Morley Pedals
Encyclopedia
Morley Pedals is the name of a guitar effects pedal company, famous for manufacturing wah-wah pedal
s and other treadle type effects for guitar. Morley pedals use electro-optical circuitry rather than a potentiometer to control the effect. The foot treadle controls a shutter inside the pedal that in turn controls the amount of light reaching a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR). The advantage to this system is that there are no potentiometers in the signal path to wear out or become "scratchy sounding" over time. Electro-optical circuitry is used throughout the classic Morley pedal line, which includes or has included volume pedals, delay pedals, chorus and phaser pedals, and many others.
The Morley company was started by two brothers, Raymond and Marvin Lubow in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Raymond designed an electro-mechanical echo unit that used a rotating disc inside a small metal drum filled with electrostatic fluid. This echo unit made it possible for musical performers to re-create echo effects in a live performance without using echo chambers or unreliable tape devices. The Lubow brothers went into business as Tel-Ray Electronics, manufacturing their new "Adineko" echo device for many companies including Fender. Raymond also designed another device that simulated the sound of a Leslie rotating speaker cabinet in use by organists and other musicians. This device also used the rotating-disc/oil-can method. The Lubow brothers jokingly referred to this new invention as a Morley (More-Lee as opposed to Less-Lee). Shortly thereafter, Tel-Ray shifted their emphasis away from OEM manufacturing and began marketing their own line of pedals under the Morley name. A new treadle and case design consisting of a rather large and industrial-looking chrome-plated housing and rubber-covered treadle was used universally throughout the entire Morley line, which included volume pedals, wah pedals, a Rotating Sound pedal (the original "Morley"), and a pedal version of their echo device dubbed the Morley EVO-1. The large chrome plated housing was used through the 1970s as the Morley line grew to include all kinds of effects, including distortion units, flangers, phasers, and some unique devices such as the PKW Pik-A-Wah pedal. Morley produced many multi-function pedals such as the PFV Phaser Volume, the ECV Echo Chorus Vibrato, the WVO Wah Volume, the CFL Chorus Flanger, and the PWF Power Wah Fuzz.
Morley pedals became renowned for their rugged construction (albeit clunky housing) and overall high quality design. Morley pedals from the 1970s were also unique in the fact that they were AC powered using a standard AC type power cord (no "wall-wart"). Even today, Morley pedals manufactured during the Tel-Ray/Lubow Brothers period are highly sought after by collectors. When, in the early sixties, Cliff Richard
's backing band "The Shadows
" became hit-makers in their own right playing superb instrumentals, their then-innovative and unique sound was due not only to the talent of lead guitar player Hank Marvin
but also to his choice of Fender guitars, a custom made bassoon designed by Orville Gibson's maternal grandfather, and a Morley echo unit; although mention of it is missing from his Wikipedia entry, along with any reference to his use of a Dallas Arbiter electric kazoo on the landmark Shadows recording "Nirvam".
In the 1980s Morley reduced the housing and treadle size of their pedals significantly and eventually changed the chassis to black. 9VDC battery power with an AC adapter jack (wall-wart jack) became standard as Morley pedals evolved in an effort to compete with the new compact pedals from companies like Boss, Ibanez, and DOD. Morley also manufactured some small non-treadle style effects for a while.
Morley was sold to a Chicago based firm, Sound Enhancements, Inc., in 1989. The modern Morley company continues to use the electro-optical circuitry and basic pedal layout pioneered by Raymond and Marvin Lubow in the 1960s, albeit with some refinements. Original Morley pedals were strictly AC powered, whereas the current models are powered by a 9V battery with AC adapter capability. Tel-Ray Morleys used a small light-bulb to drive the LDRs; modern Morleys use LEDs.
Sound Enhancements, INC. History:
The Reverb product line evolved from the Hammond Organ Company, where the Reverb
was originally used in organs. The company later began marketing the unit to amplifier
manufacturers. In 1962, Leo Fender, introduced what was then called the "Hammond
Reverb", in Fender's, now legendary, "Twin Reverb" amp. This established reverb in guitar
amps from that time forward. In 1971, Hammond Organ moved Reverb production to its
Accutronics division located in Geneva IL. Slowly the "Hammond Reverb" became known as
the "Accutronics Reverb". In 1977, Accutronics became a member of the Marmon Group of
companies. In 1982 all of Accutronics divisions were consolidated into one building located
in Cary, IL. In 1986 the company acquired OC Electronics, thus becoming the only domestic
manufacturer of Reverb units. In 1989, the company acquired the "Morley" trade name from
Tel-Ray Electronics in Hollywood, CA. In January 1990, Accutronics, Inc. moved its Reverb
and Morley divisions into a separate facility in Cary, IL. In May 1991, the Reverb and Morley
divisions of Accutronics were incorporated into the entity, Sound Enhancements, Inc. In
1999, Sound Enhancements became a member of the Stainless Industrial Company. In
2001, Sound Enhancements, Inc. acquired Ebtech. As of August 2005, the company name
was changed to Sound Enhancement Products, Inc and is currently an independently owned
company.
