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Dunlop introduced the GCB95 Cry Baby wah pedal in 1982 and has been producing the iconic filter-sweeping effect, in numerous iterations, ever since. Over the years, the wah-wah pedal has become synonymous with Dunlop, and the brand’s vast collection of classic, modern and signature series designs is a testament to their influence on the treadle-rocking effect. In this guide, we’ll uncover many of the most popular Dunlop wah pedals, including everything from the Cry Baby Standard to signature collaborations with legendary guitarists and more. We’ll also answer some general questions related to the timeless tone shaper, so you can be better informed on your search for satisfying sound.
Table of Contents
Where Does a Wah Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
Comparing the Best Dunlop Wah Pedals
The Best Dunlop Wah Pedals
Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard Wah Pedal
Dunlop GCB95F Cry Baby Classic Wah Pedal
Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal
Dunlop CBJ95 Cry Baby Junior Wah Pedal
Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop CBM535AR Cry Baby Mini 535Q Auto-Return Wah Pedal
Dunlop GCB65 Cry Baby Custom Badass Dual-Inductor Edition Wah Pedal
Dunlop DD95FW Cry Baby Daredevil Fuzz Wah Pedal
Dunlop EC95G Eric Clapton Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop DB01B Dimebag Cry Baby From Hell Wah Pedal
Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop JB95 Joe Bonamassa Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop GCJ95 Gary Clark Jr. Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop JH1D Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop JP95 John Petrucci Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop EVH95 Eddie Van Halen Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Dunlop JCT95 Justin Chancellor Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Wail With a Dunlop Wah Pedal
People Also Ask ...
Where Does a Wah Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
Before we dive into a rundown of Dunlop’s most popular wahs, here’s a quick note on where to place these pedals in your signal chain.
Wah pedals tend to behave best nearer the front of a signal path. In many cases, they’ll go right after the tuner. Feeding a wah pedal the purest signal lends itself to a more natural-sounding frequency sweep. By maintaining its inherent character up front, the wah’s distinct sound is always only a footstep away, organically interacting with other pedals down the chain.
For example, if you position it after overdrive and distortion, the wah pedal receives a heavily modified signal—clipped, compressed and rich in harmonic overtones—which can impact how its frequency filtering responds.
There is a caveat, however. Many vintage and vintage-style fuzz pedals have low input impedance, while wah pedals’ output impedances are generally much higher. Placing wah before fuzz, in this scenario, can negatively impact the latter’s sound due to the impedance mismatch. In this case, it’s common to position fuzz before wah in the signal chain.
Of course, no one’s sonic signature was discovered without a little experimentation, so you’re always encouraged to rearrange your pedal order, finding weird and wonderful combinations to take your sound over the top.
Comparing the Best Dunlop Wah Pedals
|
Model |
Frequency Range |
Controls |
Power Draw |
Price |
|
350Hz–2.2kHz |
None |
<1mA |
$99.99 |
|
|
430Hz–2.1kHz |
None |
2.5mA |
$129.99 |
|
|
250Hz–2.2kHz |
Six selectable frequency centers, variable Q, +16dB gain boost |
2.5mA |
$169.99 |
|
|
270Hz–2.1kHz |
Three-way voicing switch |
3mA |
$129.99 |
|
|
390Hz–2kHz |
Variable Q, +15dB boost |
1.8mA |
$149.99 |
|
|
270Hz–2.1kHz |
Four selectable frequency centers, variable Q, +16dB boost, internal auto-return delay setting controls ring-out timing after effect is disengaged |
3mA |
$179.99 |
|
|
380Hz–1.8kHz |
Halo/Fasel inductor kickswitch, Fasel frequency fine-tuner, Halo frequency fine-tuner |
3mA |
$219.99 |
|
|
375Hz–2.1kHz |
Fuzz toggle switch, internal Fuzz Output knob (overall volume with fuzz engaged), internal Gain (fuzz intensity) knob |
1mA |
$229.99 |
|
|
350Hz–2.5kHz |
None |
<1mA |
$299.99 |
|
|
250Hz–2.2kHz |
Six selectable frequency centers, variable Q, +17dB boost |
2.5mA |
$199.99 |
|
|
300Hz–1.8kHz |
None |
4mA |
$199.99 |
|
|
290Hz–1.5kHz |
None |
<1mA |
$199.99 |
|
|
320Hz–2.1kHz |
None |
<1mA |
$169.99 |
|
|
290Hz–1.5kHz |
None |
<1mA |
$169.99 |
|
|
100Hz–3.2kHz |
Internal Q trim, internal volume trim, internal EQ trim |
13mA |
$199.99 |
|
|
300Hz–2.3kHz |
None |
2mA |
$199.99 |
|
|
232Hz–2.7kHz |
U.K. Filter and Wah modes with independent volume and Q; fuzz with gain, tone and volume; Bypass Delay knob for ring-out time |
48mA |
$299.99 |
The Best Dunlop Wah Pedals
Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Perhaps there’s no better introduction to the world of wah than with the classic Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard.
Things to Consider:
- Red Fasel inductor produces sparkling harmonics and ultraclean signal
- Rugged, die-cast metal enclosure
- Plug-and-play functionality
Shop Now: Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard Wah Pedal
Dunlop’s Cry Baby Standard wah pedal is a “modern” reinterpretation of the effect that first made landfall in the late 1960s. This model was introduced in 1982 and was based on those predecessors, but it’s voiced with tighter, more focused upper mids and a more pronounced, expressive style of wah-wah. The Dunlop GCB95 is simply one of the most iconic rock effects of all time. Its sound, ease of use and price have made it a pedalboard staple for decades running. One of our top-selling Dunlop wahs, the GCB95 averages 4.54/5 stars on 200+ reviews.
Dunlop GCB95F Cry Baby Classic Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop GCB95F Cry Baby Classic features a vintage voice for a slightly gentler wah-wah effect.
Things to Consider:
- Vintage-spec Fasel inductor revives ’60s sound
- Lower frequency center than the GCB95
- True-bypass switching
Shop Now: Dunlop GCB95F Cry Baby Classic Fasel Inductor Wah Pedal
While the GCB95 above is Dunlop’s modern take on old-school sound, the GCB95F Cry Baby Classic is an homage to those earliest 1960s wah pedals. It utilizes the same modern circuitry found in the GCB95, modified for a warmer, vintage vibe. The Cry Baby Classic notably has a lower frequency center and broader bandwidth for darker, subtler tones. This is a great pedal for players seeking legendary wah sound without the “sharpness” sometimes associated with other models. Another Guitar Center player favorite, the GCB95F is rated 4.46/5 with 35+ reviews.
Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Widely considered the Swiss Army knife of wah pedals, the Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah lets you carve out your ideal tone.
Things to Consider:
- Offers customization of essential wah parameters
- Intuitive, easy-to-use controls
- True-bypass switching
Shop Now: Dunlop Cry Baby 535Q Multi-Wah Pedal
Guitarists not looking to settle for any one flavor of wah should consider the Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah pedal for their board. With six selectable frequency ranges—based on existing Dunlop models—and adjustable bandwidth, you can create tones that are dark and sweeping or bright and searing. There’s also the onboard +16dB boost to ensure your guitar is heard in the mix—perfect for soloing front and center. This top-rated Dunlop wah pedal earns a formidable 4.62 stars out of 5, with 50+ positive ratings.
Dunlop CBJ95 Cry Baby Junior Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop CBJ95 Cry Baby Junior is the result of a collaboration with Pedaltrain, designed to fit seamlessly on popular pedalboards.
Things to Consider:
- 8" length integrates with Pedaltrain Metro, Classic, Novo and Terra Series pedalboards
- Top-mounted input, output and power jacks
- Red Fasel inductor for classic Dunlop wah sound
Shop Now: Dunlop CBJ95 Cry Baby Junior Wah Pedal
It’s no secret that wah pedals—with their foot-sized treadles—are cumbersome. The Dunlop CBJ95 Cry Baby Junior is specifically designed for tighter layouts, offering a smaller, 8"-long chassis and top-mounted jacks for clean wiring. Sonically, the Cry Baby Junior wah pedal provides low, mid and high voicing modes covering a broad spectrum of iconic tonalities. So, if you’re tight on pedalboard space but still prefer a roomy-enough treadle to be able to wail, the Dunlop Cry Baby Junior has you covered.
Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby wah pedal takes the iconic sound of the original GCB95 and adds a couple extra controls for further customization.
Things to Consider:
- Aggressive frequency range for biting Dunlop wah-wah effects
- Buffered-bypass switching
- Convenient auto-return functionality
Shop Now: Dunlop 95Q Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Sporting adjustable bandwidth and up to 15dB of boost engaged by a kickable side switch, Dunlop’s 95Q Cry Baby wah pedal offers the sound of their flagship model with more room to make it your own. By setting the Q to taste, you can achieve sharper or smoother sweeps, and the boost can launch your riffs and solos into the cosmos. Another fantastic feature is Dunlop’s auto-return function, which automatically disengages the effect when your foot comes off the pedal. The inverse is true when your foot retouches the treadle.
