DropTune
MorPHeus
being the case, I don’t think the warble and
slightly processed sound would be noticeable
when playing in a live setting. The Drop Tune
does track single notes better than chords
when tuning down to B or A. I had a lot of
fun dropping down the full octave to bass
levels, especially when I played my guitars
that were already tuned low. The Octaver
effect is pretty awesome, putting to shame
other Octave pedals that can’t track both
notes perfectly. Now the real test: could the
Morpheus Drop Tune replace the .015–.068
gauge strings I currently have on my Gibson
Les Paul DC that’s tuned to Drop A? For
comparison, I plugged in an Epiphone Les
Paul with .012–.048s, tuned to standard
E, and began chugging a muted E chord
dropped down to A by the Drop Tune. While
the note was a spot-on match with the A of
the Les Paul DC, there was a distinct differ-
ence in attack between the Epiphone and the
Gibson. That comes along with using heavier
gauge strings, which create lower frequencies
than lighter strings. Although the Drop Tune
can replicate the tuning, and do it very, very
well, it won’t replicate the sound of heavier
gauge strings on a guitar. This may not affect
players who are just looking to drop a step
or two, or hit that B note in the Steve Vai riffs
they’ve been learning. The heaviest players
may want to look at the Morpheus as more of
a cool effect than a definitive solution to drop
tuning. The Toggle was indispensible when
using this approach—kudos to Morpheus for
thinking of it.
The Final Mojo
The Morpheus Drop Tune is definitely a
pedal worth checking out. Even for players
who tune low, the Morpheus could serve as
a useful effect, or allow you to drop even
a few steps lower when playing a lead to
achieve notes never before possible. While
the Drop Tune may not be suited to my style
at the moment, I could see myself owning
one in the future. The Morpheus is well built,
sounds good and is an innovative solution to
tuning low, not to mention it’s made to be
used with all stringed instruments. I should
also point out here that while trying this
unit out I didn’t notice any tracking difference between the lighter and heavier gauge
strings, which happens with other units.
you’re looking for a drop-tuning
solution without heavier gauge
strings.
Buy If...
Skip If...
you’re comfortable tuning low and
aren’t looking for a pitch effect.
Rating...
4. 5
ONTHEWeb
Click here to hear sound
clips of the pedal in action at
premierguitar.com
Morpheus EFX
Street $199
morpheusefx.com
