Del Casher, Wah-Wah Pedal Inventor, Dies at 88
The influential guitarist and innovator passed away following a battle with cancer.
1Passing of an Innovator
Del Casher, the pioneering guitarist and inventor of the wah-wah pedal, died on October 1 at age 88. His passing followed a battle with cancer, as confirmed by a fundraising effort for his widow, Eiko. Born Delton Kacher in Hammond, Indiana, he leaves behind a legacy of significant musical technological contributions.
2The Wah-Wah Genesis
In the early 1960s, while working with the Thomas Organ company, Casher sought to replicate the expressive sound of a trumpet on his electric guitar. Although he credited engineer Brad Plunkett for the device's construction, the concept remained Casher's brainchild. The pedal was originally marketed under the name Cry Baby.
3Initial Market Struggles
The wah-wah pedal and its accompanying demonstration single were released in 1967 but failed to gain immediate traction with the public. Despite Casher's efforts to showcase the device to instrument stores, the invention did not initially resonate with musicians, remaining a niche tool before its eventual rise to global prominence.
4Hendrix and Rock Adoption
The pedal's historical significance was solidified when Frank Zappa gifted one to Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix subsequently utilized the effect on iconic tracks like Voodoo Child and All Along the Watchtower. This high-profile endorsement encouraged other legendary guitarists, including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, to incorporate the sound into their own recordings.
5Mainstream Musical Impact
By 1971, the wah-wah effect had achieved massive commercial success, notably featuring on Isaac Hayes' Oscar-winning Theme From Shaft. The pedal became a staple for generations of rock and soul guitarists, fundamentally altering the sonic landscape of electric guitar playing and remaining a standard piece of equipment for modern musicians worldwide.
6Beyond the Wah-Wah
Casher's inventive spirit extended to other audio technologies, including contributions to the Ecco-Fonic and the Fender Electronic Echo Chamber. His career was not limited to engineering; he performed with notable artists like Lawrence Welk and Gene Autry, and even appeared in the 1964 Elvis Presley film Roustabout as a professional musician.
7Reflecting on His Legacy
Reflecting on his career in a New York Times interview, Casher expressed gratitude for being present at the inception of these musical innovations. He specifically requested that guitar players remember his contributions to the instrument's evolution. His work continues to influence the way electric guitars are played and processed in studios.
8Enduring Cultural Significance
Del Casher's life represents a bridge between traditional performance and modern electronic sound design. By bridging the gap between orchestral trumpet techniques and electric guitar amplification, he provided a new vocabulary for rock music. His death marks the end of a chapter for a key figure in mid-century musical innovation.
Original article: Rolling Stone — Del Casher, Wah-Wah Pedal Inventor, Dies at 88