Morley has brought back one of the most legendary effects pedals in heavy metal history with the Morley Cliff Burton Power Wah Boost, a faithful recreation of the classic pedal used by the late Cliff Burton of Metallica. Developed with the approval of the Burton Family Foundation as part of Morley’s Tel-Ray Revival series, the new model captures part of the sound that helped define Burton’s tone.
The original 1970s Power Wah Boost was one of two Morley pedals Cliff Burton famously used interchangeably to create his signature sound. By combining an expressive optical wah with an enormous clean boost, the pedal slammed the front end of his amplifier, producing the massive, saturated distortion heard on countless classic Metallica recordings.
The modern Morley Cliff Burton Power Wah Boost faithfully recreates that experience while shrinking the design into a more pedalboard-friendly footprint. Separate footswitches for the wah and boost sections allow players to engage each effect independently or combine them for the full vintage Tel-Ray experience.
One of the pedal’s standout features is its switchable boost circuit, delivering up to 40dB of clean boost. Whether you’re pushing a tube amp into natural overdrive, increasing sustain for solos, or simply adding more presence to your signal, the boost section offers plenty of headroom and flexibility.
The wah section utilizes Morley’s signature Electro-Optical technology, eliminating traditional potentiometers for smooth, quiet operation and long-term reliability. Without pots to wear out, players can expect consistent sweep and performance gig after gig.
Visually, the pedal pays tribute to its 1970s predecessor with a chrome treadle and base, vintage-inspired Tel-Ray graphics, a glow-in-the-dark treadle grip, and a slightly taller chassis that echoes the original design. Built from cold-rolled steel, it is engineered for the rigors of touring while retaining its retro aesthetic.
Get the Morley Cliff Burton Power Wah Boost for $199.99 here at Sweetwater, here at Guitar Center, and here at Musician’s Friend.
