Vox and Crybaby Wah are both well-known pedals that have been used by countless guitarists throughout the years. Each pedal has its own special characteristics and sound, making them suitable for different musical styles and preferences. But which one is better?
Vox Wah pedals are known for their smooth and vintage tone. They offer a rich and warm sound that is reminiscent of classic rock and blues. Crybaby Wah pedals have a more aggressive and modern tone, making them ideal for genres like hard rock and metal.
When it comes to selecting the perfect wah pedal for your guitar, the options can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between two popular choices: Vox vs Crybaby Wah.
Vox vs Crybaby Wah: Differences and Similarities
To get us started, I’m going to go through the differences and similarities between the Vox and Crybaby wah pedals. By comparing their features, performance, and design, we will be able to get a better understanding of how each one can benefit a guitarist within a certain musical genre.
Here is how they compare in different categories:
- Construction and Design:
- Vox Wah: Constructed with durable components and a sleek design, the Vox Wah offers a vintage appeal with its iconic chrome casing.
- Crybaby: Known for its robust build quality, the Crybaby exhibits a more modern aesthetic, featuring a sturdy enclosure and user-friendly design.
- Sound and Tone:
- Vox Wah: Renowned for its expressive and vocal-like tones, the Vox offering provides a wide range of wah effects that are loved by many guitarists.
- Crybaby: Offering a versatile tonal palette, the Crybaby enables musicians to explore various wah sounds, from subtle sweeps to pronounced wails.
- Control Options:
- Vox Wah: Equipped with straightforward controls, the Vox Wah allows musicians to easily adjust the intensity and modulation of the effect.
- Crybaby: Providing additional control over the effect’s parameters, the Crybaby offers various knobs and switches for fine-tuning the wah sound to individual preferences.
- Price Range:
- Vox Wah: Positioned at a moderate price point, the Vox Wah provides excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious guitarists.
- Crybaby: With a slightly higher price range, the Crybaby offers enhanced features and durability, catering to musicians seeking professional-grade wah effects.
The “Voice” Comparison: Quack vs. Scream
The difference lies in the Inductor and the Sweep Range.
| Feature | Vox V847 (The “Shaft” Sound) | Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 (The “Rock” Sound) |
|---|---|---|
| The Sweet Spot | Low Mids. It has a “throaty” quality. The toe-down position is warmer and less piercing. | High Mids / Treble. It screams. The toe-down position can be ice-pick sharp. |
| The Sweep | Narrow. The transition from Bass to Treble is quick and “vocal.” | Wide. It covers a huge frequency range, making it better for dramatic, slow sweeps. |
| Best For | Clean Funk, Reggae, Blues (Hendrix/Clapton). | High Gain Solos, Metal, cutting through a loud mix (Slash/Hammett). |
The Vox Wah
Let’s now explore the Vox wah and see what it has to offer, both inside and out!
Features and Design
The Vox Wah sound and responsive control make it a popular choice among guitarists. Here is how the versatility, durability, and sleek design can enhance your guitar playing experience.
- Versatility: The Vox Wah pedal offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing musicians to create various effects and experiment with different styles of music.
- Durability: Built with high-quality materials, the Vox Wah pedal is designed to withstand the rigors of live performances and endure years of heavy use, ensuring its longevity and reliability.
- Sleek Design: The Vox Wah pedal showcases a sleek and ergonomic design that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides comfort and ease of use for guitarists during performances or practice sessions.
- Responsive Control: With its responsive foot control, the Vox pedal allows for precise and expressive manipulation of the wah effect, giving musicians the ability to add dynamic and emotive elements to their playing.
The only real issue is that The Standard V847-A is NOT True Bypass. The standard Vox V847-A has an input buffer that ruins Fuzz Face pedals and sucks high-end. This is a huge pain point for users. To get True Bypass, you must buy the Hand-Wired (V846-HW) version.
Different Variations of Vox Wah Pedals
Vox Wah Pedals come in a few versions, offering special features and capabilities. Here are the variations of Vox Wah Pedals:
| Pedal Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vox V847-A | A Classic Wah Reissue | $139.99 |
| Vox V845 | Classic Wah Pedal | $104.99 |
| Vox V846-HW | Hand Wired Vintage design | $279.99 |
The Vox offerings are designed after the original classic wah from the 1960s. Except today, the circuit has been upgraded to perform better and is more durable and even nicer looking.
Pros
- Vintage Tone: The Vox Wah pedals offer a smooth and warm sound, suitable for classic rock and blues.
- Versatility: The wide range of tonal possibilities allows for experimentation with different styles of music.
- Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials, these pedals are designed to endure years of heavy use.
- Sleek Design: The ergonomic design enhances aesthetic appeal and provides comfort and ease of use.
- Price Range: Positioned at a moderate price point, the Vox Wah provides excellent value for money.
Cons
- Limited Options: The offerings in the Vox Wah models are limited, with few variations and features.
- Not Ideal for Heavy Genres: The Vox Wah may not be suitable for genres like hard rock and metal.
- Potential for Noise: Some users have reported noise or hum, particularly when paired with certain amplifiers or other pedals.
