Best Wah Pedal for 2021 (Our Reviews and Comparisons)
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A wah pedal is basically a sweeping filter that emphasises some frequencies while leaving others out. This is a similar concept to what you might find in a standard tone control on a pedal or electric guitar. The “wah” pedal sound is achieved by a sudden and drastic change in the frequency response.
The wah may also be used as an EQ. Leaving the foot pedal in a certain position can give your guitar a very nasal and sharp tone that’s great for cutting through the mix. Whereas leaving it in the opposite position can give your guitar a smoother and more understated sound that’s great for playing the beat.
With the multiple wah pedals available in the market, it can be difficult to choose one. We’ve made your job easier by listing down the top 5 wah pedals that are worth your money.
Best Wah Pedal – Comparative Table
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Wah [amazon fields=”B079DWQTQT” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B079DWQTQT” value=”button”] |
| 2. Xotic Effects Wah XW-1 Guitar Effects Pedal [amazon fields=”B00R7J4116″ value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B00R7J4116″ value=”button”] |
| 3. VOX V845 Classic Wah Wah Guitar Effects Pedal [amazon fields=”B002NJR7DY” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B002NJR7DY” value=”button”] |
| 4. Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby [amazon fields=”B00F3D0A6S” value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B00F3D0A6S” value=”button”] |
| 5. Dunlop GCB95 The Original Cry Baby Wah [amazon fields=”B0002CZVK0″ value=”thumb”] |
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[amazon fields=”B0002CZVK0″ value=”button”] |
Top 5 Best Wah Pedal – Reviews and Comparisons
1. Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Wah
[amazon fields=”B079DWQTQT” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
If you like the Dunlop Cry Baby’s voicing but want additional power, then the solution is the 535Q-and it is now available in a mini size suitable for crowded pedalboards.
Features
- Two of the most critical parameters, frequency centre and width, are regulated by the 535Q, which enables you to adjust the unit’s Q, and also provides a switchable boost for extra performance.
- In practical words, it means the voice of the wah and its philtre can be fine-tuned and personalised. If you haven’t found a wah that works for your voice, but know that you still want a wah, then the 535Q is worth a try.
- Set the frequency range selector to position 1 with the Q knob closed all the way to hear the full extent of the Dunlop 535Q range and set the frequency range selector to position 6 with the Q knob open all the way to hear the other end. Each intermediate increase appears to be a smaller shift.
- You will appreciate all the controls that the 535Q offers if you tend to play different types of music.
- The Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby’s other plus is that it’s shaped like a tank. This is indeed a pedal workhorse, and it’s no wonder it’s seen everywhere on the pedalboards of pro guitarists.
What We Like About Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Wah
The Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah pedal is incredibly flexible in terms of tonality. We would highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a great wah pedal. Also, this pedal is a good choice if you like to play a lot of different styles from blues to rock to reggae.
What We Don’t Like About Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Wah
This wah pedal is a little complicated to use and not suitable for guitarists looking for a simple pedal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile Sturdy build Premium performance Multi-effects |
Complicated |
2. Xotic Effects Wah XW-1 Guitar Effects Pedal
[amazon fields=”B00R7J4116″ value=”button”]
Product Highlights
Modelled after the Holy Grail effects-pedal, this white dipped effects treadle gives you not one or three effects, but an infinite number of sounds. Depending on how you use it, you shape the sounds and effects that you hear with its specific controls.
Features
- The Xotic Wah has such versatility that it is one of the most flexible pedals on the market today. This effects treadle provides more than just a single “sweet spot,” and with every sweep, it produces a premium sound that is the product of a very sensitive effects-pedal that never ceases to amaze every time.
- The Xotic offers adjustability and versatility with its various sensors, and it also provides adjustable torsion.
What We Like About Xotic Effects Wah XW-1 Guitar Effects Pedal
Given the heavy price of the wah pedal, it would be difficult to find another one in the class of the Xotic Wah. It provides value for money and will be a great version of any effects board used by serious guitarists.
