Dunlop - Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue

The Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue marks the return of a seminal model in the history of effects pedals. When it was first released in 1994, the BB535 profoundly redefined what a wah wah could offer, introducing for the first time advanced customisation functions directly accessible under the musician's foot. This reissue accurately reproduces the 1999 extended edition, which has become particularly sought-after.

The origins of the BB535 lie in a hands-on approach. Dunlop developed this pedal in close collaboration with guitarists from the 90s rock and heavy music scene, at a time when the wah was making a comeback on stage. The expectations were clear: a more vocal response, less parasitic noise, better signal preservation and, above all, the ability to adapt the wah to different styles, guitars and amplifiers.

The heart of the BB535's sound is a specially tuned 535 millihenria inductor, designed to produce a warm, expressive and highly articulate response. This component, recreated for this reissue from the original specification, plays a central role in the throaty character for which the model is renowned. The addition of a high-impedance input buffer preserves the integrity of the signal, retaining both bass and treble when the effect is activated.

The great strength of the BB535 lies in its tonal versatility. A six-position frequency selector allows you to choose between several sweep ranges, from an incisive, aggressive attack to a deep, full wah inspired by vintage models. This extensive palette means the pedal can be adapted to suit both saturated modern sounds and more classic textures.

There's also a switchable boost circuit, directly inspired by the MXR Micro Amp. It can be used either to equalise the level when the wah is engaged, or to push the amplifier or subsequent stages for more present solos. The boost level is adjustable, offering precise control without altering the character of the wah.

The Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue isn't just a modern reinterpretation: it's a meticulous, component-by-component rebuild of a model that has become cult. The addition of separate status LEDs for wah and boost adds a modern level of user comfort, particularly appreciated on stage.

This pedal is aimed at guitarists looking for an expressive, configurable and deeply musical wah, capable of covering a wide range of styles without losing its identity. More than just a reissue, the BB535 Wah Reissue brings back a masterpiece of modern wah history.