Wahtastic! A Comparison of Wah Pedals

As pollen fills the air amid day after day of strong winds, I am finding myself feeling the arrival of spring yet I’m struggling to determine the right time for a seasonal change of clothing. Hi everyone. How are all of you doing?

By the way, everyone, do you like wah pedals? To be honest, I'm somewhat indifferent. It's because, despite their variety in character among different models, I find myself not using them often, and they tend to be priced higher than the average price for effects pedals. Yet, I wouldn’t dislike having one. That's the kind of where I stand on this matter..
However, I do have a certain interest in them that’s enough to occasionally gaze at vintage ones with admiration. In March 2024, VOX revived and re-released the renowned "Clyde McCoy" wah pedal from the past. It seems the public's anticipation was high, as the initial stock quickly sold out everywhere. I managed to secure one in this scramble and added it to my collection. So, I'd like to discuss a bit about the history of wah pedals while comparing it to the ones I currently own.

Comparison Models

① VOX / VRM-1

② VOX / V845

③ JIM DUNLOP / GCB-95 CRYBABY

These are the only ones I have at hand. By the way, this is a completely unrelated fact: I've been using the V845 since I bought it in middle school. I think it might just be the longest piece of equipment that I've used the longest.
（Please note that these are my personal impressions and results may vary due to differences in comparison environments.）

Inspection

Sound wise

the CRYBABY had the most solid effect among the three models. Not only did this pedal have a strong impact but also a sense of speed. The effect kicks in sharply, yet there's a noticeable amount of low-end remaining. In contrast, the V845 and VRM-1 have a more pronounced midrange. The V845 feels the most lively and enjoyable to play, with a slightly higher pitch. The VRM-1 seems to have a more dense impression that could possibly be due to a more focused midrange. When applied to chords, the CRYBABY really stood out, while the VRM-1 excelled with single notes.

Appearance/Specifications

Here's how they look. The CRYBABY and V845 are entirely black in appearance, while the VRM-1 features a chrome-plated pedal section and logo. Interestingly, the VRM-1 lacks a sticker on the top part unlike the others. In terms of size, all three models are nearly identical.If you were to blindfold and swap them, you wouldn't notice any difference in how they feel when stepped on. By the way, the LED on the V845 is something I installed myself—it didn't originally come with one.

In terms of specifications, they only feature basic inputs/outputs and effect on/off switches. However, there is one significant difference. The VRM-1 lacks a DC power jack, meaning it can only be powered by batteries (even though it doesn't necessarily need to replicate vintage models to that extent...).

A Bit of History

Now, some of you might be wondering about the "Clyde McCoy" mentioned earlier and what it's all about. It's actually the name of a jazz trumpet player. He inspired the creation of the wah pedal with his use of trumpet mutes to produce a unique sound. Take a moment to listen to Clyde McCoy's music here.

■ 1931 HITS ARCHIVE: Sugar Blues - Clyde McCoy (Columbia version) (youtube.com)

When I first heard this, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow! That's the effect of the wah pedal, isn't it? It's truly amazing.” Clyde McCoy used trumpet mutes to create that sound and it's incredible how it was adapted for guitar effects while gradually becoming a staple in rock music and beyond.

You can find a variety of wah pedals at Sound House, so check them out!

⇒ List of Wah Pedals/Auto Wahs

Enjoy some iconic songs featuring the wah pedal! See you next time!

■ Surfing with the Alien (youtube.com)