What We Don’t Like About Xotic Effects Wah XW-1 Guitar Effects Pedal
The drawback of this pedal is that it is expensive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Regulation of Prejudice Power Wah Q Control of Treble & Bass Pedal torsion and LED indicator adjustable |
Pricey |
3. VOX V845 Classic Wah Wah Guitar Effects Pedal
[amazon fields=”B002NJR7DY” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
This Classic Wah Wah is based on the pedal’s original specifications established by VOX in the 19
Features
- It has been designed to withstand the rigours of the road and rugged enough to take a beating from any guitarist boot with its tough all-black finish outer case. All this, while still delivering the same legendary tone that enables guitarists to emit the muted trumpet sound.
- The Vox Classic Wah pedal has a fitted AC power connector for battery power and offers all the power options while travelling or even when you’re not on the move.
- In this Classic Wah Wah, the spirit and tone of the early Vox treadles are preserved. This creates effects close to those of the original treadle from the 60s, where this sound was associated with that vintage musical period. With this pedal, any guitarist can create the classic old school sounds.
What We Like About VOX V845 Classic Wah Wah Guitar Effects Pedal
With the ability to achieve the old school sounds of the ’60s, this pedal is a choice that cannot be missed. This is also a tread that has been toughened for a guitarist’s life and provides a powerful mechanism of lasting impact while maintaining the sound of yesteryear that no serious guitarist should be without.
What We Don’t Like About VOX V845 Classic Wah Wah Guitar Effects Pedal
For those looking for pedals with a modern sound, this model might disappoint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid but lightweight aluminium die-cast housing In a new sturdier style, the same iconic Wah-Wah sound Inexpensive AC Power Connector to conserve batteries |
Lacks a modern vibe |
4. Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby
[amazon fields=”B00F3D0A6S” value=”button”]
Product Highlights
In taking an already genius wah pedal and adding some of their most famous enhancements, Dunlop has surpassed itself to bring this wah effects-pedal to the next level in FX.
Features
- The Auto-Return feature, which unlocks automatically when the guitarist puts a well-placed foot on the treadle, is the last but not least of its additional features.
- The pinnacle in flexibility and the improved feature is this fantastic sounding Wah FX-pedal.
- If desired, this treadle can be operated by an internal Dunlop ECB003 AC adapter or a single 9-Volt battery.
What We Like About Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby
If you are looking for a wah pedal that provides the bank pass shape with varying intensities, then the Q-control can fulfil that very requirement. It has a volume boost that amplifies it by +15dB.
What We Don’t Like About Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby
Its volume boost can be noisy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Q-Control for differing strength of Wah Volume Increase for an additional gain of up to + 15dB AC Adapter or 9-Volt single power supply Auto-Return feature for successful engagement of effects |
Noisy volume boost |
5. Dunlop GCB95 The Original Cry Baby Wah
[amazon fields=”B0002CZVK0″ value=”button”]
Product Highlights
The Dunlop GCB95 has a decent value and is a classic wah pedal.
Features
- You don’t get the knobs, switches, and voice changes that some other wah pedals offer, but it does exceptionally well for its one work.
- Since there is no adjustability for the Dunlop GCB95 Original Cry Baby, its tone and functionality are subject to personal preference.
- Notably, this is not a true bypass pedal and there is no adjustability without modding it or going into the internal ones. It’s sort of loud, and it can suck up a bit of your sound.
What We Like About Dunlop GCB95 the Original Cry Baby Wah
When we think of a wah pedal, the Dunlop Original Cry Baby has the typical sound that most people probably like. If that’s what you’re after and you don’t feel like paying the fancier wah pedals an exorbitant amount, this is the one you want. For that ’60s Jimi Hendrix feel, this is the go-to pedal.
What We Like About Dunlop GCB95 The Original Cry Baby Wah
It does not have LED lighting to demarcate the controls on the pedal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget pedal Basic but does the job well |
No LED lighting |
Final Verdict
Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Wah pedal is our favourite in the above list. Not only does it fulfil the checklist for an ideal wah pedal but also provides so much more with its versatile nature and multi-effects. However, you can also choose from the other models that we’ve mentioned as they’re trending in the market too.
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