Dunlop CBM535AR Cry Baby Mini 535Q Auto-Return Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q might be the ultimate wah pedal for gigging guitarists.
Things to Consider:
- Auto-return switching makes on/off a breeze on stage
- Compact footprint slides into crowded pedalboards
- Plenty of sonic versatility from a mini wah
Shop Now: Dunlop CBM535AR Cry Baby 535Q Mini Auto-Return Wah Pedal
At roughly half the size of a standard wah, the Dunlop Cry Baby Mini 535Q Auto-Return wah pedal features four selectable frequency ranges, adjustable bandwidth and up to 16dB of boost set by a volume knob and activated by a switch. Whether you want darker, vintage-style wah or an aggressive, modern voicing, the CBM535AR does it all. Plus, auto-return switching is a convenient modification for gigging guitarists, allowing you to toggle the effect on and off by applying or removing pressure on the treadle. In the words of one Guitar Center reviewer, “Best wah ever.”
Dunlop GCB65 Cry Baby Custom Badass Dual-Inductor Edition Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop GCB65 Dual-Inductor Edition pedal delivers two of the most famous wah voices ever produced in a single effect.
Things to Consider:
- Equipped with both Halo and red Fasel inductors
- Adjustable toe-down frequencies for each inductor
- LEDs indicate which inductor is selected
Shop Now: Dunlop GCB65 Cry Baby Custom Badass Dual-Inductor Edition Wah Pedal
The Dunlop Cry Baby Custom Badass Dual-Inductor Edition wah pedal provides players a colorful tonal palette to explore a broad range of expressive sounds. From the throaty quack of the Halo inductor to the lush sizzle of the red Fasel, the GCB65 does vintage, contemporary and everything in between. Perform laid-back blues licks using the Halo setting or dig into scorching high-gain leads with the Fasel. 100% of Guitar Center reviewers would recommend the versatile and easy-to-use Dunlop Cry Baby Custom Badass Dual-Inductor Edition wah to a friend.
Dunlop DD95FW Cry Baby Daredevil Fuzz Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Combining two powerful effects in one, the Dunlop DD95FW Cry Baby Daredevil Fuzz Wah has effortlessly expressive tones on tap.
Things to Consider:
- Collaboration with Daredevil Pedals founder Johnny Wator
- Internal knobs control output and fuzz gain
- Inspired by vintage circuits
Shop Now: Dunlop DD95FW Cry Baby Daredevil Fuzz Wah Pedal
The Dunlop Cry Baby Daredevil Fuzz Wah is a straightforward pedal with massive personality. Utilizing a proprietary circuit, it produces the sound of a modded wah-wah and a raw, dirty fuzz. The pedal originated as a custom design by Johnny Wator, who built units for friends and refined the circuit over several years before presenting it to Dunlop. At its core, this Dunlop-Daredevil collaboration captures Wator’s passion for vintage circuits, as well as his intrepid spirit leading him to chart new sonic territory.
Dunlop EC95G Eric Clapton Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The special-edition Dunlop EC95G celebrates 60 years of Eric Clapton’s monumental contributions to rock ’n’ roll.
Things to Consider:
- Classic sound of the GCB95
- Distinguished gold-plated finish
- Only 461 units made
Shop Now: Dunlop EC95G Eric Clapton Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Eric Clapton began working with Dunlop in 1986, becoming one of the brand’s first and most iconic Cry Baby artists. The Dunlop EC95G Eric Clapton Cry Baby wah pedal is a tribute to a living legend, honoring six decades of the influential guitarist’s work with The Yardbirds, Cream and beyond. A salute to Clapton’s sophomore solo release, 461 Ocean Boulevard, this one-time celebratory pedal is strictly limited to 461 pieces.
Dunlop DB01B Dimebag Cry Baby From Hell Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop DB01B Dimebag Cry Baby From Hell is a modified 535Q Multi-Wah, built to the specs of one of the all-time great metal guitarists.
