The two archetypal wah pedals. The Dunlop Cry Baby has a wider, more aggressive sweep with a stronger treble peak — punchy and modern. The Vox wah (the original) is smoother and more vocal, with a warmer, more midrange-focused sweep.
| Dunlop Cry Baby | Vox Wah | |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep | Wider range, more aggressive, pronounced top-end peak. | Narrower, smoother, more vocal and midrange-centred. |
| Voice | Punchy, modern, cuts hard — great for funk and rock leads. | Warm, throaty, "wah"-like — classic vintage voice. |
| Best for | Aggressive funk, rock and metal wah; expressive lead sweeps. | Vintage rock, smoother rhythm wah, Hendrix-era tones. |
| Feel | Bright and immediate at the toe-down position. | Rounder and more gradual through the sweep. |
| Famous for | Slash, Kirk Hammett, Zakk Wylde, funk rhythm. | Jimi Hendrix, Clapton (Cream era), vintage psychedelia. |
A Dunlop Cry Baby has a wider, more aggressive sweep with a stronger treble peak — punchy and modern, great for funk and rock leads. A Vox wah (the original) is smoother and more vocal, with a warmer midrange-focused sweep favoured for vintage rock and Hendrix-era tones. The Cry Baby cuts; the Vox sings.