an investment into what is a brilliant percussion stomp box.

This is a brilliant addition to a drum kit let alone a solo artist. What a fantastic piece of equipment!

Meinl Percussion BASSBOX

Meinl Percussion BASSBOX

Constructed for portability, the Meinl Percussion BASSBOX delivers punchy low-end bass notes. Compatible with common foot pedals via an aluminum rail. Includes L-shaped bass beater. Ideal for guitarists and singer/songwriters.

Ultra-Portable with Big Sound

Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

4.1

Portable design fits inside a guitar case. Durable construction. Produces satisfying sound through headphones and small practice amps. Requires quick foot lift to avoid unwanted noise. Compatible with bass amps for enhanced performance.

Pros:

Well-built construction
Satisfying sound quality
Suitable for various amplifiers
Durable for long use

Cons:

Requires quick foot lift
May produce unwanted noise
Learning curve for use
Limited sound versatility

Specifications:

Compact design
Fits in guitar case
Portable construction
Satisfying audio output
Compatible with practice amps
Suitable for bass amps
Durable materials
Foot-operated mechanism

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wazinator-KSB616-Grand-Acoustic-Stompbox/dp/B077YVB5TM

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox: Overview

The pick up system is designed to give a huge bottom end without EQ and without a preamp. Connect to a PA or bass amplifier via standard unbalanced guitar lead and you are sorted.

There are no batteries to worry about either, thank goodness. Definitely worth the money.

Physically very pleasing on the eye! This piece of acoustic foot percussion has plenty of boom, gain and punch.

Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

Baby Grand Acoustic Stompbox

Portable design fits inside a guitar case. Durable construction. Produces satisfying sound through headphones and small practice amps. Requires quick foot lift to avoid unwanted noise. Compatible with bass amps for enhanced performance.

Gear Guide

What is a Percussion Stomp Box?

It’s a simple percussion instrument consisting of a small wooden box placed under the foot, which is tapped or stamped on rhythmically to produce a sound similar to that of a bass drum.

If you’re wanting that classic bass drum sound without the addition of a full set or a drummer, a percussion stomp box is your simple solution.

Who uses stomp boxes?

Stomp boxes are perfect for artists who want to produce a fuller band sound on their own. It’s a brilliant addition to any solo artist, and so easy to use.

They are usually used as a foot drum for guitar players. All that’s required is for you to stomp your foot to the rhythm of the song, and boom (pun intended), you have percussion in your set!

Are percussion stomp boxes expensive?

They range anywhere from $35 up to $200+. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend. The higher the price, the better quality the stomp box. There are definitely some affordable stomp boxes out there which we’ll cover below!

Acoustic stomp box alternatives

Not within your budget? Here are two brilliant cheaper alternative foot percussion options…

This brilliant little instrument is easy-to-use, very affordable, and immensely effective. It’s essentially made up of a mini tambourine and a strap.

How does it work? Simply slip the strap around the front of your foot, with the tambourine facing upwards, and tap away!

Yet another awesome alternative, this instrument is very similar to the jingle shaker above, but works in a different way. It’s made up of two miniature crash cymbals attached to a foot long plastic black plank. This plank fits perfectly up between your shoelaces, with the cymbals hanging out the front of your foot.

Verdict

So there we have it: six percussion and acoustic stomp boxes to spice up your performance, + two additional foot percussion options for those with a smaller budget. We hope you can use this review to help you pick which stomp box is best for you!

Have you bought one of these? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. Percussion stomp boxes and foot percussion go very nicely with cajons.

top pick

Perfect for Frequent Gigging

Wazinator Dropkick

Wazinator Dropkick

4.2

Size: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches, Weight: 2.1 lbs. High gain line level output, no preamp required. Strong build quality, withstands heavy use. Made from sustainably grown timber. Connection via 1/4 inch jack. Compatible with various sound systems.

Pros:

Great sound quality
Solid build quality
Easy to set up
Comfortable design ergonomics

Cons:

Limited sound customization
Inconsistent product reviews
Bulky for transport
Potential durability concerns

Specifications:

Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 2.1 lbs
High gain output
No preamp required
Strong build quality
Sustainably grown timber
Made in Australia
1/4 inch jack connection
Unbalanced guitar lead

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Stompbox-Wazinator-Professional-percussion/dp/B01J2ROLCO

View Price at Amazon

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

4 comments

Mark E

3 years ago Reply

isn’t a digital stompbox with more than one sound well and truly overdue ?
Phil

5 years ago Reply

Thanks for the great article. I’ve been looking for a stompbox to busk with for a couple of weeks now and this helped to decide which one to go with!
Phil

5 years ago Reply

Thanks for the great article. I’ve been looking for a stompbox to busk with for a couple of weeks now and this helped to decide which one to go with!
Steve Head

6 years ago Reply

Hi!
I have been handcrafting the ToeKicker Acoustic Stompbox at Kopf Percussion since 2008. Here is a link to a recent video of me showcasing it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbVdebex-g4

Thanks!

Leave your comment (Cancel Reply)