Del Casher, guitarist and inventor of the wah-wah pedal who played with Elvis Presley and Frank Zappa, dead at 88

Del Casher, an influential guitarist and the inventor of the iconic wah-wah pedal, passed away on October 1 at the age of 88. His contributions to music technology and performance have left a lasting impact on rock and popular music since the 1960s.

Casher’s most notable achievement was inventing the wah-wah pedal in 1966 while consulting for Thomas Organ, the American partner of Vox. This foot-operated device altered the guitar’s tone by modulating frequency sweeps, revolutionizing the sound and playability of electric guitars. The innovation occurred somewhat by accident but soon became a staple in genres ranging from psychedelic rock to funk.

Beyond the wah-wah pedal, Casher created other audio devices such as the Ecco-Fonic and the Fender Electronic Echo Chamber, expanding his legacy as a musical inventor. His expertise also extended to composition, with credits spanning film, television, and orchestral music.

Casher’s guitar work earned him collaborations with celebrated artists including Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, and Sonny & Cher. His relationship with Presley began on the set of the 1964 film Roustabout, where he appeared as a guitarist; Presley personally invited him to tour, an offer Casher declined.

In addition to live performances, Casher contributed to numerous soundtracks using his wah-wah effect. Notable projects include MGM’s Don’t Make Waves (1967) and the theme for NBC Nightly News, introduced in 1985 and recognized as the longest-running television news theme.

His involvement with Hollywood also included uncredited parts in Jerry Lewis’s The Patsy (1964) and features on three Universal Pictures films where his prototype pedal was showcased. Casher’s session work helped bring the wah-wah sound to a broad audience in both cinematic and television contexts.

Casher’s influence extended into television music direction, notably for the children’s program The New Zoo Revue. He also composed the Americana Suite for Orchestra around the year 2000, a work inspired by his family heritage and the concept of the American Dream.

Later in his career, Casher produced English-language adaptations of Japanese anime series such as Love Hina (2000), Sakura Wars (2000), and Tenchi Muyo! GXP (2002), demonstrating the versatility of his musical and production skills across different media markets.

Born Delton Kacher in 1937 in Hammond, Indiana, Casher relocated to California after college to pursue his career. His death has prompted the creation of a GoFundMe campaign to assist his widow, Eiko, with significant financial burdens, including credit card debt and assisted living costs.

Casher’s passing leaves a legacy deeply embedded in the evolution of guitar sound and the integration of technological innovation in music performance. While specific details about the circumstances of his death remain undisclosed, his contributions continue to resonate through the enduring use of his inventions and compositions.

The ongoing use of Casher’s wah-wah pedal sound in recordings and performances highlights the tool’s significance within guitar pedagogy and popular culture. His role in advancing electric guitar effects illustrates how individual inventors can shape the tonal possibilities available to musicians.

Casher’s work with high-profile artists across diverse genres confirms his adaptability and skill as a studio musician. This versatility helped sustain his career across changing musical landscapes from the 1960s onward.

The financial challenges faced by his widow illustrate the precariousness often encountered by veteran musicians and inventors, underscoring the importance of support systems for aging artists whose contributions have shaped the music industry.