Morley PWOV Power Wah Volume

Easy to use, but heel switch to switch from volume to Wah takes a litle getting used to if you are used to a "cry baby" type wah. I disagree with other reviewers who like the volume control, but don't like the wah! The Wah effect is excellent! easily better than my Jim Dunlop cry-baby! I was less impressed with the volume pedal, which initially was too fierce, the whole volume swell occurring over perhaps 10mm of pedal travel! It is possible to adjust this, by moving the position of internal components slightly, and this did improve things somewhat. Morley provide a .pdf file explaining how to do this, if you e-mail them.

I was most impressed with the "wah" effect of this pedal, particulrly as I bought it primarily as a volume pedal. I prefer the wah effect to my cry-baby. The sound is full, with a clearly defined bottom end (with heel down), and a crisp, singing, top-end (with toe down). A boost knob allows you to boost the volume in wah mode. I found leaving it set at half way suited me best. The wah effect is fairly extreme (like the cry-baby), so if you want a soft, subtle wah, this probably isn't for you!. As stated above, the volume pedal operation is less impressive, but can be improved with a few tweaks!

Haven't had it long enough to comment, but it looks very solidly built, and the absence of a potentiometer (which can wear and become noisy) should mean that this pedal should last forever! The pedal operation is smooth and inspires confidence

Excellent! I e-mailed Morley about the data sheet (see above), and received a reply within an hour!

I play space rock, and use this pedal for volume swells, wah on lead playing, and slowly swept wah-effects. Overall, it meets my needs very well, although if I am being ultra picky, I would prefer a slightly longer movement in volume mode

Can't really be much simpler. Just plug and play. Pedal is at Volume setting and just step on the button for the Wah setting.

Volume: I'd give it about a 7-8. It's pretty even, but it seems like it could be a little more gradual. Overall, it works for my needs.

Wah: A bit of a disappointment! Serves me right for asking for it as a gift w/out having played it. I was using a Crybaby prior to this and I wasn't in love w/ that, but I expected more from the Morely. I find the Wah sound to be a bit harsh. The pedal has a "Boost" knob which is a nice idea, but to my ears, it's still kind of harsh no matter how you set it. The best Wah I ever played was a Vox, but again, for my needs, the Morely is OK.

I was hoping the combination of the Vol/Wah in one pedal would be great, but if you really care about your Wah sound, you should play this first to make sure you like it. I may eventually trade it in and get that Vox wah and an Ernie Ball Jr. Vol pedal, but that won't be for a long time.

Overall, the sound is decent enough and gets the job done well. I do have to say that I really like the Morely optical system. WAAAYYY quieter than the Crybaby.

This thing is solid. No doubt

Haven't needed them yet.

I'm and old school indie guy: Archers of Loaf, Superchunk, Sebadoh. And the other bigger bands of the 80's 90's, U2, the Cure, Jesus and Mary Chain, etc.

I don't do a lot w/ the Wha, but I like having one just in case. As I said above, the Volume pedal aspect is pretty good and useable. Overall this pedal is fine for my needs, but I can see myself upgrading to a better Wha at some point - or just upgrading my current Crybaby w/ a new pot.

I've been playing for 20 years and I'm just amazed by the ongoing improvements in technology. This is a solid unit for a decent price - considering its "2 in 1" capabilities.

Please see previous review...minus the negativity.

As it was I who wrote the previous,I must clarify the situation.The problem I experienced was genuine.Since then I'd changed residence and decided to sell the pedal.Plugged it in fearing the worst... and the hum was gone!...replaced by a nice,even sweep;clear articulation and a more sonically powerful wah effect;a vast improvement to its predecessors.Only a hint of high end background fuzz.Both wah and volume modes benefit from the "buffered" circuitry.I was pleasantly taken aback.

Disregard my former review;I'd now say yes.Seems that the HQ2 inductor IS somewhat sensitive to ambient input.Tends to amplify any problem in the chain or electrical source.I can only conclude that my other apartment had one helluva ground fault.Glad it did no damage...wish I could say the same about the review...

Same ol' 10!My thanks and sheepish apologies to the Morley crew and Mr. Jim Seguin.He did offer technical assistance,but I was unreceptive at the time,convinced that the unit was at fault;which isn't the case now.

For style and gear,kindly consult the former again.Added a Vox DA5 to the playpen(nice little toy,BTW.Amazing!)If lost or pilfered,I'd get another.I find I get into this one moreso than the PWV.Seems more responsive and expressive in both modes.I've always liked the idea of the two-in-one,and this model delivers the proper balance and function without one stepping on the other.(e.g.,"tone-sucking")Have to work the pedal pretty hard to achieve what a Dunlop can do,but it has its own vibe that I like.It's now a keeper for me.For what I paid...a ten!

Oh boy!The previous review was mine,and I feel I must in all fairness,update and atone for it at the same time.For this category,the score's the same;but kindly disregard the end bit...I shall clarify further on.

The volume side is as previously stated...superb,rich and full(to my liking anyway);and the wah?Here goes...I was extremely disappointed;it was feeding back and I couldn't understand why,regardless of the guitar or set up.Changed cables,settings...you name it and still the same.So I shelved the unit after posting my diatribe.Just days ago,intent on selling it,I plugged it back in,fearing the worst.To my astonishment,the noise was gone!Replaced by a clear,clean sweep and tone!Good low to high coverage,reminiscent of the vintage models,but not exactly;a kinder,gentler,more expressive sound;with better treble response beyond the 12th fret.A truly emotable effect.Seemingly more powerful than its predessors.Loud enough without the boost,but boost and strap yourself in!With distortion,you have to find the mid-range sweet spot to hover and flutter there;but it's now a fun pedal!Only a hint of background hiss at top end,but you ain't gonna hear it in a band setting.(and with adaptation,you can stop short of it with no sound of high end loss)Oh,and the switch is quiet too.No "Click".Vast improvement!

Again,the same,but disregard my previous negative...yes,I'd gig with it.It has its own unique application IMHO;truly worthy of inclusion in any kit.

Mr.Jim Seguin e-mailed me after my review to suggest possible reasons for said primary outcome.I at the time was unreceptive,due to frustration.He had explained that the HQ2 inductor was very sensitive to many sources...e.g. electrical fields,placement in a chain,cables,etc.Now,since that time I had moved to a new place,and voila!,no more noise!The logical conclusion is that the outlets where I had resided before were poorly grounded,if at all;thus resulting in the "banshee" wail;which drowned out the wah effect almost totally.Again,I sing the praises of the Morley customer service,and Mr. Seguin for their world-class support,product knowledge and,
above all,Their unflagging patience!

The only thing to add here is my humble and contrite apologies.It was in no way maliciously intentional.For anyone out there experiencing the same result with this inductor style pedal;don't do as I did and jump the gun.The solution may be as simple as a ground problem outside the unit.Seems it's a sensitive little mite and I guess I am/was too!Again,please dispel my negatives in this category...as of now this device does and will help in making and enjoying music for me...it's a keeper!

Upgrade of the PWV series w/HQ2 inductor for supposed vintage sound;tone buffer circuitry for "true bypass" mode.On/off switch for wah/volume;boost knob for wah level output.Same basically as its predecessors.Not used extensively...I dare not!(See the following)"Don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows!"(Thank you ,Mr.Dylan)

I've a simple setup.Jay Turser Byrdland through a Fender Frontman 25R amp;DOD G7 effects box...nothing fancy.The volume mode is quite nice;set up to perfection.(mine anyway)Lovely tapered swell from heel to toe positions.Maintains tone much better than previous units.Give it a ten!But the wah...hums like a sun-gun!!Although there is a vast improvement in the tone and attack,it lends too much to UGLY feedback at midrange.And the hum makes it even uglier.Give it a 2!There may be something amiss(only used a 9V battery)but I can't say.Disappointing!The 6 rating is an average of the two functions.

Well,it's solid and a little heavier than its forebears ...yadda yadda...but due to the wah flaw....no gigs.Maybe as a volume pedal only...should have purchased that instead...cheaper and less of a letdown.A 5 for the volume...zip for the wah.

Morley people are probably the most customer-oriented folk on the planet.Always a pleasure to deal with them.I purchased this device through their store and all was smooth and accomodating.The only critique I have is they sent it via UPS to me in Canada,and I got dinged for an extra $40 bucks for brokerage and taxes.(not really their fault)In retrospect,I ought to have bought new from another source.Plus the fact it(the wah) seems not to work properly...live and learn...again.I give 'em the benefit of the doubt though,hence the 10.

