Effects Bay

Here is a great video by MusicRadar.com featuring Bryan Kehoe talking about some upcoming pedals from Dunlop. A few of them have been talked about for a while (ie: Joe Bonamassa Cry Baby and the re-issue of the Way Huge Red Llama), but one caught my ear.  That was for the Eric Johnson Fuzz Face. I remember hearing various stories (could be legend and/or tales passed down from nerd guitarist to nerd guitarist) where Eric would have people find the classic Red Fuzz Face. He was always in search of a particular sound found in a few batches of germanium transistor fuzz faces.

For those of you not too familiar with germanium transistors, transistor were used to replace tubes back in the day. Now germanium is less efficient and consistent than silicon transistors made in the late 60s/70s. So one pair of germanium transistors can sound very different than another pair with the same value.  So a run of Fuzz Faces can have slightly different tonal characteristics.

I’m sure Eric Johnson has a mean collection of Fuzz Faces by now, so having him working with Dunlop for 6 years to develop his signature Fuzz Face is pretty cool. After doing some more research, I was surprised that they’re using BC183 silicon transistors in there. I know NOS germaniums are hard to come by, and I’m wondering for ‘production’ that was the deciding factor? Or it could be that silicon offers a more stable transistor for consistency.. but they definitely sound different. Curious what you think!

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@mojosarmy sent me a tweet letting me know he posted a video where he modified his Dunlop GCB-95 Cry Baby to be true bypass. This is a great 2 part modification that I did to my wah a couple of years ago (I also changed the inductor, changed the pot to an ICAR taper pot and added a LED).

For those of you interested in tweaking pedals, this is a great project that covers a lot of the fundamentals and something that will definitely get your hands dirty. The first part of the modification is to replace the footswitch with a 3PDT footswitch. That will get your switching ready for the true bypass, but you must follow that up with the PCB mod. Changing the footswitch alone will NOT make this true bypass. That is because the signal is buffered in the circuit after the input signal. The goal is to route the input signal to the footswitch then back to the circuit. That is the second mod. The second modification involves cutting a trace on the board and hard wiring a lead from the board to the footswitch.

Mojo did a great job showing all the steps as well as explaining what all needs to be done. For further information, especially if you’re PCB board in the wah doesn’t look like Mojo’s, check out this GREAT page – True bypass for the Dunlop GCB-95 Crybaby That pages shows the trace cut on various revisions of the board (Rev F, G, H & I). Thanks Mojo for letting me know about your vid!

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The following is a guest post by Steven Williams. If you are interested in guest posting, please contact me!

My name is Steve I work for a music shop and am a massive guitar enthusiast. I enjoy writing about guitars and accessories. I enjoy learning new things about instruments and pedals and sharing information to anyone that wants to hear it.

Are you a Cry Baby? But just need a little advice, well I will be reviewing the different types of Jim Dunlop Cry Baby pedals to give you a bit more information about them and help you choose the correct one for you’re style of playing. The Cry Baby pedal is already an iconic figure in the guitar world thanks to users such as Slash, Eddie Van Halen and most famously Jimi Hendrix. The pedals are capable of performing a wide variety of various effects from the ‘wokka-chokka’ sounds to a cutting lead tone. From then Jim Dunlop has gone on to make a large variety of different models but are they really different?

But before we start comparing the different models we must clarify exactly what they are and how they work. Basically the Cry Baby takes the middle and upper frequencies and then filters and emphasizes them. The pedal then controls the frequency at which it is operating and allows the guitarist to play through the frequencies giving the famous ‘wah’ sound from which the Cry Baby gets its name. Then from here a few elements can be altered to change the characteristic of the sound, the amount of emphasis (or the Q) can be changed as well as the range of frequencies being let through. In addition to these the analogue circuit within the pedals can be altered to have different characteristics and effects and we will look at the 3 most popular varieties.

The Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Classic: This model is identical to the original one used way back at the birth of Rock and Roll with. However the components used haven’t been used in decades thanks to unavailability. So for the older generation of players looking for the warm vintage sound then the Cry Baby classic is ideal. In fact the only differing factor from the pedals used by Hendrix is a hard-wired bypass and a Fasel inductor, which means its even better.

The Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Original: This model is based on the original design but with a few minor enhancements to boost performance and reliability. Infamous due to its fixed Q tone and frequency range, which means the classic ‘wah’ tone in abundance.

The Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Q: Pretty self-explanatory what this is going to offer you, of course a ‘Q’ control. This means the emphasis on the effect can be increased or decreased along with a volume boost. You also receive an ‘auto-engage’ feature which conveniently activates the pedal when you place you’re foot on it.

These are just the 3 of the main models of Cry Baby’s, there are many more models each offering you different features and characteristics. The best way to find out which is the right one for you is to do you’re research and simply hear them for yourself.

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A friend of mine just let me know the crybabydoc.com has four 15 minute sections (not sure if it’s the entire movie or not) available. I just got done watching all four parts, and they were great. The official release date is 3/11, but if you have some time, head over to crybabydoc.com and check out the parts. I thought it was very interesting and cool to hear some of the stories related to the wah.

I started using a wah about a year ago (never liked it before.. and never had much interest in it). I started playing a Fulltone Clyde Standard Wah (white) and later got a Dunlop GCB-95 Crybaby off of eBay (DOA) which I wanted to breathe life into and have fun with mods. I added a ICAR Taper pot, made it true bypass, added a LED and a Red Fasel inductor in there. I think it sounds great and I’m definitely interested in other wahs now (ie: Teese picture wah, Dunlop 535Q, Fulltone Clyde Deluxe, etc).

I pretty much use wah for lead stuff, but also for creating some nasty sounds. What wahs are you guys using? How are you using them, etc? Comment below!

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About a year ago I converted a Dunlop GCB-95 Crybaby to be true-bypass and included a new Fasel inductor and ICAR taper pot. I really liked how it turned out. There is a large amount of talk about fasel and non-fasel out there. Some wahs have the fasel inductor stock, but a large portion do not. I get asked often.. what’s the deal.. and what’s the difference.

The fasel inductor is found in the ‘classic’ styles of wahs. Vox wahs  and the builders that want the older Vox tones (id: Fulltone Clyde, Teese, etc). I would like to note – Additionally the ICAR taper pot is another big piece of the classic puzzle. To me, the the fasel gives it a little bit more bite and sizzle than non-fasel inductors. I definitely prefer the fasel inductor wahs over the others. The others (again to me) sound a bit muddy and less aggressive, but this comes down to what you want the wah to do. I pretty much use the wah for leads only, so I really want it in your face when I’m engaging it.

I found two great comparison videos by gearmanndude where he compares a Original/Standard CryBaby vs. the Classic CryBaby. The Classic has the fasel inductor, which the Original does not. The two videos illustrate gained amp and clean (the clean video has a scratchy pot… which is super annoying to me, but you can pick up the jist of it).

Here is the video of the clean comparison:

So which one did you prefer? Why? Comment below!

You can pick up the Dunlop Crybaby Classic with Fasel Inductor at Amazon for $99.99
or
You can pick up the Dunlop Original Crybaby at Amazon for $68.26

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A few weeks ago I did a post about Kylesa’s Laura Pleasants Pedalboard. On one shot of her board while on tour, I spotted a MXR MC404 Crybaby Dual Inductor Wah on board. Normally she plays a Teese or Budda, so I wanted to see what was up with Dunlop/MXR teaming up with CAE (Custom Audio Electronics) to make this wah. My quick overview… I was impressed. It’s a dual-Fasel wah. It uses both the yellow and red fasel and has a footswitch to toggle between them. There is also switchable boost, which uses the MC401 Boost/LineDriver that is built into the wah. Additionally there are some pots (single outside adjustable and two internal trim pots) to adjust the Q control. Wah is also true-bypass.

Here is the official description:

Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics designed the MXR MC-404 CAE Crybaby Dual Inductor Wah Pedal with the Crybaby design team to create a highly versatile wah-wah with top-grade components. The MC404 CAE Crybaby features dual Fasel inductors with 2 distinct voices (high-end emphasis or low-to-mid resonance), and a built-in MXR MC-401 Boost/LineDriver that adds even more flexibility.

