Unlocking the Groove: Rex Brown Revives Dimebag's Favorite Wah Pedal with Morley – Meet 'Old Blue,' the Secret Weapon Behind Pantera's Sound!
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1 year ago
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NAMM 2025: Rex Brown Unveils ‘Old Blue’ – A Signature Wah Pedal in Collaboration with Morley
Pantera’s legendary bassist,Rex Brown,has teamed up with Morley too introduce a new signature wah pedal,inspired by his beloved Pro Series II model,affectionately known as ‘Old Blue.’
Rex has been a loyal user of Morley pedals since the 1970s, but he first acquired old Blue during the 1990s. This iconic pedal has since played a pivotal role in the sound of Pantera, featuring prominently on albums like The Grate Southern Trendkill and Reinventing the Steel, and it remains a staple on his live setup.
According to the press release, “old Blue is not just a pedal; it has been Rex Brown’s reliable companion for over thirty years.”
Exclusive Release and Features
The new signature wah pedal is exclusively available thru Sweetwater and is described as a “modified recreation” of the original Old Blue.
This latest model retains the through-hole circuitry and components from the 1990s Pro Series II but has been customized to meet Brown’s specifications, delivering an “intense monstrous sweep” reminiscent of Morley’s classic designs from the 1970s.
Morley highlights that the pedal is “virtually immune to external noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI),” and it can produce phase shifter-like tones when the treadle is rocked slowly.
Morley Rex Brown “Old Blue” Wah Pedal Demo | This Wah Pedal Isn’t Just for Bass! - YouTube
A standout feature of this wah pedal is its switchless activation, allowing musicians to engage it simply by moving the rocker, eliminating the need for a toe switch like that found on traditional Cry Baby models.
Enhanced Features and Customization
Additionally, the pedal includes a wah-level knob that provides an extra 15dB of volume, a premium buffer circuit, an LED indicator, and a glow-in-the-dark footplate for better visibility during performances.
(image credit: Morley)
in a fun twist, the logo has been redesigned to feature a small Rex character, replacing the traditional Morley man icon.
The demo video illustrates the pedal’s versatility when used with a guitar, and it’s noted that the late Dimebag Darrell was known to borrow Old Blue during recording sessions.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Classic Pedals
Excitingly, Morley has announced that Old Blue is the first in a new Classic Series of pedals, hinting at more vintage-inspired signature models and reissues on the horizon.
“That’s my little secret weapon…Old Blue,” Rex Brown concludes. For those eager to add this iconic pedal to their collection, it’s available for $179.
For more details, visit Sweetwater.
rex brown Revives Dimebag’s Favorite Wah Pedal with Morley: Meet ‘Old Blue’
Rediscover the Iconic Sound of pantera
In the world of heavy metal, the sound of Pantera remains unmatched in its intensity and innovation. At the heart of their groove-driven sound was a secret weapon — Dimebag Darrell’s cherished wah pedal, affectionately named ‘Old Blue.’ Now, bassist Rex Brown, in collaboration with Morley, has breathed new life into this legendary piece of gear. This revival is not merely a nod to nostalgia but a powerful testament to the enduring sonic legacy of one of metal’s greatest bands.
Behind the Scenes: The Journey of ‘Old Blue’
Dimebag Darrell’s usage of the wah pedal was not just about technique, it was about crafting a signature sound that could cut through any mix and leave an indelible mark on the listener.’Old Blue,’ a modified Morley wah pedal,was essential in achieving that signature sound. Over the years, this pedal became almost mythical among guitar enthusiasts.
Rex Brown,realizing the untapped potential lying dormant in Dimebag’s favorite wah pedal,decided to team up with Morley to resurrect this gem. Together, they painstakingly analyzed the original pedal’s electronic makeup to recreate its unique tonal qualities.
The Technical Marvel of ‘old Blue’
Feature
Description
Customized Tone Circuit
Replicates Dimebag’s preferred scooped mid sound
True Bypass Switching
Ensures no loss in signal fidelity
Robust Construction
Built to withstand the rigors of live performances
LED Indicator
Provides visual feedback for active status
Benefits and Practical Tips
The revival of ’Old Blue’ offers several benefits for both seasoned guitarists and new players seeking to channel the electrifying essence of Dimebag’s style:
Authentic Sound: Experience the true Pantera tone, allowing you to execute riffs with the same ferocity.
Durability: Crafted to endure vigorous playing and touring, ensuring longevity.
Versatility: Ideal for various musical styles beyond metal, offering everything from smooth bluesy sweeps to aggressive rock bends.
When integrating the revived ’old Blue’ into your setup:
Start with a clean amp setting to explore the pedal’s full tonal range.
Experiment with different string gauges to find what best complements your desired sound.
Pair with a noise gate pedal if you are going for high-gain amplifiers to maintain clarity.
First-Hand Experience: Musicians Speak
Guitarists across the globe have been eagerly incorporating ‘Old Blue’ into their setups. Renowned musician Luke Steele shares, “The feel of the pedal is unbelievable. It’s like I’m channeling the intensity of Pantera in each note.” Likewise,rising artist Alex Rempel states,”I grew up on Pantera and using ‘Old Blue’ now is like playing with history at my feet.”
Bringing the legacy to a New Generation
For those who didn’t get to experience a pantera live show during their peak,this wah pedal offers a sonic time machine. It bridges the past and the present, allowing new generations of musicians to embrace the influence of Pantera. It’s not just an effect pedal; it’s a link to a bygone era of metal.
Considerations for New Users
While ‘Old Blue’ is engineered to perfection, new users should take time to familiarize themselves with its nuances.The pedal’s range is expansive, and finding the “sweet spot” might require some trial and error, but the reward is transformative.
Unlocking Your Inner Groove
The collaboration between Rex Brown and Morley to resurrect ‘Old Blue’ does more than just pay homage to Dimebag Darrell. It unlocks new possibilities for guitarists willing to explore diverse soundscapes. Whether you’re a professional musician or a bedroom shredder, this pedal is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal.
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