Been playing for 40 years now.Have owned some beauties in my time,but had to part with 'em to feed the wolf.Still keep my hand and soul in it from time to time.Play rock,folk,blues,some jazz...mostly for personal recreation.At present,have a Jay Turser a/e cutaway(JTA30SC/N),1992 Takamine EF341C a/e,Turser Byrdland,Fender amp,original PWV,DOD FX17 wah/vol.,the G7 and Fostex recording equipment,etc.Love the volume,gravely disappointed in the wah...if stolen I'd be sad I was out 100 bucks,but would be glad it was gone.I chose it for the hype of the inductor/vintage spiel...and the fact I've liked Morley's pedals...you can tweak the optics and replace a resistor or two for improvements,but this pedal's new;I won't fiddle with it nor send it back because I'd be out of pocket again to a hefty tune!I'm gonna dump it and stick with the old PWV and FX17.Not as vocal,but they don't go perma-banshee-mid-range hum on you!(Now Morley's selling various hum cancelling devices all of a sudden...I wonder...could that be because...? Hmmmmmmm...)It could be useful for exorcisms,I suppose,but never the wah for music!A glimmer of positive drowned in annoyance!A shame.

First up - this is the new new MORLEY Power Wah Volume, 2006 model, with the 'HQ2 Custom Inductor'.

I'm tempted to say 'if you know how to use a wah pedal then this is easy to use' but that's not the whole story. I think one of the differences between the MORLEY and the CRY BABY I've used for the last 15 years is that the CRY BABY has a more narrow sweep and shorter pedal movement. This means it's easier to physically move, an easier foot technique, easier to get a 'wuk'. I've noticed the MORLEY makes me work a little harder, just because my foot has to move that bit further, but it also gives me MORE CONTROL with it. It's easier to hone in on a tone-zone within the longer sweep, or focus your wah-ing within a muted lo-freq area, or a peakier hi area. So, it's physically a little more difficult to use, it's stretching my wah technique and giving me more possibles at the same time.
Having said that - it's just a pedal huh, rock n roll.
It's not hard to get a good sound, it sounds good. I know that's totally subjective, but it sounds like a wah to me, and it's loud and PHAT too. Easy.

My guitars are a USA Fender Jazzmaster, US Stratocaster, and an Australian made MATON accoustic guitar with pickup. The guitars go through a Boss TU-2 tuner - MORLEY PWOV - ROBERT KEELEY Boss Blues Driver Phat Mod BD2 and straight into the amps. My amps are an AMPEG VT-22 100 Watt tube combo (1976), and a VADIS made in Sydney in the 1960's, point-to-point, hand wired, 2 x 12 twin channel tube combo, with tube rev and tremolo, running a pair of 6CA7 output tubes.

80% of the time my sound is just the Jazzmaster and stereo tube amps, and as you can imagine this is an awesome, rich, full, deep and spanky tone so I've set myself a rule that anything going between the guitar and the tubes is NOT allowed to subtract from that. No going backwards. So NO pedals that suck tone passively, and NO pedals that gut bottom-end. Which is exactly what the CRY BABY did.

The CRY BABY hasn't come to a gig since I first plugged the Jazzy in and heard how it took off tops and some volume passively, and vanished the lo freqs when turned on. I've played a lot of wah's since then, until I settled on the MORLEY.

The PWOV uses optical circuitry so they are dead quiet, will never go scratchy or need a replacement pot. Apart from the solid rocker pedal there are sturdy, metal, side-mounted in and out jacks, a standard 9v input, a wah 'Boost' pot on the left of the pedal and a wah/vol switch with a red led light for wah mode on the right of the rocker.
When the wah isn't switched on it is a volume pedal, simple. It doesn't change the tone of the guitar, these pedals have what MORLEY call a 'true tone bypass' which is just a buffer circuit that keeps your signal level up, so you lose no volume or tone. The volume works on an audio taper, so it gets louder quicker towards the toe end of the sweep, handy for violin-like guitar effects. Some people don't like this and prefer a straight linear taper, fair enough - if you email MORLEY they'll send you a pdf document which explains how you can tweak the response to suit your taste by moving the opto elements. The same applies for the sweep of the wah, it can be similarly tuned for different tonal response. Go bannanas, take all day, but I'm happy with mine how it is!