Choose between inductors and turn the boost on or off with the side-mounted kickswitches. Bright LEDs on each side of the wah indicate operation status. The MC404 Crybaby wah boasts true hardwire bypass, a long-life CTS potentiometer, and internal pots for the Q control—which varies the intensity of the wah effect—and gain adjustments. You get the high performance and quality that you expect from Dunlop, the world leader in wah-wah technology.

Bob Bradshaw has been one of the world’s foremost designers of custom guitar pedalboards and effects systems for many of rock’s most influential guitarists for 3 decades. And for just as long, MXR and Crybaby have been synonymous with the effects pedal innovations that have shaped the tone of modern electric guitar playing. So it was only natural for them all to join forces to create a dynamic line of pedals offering the ultimate in tone, functionality and road-worthy dependability. Since 1980, CAE’s groundbreaking pedal designs were made in limited quantities only for a select clientele of world-class guitarists. But now these very same devices and circuits are available to all.

MXR MC404 CAE Crybaby Dual Inductor Wah Guitar Effects Pedal Features:

* Select between a Yellow or Red Fasel Inductor for two distinct tones
* Features a custom designed CTS extended life low noise potentiometer
* User selectable gain output stage with kick switch and LED indicator
* Designed with low noise class ‘A’ operational amplifiers
* Bright LEDs indicate effect status, inductor mode, and boost on or off mode
* True bypass
* For power, insert a 9-volt battery, plug in an ECB-003 power adapter, or plug into a Dunlop DC Brick multi-power supply 9-volt output

I found yet another great video by Burgerman666 that goes into all of what the MXR MC404 CAE Crybaby Dual Inductor Wah can do.

The MXR MC404 CAE Crybaby Dual Inductor Wah is currently on sale at Musician’s Friend. It’s available for $157.56 with Free shipping in the lower 48 states.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

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Today I came across the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Crybaby wah at Musician’s Friend. It’s on sale, but I didn’t know much about it. I remember back in the day, I was quite into Metallica. Loved the older Kill ‘em All, Ride the Lightening and Master of Puppets. I remember the album Garage Days Re-Revisited was an important album to me as well. It was the cross-over album for me from metal to punk to post punk, etc. I ended up being a fanatical Misfits fan because of Garage Days. Misfits opened up the flood gates on many bands to follow for me. It was a great time.

Anyways, looks like Dunlop worked with Kirk Hammett and designed a pedal that maximizes and most closely replicates Kirk’s wah tones.

Here is the official description:

Developed in close collaboration with the metal guitar icon himself, the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Wah Pedal has been meticulously tuned and tweaked to deliver the wah-wah sound that revolutionized metal solos in the ’80s and for all time to come.

Dunlop’s engineers took Kirk Hamett’s EQ, volume and tone settings—reflecting decades of blazing Crybaby riffology—and reproduced them with exacting precision. The Kirk Hammett Wah is exceptionally even in response, with a thick top end and full dynamic range. This radical stomp pedal features cool foot bone graphics.

Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Crybaby Wah Guitar Effects Pedal Features:

* Based on Kirk’s EQ, volume, and tone settings
* Exceptionally even in response
* Thick top end and full dynamic range

I found this great video by guitarnoize (and if you don’t know him, you should definitely follow his blog and follow him on Twitter)

You can pick up the Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Crybaby Wah for $132.53 (which is currently a sale price!) at Musician’s Friend.

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Today I wanted to talk about the Dunlop SW-95, which is the “Slash” wah built to emulate some of Slash’s tones and configured to his specs. This wah has some interesting features. It first uses the Fasel inductor and has a gain circuit. Basically, has on board gain circuit that can be turned on separately from the main wah function. There are two knobs at the front of the pedal. One controls volume, and the other controls gain. It has a bright blue LED for on/off status. This wah requires 18v so 2 9v batteries are required to run this pedal.. or external power supply.

