The Jim Dunlop Crybaby Wah Wah Pedal is the world’s best-selling pedal and has been used by guitarists from Hendrix to Slash. It comes in 15 different versions including signature Slash, Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen and Zakk Wylde models and helped create some legendary rock sounds. The expressive pedal that eventually become the Cry Baby was invented in 1966 by engineers at the Thomas Organ Company/Vox. The Dunlop version was soon used by players such as Eric Clapton. It gets its Wah Wah name from imitating the crying tone that comes from a muted trumpet. The pedal is used mainly in guitar solos or funky rhythms such as Theme from Shaft which was written by Isaac Hayes with Charles “Skip” Pitts creating the memorable guitar and Wah Wah sound. You use it by rocking your heel backwards and forwards on the pedal with toe down for more treble and heel down for more bass.

There is also a bass version with a new proprietary potentiometer and custom EQ circuitry optimised for bass frequencies. It applies wah effects to midrange, highs and overtones, while leaving a strong fundamental to hold down the bottom. It is used by artists such as Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Doug Wimbish.