Drop Everything!
Morpheus Drop-Tune, an Octave Guitar Effects Pedal, is Reviewed

BY STEVEN VASQUEZ

Up to three and a half steps? Why yes, with just the flick of an ankle you can take your pitch to dark and brooding places. You might even go so far as to throttle that E string down to the A you've always wanted it to be. This brilliant new ability can be yours for less than an arm, leg or even a measly soul. It's going for right around $199.95 and comes in a stylish black package known as the Morpheus Drop-Tune. Pretty bad-ass name, right? Well, its definitely got enough weight to afford the clout. It's heavy enough to put a lead weight on those strings, or whatever type of metal it is people are doing these days.

To put it plainly, this is a pedal to be reckoned with. It's merciful—so merciful, humble and true in fact—that it could lend aid to amateurs and vets alike. Perhaps, you've just heard "She's so Heavy" for the first time in your life and want to add some weight to your sound. Your not yet comfortable with drop tunings, but you're oh-so-eager for lower, darker notes. Or perhaps you've been there, done that. You and your instrument (works great with a violin, as well) have a very sincere and intimate relationship and your songs are its fruits. Yet, to spread your respective seeds you still need two guitars because its a pain in the ass—and a bit unprofessional—to go from a regular 440 tuning and hit a drop D in the middle of a set. Alas, who cares what I have to say. Damn the torpedo's, cut the fat and give me the brass tax!

MDT Highlights:

The Morpheus drop-tune won't touch your tone. Not with a ten foot pole. It's exactly what it claims to be and thats all. It gives you the full use of chords with absolutely no latency issues, you'll think your running right into the tube itself.

You can drop up to 3 1/2 steps instantly in 1/2 step decrements and, thanks to the ultra sensitive toggle switch, return exactly where you came from at the drop of a hat. Or maybe, in this case, toe. You can also go up in half step increments but you don't get a toggle option there.

There's a full octave drop that will lay enough thick on your strings you could take on your bass player for rights to funkiest band member.

It, also, got a trim level with a corresponding LED indicator so you know just how hot your running.

All of this sounds pretty great but, with a USB port directly attached, it also has the power to learn. Morpheus promises new software for this gem making it a great investment that's sure to keep getting better. Or, maybe, it's a big brother thing and their going to steal all your riff when you plug it into a computer.

[SHOPPING NOTE: Most retailers have the MDT priced around $199.95, as mentioned above. At the time of this post, however, Musician's Friend had used models available for $175.99 in "Like New" condition.]



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If you've got any suggestions, comments, or questions—or if you have equipment you'd like reviewed—give Steven a shout: svasquez86@gmail.com




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