Here is the official description:

Like the guitarist himself, the Dunlop SW-95 Slash Wah is revolutionary and a classic at the same time. It sports a hot rod, metallic-red finish and a cutting edge, high gain circuit for a different and distinct sound. It also has a modified Fasel inductor for sweet, singing top end and upper midrange bite and sparkle on the wah. 18V operation yields tons of extra headroom. LED indicators for distortion on/off and wah on/off modes keep you clued in at all times. Top hat not included.

Dunlop SW-95 Crybaby Slash Wah Pedal Features:

* High gain distortion circuit
* Fasel inductor circuitry tuned to Slash’s specs
* 18V operation
* LEDs for distortion on/off and wah-wah on/off

I found this video by Jungleboy867 where he gives you a good thorough tour:

Currently the Dunlop SW-95 Crybaby Slash Wah is on sale at Musician’s Friend! At the time of this post, it normally sells for $169.99 but is on sale for $127.43 (57% off MSRP).

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

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I’m super excited to write this post today. I’ve been talking to Bob Balch of Fu Manchu and PlayThisRiff.com over the last month or so, and I asked if he would be interested in submitting a photo of his pedals and I would write a post about it. Bob took it to the next level for the EffectsBay.com readers and provided two videos on his pedal line. He talks about logic of placement, and goes into a light demonstration on how the pedals sound.

Here is part 1:

Bob mentions Creepy Face Fuzz Pedal (the blue pedal on the right). Creepy Fingers is the effects company owned by Brad Davis, the bass player of Fu Manchu. It’s interesting that Bob likes the Boss NS-2 on the right side of the wah, the NS-2 would be providing a buffered signal to that pedal, which would make sense for a more drastic wah sound.

Also another interesting change is the addition of the BBE Soul Vibe to the line up. In the past, Bob would run a MXR Phase 100 in the amp’s effects loop.

In this next video, Bob really goes into the BBE Soul Vibe and the EHX Memory Man with Hazarai

Pedals mentioned in these videos:

Creepy Fingers – Creepy Face Fuzz Pedal
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Dunlop GCB-95 Crybaby Wah
Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
BBE Soul Vibe
Electro-Harmonix Memory Man with Hazarai
all on a Pedal Pad board

While Bob is in the legendary stoner rock band Fu Manchu, he also runs PlayThisRiff.com which is a super cool site where members get access to how-to video lessons by Bob and other rockers. Lots of riffs, lead technique and different styles of in the vein of riff/stoner rock. There is also a forum there were you can ask questions (and Bob is active in the forums). Subscription is only $10/mo, which is super cheap for what you get. I highly recommend it.

If you’re unsure, be sure to follow PlayThisRiff on Facebook and Twitter, because Bob pulls a daily ‘member only’ video out and makes it’s free to the public. By following him, you can really get a taste of what PlayThisRiff.com has to offer.

Additionally, Bob is now offering private skype lessons. I may have to get on this myself. Basically, it’s a private guitar lesson over skype. Apparently lag time isn’t bad at all (I guess that depends on your internet capabilities). Every lesson he’ll tab out and you’ll get audio recording. Pretty bitchin’.

Here is a video explaining this further:

I want to say thanks to Bob for providing this great footage/explanation of his pedal line up!

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I posted a video of Jason Newsted, where he states the Dunlop Crybaby 105Q Bass Wah “is the secret to the universe”. Mighty large statement, so I had to take a closer look!

Here is the official description of the Dunlop Crybaby 105Q Bass Wah:

The Dunlop Crybaby 105Q Bass Wah Pedal is a wholly unique effect masterfully applied to bass. Adds a growling, funky new dynamic to your sound. Customized circuit for the bass guitar, a 100kOhm Hot Potz potentiometer, sturdy die-cast body, and a Q dial lets you alter the wah parameters. The Dunlop Crybaby 105Q Bass Wah Pedal is powered by the Dunlop ECB03 AC adapter and/or 9V battery, not included.

I found a interesting video by happyslappysoong:

You can pick up the Dunlop Crybaby 105Q Bass Wah for $119.99 at Musician’s Friend.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

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