PRODUCTS / DESCRIPTION
Sound Enhancement Products, Inc. (SEPI) manufactures O.E.M. electro-mechanical spring
reverberation devices, primarily sold to guitar amplifier manufacturers. Commonly called
"reverb units", these devices are sold under the "Accutronics" trade name. Reverb units
provide electronic reverberation in an amplifier to produce a sound that is more natural to the
human ear.
SEPI also, manufactures foot-controlled pedals, effect boxes and footswitches that alter,
enhance and/or control sounds created from an electronic musical instrument, primarily an
electric guitar. These devices are sold under the "Morley" trade name. As of December 10,
2001, SEPI also manufactures audio solution devices sold under the "Ebtech" trade name.
As of March 2007, SEPI also distributes Pedal Pad Brand products for MKS Profession
Stage Products.
The modern Morley company has continued to release new models to this day. Many modern artists endorse and use their pedals. Artists known to use them include Steve Vai
, who has three signature models: the Bad Horsie and Bad Horsie 2, and the Little Alligator volume pedal. Adam Darski
(Nergal) from Behemoth and Mark Tremonti
are also notable Morley artists; the latter has a signature wah-wah pedal. In addition, Metallica's late bass player, Cliff Burton
, used an original Tel-Rey 'chrome' Morley Wah Boost along with a Big Muff
distortion unit. It was similar to the company's current Morley Power Wah model. See Morley Pedals for more information.
As a footnote, although there is no direct connection between the new Morley company and the now defunct Tel-Ray company, Morley graciously continues to provide documentation for the old product line (Owner's Manuals and schematics) through their website. Light bulbs and some parts for the old Tel-Ray pedals are still available through Morley.
Wah-wah pedal
A wah-wah pedal is a type of guitar effects pedal that alters the tone of the signal to create a distinctive effect, mimicking the human voice...
s and other treadle type effects for guitar. Morley pedals use electro-optical circuitry rather than a potentiometer to control the effect. The foot treadle controls a shutter inside the pedal that in turn controls the amount of light reaching a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR). The advantage to this system is that there are no potentiometers in the signal path to wear out or become "scratchy sounding" over time. Electro-optical circuitry is used throughout the classic Morley pedal line, which includes or has included volume pedals, delay pedals, chorus and phaser pedals, and many others.
The Morley company was started by two brothers, Raymond and Marvin Lubow in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Raymond designed an electro-mechanical echo unit that used a rotating disc inside a small metal drum filled with electrostatic fluid. This echo unit made it possible for musical performers to re-create echo effects in a live performance without using echo chambers or unreliable tape devices. The Lubow brothers went into business as Tel-Ray Electronics, manufacturing their new "Adineko" echo device for many companies including Fender. Raymond also designed another device that simulated the sound of a Leslie rotating speaker cabinet in use by organists and other musicians. This device also used the rotating-disc/oil-can method. The Lubow brothers jokingly referred to this new invention as a Morley (More-Lee as opposed to Less-Lee). Shortly thereafter, Tel-Ray shifted their emphasis away from OEM manufacturing and began marketing their own line of pedals under the Morley name. A new treadle and case design consisting of a rather large and industrial-looking chrome-plated housing and rubber-covered treadle was used universally throughout the entire Morley line, which included volume pedals, wah pedals, a Rotating Sound pedal (the original "Morley"), and a pedal version of their echo device dubbed the Morley EVO-1. The large chrome plated housing was used through the 1970s as the Morley line grew to include all kinds of effects, including distortion units, flangers, phasers, and some unique devices such as the PKW Pik-A-Wah pedal. Morley produced many multi-function pedals such as the PFV Phaser Volume, the ECV Echo Chorus Vibrato, the WVO Wah Volume, the CFL Chorus Flanger, and the PWF Power Wah Fuzz.
Morley pedals became renowned for their rugged construction (albeit clunky housing) and overall high quality design. Morley pedals from the 1970s were also unique in the fact that they were AC powered using a standard AC type power cord (no "wall-wart"). Even today, Morley pedals manufactured during the Tel-Ray/Lubow Brothers period are highly sought after by collectors. When, in the early sixties, Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, OBE is a British pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist who has sold over an estimated 250 million records worldwide....
's backing band "The Shadows
The Shadows
The Shadows are a British pop group with a total of 69 UK hit-charted singles: 35 as 'The Shadows' and 34 as 'Cliff Richard and the Shadows', from the 1950s to the 2000s. Cliff Richard in casual conversation with the British rock press frequently refers to the Shadows by their nickname: 'The Shads'...
" became hit-makers in their own right playing superb instrumentals, their then-innovative and unique sound was due not only to the talent of lead guitar player Hank Marvin
Hank Marvin
Hank Brian Marvin is an English guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist for The Shadows. The group, which primarily performed instrumentals, was formed as a backing band for vocalist Cliff Richard...
but also to his choice of Fender guitars, a custom made bassoon designed by Orville Gibson's maternal grandfather, and a Morley echo unit; although mention of it is missing from his Wikipedia entry, along with any reference to his use of a Dallas Arbiter electric kazoo on the landmark Shadows recording "Nirvam".
