This pedal is a tough one to find much on. I've had it since about 1983, but never gave it much use. I know someone will cherish it more than I do! I've kept it in excellent shape. No bashing around, no dents, and very little rust on the housing. Definitely a conversation piece, and that's before its played! It's like a wah on steroids, since the darks and brights are more extreme than any I've played. Royal also had a wah pedal, so I'm not sure how this is different. The electrical tape is on the battery wires I think to keep them out of the pedal's path. It was done by the pedal's former owner. All these years later, it does seem to have been a good idea!