From the Stage to the Workshop

The Cry Baby BB535 Wah may have hit the market in 1994, but its story began years earlier in our workshop, where we’d been digging into every part and parameter to unlock the true potential of the wah pedal. The Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby Wah was the first proof that an artist’s sound could be reverse-engineered and recreated. But our experimentation deepened as we hit the road with bands at the vanguard of a new heavy rock movement in the early ’90s, gathering firsthand feedback from the guitar players who brought the wah pedal back into the grammar of popular music. They all wanted the same thing: quieter operation and a throatier sound that retained the natural character of their guitar’s voice.

Each point of feedback led to another tweak as our workshop started to feel more and more like a custom mod shop. Finally, we decided that it was time to make the ultimate Cry Baby Wah.

Engineering Expression

In every detail, the Cry Baby BB535 Wah grew out of the knowledge we gained turning artist requests into actual circuit designs. We started by adding a high-impedance input buffer, a lesson taken from the Jimi Hendrix wah that we’d later extend to the entire line. This change allowed greater retention of highs and lows that artists said were being lost when they engaged the effect. Next, we turned to the tonal heart of the wah pedal, sourcing military-grade inductors that not only blocked unwanted noise but delivered a warm, vocal response at the sweet-spot inductance of 535 millihenries.

Many Voices in One

To make the ultimate Cry Baby Wah, shaped by the combined insights of several top players, flexibility was a must. Building on that foundation, we added an adjustable, switchable boost circuit based on the MXR Micro Amp. This served two purposes: first, it allowed players to better match their instrument’s voice and volume to the wah effect, and second, it added that signature sweetness and character the Micro Amp is famous for.

To make the BB535 truly versatile, we added a range selector with four frequency options inspired by the signature tones of modern rock’s foundational acts. In 1999, we expanded it to six tonal options, adding two more voices drawn from our vintage collection. The result is a full and expressive palette, from a sharp and aggressive bite to a deep, throaty growl. By the end of the ‘90s, the BB535 had become a staple for rock ’n’ roll’s top touring acts.

The Return

And it’s this 1999 version that we’ve decided to bring back. The original Cry Baby BB535 Wah models have developed a cult following over the years, so we dusted off the best-sounding one we had and recreated its circuit part by part to ensure maximum authenticity. We even contacted the original inductor supplier and asked them to start making that special component again. Finally, we equipped the pedal with on/off LEDs for the wah effect and boost circuit so that you know what’s active at any moment on stage.

Now, you can get your hands—and foot—on the first multi-function wah pedal. Get the Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue, and find your voice.