Your choice for a $100-ish Wah

[Aahzz]

I'm in the market for a Wah. I'm not a *huge* Wah user, but I do like to have one around. In the past I've had the standard Cry Baby GCB95, a Vox 847, a Snarling Dogs wah, and an EHX Wailer. The Wailer has been my favorite, and despite the fact that it's plastic it seems rather durable and sounds good - so, I'm leaning towards the Wailer...but I thought I'd get some opinions on other Wahs that don't break the bank...let's say, keep it under $150. If I used Wah more I'd probably go BMF, but I just don't feel the need to spend that much at the moment.

 

[John]

Morley has been my go-to wah pedal for years.

 

[Aahzz]

Morley has been my go-to wah pedal for years.

The thing that always keeps me away from Morley is the huge footprint. They're just so large...

 

[László]

For me, the finest wahs for at least the last 20 years have been the Fulltone Clyde series and the Teese Picture Wahs. They're closest to the '67 Vox wah I had for many years (that was bought new), that's been my gold standard forever. Fulltone's Deluxe has the ability to sound like two other wahs, so that's kind of nice. I've tried many, many others -- so many I can't even count the ones I've owned, boutique, pretty much all of Dunlop's offerings, Budda. But these are my two faves. I haven't found any other wahs that make the grade, sadly, though I've heard good things about the Xotic wah.

My clients have NEVER let me use a wah in my 32 years in the biz (the criticism is always 'sounds like a porn track, take the wah out)', so for the last few years I've just used the wah presets on my Eventide H9s with an expression pedal. Fine for screwing around, but not the same as an analog wah.

As with most things guitar, I've found that compromises lead eventually to disappointment. So spending the extra few bucks isn't a big deal. If size matters (wink wink), the Xotic is supposed to be the ticket. But caveat, I haven't had one in my own studio so it's just going on clips, etc.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

I have also heard good things about the Xotic, but haven't played one. I have a Fulltone Clyde Deluxe.

 

[Mark Ray]

I've had a Dunlop 535Q on my board for a long time. Has usable adjustments. I'm happy with it.

I have the Jerry Cantrell wah on my "small board," and I like it as well. It is NASTY sounding, in a good way.

Years back I had a USA made Snarling Dogs Whine-O-Wah, just like Jeff Beck was using a bit later. I loved that wah, but it eventually crapped out and I couldn't get it repaired.

 

[bodia]

Can attest that the Xotic is awesome, but out of your price range. I am currently using a 20/20 Bad Horsie. Smaller foot print, and board friendly. Think it was around $180.

 

[xjbebop]

after trying a number of wah pedals, I bought one of these some years back. I don't use it much, but I'm happy with it...
*like everything, the price has gone up since I bought mine...

https://www.amazon.com/BBE-WAH-Class-Vintage-Pedal/dp/B001B5DBEA

 

[Ovibos]

I think my wife is getting me a Hotone Soul Press II for my bday next month. It’s small, multifunctional, and if Cory Wong loves it then it’s good enough for me.

Will report back later.

 

[Rider1260]

I pick up used Morley Bad Horsie Wahs , I like crybaby like middle part of the sweep and the treble boost when you stand on it

 

[aphantomvaper]

Any chance you've looked at Envelope Filters? I gave up on foot WAH after the EV's stared appearing on my board and haven't looked back. They can be less expensive also.

Are you trying to do the zappa-esq notch filtering with the Wah? The responses so far are varied it will be interesting to see where you end up.

 

[Mark Ray]

If space is at a premium, the Baby Cry Baby seems to be very popular.

 

[László]

These things are sooo subjective! Whatever works for a player...well...just works!

 

[tyfu20]

Love the Morley, but I use the mini cry baby on my backup board and it sounds great as well.

 

[markd21]

I 2nd envelope filters. I had the kermit green DOD for years and loved it. It was cool for everything except when I wanted free expression. For dynamic sweeping I prefer the VOX 847. I have an early reissue from the 90s. It is the only pedal I use if front of the Helix.

 

[Tucson Thump]

My clients have NEVER let me use a wah in my 32 years in the biz (the criticism is always 'sounds like a porn track, take the wah out)'

I wonder why that happened. Who was the first session guitarist who changed the association from "White Room" to bedroom?

 

[aphantomvaper]

I wonder why that happened. Who was the first session guitarist who changed the association from "White Room" to bedroom?

Prob one of Barry Whites session guys

James Brown's The Big Payback has that sexy wah Chicka chicky sound too.

 

[vchizzle]

Cantrell wah is awesome. A little less top end on the toe forward position. The heel down seems to have a wider sweep that doesn’t muddy up. I think it would work great for what you do. Don’t underestimate because it’s a heavy rock dude’s pedal. Guthrie Govan uses it.

 

[matt3310]

I can build you one that I think you would love! I've built couple for Zach Myers and he loves them! Also built some for Chris Robertson, and John Roth. I can build one in a Crybaby case for about $100. or if you want a custom aluminum case they are about $2. 50.

Its true bypass, and has adjustments for Mids, q, lows, volume internally. Also has 8 selectable voicing.

 

[Mark Ray]

I can build you one that I think you would love! I've built couple for Zach Myers and he loves them! Also built some for Chris Robertson, and John Roth. I can build one in a Crybaby case for about $100. or if you want a custom aluminum case they are about $2. 50.

Its true bypass, and has adjustments for Mids, q, lows, volume internally. Also has 8 selectable voicing.

Matt, I think I need to dive into your wahs and see what's what!