• Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Topic: Wah Shopping

Gentlemen, I am going wah shopping tomorrow.  I have had and sold a Fulltone wah and a Keeley wah.  Neither one cut the mustard for me.  The Fulltone had a hitch in the sweep and the Keeley had too many bells and whistles.  I spent all my time adjusting instead of playing. I have a complex with true by-pass pedals thinking that is the way to go.  But, Joe and Stratpaulguy both like the Vox and its non-true by-pass effect on the tone.  From previous posts I understand that it provides a pleasing high end cut? Does this pedal have an input for an adapter or do you have to use a battery?  I would appreciate any other wah advice you can offer.  I have been listening to a lot of Philip Sayce and Eric Gales lately, along with Joe at Rockaplast and they ignited my wah fever.  Thanks in advance for your help!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Wah Shopping

I'm embarassed to be mentioned in the same sentence as Joe  hmm  but yes the Vox wah was my favorite after a very extensive search.  For non boutique money it's the best out there IMO.  I love the high end cut that the wah imparts on the tone.  It helps "brown" the sound out especially noticable with a brand new set of strings.  If I decided to spend stupid money on a wah I'd check out the Reese RMC wah or the Clyde Deluxe.  BTW I think the newer Vox wahs have an AC adapter.  Does Joe even still use the old Vox's anymore or has his Tripps modded Crybabys taken their place for good?

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-09-01
  • Posts: 43

Re: Wah Shopping

You gave up too early on your Fulltone mate.

Mine had that hitch in the sweep but after use, it disappears.

I've done a 1000 gigs on mine and it's the best i've ever tried and i've owned loads... Buddah, Vox, Dunlop, RMC

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Wah Shopping

I use my VOX. And I've shaved the rubber stoppers off of it, so I can get a little more lows and highs.

I also have a Morley wah. I've taken it apart and adjusted the leds inside to get the perfect sweep... that was cool. It's still just not my VOX though.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Wah Shopping

I can't help you in your quest for the perfect wah tone, but I can vouch for the Bad Horsie's reliability.  I don't use a wah that often anymore, so my Bad Horsie sounds good fine in the rare cases I need it.  I don't like sound as much as my old Crybabys, but this thing has been a tank.  I've had it for at least 10 years and never had a problem (tossed around in gig bags, obviously stomped on a lot).

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  • Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Re: Wah Shopping

Wolf, that is very interesting.  I really liked the Fulltone wah, but I just could not get past the hitch in the sweep.  I had no idea it would eventually go away.  I may go for another Fulltone. I really appreciate your assistance on this.  One more question, does anyone have any experience or thoughts on the Ernie Ball wah?  Fellas, I feel obligated to promote this simply because of all the help I have recieved on this forum.  Please get on you tube and punch in Eric Gales 2010.  Then go to the video which says something regarding a solo cut at a studio in Memphis.  Gentlemen, this is how a wah pedal is used.

  • macg1
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  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Wah Shopping

I do like the Vox, but much prefer the sweep on my Clyde Deluxe.  I never had a hitch issue with it, so I am not sure what that refers to...

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
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  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: Wah Shopping

I'm a bit of a wah head.

My fave, and I sold it not so long ago for reasons I haven't yet fathomed to myself, was the old vintage late 60's Colorsound. Massive sweep so very detailed. Can get one quite cheap.

I am now using a Bradshaw/Custom Audio Wah for a number of reasons, one of which is the quality of the buffer. Great wah and built like a tank.

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Wah Shopping

I've never tried the ernie ball wah but I like that its belt driven and not gear driven.  Its much cheaper and easier to replace that belt when it breaks.

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  • Registered: 2009-03-23
  • Posts: 70

Re: Wah Shopping

I like my vox although it's been sent back as was making some odd noises, only had it 5 months.  I really like the Buddy Guy signature wah but is very expensive.  Also love the sound of the RMC pedals.  An insane guitarist over here in England called Guthrie Govan used one a few years ago and spoke to him after about it and he couldn't recommend it enough.  If you haven't heard of any of him he is well worth checking out.

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Wah Shopping

mickieblue wrote:

I like my vox although it's been sent back as was making some odd noises, only had it 5 months.  I really like the Buddy Guy signature wah but is very expensive.  Also love the sound of the RMC pedals.  An insane guitarist over here in England called Guthrie Govan used one a few years ago and spoke to him after about it and he couldn't recommend it enough.  If you haven't heard of any of him he is well worth checking out.

Guthrie Govan is an absolute monster on guitar.  He has fantastic tone, touch, phrasing, and finger dexterity.  His hands do some unholy things to the guitar.  He's also a super humble and generous dude.  My favorite song of his is "Fives"...very sweet riffs in that one!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Wah Shopping

Guthrie Govan scares me to death! If I want to feel like I have feet sewed on to my wrists, I watch Guthrie Govan videos then try and learn some of his legato runs... yikes

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

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