In the 1980s Morley reduced the housing and treadle size of their pedals significantly and eventually changed the chassis to black. 9VDC battery power with an AC adapter jack (wall-wart jack) became standard as Morley pedals evolved in an effort to compete with the new compact pedals from companies like Boss, Ibanez, and DOD. Morley also manufactured some small non-treadle style effects for a while.
Morley was sold to a Chicago based firm, Sound Enhancements, Inc., in 1989. The modern Morley company continues to use the electro-optical circuitry and basic pedal layout pioneered by Raymond and Marvin Lubow in the 1960s, albeit with some refinements. Original Morley pedals were strictly AC powered, whereas the current models are powered by a 9V battery with AC adapter capability. Tel-Ray Morleys used a small light-bulb to drive the LDRs; modern Morleys use LEDs.
Sound Enhancements, INC. History:
The Reverb product line evolved from the Hammond Organ Company, where the Reverb
was originally used in organs. The company later began marketing the unit to amplifier
manufacturers. In 1962, Leo Fender, introduced what was then called the "Hammond
Reverb", in Fender's, now legendary, "Twin Reverb" amp. This established reverb in guitar
amps from that time forward. In 1971, Hammond Organ moved Reverb production to its
Accutronics division located in Geneva IL. Slowly the "Hammond Reverb" became known as
the "Accutronics Reverb". In 1977, Accutronics became a member of the Marmon Group of
companies. In 1982 all of Accutronics divisions were consolidated into one building located
in Cary, IL. In 1986 the company acquired OC Electronics, thus becoming the only domestic
manufacturer of Reverb units. In 1989, the company acquired the "Morley" trade name from
Tel-Ray Electronics in Hollywood, CA. In January 1990, Accutronics, Inc. moved its Reverb
and Morley divisions into a separate facility in Cary, IL. In May 1991, the Reverb and Morley
divisions of Accutronics were incorporated into the entity, Sound Enhancements, Inc. In
1999, Sound Enhancements became a member of the Stainless Industrial Company. In
2001, Sound Enhancements, Inc. acquired Ebtech. As of August 2005, the company name
was changed to Sound Enhancement Products, Inc and is currently an independently owned
company.
PRODUCTS / DESCRIPTION
Sound Enhancement Products, Inc. (SEPI) manufactures O.E.M. electro-mechanical spring
reverberation devices, primarily sold to guitar amplifier manufacturers. Commonly called
"reverb units", these devices are sold under the "Accutronics" trade name. Reverb units
provide electronic reverberation in an amplifier to produce a sound that is more natural to the
human ear.
SEPI also, manufactures foot-controlled pedals, effect boxes and footswitches that alter,
enhance and/or control sounds created from an electronic musical instrument, primarily an
electric guitar. These devices are sold under the "Morley" trade name. As of December 10,
2001, SEPI also manufactures audio solution devices sold under the "Ebtech" trade name.
As of March 2007, SEPI also distributes Pedal Pad Brand products for MKS Profession
Stage Products.
The modern Morley company has continued to release new models to this day. Many modern artists endorse and use their pedals. Artists known to use them include Steve Vai
Steve Vai
Steven Siro "Steve" Vai is a three time Grammy Award-winning American guitarist, songwriter and producer who has sold over 15 million albums. Steve Vai is widely known as a flamboyant guitar virtuoso....
, who has three signature models: the Bad Horsie and Bad Horsie 2, and the Little Alligator volume pedal. Adam Darski
Adam Darski
Adam Michał Darski also known by his stage name Nergal and previously Holocausto, is a Polish musician and television personality, best known for being the frontman for blackened death metal band Behemoth.- Biography :...
(Nergal) from Behemoth and Mark Tremonti
Mark Tremonti
Mark Thomas Tremonti is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the American rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge. He is a founding member of both bands...
are also notable Morley artists; the latter has a signature wah-wah pedal. In addition, Metallica's late bass player, Cliff Burton
Cliff Burton
Clifford Lee "Cliff" Burton was an American musician, best known as the bass guitarist for the American heavy metal band Metallica....
, used an original Tel-Rey 'chrome' Morley Wah Boost along with a Big Muff
Big Muff
The Big Muff is a fuzzbox produced in New York City by the Electro-Harmonix company, along with their Russian sister company Sovtek, primarily for use with the electric guitar...
distortion unit. It was similar to the company's current Morley Power Wah model. See Morley Pedals for more information.
As a footnote, although there is no direct connection between the new Morley company and the now defunct Tel-Ray company, Morley graciously continues to provide documentation for the old product line (Owner's Manuals and schematics) through their website. Light bulbs and some parts for the old Tel-Ray pedals are still available through Morley.