The Dunlop Crybaby
Next up is the Dunlop crybaby and the excellent experience it brings. Let’s dig in and check it out!
Features and Design
The Dunlop Crybaby pedal showcases a range of impressive features and a well-thought-out design. Here are three key points to consider:
- Versatile Tonal Options: With its expressive wah effect, the Crybaby allows for a wide range of tonal variations, offering musicians the ability to shape their sound with precision and creativity.
- Durable Construction: The Crybaby is built to last, featuring a sturdy chassis and high-quality components that can endure rigorous use on stage or in the studio, ensuring reliability for years to come.
- Intuitive Control Layout: Designed with user-friendly operation in mind, the Crybaby boasts a simple yet effective control layout, allowing players to easily adjust the pedal’s parameters and dial in their desired wah effect.
Furthermore, the Crybaby’s design incorporates a smooth and responsive foot pedal, enhancing the overall playability and allowing for seamless expression in performance.
By incorporating these features and design elements, the Dunlop Crybaby stands as a versatile and reliable tool for musicians seeking to add expressive wah effects to their repertoire.
Dunlop has even gone as far as designing their own potentiometer inside to certain standards. This helps get a great sound without any noise which was created in older wah pedals. Plus a fasel inductor of either red or yellow color.
Different Variations of Dunlop Crybaby Pedals
Dunlop Crybaby pedals offer a range of variations to cater to different musical preferences. Here, we will discuss some of the characteristics of these pedals and how they differ from one another.
| Pedal Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dunlop GCB95 | Standard Wah | $99.99 |
| Dunlop 535Q | Multi-Wah Pedal | $169.99 |
| KH95 | Kirk Hammett Signature | $199.99 |
| CBM95 | Mini Crybaby Wah | $119.99 |
Overall, the different variations of Dunlop Crybaby pedals offer guitarists a wide range of options to shape their sound. There are standard, mini and even signature models. There are so many options, you may get overwhelmed!
Jimi Hendrix was known for his extensive use of the Dunlop Crybaby wah pedal during his performances, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating captivating guitar tones.
Pros
- Versatile Tonal Options: The Crybaby offers a wide range of tonal variations, suitable for genres like hard rock and metal, allowing musicians to shape their sound with precision.
- Durable Construction: Known for its robust build quality, the Crybaby is designed to endure rigorous use, ensuring reliability for years to come.
- Intuitive Control Layout: With user-friendly operation, the Crybaby’s control layout allows players to easily adjust the pedal’s parameters.
- Wide Range of Models: Dunlop offers a large variety of Crybaby models, from standard to mini and signature models, catering to different preferences and needs.
- Price Options: With various models and features, the Crybaby offers options across different price points, catering to both budget-conscious and professional musicians.
Cons
- May Be Overwhelming: With so many options and variations, some users may find the selection process overwhelming.
- Not Ideal for Vintage Tone Seekers: If you’re seeking a smooth and vintage tone, the aggressive and modern sound of the Crybaby might not be the best fit.
- Potential Compatibility Issues: Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain amplifiers or other pedals, which may require additional consideration.
Choosing the Right Wah Pedal for Your Style
When it comes to selecting the ideal wah pedal for your individual style, there are several crucial factors to consider. Follow these six points to ensure you make the right choice:
- Understand your musical genre: Different wah pedals cater to specific genres, so identify the style you typically play before making a decision.
- Consider your budget: Pricing can vary significantly, so it’s important to establish a budget range before beginning your search.
- Evaluate the pedal’s features: Look for additional features that may enhance your playing experience, such as adjustable frequency range or built-in effects.
- Read reviews and seek recommendations: Explore online reviews and consult with fellow musicians to gather insights and recommendations on the best wah pedals for your style.
- Try before you buy: Whenever possible, test the wah pedal in person or through a reliable source to ensure it meets your expectations.
Additionally, keep in mind that certain details may help you determine the perfect wah pedal for your needs. For instance, consider if you require a pedal with true bypass functionality to minimize signal loss. Or, even an auto-wah to prevent having to click a switch.
Living With Them: The “Battery Door” Issue
If you gig without a power supply, this matters:
- Dunlop Cry Baby: Features a Quick-Access Battery Door on the bottom. You can change a 9V battery in 10 seconds.
- Vox V847: Retains the 1960s design. You must unscrew the 4 rubber feet and remove the entire bottom plate to change the battery. If you lose a screw on a dark stage, you’re out of luck.
The “Tone Suck” Reality
- Standard Vox (V847-A) & Cry Baby (GCB95): These are Buffered, but not in a good way. They can suck high-end sparkle from your tone when bypassed.
- The Fix: If you want pure True Bypass, you have to upgrade to the Cry Baby Classic (GCB95F) or the Vox V846-HW.
Conclusion
The Vox and Crybaby wah pedals both offer different features and tones. The Vox provides a smooth and vintage sound, while the Crybaby offers a more expressive and aggressive wah effect.
Each pedal has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound.
It is recommended to try out both pedals and see which one suits your playing style and musical genre best. Experiment with different settings and techniques to fully explore the capabilities of your potential new wah pedal.
Recognizing that the ultimate decision is subjective, it is important to choose a wah pedal that enhances your musical expression and complements your overall sound.
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