MORLEY have tweaked and re-tweaked their wah's a lot over the years it seems, and some have been too nice, weak, and clean. This latest version is aiming for a more vintage sound, with their new custom inductor, and it sounds much better - better than my CRY BABY, no contest. The BOOST control can give you a good 20db extra on your wah, so you can drive your amp, or distortion pedal, to dirty dirty distraction! That's what kept me with the CRY for so long, the dirtiness... well, now I got more. The Wah doesn't cut my lo freq's and has a full-range sweep that allows me to do pretty much anything. It's LOUD & PHAT. MORLEY say you can use this with Bass too and they're not wrong, I tried it. I also use wah on Hammond organ (call me crazy), inserted between the pre and the Leslie, and again I like how this preserves all those throbbing lo's.
The MORLEY covers the range of what I want from WAH - it's great on clean guitar, funky and throaty, screams on distortion, can really drive, pumps the feedback and gives excellent tunable control over which overtone harmonics to feed. As a static filter I love that the wider sweep lets me tune in on a voicing more closely. Gee, I don't want to gush, but I love Wah, and this does it.

The one downside is the placement of the switch, off to the side of the heel is going to take some getting used to for a while, to be fluid with switching in and out, but it's not that hard. This design is so you can switch the wah on with it pre-set somewhere in mid sweep or wherever, it doesn't alway have to start and end at the shrillest peak at the very top, like in traditional switch placement. Plus you can go sick on the pedal freely without accidently hitting the switch. Cool. But as soon as it's a dual wah/vol pedal you NEED to switch at the toe so you aren't suddenly cutting to a lower volume setting. Maybe they could put the switch in FRONT of the toe just on the wah/vol pedals? I might have mine moved.

I owned one of the old chrome Morley wah's, with the wall plug, for a while and it was indestructable. This new one is a heavy puppy and damn solid, I don't think I could kill it if I tried. Read the other reviews about MORLEY pedals, all that applies to this model too. The only crap bit is the tiny little glued-on rubber feet. They're piss weak, but I took them off anyway to velcro mount this to my board, don't need them. You could buy chunky ones and super-glue them on if you were concerned.

I emailed MORLEY the last day before Easter holidays for their tweaking pdf document, expecting to hear from them a week later, and they replied within 24 hours, all friendly and helpful as can be. Gives me confidence... and I haven't heard any bad stories, which is almost miraculous!

TAKE NOTE MANUFACTURERS - most musicians naturally feel hard-done-by and love to complain and whine, and if you give them bad service they'll tell 100 people about it, and exaggerate the hell out of it too!!

I'm a career musician, touring and recording, with my own band and for others. I've played for I guess 25 years, around Australia and Europe. For years I've mostly played lead, or in a two guitar band, and now my main gig is as the only guitar in a rootsier sound, holding down the rythm and lead. I play original songwriter Rock, with a bit of a 70's feel and approach - think Dylan, Stones, Creedence, but not...

I don't use a lot of effects, but I've always had a wah to call on, and the MORLEY PWOV fits my sound better than any I've played over the years. There are definitely more expensive Wahs out there, there are more authentic vintage re-creations, and there might be better ones for you, tone is very subjective, especially when it comes to something like wah sweep. This is not like other pedals, it's not just on or off, but continuously variable. The same wah is gonna sound different under different people's feet. I'm not trying to sound like my heroes, I'm trying to sound like me so it's hard to make comparisons, but I love this baby, I'm keeping it, I'd replace it if I had to, I've taken the battery out of the CRY BABY cos It's retired now.

The one downside to this pedal is the placement of the switch, off to the side of the heel is going to take some getting used to for a while, to be fluid with switching in and out, but it's not that hard. This design is so you can switch the wah on with it pre-set somewhere in mid sweep or wherever, it doesn't alway have to start and end at the shrillest peak at the very top, like in traditional switch placement. Plus you can go sick on the pedal freely without accidently hitting the switch. Cool. But as soon as it's a dual wah/vol pedal you NEED to switch at the toe so you aren't suddenly cutting to a lower volume setting. Maybe they could put the switch in FRONT of the toe just on the wah/vol pedals? I might have mine moved.