Description

The BB535R Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue is a Dunlop wah pedal that faithfully reproduces the expressive, full-bodied sound of the first commercially available modified wah, a classic that has become a cult. It features the original inductors, an adjustable boost, and a selector that allows you to choose between six different voices.

OVERVIEW OF THE DUNLOP BB535R CRY BABY BB535 WAH REISSUE

The BB535R Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue is a reproduction of the first commercially available modified wah. First launched in 1994, the original 535 Multi Wah redefined what a Cry Baby Wah could be, paving the way for all subsequent models. An in-depth collaboration with some of the world's best guitarists made it possible, for the first time, to shape sound with a single pedal. With a frequency selector, an integrated boost, and a custom inductor calibrated for a warm, vocal tone, the 535 became the collective voice of a new era of wah, refined for modern times. Guitarists still pursue that sound today, while professionals travel the world searching for original models to have backup pedals for touring. The Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue is a faithful reproduction of that expressive, full-bodied sound and direct control that made the original a classic.

The Cry Baby 535 Multi Wah hit the market in 1994, but its story began years earlier in the Dunlop lab, where every single component and parameter was examined to unlock the true potential of the wah. The Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby Wah was the first proof that an artist's sound could be reverse-engineered and recreated. But the initial experimentation was deepened by touring the world with bands part of a new heavy rock movement in the early 90s, collecting direct feedback from guitarists who had brought the wah back into popular music. Everyone was asking for the same thing: quieter operation and a more "guttural" sound that maintained the natural character of their guitar's voice. Each suggestion led to a modification of the pedal.

Initially, a high-impedance input buffer was added, a lesson learned from Jimi Hendrix's wah that was then extended to the entire line. This modification allowed for better preservation of highs and lows, which artists reported as being lost when the pedal was engaged. Subsequently, they focused on the tonal heart of the pedal, selecting military-grade inductors that not only eliminated unwanted noise but also offered a warm, vocal response at the sweet spot of 535 millihenry (hence the pedal's name). To create the ultimate Cry Baby Wah, shaped by the combined feedback of several professional guitarists, flexibility was key. On this basis, an adjustable and switchable boost circuit was added, inspired by MXR's Micro Amp. This served two purposes: allowing musicians to better adapt the volume and voice of the instrument to the wah effect and adding the distinctive sweetness and character of the Micro Amp. To make the 535 truly versatile, a range selector with four frequency options was introduced, inspired by the distinctive tones of modern rock. In 1999, it was expanded to six tonal options, adding two additional voices taken from Dunlop's vintage collection. The result is a complete and expressive palette, from aggressive, incisive bite to a deep, vocal sound. By the late 90s, the 535 had become a staple for major touring bands.

The 1999 version is the one Dunlop decided to bring back to life with this Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue, recreating the circuit piece by piece to ensure maximum authenticity. The original switch supplier was also contacted and asked to reproduce that component. The pedal was then equipped with an on/off LED for the wah and for the boost circuit, so you know what's active on stage. The knob allows you to select six different voices.

CONTROLS OF THE DUNLOP BB535R CRY BABY BB535 WAH REISSUE

FOOTSWITCH: turns the pedal on or off. The green LED indicates that it is on. Press the pedal to the tip until you hear a "click" to activate the pedal.
BOOST SELECTOR: increases the output signal according to the VOLUME knob setting. The red LED indicates that the boost is active.
BOOST CONTROL: sets the gain boost up to +12 dB.
WAH RANGE SELECTOR: selects the frequency range.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE DUNLOP CRY BABY BB535 WAH REISSUE

Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Output Impedance: 1 kΩ
Boost Control Range: 0 to 12 dB
Bypass: Buffered
Current Draw: 12 mA
Power Supply: 9 volt DC

WAH RANGE SELECTOR

Position 1 (knob fully counter-clockwise): 444 to 2117 Hz
Position 2: 385 to 1888 Hz
Position 3: 300 to 1468 Hz
Position 4: 248 to 1217 Hz
Position 5: 214 to 1050 Hz
Position 6: 173 to 847 Hz