Ugly Guitar Truth: EHX Expression Pedal

So, as much I look forward to new products from Electro Harmonix, Expression pedals are not extremely exciting. EHX did release several rocker pedals a couple years back. The "Next Step" line of rocker pedals looked futuristic and new, but that's always a gamble with guitarist. The fact that you couldn't attach it to your pedal board and unfamiliar functionality kinda doomed them. However, the new Expression Pedal is back to basics and that's about the best news we could hope for.

It's Plastic

Yes, this pedal is basically the Wailer Wah, but in expression pedal form. It has great features, for an expression pedal. You can reverse the polarity and set a minimum value via trim pot. It works with a wide range of pedals and has conventional construction. Constructed out of glass-reinforced nylon (plastic), the pedal is light weight and hopefully affordable.

Expression Impressions

I like that EHX is providing choices. They've taken risks with unproven ideas, but they've also provided a good option to those who prefer conventional pedals. It Seems like they are covering all bases. The Expression Pedal is much more affordable than the "Next Step" Expression pedal. Just moments ago, EHX posted the list price of $49.30. Which is roughly half the price as their previous expression. However, It's hard not to compare this pedal with the MOOG expression...

Deja Vu

Plastic construction and identical feature set, make this pedal a near clone of the Moog EP3 Expression pedal. Not that EHX is a new-comer to cloning pedals. However, not everything is a direct clone of the Moog. First off, the EHX pedal looks like it is larger than the Moog. I don't have exact dimensions of the EHX pedal, but by simply looking at the promotional photos, you can tell that the EHX looks much like a typically Dunlop Wah shape (if not size). The Moog is sized between a full sized and the mini sized pedals that we've seen released lately. With the larger size, you have a slightly larger price tag. The Moog sells right at $40. So, less than $10 difference for a near identical pedal.

Conclusion

I like this pedal, if only for the fact that it is a departure from those weird rocker pedals that they put out previously. It comes with a 6' TRS cable (just like the moog). It doesn't work with everything, probably. I know that the Moog expression doesn't play with Line6 very well. Also, the Moog seems to use an audio, rather than linear, pot. This mean that moving the pedal half way won't necessarily give you a 50% value. This lends its self to wah-type applications, but it will still work with effects like pitch bending and other non-wah types. If you liked the Moog but wished it was a little bigger, this might be your thing.

Support the blog by shopping on Amazon by using my link!

There should be an ad below: