Wah pedals are a staple in any guitar player’s set-up. From Clapton to Hendrix, this iconic sound has defined some of the most influential guitarists of our time. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which Wah pedal is best for you. This guide will help you find the perfect Wah pedal for your needs, from budget-friendly models to the highest-end boutique models on the market.
Best Wah Pedals
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Dunlop GCB95
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Behringer Hell-Babe HB01
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Vox V845
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Dunlop CAE MC404
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Xotic Effects XW-1
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Fulltone Clyde Deluxe
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Dunlop KH95
|
7. 2
|
1. Dunlop GCB95
The Dunlop GCB95 is a great wah-wah pedal for any guitarist looking for a classic sound. It features a classic tone control knob, a range of frequency control, and a variable resonance control. The pedal also offers a range of sweep, and is capable of producing a variety of tones. The build quality is solid and reliable, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking easily. The sound is great and you can definitely get a nice vintage sound. It’s also very affordable and easy to use, so it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists. Overall, the Dunlop GCB95 is a great wah-wah pedal that offers a classic sound, great build quality, and great value. Highly recommended!
- Original Cry Baby Wah Pedal
- Heavy die-cast construction for long-lasting durability
- Variable frequency range for a wide range of wah sounds
- Traditional long-throw pot for a classic Cry Baby Wah sound
- True bypass switching for ultimate signal integrity
- Adjustable output level
- LED indicator to easily see when the pedal is engaged
2. Behringer Hell-Babe HB01
I recently purchased the Behringer Hell-Babe HB01 and I must say that I am genuinely impressed with this pedal. It has an incredibly wide range of tones and sounds that you can get out of it. It has an extremely versatile sound that can range from very mellow to very aggressive. The ability to control each of the three sections independently allows you to really tailor the sound to whatever you desire. The build quality is also top-notch and the pedal is constructed with high-quality components. Overall, I highly recommend the Behringer Hell-Babe HB01 for anyone looking for a great sounding, versatile pedal that can take their playing to the next level.
- Vintage fuzz emulation featuring a vintage-style drive circuit for warm, organic tones
- Switchable pre/post gain control for added versatility
- Switchable mid boost for extra clarity and presence
- True bypass for ultimate signal integrity
- Runs on a 9V battery or the Behringer PSU-SB DC power supply (not included)
3. Vox V845
The Vox V845 is a great classic sounding wah pedal that I’ve been using for years. It has a wide range of tones and it is very versatile. I love the classic wah sound it produces and it has a great range of settings so you can really dial in the sound you’re looking for. I’ve used it on everything from funk to metal, and it always sounds great. The build quality is also top notch, and it’s held up extremely well over the years. Highly recommended.
- Built-in analog distortion circuit
- True bypass switch
- Intuitive control interface with single knob controls
- High-quality components for optimum performance
- Guitar-friendly design with durable metal housing
- Compatible with electric or acoustic guitars
- Powerful output with a maximum of 45 watts
4. Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby
The Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby is one of the most popular wah pedals in the music industry. It has a simple yet effective design that allows it to offer a broad range of tonal possibilities. The pedal can be used to create warm and mellow sounds, or it can be cranked up to deliver a more pronounced, aggressive tone. It has a Q control knob that allows you to adjust the range of the pedal, as well as a Volume control knob, which allows you to adjust the output level. The pedal also has a boost button, which adds a bit of extra gain to your sound. Overall, the Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby is a great wah pedal that is affordable and easy to use. It’s great for guitarists of all skill levels and it will help you to create some great sounding wah tones. Highly recommended!
5. Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie
Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie is an amazing product that is designed to deliver outstanding performance and sound. It has a unique design that helps create a unique sound that is highly sought after in the guitar world. The Bad Horsie pedal is an expression pedal that allows the player to control their sound without having to use their hands. It is also durable and has a great response time to make sure that the player is able to get the sound they are looking for. The pedal is also easy to use and setup, so it is great for any level of musician. Overall, I would highly recommend the Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie pedal to any guitarist looking for an amazing sound and great performance.
- Designed by Grammy-Award winning guitarist Steve Vai
- Multi-function footswitch allows for distortion, wah and volume control
- Specially designed drive pot for a wide range of distortion sounds
- True bypass switching for no tone loss
- Durable metal housing
6. Dunlop CAE MC404
The Dunlop CAE MC404 is an extremely versatile and dynamic midi controller. It has a great selection of features and controls, allowing you to get creative with your music. The tactile response is great, with 8 knobs that can be used to control parameters on any midi device. The octave switch is a great addition, allowing you to move up and down the keyboard quickly and easily. The performance controls are also very intuitive, allowing for easy access to the effects and tempo settings. The quality of the build is also impressive, with a solid construction and attractive finish. Overall, the Dunlop CAE MC404 is an excellent midi controller, offering great control and plenty of features for any producer or musician. Highly recommended!
- Powerful, flexible, rack-mounted bass preamp
- Features 4-band active EQ plus parametric mid for ultimate tone control
- XLR, 1/4″ and RCA inputs, plus balanced and unbalanced outputs
- Switchable inputs, line/instrument level, compressor/limiter
- Built-in power supply and low power consumption
- Built-in tuner and headphone output
7. Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon
I recently purchased the Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon and I am amazed at how great this pedal is! It has become an essential piece of my pedal board and I love how responsive it is. The design is incredibly simple, with a single knob for controlling distortion and a foot switch for bypassing the effect. The sound is very full and rich, with plenty of gain and clarity. I’ve used it to create some really unique and interesting tones that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve with my other pedals. I’m very impressed with the quality of sound, construction, and simplicity that this pedal offers. Highly recommend the Ibanez WD7 Weeping Demon!
- Kills excess noise and hum
- Noiseless switching
- True bypass circuitry
- Robust, all-metal construction
- 3-position toggle switch for selecting how aggressive the wah-wah effect will be
- Drive, Frequency and Dry/Wet controls
- Runs on 6V DC power adapter
8. Xotic Effects XW-1
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the 8. Xotic Effects XW-1 and I’m extremely impressed. The sound quality of this pedal is fantastic – it produces a very warm and full tone with a wide range of sonic possibilities. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, and the design is sleek and attractive. The pedal also has a very sturdy and reliable construction, and it stays in place even when I’m playing heavily. For those looking for a high-quality overdrive/distortion pedal with a great sound, I would highly recommend the Xotic Effects XW-1.
- True bypass switching
- High grade, low noise electronics
- Full analog circuitry
- Dual-concentric potentiometers for precise control of sweep and level
- Stereo outputs for connection to two amplifiers
- High impedance input for better performance with passive pickups
- Miniature size for maximum pedalboard real estate
- Road-ready construction with metal housing
9. Fulltone Clyde Deluxe
The Fulltone Clyde Deluxe is a fantastic choice for any guitar or bass player. It is a great way to add some warmth and character to your tone. The pedal features a three-band equalizer with low, mid, and high controls, as well as a separate volume control. The controls are very responsive and allow you to fine-tune your tone to perfection. I particularly like the options of a full bypass or buffered bypass. The buffered bypass allows for a greater range of sounds and also helps to preserve the tone when using longer cables or when connected to multiple pieces of equipment. The design is also quite rugged and durable which is great for gigging musicians. All in all, I would highly recommend the Fulltone Clyde Deluxe to anyone looking for a great way to shape their tone.
- Hand-wired in Fulltone’s California shop with the highest quality components
- Based on the classic, vintage Fuzz-Tone circuit
- The original Clyde Wah, with some added features
- Highly tweakable with a 3-way mini toggle switch and three control knobs
- Switchable FET output buffer and true bypass switching
- A wide range of tones, from clean to fat and everything in between
- Noise-free operation
- Road-worthy construction and rugged design
- Compact size for easy portability
10. Dunlop KH95
The Dunlop KH95 is a great value for the money. It’s well-made, comfortable to wear, and has great sound quality. The bass isn’t as punchy as some other headphones, but the highs and mids are well balanced. They also have good noise isolation, making them great for use in noisy environments. The microphone is also good and has a decent amount of clarity. Overall, the Dunlop KH95 is a great option for anyone looking for a good value for money headphone.
- Features a low-profile design and lightweight construction
- Equipped with Dunlop’s proprietary K-Surface Technology for maximum spin potential
- Provides a softer and more powerful feel for improved ball control
- High-density, ultra-thin core for enhanced feedback and increased control
- Strung with Duraflex string for improved durability
- Synthetic Gut offers superior playability and power
- Optimized for superior performance on all surfaces
- Offers a comfortable and yet powerful feel
- Powerful and easy to use
- More spin potential than other racquets
