Entertainment · Music · 2 hrs ago
Wah-wah pedal inventor Del Casher dies aged 88
Guitarist and inventor Del Casher died aged 88 on October 1 after a battle with cancer.
He worked with Vox and the Thomas Organ Company as he helped develop the wah-wah pedal in the 1960s.
The pedal changes a guitar’s tone as the player moves it with their foot.
Frank Zappa helped bring it to wider attention, and Jimi Hendrix used it on his album *Electric Ladyland*.
The effect became a staple of rock, blues and funk, used by generations of guitarists.
Casher also invented portable echo equipment and worked as a performer, session musician and film and television composer.
A fundraiser is seeking support for his widow, Eiko, including help with debt and a move to assisted living.
Guitarist and inventor Del Casher, best known for his work on the wah-wah pedal, has died aged 88.
A GoFundMe page and several news reports said Casher died on October 1 after battling cancer.
Casher worked with Vox and the Thomas Organ Company on the pedal, which became influential in rock, blues and funk music.
He also invented the Ecco-Fonic portable tape echo system and contributed to the Fender Electronic Echo Chamber.
Casher performed with and worked alongside artists including Elvis Presley, Gene Autry and Frank Zappa.
- Who
- Del Casher, a guitarist and inventor, died aged 88.
- What
- He was best known for his work on the wah-wah pedal and also had a long career as a musician and composer.
- When
- He died on October 1; the sources do not state the year.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The sources say he died after battling cancer.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Casher appeared with Elvis Presley in the film Roustabout.
Casher worked with the Mothers of Invention, and Rolling Stone reports that he used the wah-wah pedal with the group.
The wah-wah pedal and a demonstration recording were released, but initially failed to catch on with the music-playing public.
Jimi Hendrix used the wah-wah pedal on Electric Ladyland.
Casher died after battling cancer.
- Age
- 88
- Date of death
- October 1; year not stated in the articles
- Wah-wah pedal
- Developed with Vox and the Thomas Organ Company; released in 1967
- Other invention
- Ecco-Fonic portable tape echo system
- Widow
- Eiko Casher
4 sources
What people are saying
Over the last year, Del battled cancer and passed away on October 1st,
I feel gratified that I was there at the beginning,
I would just like guitar players to think of me once in a while. The only thing I ask is: remember me.