Morley1970s (staple through the 90s)Wah + VolumeWah$$Mid-Range($250–800)
Morley Power Wah Volume
Guitarists wanting a genuine optical wah/volume pedal with no scratchy potentiometer wear over time.
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Check your gain staging
Free tool — convert dBu/dBV, chain gain stages, and check your headroom before it clips.
Strengths
- Genuine optical (rather than mechanical potentiometer) wah design means no scratchy pot wear over years of use
- Combined wah-and-volume in one treadle pedal, giving two effects from a single footswitch-free control surface
- Became a real 70s-80s rock staple, with documented use by numerous well-known guitarists of the era
Trade-offs
- Optical circuit and always-on design mean it draws power continuously, a real consideration for battery-based setups
- Its combined wah/volume switching has a genuine learning curve compared to a simple dedicated wah
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Morley |
| Model | Power Wah Volume |
| Era | 1970s (staple through the 90s) |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Effect Type | Wah + Volume |
| Circuit | Analog |
| True Bypass | No |
| Power | 9V adapter (optical, no battery drain when idle) |
| Controls | 1 knobs |
| Tap Tempo | No |
| I/O | Mono in/out |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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This deckMorley Power Wah Volume
Match57
Flexibility42
Portability78
Ease of Maintenance75
Tonal Neutrality32
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Maintenance & Supplies
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