Things to Consider:
- Wide sweeping range with adjustable toe-down frequency
- Additional output for splitting the signal
- Skateboard-style grip tape tread
Shop Now: Dunlop DB01B Dimebag Cry Baby from Hell Wah Pedal
Dunlop touts the Dimebag Cry Baby From Hell wah pedal as one of the most versatile offerings in their entire lineup. Based on the 535Q Multi-Wah, Dimebag Darrell helped Dunlop develop the Cry Baby From Hell, carrying over the former’s six selectable frequency ranges, adjustable Q and kick-in boost, while including a second output jack for stereo operation. There’s also a control to finely tune the toe-down frequency’s tone, so there are plenty of parameters to play with. This top-rated wah pedal scores 4.83/5 stars from Guitar Center reviewers.
Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Kirk Hammett’s signature Dunlop pedal derives its tone straight from his Cry Baby rack wah settings.
Things to Consider:
- Smooth, even response from heel to toe
- Assertive midrange wail
- True-bypass switching
Shop Now: Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah Pedal
The Dunlop KH95 Cry Baby wah pedal captures the signature sound of Metallica axeman Kirk Hammett’s revolutionary leads. Featuring a thick top end, broad dynamic range and a pleasantly consistent sweep, the KH95 has been meticulously tweaked to Hammett’s exacting specifications. The best-selling Dunlop KH95 averages 4.55/5 stars from 40+ reviews. Plus, there’s a cool skeleton foot depicted on the treadle—how could you go wrong?
Dunlop JB95 Joe Bonamassa Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: From its look to its sound, the Dunlop JB95 Cry Baby is carefully crafted to suit blues master Joe Bonamassa’s refined taste.
Things to Consider:
- Buffered output prevents impedance imbalances with vintage pedals
- Selectable true-bypass and non-true-bypass switching
- Sleek copper-colored treadle
Shop Now: Dunlop JB95 Joe Bonamassa Signature Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Joe Bonamassa’s signature Dunlop JB95 Cry Baby features a Halo inductor, reputed for its harmonically rich, growly, vintage-style voice. Its frequency-sweeping range is wide and vocal-esque, perfectly complementing blues licks and embellishing them with an intangible emotive quality only a finely tuned wah can provide. Soulful leads have never sounded better than when they’re accentuated by the Dunlop JB95.
Dunlop GCJ95 Gary Clark Jr. Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Gary Clark Jr.’s signature Dunlop GCJ95 wah pedal is specially designed for vocal-like soloing and percussive rhythms.
Things to Consider:
- Warm, dark tonality
- Tight frequency sweep
- Slick brushed copper finish
Shop Now: Dunlop GCJ95 Cry Baby Gary Clark Jr. Signature Wah Pedal
Gary Clark Jr.’s effortless ability to fuse blues, hip-hop, funk and soul lends itself to a uniquely voiced wah pedal—his signature Dunlop GCJ95 Cry Baby—that’s equally suited to melodic lead lines and groovy, syncopated chord progressions. The GCJ95 features a lower frequency center for rounder, smoother tones, as well as a tighter band-pass sweep that’s essential for funky rhythms. An experienced gigging guitarist wrote in a review, “The Gary Clark Jr. wah is super consistent every single time I take the stage or rehearse, which is a big thing for me. I can depend on a fantastic and gorgeous sweep of the wah every single time.”
Dunlop JH1D Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop JH1D Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby captures the illustrious wah tones heard on classics such as “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” and “Up From the Skies.”
Things to Consider:
- Recreates the sound of late-60s wah
- Focused, thick tonality
- Lightweight aluminum enclosure
Shop Now: Dunlop GCJ95 Cry Baby Gary Clark Jr. Signature Wah Pedal
When the wah pedal was invented and released in 1966–67, Jimi Hendrix was quite literally one of the first recording artists to make the effect part of his sonic signature. The Dunlop JH1D Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby reproduces the unmistakable timbre and throatiness of those early pedals, ideal for recreating throwback tones or establishing a contemporary sound with old-school flair. A favorite among Guitar Center reviewers, the JH1D earns a solid 4.69/5 stars.
Want to go full-on Hendrix? Pair this wah pedal with a Dunlop Fuzz Face (and maybe even a Marshall amplifier) for tones as bold as love.
Dunlop JP95 John Petrucci Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop JP95 John Petrucci Cry Baby is based on the Dream Theater virtuoso’s rack wah settings.
