Morley BH-2 Bad Horsie® 2 Contour Wah Pedal

Steve Vai's Legendary Signature Wah Pedal With Switchless Optical Technology

The Morley BH-2 Bad Horsie® 2 Contour Wah is one of the most iconic signature wah pedals ever created. Developed alongside guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, the Bad Horsie became famous for its expressive vocal-like sweep, effortless operation and exceptional reliability on stage and in the studio.

Unlike traditional wah pedals that require a mechanical toe switch, the BH-2 features Morley's renowned switchless electro-optical technology. Simply step onto the pedal and the effect engages instantly. Remove your foot and it automatically returns to bypass mode. No missed clicks, no worn-out potentiometers and no interruptions to your performance.

Building upon the original Bad Horsie design, the BH-2 introduces an additional Contour Mode that allows players to shape the wah's frequency range and output level. The result is a highly versatile wah pedal capable of delivering everything from Steve Vai's signature lead tones to modern rock, metal and progressive guitar sounds.

Whether you're searching for the best wah pedal for metal, a professional-grade switchless wah, or a premium alternative to a traditional Cry Baby, the Morley BH-2 remains one of the most respected wah pedals available today.

 

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Why Guitarists Choose The Morley BH-2

Instant Switchless Activation

Unlike conventional wah pedals, the BH-2 activates automatically the moment your foot touches the treadle. This allows for faster transitions and a more natural playing experience, particularly during solos and dynamic lead passages.

Steve Vai Signature Sound

The original Bad Horsie mode delivers the unmistakable wah sweep that made Steve Vai's signature tone famous among guitarists worldwide.

Adjustable Contour Mode

Contour Mode provides additional control over both output level and frequency range, allowing players to customise the wah response to suit different guitars, amplifiers and musical styles.

Optical Circuit Reliability

Morley's optical design eliminates traditional potentiometer wear, reducing maintenance while ensuring smooth and consistent performance year after year.

Built For Professional Use

A rugged steel chassis, premium components and road-ready construction make the BH-2 equally at home on touring pedalboards, studio sessions and home setups.

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Why Choose A Morley Wah Over A Cry Baby?

For decades, the Dunlop Cry Baby has been considered the benchmark wah pedal. However, many players prefer Morley wah pedals because of their modern design and ease of use.

Advantages Of The Morley BH-2

• Automatic switchless operation

• No mechanical footswitch

• No scratchy potentiometers

• Optical circuitry for long-term reliability

• Smooth and consistent sweep response

• Excellent performance with high-gain amplifiers

• Ideal for modern rock and metal players

If you're looking for a Cry Baby alternative that offers greater convenience and reliability, the BH-2 is one of the strongest contenders available.

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Who Is The Morley BH-2 For?

Beginners

The automatic engagement system makes the BH-2 one of the easiest professional wah pedals to use.

Intermediate Players

Perfect for guitarists looking to upgrade from an entry-level wah pedal while gaining greater tonal flexibility.

Advanced & Professional Players

A favourite among touring musicians, session players, progressive guitarists and high-gain lead players.

Particularly Recommended For

✔ Rock Guitar

✔ Hard Rock

✔ Metal

✔ Progressive Metal

✔ Fusion

✔ Instrumental Guitar

✔ Shred Guitar

✔ Session Work

✔ Bass Guitar

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The Story Behind The Bad Horsie

The Bad Horsie was created after Steve Vai sought a wah pedal capable of delivering a more expressive and reliable performance than traditional designs. Working closely with Morley, he helped develop a wah pedal that responded instantly without requiring a mechanical switch.

The pedal takes its name from Vai's instrumental track Bad Horsie and quickly became one of the most successful artist signature pedals in Morley's history.

Today, the Bad Horsie remains one of the most recognisable wah pedals ever produced and continues to inspire players across multiple genres.

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Associated With Steve Vai's Most Recognisable Performances

The Bad Horsie name and sound are closely associated with Steve Vai's live and recorded performances including:

• Bad Horsie

• Tender Surrender

• Building The Church

• The Audience Is Listening

• For The Love Of God (live performances)

• G3 Tour Performances

• Modern Vai Solo Shows

Players seeking expressive lead tones, vocal-like phrasing and dynamic wah control will immediately understand why the Bad Horsie became a signature part of Vai's sound.

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Morley BH-2 vs Other Popular Wah Pedals

Morley BH-2 vs Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95

The Cry Baby offers a classic vintage wah sound, while the BH-2 provides smoother switchless operation and superior reliability thanks to its optical design.

Morley BH-2 vs Dunlop Cry Baby 535Q

Both pedals offer tonal flexibility, but the BH-2 delivers faster live performance operation through automatic activation.

Morley BH-2 vs Vox V847

The Vox V847 excels at vintage rock tones, while the BH-2 is designed for modern players seeking greater output, clarity and control.

Morley BH-2 vs Morley MTCSW

The MTCSW offers compact dimensions and classic wah tones. The BH-2 provides Steve Vai's signature voicing and significantly more tonal shaping capability.

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Why Guitarists Choose Switchless Wah Pedals

Traditional wah pedals require players to press firmly on the toe of the pedal to engage and disengage the effect. During live performances this can sometimes lead to missed activations or awkward transitions.

The BH-2 completely eliminates this issue. Simply step on the pedal to activate the effect and step off to return to bypass. The result is a more intuitive and seamless playing experience.

This is one of the key reasons why many professional guitarists choose Morley switchless wah pedals over traditional designs.

 

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Technical Specifications

 

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Power Requirements

The Morley BH-2 can be powered using:

• Standard 9V Battery

• 9V DC Centre-Negative Power Supply

Compatible with most professional pedalboard power systems including Cioks, Truetone 1 Spot, Voodoo Lab Pedal Power and similar isolated supplies.

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Why Buy The Morley BH-2 From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy the Morley BH-2 Bad Horsie 2 from Fair Deal Music, you're buying from a family-run independent music retailer trusted by musicians since 1987.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we’ve helped generations of players find the right gear, from first-time guitarists to working professionals. With over 6,000 reviews and an Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot rating, you can order with confidence online or visit our Birmingham showroom for friendly, expert advice.

Our knowledgeable team of musicians is available by phone, online and in-store to help with wah pedals, guitar effects pedals, pedalboard setup and power supply advice.

We also buy and sell pre-owned gear, taking the hassle out of selling unwanted instruments and equipment, with a constantly changing selection of quality used gear available both online and in-store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Morley BH-2 require a footswitch click?

No. The pedal automatically activates when stepped on and bypasses when released.

Is the Morley BH-2 suitable for metal?

Yes. The BH-2 is highly regarded among metal, progressive metal and hard rock guitarists due to its wide sweep and excellent articulation.

Can I use the BH-2 with active pickups?

Yes. The pedal works exceptionally well with both passive and active pickup systems.

Can the BH-2 be used with bass guitar?

Yes. Many bass players use Morley wah pedals thanks to their broad frequency response and reliable optical circuitry.

Does the BH-2 colour my clean tone?

The pedal incorporates a buffered circuit designed to preserve signal integrity while maintaining consistent performance.

What power supply does the BH-2 require?

A standard 9V DC centre-negative power supply or a 9V battery.

Is the BH-2 beginner friendly?

Absolutely. The automatic activation system makes it one of the easiest professional wah pedals to learn and use.

What is the difference between the Bad Horsie and Bad Horsie 2?

The Bad Horsie 2 adds Contour Mode, allowing users to adjust frequency range and output level for greater tonal flexibility.