Best Wah Pedal

[puma_21]

Looking for suggestions and information.

I have NEVER used a wah pedal before (haven't really needed to), but not I'm interested in creating a little more character (or expression as you will_) to my playing. Also, anyone use phasers...how are those?

Thanks!

[MDV]

I use it very rarely, but I'm fond of my Vox 847

[Antag]

Morley "Bad Horsie"

The switchless activation is probably the best piece of guitar FX design EVER :) The pedal is spring loaded in the "back" position (i.e. at the bottom of the sweep), you just move the pedal off that position & it turns on, then when you're finished take your foot off & it turns off.

Also, it's built like a tank & sounds good into the bargain.

[MrBump]

I have an old ColourSound, which I really like.  Of all the wahs that I tested (back in '91, I think) it had the biggest range, and I like to use the scope in the bassier position, if you know what I mean.

Not at all sure what newer ColourSound pedals are like though, if indeed they're still made...

Mark.

[Stringkiller]

Fulltone Clyde - great long sweep - possible internal adjustments (never done it) and no squeaking just a very responsive great sounding wah. Also built to last .

Never met the guy who makes these but he sure has some good soundclips including an exceptional video of the piano outtake of Layla played on a Strat on his web site (Google it)- I think it is in the chorus or Univibe sections.

[HTH AMPS]

get an old Jen Super Crybaby like this one, theywill blow almost anything in current production out of the water and should set you back no more than £75.00, check this one out...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Jen-Cry-Baby-Super-Wah-Pedal-with-Soft-Case_W0QQitemZ120295985628QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120295985628&_trkparms=72%3A984%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[martinw]

Morley "Bad Horsie"

The switchless activation is probably the best piece of guitar FX design EVER :) The pedal is spring loaded in the "back" position (i.e. at the bottom of the sweep), you just move the pedal off that position & it turns on, then when you're finished take your foot off & it turns off.

Also, it's built like a tank & sounds good into the bargain.

+1.

[Alex]

I have a Dunlop CFH, very aggressive, and a Morley George Lynch (basically a modded Tremonti I've been told). The latter is softer in sound.
Typical most Crybabies have this classic, aggressive Wah wail you know from many recordings. Morleys and Vox pedals are softer and less "in-your-face".

I know a lotta players love the swithless operation, but I don't. I like the sound of a wah in one stable position, typical Michael Schenker sound.
If you know Arch Enemy, I really get a great Michael Ammott sound with the Morley I have.

There is a huge range of Dunlop signature Wahs, my favs are the Slash and the Buddy Guy. They're on my shopping list.

[PhilKing]

I have an old Jem from the early 70's with a Fulltone pot and it sounds great.  I also have a morley, a Vox and several others, including a McIntyre Tube Wah (it really does use a valve to get the sound).  My favourite is the Jem, followed by the McIntyre (though I tend to use it as a boost).

[Simon D]

If you're looking for a wah with a wide sweep from bass to treble, the Dunlop Zakk Wylde Crybaby is well worth checking out. It's definitely a rock wah though, so if you're a blues player, it might be worth looking elsewhere!

[Nadz1lla]

I had a Morley Bad Horsie 2, it's an awesome wah, and as previously stated the optical activation is a brilliant design, as at the moment the wah on my Pod is like any other normal one where you have to press it on and it just seems more clumsy to me.

I have heard that the Crybaby Dime signature wah's are pretty good too but I've not been able to check them out myself.

[sjwebb90]

I use a Budda wah and that has a nice sweep and sounds full bodied and smooth.

I had an Original Crybaby GCB-95 and in comparison it sounded thin and harsh. I replaced the inductor with a "Fulltone 500mH Inductor", upgraded a couple of the capacitors, replaced the switch for a 3PDT to allow true bypass and an LED to show when its on. Ialso installed a switch so I could go between the regular 33K resistor (thats strapped across the inductor) and a 47K resistor to get a"normal wah" or a more "vocal wah". The Crybaby now gives the Budda a run for its money!!

The most popular Wah circuits are based around the VOX style inductor variant. One reason why one wah sound better than others is choice of components. Manufacturers using audiophile components (i.e better Capacitors etc) will usually have a better sound. Secondly, and probably more importantly, is the choice of inductor and how accurate it has been wound to the nominal value.

A lot of Wahs now come with internal trim pots, which if you have time, you can sit and tweak to your hearts desire.

If anyones interested check out the article The Technology of Wah Pedals.

http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/wahpedl/wahped.htm

[Spitfire]

i use the gcb-95 dunlop wah.. but like a lot of others i modded it.. true bypass and i took the buffer out.. and i really like it a lot now.  all the negatives about it i had before have gone. 

The Ibanez weeping demon is quite a tweekers wah.. looks cool too!!!

[badgermark]

I use a Crybaby Classic. I actually have a spare one for sale if you're interested, one I got myself and another in it's box as an unwanted gift. PM if you're interested.

[Ted 'N' Leo]

I've got the crybaby Jimi B model, with the chrome edges. I felt it to have the best sound of the wahs i've heard.

However, because the crybabies use a kind of tread to move the pot in it, if it breaks, it can be a pain to get repaired etc. Which is where the morleys have the advantage.