Things to Consider:
- Extremely wide frequency range
- 6-band internal EQ helps fine-tune your sound
- Great for shaping melodic runs and heavy chords
Shop Now: Dunlop JP95 John Petrucci Wah Pedal
John Petrucci’s fastidious attention to technique and tone have helped establish his legacy as a prog metal icon. The Dunlop JP95 wah’s sound comes from years of meticulously tweaking his Cry Baby rack unit, and the pedal nails his distinct sound right out of the box. With the ability to equalize the pedal’s frequency response using internal trim pots, you also have the option to create sounds entirely your own. One Guitar Center reviewer called the JP95 “the best wah pedal ever made,” while another similarly opined it’s “the best-voiced wah pedal ever.” Backing up those claims, the Dunlop JP95 John Petrucci Cry Baby wah pedal scores a perfect 5/5.
Dunlop EVH95 Eddie Van Halen Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Eddie Van Halen’s “Holy Grail” wah from the early ’90s is the inspiration behind the Dunlop EVH95 Cry Baby.
Things to Consider:
- Custom inductor and pot
- Unique, pronounced midrange response
- Classic “bumblebee” styling
Shop Now: Dunlop EVH95 Eddie Van Halen Signature Wah Pedal
Developed in collaboration with one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of all time, the Dunlop EVH95 Eddie Van Halen Cry Baby wah closely replicates his customized “Holy Grail” pedal from the ’90s. Dunlop engineers discovered EVH’s original pedal had a worn-in pot that accentuated the midrange and extended the low-end sweep, and they cloned it to ensure the recreation’s authenticity. It also includes a custom inductor with a vocal-like tonal quality—“I can make this thing sound almost human,” notes a reviewer.
Dunlop JCT95 Justin Chancellor Cry Baby Wah Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dunlop JCT95 Cry Baby combines Tool bassist Justin Chancellor’s three favorite tone-shaping effects.
Things to Consider:
- Includes filter, wah and fuzz effects
- U.K. Filter mode emulates tone control on Chancellor’s bass
- Vintage-style fuzz circuit recreates massive tones heard on “Jambi”
Shop Now: Dunlop JCT95 Justin Chancellor Cry Baby Wah Pedal
More than simple low-end accompaniment, Justin Chancellor plays a major role in crafting Tool’s soundscapes. The Dunlop JCT95 Cry Baby pedal features three of his favorite effects: filtering, wah-wah and fuzz. The pedal’s fuzz section can be applied to both the U.K. Filter and Wah modes, or run independently. Chancellor likes to combine fuzz and wah, while letting the U.K. Filter setting—with its thick, throaty character—stand alone. No matter how you choose to play it, the Dunlop JCT95 Justin Chancellor Cry Baby pedal is a must-have for adventurous bassists.
Wail With a Dunlop Wah Pedal
Dunlop wah pedals are among the best-sounding in the biz, and there is a huge variety of uniquely voiced models to find the ideal tone for you. Whether you’re after the timeless “wacka-chicka” rhythm sound or you want to inject some soul into an otherwise stale lead tone, the wah-wah pedal is a powerful tool for guitarists and bassists who want to vibe. We love their wah pedals, but be sure to check out Dunlop’s extensive range of accessories, including picks, straps, capos, slides, instrument care kits and more.
Since hearing is believing when it comes to gear, feel free to step in your local Guitar Center and step on multiple Dunlop wah pedals until the right one clicks. Plus, our expert Gear Advisers are on standby to answer any questions you may have, either by phone or through virtual chat.
People Also Ask ...
- Q: What does the inductor do in a wah pedal?
- A: The inductor plays an important role in the wah’s tonality by shaping the sweeping peak frequency’s overall bandwidth, or Q. Structurally, an inductor is a coil of copper wire wrapped around a ferrite core.
- Q: Are Dunlop pedals good?
- A: Dunlop pedals hit the mark in most ways that count, including sound quality, durability and price. Numerous artists rely on Dunlop pedals and products, including Jerry Cantrell, Misha Mansoor, Brittany Howard, Jim Root, Zakk Wylde, Tom Morello, Slash, Billy Gibbons and more. Dunlop’s subsidiary brands, MXR and Way Huge, produce popular, top-tier effects pedals, too.
- Q: What does a wah pedal do?
- A: Wah pedals use a peak band-pass filter to sweep your guitar or bass’ frequency range as you move the treadle from heel to toe. The result is a vowel-like, “vocal” sound that’s one of the most recognizable effects in history.
- Q: Is a wah pedal the same as a “whammy” pedal?
- A: The short answer is “no.” The whammy in question refers to the famous DigiTech Whammy pedal, which is a pitch-shifting effect.