Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah

Overview: Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah

The Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah is a signature effects pedal designed for versatility, offering a wide palette of wah sounds tailored for demanding guitarists. Priced at $195, this pedal stands out through its robust feature set and flexibility, targeting those who need more than a standard wah. Since its release in late 2019, it has built a reputation on both studio rigs and pedalboards for live performance.

Controls and Customization Features

The heart of this pedal lies in its immense adjustability. The effect circuit centers on six selectable frequency ranges for wah sweep, chosen via a large rotary control on the right side. This lets you shift the sweep voicing from very bright and biting to deep and vowel-like. Additionally, a Fine Tune knob allows you to set the high-frequency endpoint in the fully pressed (toe-down) position, giving extra authority over brightness and range. These settings are quick and instinctive to dial in, making it easy to shape tones that span from vintage-inspired to aggressively modern.

Next to the frequency selector and fine tune, there is also a variable Q control that adjusts how pronounced the peak of the wah effect is. This essentially defines how sharp or rounded the "wah" envelope comes across. For more subtle comping or funky rhythm, you can dial back the Q, while solos benefit from a higher setting for that classic vocal sweep.

Boost Circuit and Status LEDs

One of the stand-out features is the integrated switchable boost, which can deliver up to a claimed 17 decibels of signal gain. In practical use, most players describe the boost as feeling closer to 9-12 decibels by ear. This boost is voiced to emphasize upper midrange and trebles, while still maintaining some support in the lows. It's particularly effective for solos, helping the guitar cut through a dense mix without sounding exaggerated or artificial. Transitions between the boost being on and off are smooth, avoiding harsh volume jumps or sudden tonal changes.

The pedal is equipped with bright status LEDs for both the wah and boost functions, a straightforward but essential addition that avoids confusion on stage. You always know whether the effect or boost are active, even in low light.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Design

The Cry Baby From Hell's enclosure uses rugged metal with a tactile feel. At 1.72 kg and with dimensions of 250 x 100 x 94 mm, it's solid and stable underfoot. The tread is covered in skateboard-style anti-slip tape, providing effective grip for precise footwork, even during more intense performances. Reviews find the grip reliable, though a few users report re-gluing edges after extended use.

The pedal's resistance is adjustable using an included hex key, allowing the rocker's stiffness to be tweaked. Some users have found the adjustment range on the looser end, as even the tightest setting may allow the pedal to spring back from positions rather than hold steady. While the included hex key is thin and can bend if forced, it gets the job done for most standard adjustments.

For aesthetics, the black camo paint scheme is both eye-catching and understated compared to Dunlop's earlier, more flamboyant designs. This finish appeals to those seeking modern looks that do not distract from the stage.

Connection Options and Power

The pedal features a standard input, two independent outputs, and an internal switch to select between pass-through and parallel output modes. This dual output architecture is advantageous for advanced pedalboard setups or stereo rigs. Power is supplied via a standard 9-volt battery or an optional DC adapter (negative internal polarity, 2.1 x 5.5 mm). With a current draw of just 2.5 mA, occasional battery operation is realistic for most players not wanting extra cables.

Sonic Range and Versatility

User feedback points to the Dimebag Cry Baby Wah's suitability far beyond the metal world its branding suggests. The broad frequency sweeps and easy fine-tuning open up Hendrix-style leads, blues comping, and even subtle rhythmic pulse. In fact, many players compare its tonal flexibility to the Dunlop 535Q but grant this model an edge due to the addition of fine control, making it simple to find a personal sweet spot within minutes.

• Six frequency ranges allow extensive tonal shaping from dark, rhythmic wah to piercing leads.
• Fine Tune adjustment is ideal for nailing attack and aggression, essential for playing across genres.
• Boost circuit excels for soloing and punching through a band mix with natural response.

The pedal's clarity and dynamic response under both clean and overdriven settings stand out, and the ability to tailor gain and frequency parameters helps avoid the nasality or narrowness found on more basic models. The wah delivers clear articulation on rhythm and lead passages alike. Players especially value the easily accessible controls that don't require menu diving or lengthy setup.

Weak Points

• Stiffness Adjustment: The pedal's tension adjustment could use more range, as some users find it too soft even at the firmest.
• True Bypass: The pedal does not offer true bypass, which might matter to those with complex pedalboards sensitive to tone loss.
• Finish Durability: In rare cases, some buyers reported minor cosmetic issues, such as loose switches or paint near the frequency selector, usually as a result of rough shipping or hard use.

Conclusion

The Dunlop Dimebag Cry Baby Wah stands as a reference for players seeking a highly tweakable wah effect. Its expansive sweep, intuitive controls, and musical boost function make it suitable for blues, rock, and metal, despite its signature branding. The rugged build, useful LED indicators, and customizable output options enhance its suitability for professional rigs. While a few ergonomic tweaks could improve it further, this pedal arguably belongs in the top tier for anyone serious about expressive, controllable wah sounds.