Morley 20/20 Lead Wah Review A Compact Wah Pedal with Big ToneThe Morley 20/20 Lead Wah is part of Morley’s popular 20/20 lineup known for its compact size, modern circuitry, and rugged build. Guitarists who are looking for a space-saving wah pedal that doesn’t compromise on tone or durability will find this model worth exploring. In this topic, we’ll break down its features, performance, build quality, and how it compares to other wah pedals on the market.
What is the Morley 20/20 Lead Wah?
The Morley 20/20 Lead Wah is an optical wah pedal designed specifically for lead guitar players. It delivers a pronounced midrange sweep with a strong emphasis on clarity and sustain ideal for solos that need to cut through the mix. It’s part of Morley’s 20/20 series, which offers modern pedalboard-friendly dimensions and upgraded circuitry for noise reduction.
Key Features of the Morley 20/20 Lead Wah
Optical Switchless Activation
One of Morley’s signature features is its switchless design. Instead of clicking a footswitch to activate the wah, you simply step on the pedal and it turns on automatically. When you step off, it bypasses instantly.
Buffer Circuitry
All 20/20 pedals come with built-in buffer circuitry. This helps maintain signal strength and clarity, especially when using long cables or multiple effects pedals. It also prevents the tone loss often found in traditional true-bypass wahs.
Compact and Road-Ready Design
Despite its smaller size compared to older Morley pedals, the 20/20 Lead Wah is built with cold-rolled steel, making it sturdy enough for regular gig use. Its small footprint is ideal for modern pedalboards.
Distinct Wah Voicing for Lead Guitars
The Lead voicing of this wah focuses on enhanced upper mids and treble. This makes it especially useful for solos and melodic phrases that need to stand out in live mixes.
Build Quality and Design
Morley has a reputation for building reliable gear, and the 20/20 Lead Wah continues that tradition. The pedal’s casing feels solid, and the treadle action is smooth but firm. The optical components mean no moving parts like potentiometers that can wear out over time.
The LED indicator shows when the wah is active, which is useful on dark stages. The overall design is simple, modern, and easy to use right out of the box.
Performance and Tone
The Morley 20/20 Lead Wah excels in live performance environments. Thanks to its focused frequency sweep, it helps solos jump out of a dense mix without sounding shrill. It doesn’t have an overly wide sweep, which keeps the tone controlled and usable across its entire range.
Clean tones benefit from a crisp articulation, while distorted lead tones take on a singing quality. It’s not as quacky as vintage Cry Baby-style wahs, but it has a more modern, refined tone that appeals to players who prioritize precision.
Comparison with Other Wah Pedals
Versus Dunlop Cry Baby
The Dunlop Cry Baby is a classic with a more traditional sweep and mechanical switch. While some players prefer its vintage tone, the Morley Lead Wah offers a more consistent performance and no need to stomp a switch.
Versus Morley Bad Horsie
The Bad Horsie has a similar switchless optical design but with a different voicing tailored to Steve Vai’s preferences. The 20/20 Lead Wah is more mid-focused and works better for general lead playing, whereas the Bad Horsie has a smoother sweep.
Versus Vox Wah
Vox wahs tend to have a more vocal-like character and vintage vibe. In contrast, the Morley Lead Wah feels more modern and aggressive, suitable for rock, metal, and fusion styles.
Power and Connectivity
The pedal runs on a standard 9V power supply or a 9V battery. It uses a center-negative plug like most modern pedals. The input and output jacks are positioned on either side, making it easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup.
The buffered output helps avoid high-frequency loss, especially useful when chaining it with fuzz, delay, or modulation effects.
Who Should Use the Morley 20/20 Lead Wah?
This pedal is ideal for
-
Lead guitarists who want their solos to cut through
-
Players who prefer a modern tone over a vintage one
-
Musicians who use crowded pedalboards and need a compact solution
-
Those tired of worn-out footswitches or tone suck from traditional wahs
Whether you’re playing on stage or recording in a studio, the Morley 20/20 Lead Wah brings reliability and clarity to your sound.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
Compact and pedalboard-friendly
-
Switchless activation for fast use
-
Clear, lead-focused voicing
-
Durable steel housing
-
No tone loss with built-in buffer
Cons
-
Voicing might be too modern for vintage purists
-
Limited tonal customization (no knobs for tweakability)
-
May take time to adjust if switching from a traditional wah
The Morley 20/20 Lead Wah is a solid choice for guitarists who want a modern wah with a clear, focused tone for lead work. Its switchless design, compact size, and durable build make it a practical and effective addition to any rig. While it may not replace classic wah pedals for everyone, it fills a specific niche with style and reliability.
For players looking to simplify their setup without sacrificing sound quality, the 20/20 Lead Wah delivers a no-nonsense experience with great results. Whether you’re soloing on stage or jamming at home, this pedal can elevate your tone with ease.