Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah Review: The Secret to Achieving the Ultimate Metal Lead Tone

For decades, guitarists have chased that elusive “liquid” lead tone—the kind that screams through a dense mix of drums and bass without becoming ear-piercingly shrill. If you have ever plugged into a standard wah pedal only to find that the “toe-down” position sounds like a thin, ice-pick-to-the-forehead disaster, you are not alone. We have spent years experimenting with different filters, trying to find that sweet spot where the sweep is expressive but the top end remains thick and authoritative.

The problem most players face is that generic wah pedals are often designed for clean funk or classic rock, leaving metal players struggling with a frequency range that doesn’t play well with high-gain distortion. Failing to find a pedal that handles saturation correctly results in solos that sound “clunky” or disconnected from the rest of the band’s energy. This is exactly why we decided to put the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah to the test. To see if it truly delivers the legendary Kirk Hammett signature sound, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how it bridges the gap between classic filtering and modern metal requirements.

What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Guitar Wah & Filter Effects Pedal

An Electric Guitar Wah & Filter Effects pedal is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for guitarists who want to add vocal-like expression and dynamic movement to their playing. These pedals work by sweeping a peak frequency across the spectrum, creating the iconic “wah-wah” sound. For lead players, it is an essential tool for emphasizing specific notes during a solo or creating rhythmic textures. Beyond the “wow” factor, a good filter pedal helps a guitar find its own frequency pocket in a live performance, ensuring your hard work isn’t buried under a wall of cymbals.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of high-gain playing—specifically metal and hard rock enthusiasts who need a pedal that won’t “mush out” when the gain is turned up to ten. It is also perfect for Kirk Hammett fans who want to replicate the specific EQ curves heard on Metallica albums. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer a vintage, low-output 1960s “Shaft” style sound, as this pedal is tuned for modern aggression. Those players might consider a more traditional, wide-sweep vintage reissue instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical footprint of a wah pedal is significant. The Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah measures 10.75 x 5 x 3.5 inches, which is the standard “large” Cry Baby size. You need to ensure your pedalboard has enough real estate and that your power supply can reach its side-mounted jack.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the sweep range. Some pedals have a very wide sweep that is hard to control, while others are “tuned” to a specific sweet spot. Performance is also measured by how the pedal handles different gain stages without adding excessive hiss or losing low-end punch.
• Materials & Durability: Since you will be stepping on this device repeatedly, the housing must be metal. The Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah utilizes the classic heavy-duty Dunlop chassis, which is industry-standard for a reason—it is virtually indestructible under normal stage use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider if you want “tweakability” or “simplicity.” Some pedals have dozens of knobs that can be frustrating to set. Others, like this signature model, are pre-tuned to a specific artist’s preference, making them “plug-and-play” but less versatile for non-metal genres.

In short, the right wah pedal should feel like an extension of your foot and your musical voice. Once you understand these technical requirements, you can better appreciate why a specialized tool like the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah exists.

While the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah

Upon opening the box, the first thing that strikes you about the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is its aesthetics. The metallic “skeleton green” finish and the tread design based on Kirk’s own stage gear give it an immediate “pro” feel. It feels substantial in the hand, weighing in at about 8 ounces (according to the manufacturer’s specs, though it feels as robust as any classic wah). The inclusion of a power supply and cable in the package is a massive bonus that we don’t often see with other high-end pedals, making it ready to scream the moment you get it home.

When compared to a standard GCB95 Cry Baby, this model feels more “tailored.” There is no fumbling with internal trim pots or external “Q” knobs; it is built to deliver a specific, high-octane sound right out of the gate. For players who want to jump straight into a high-gain solo without worrying about their EQ settings, you might want to check the latest price and availability for this metal powerhouse.

Deep Dive Performance Analysis: How the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah Handles the Heat

The Tonal Sweep: Meticulously Tuned for Authority

The standout feature of the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is undoubtedly its frequency curve. Most wah pedals have a “linear” feel where the middle of the sweep can sometimes sound a bit hollow. In our testing, we found that this pedal has been tweaked to stay “thick” throughout the entire motion. When you move from heel to toe, you don’t lose the fundamental body of your guitar’s tone. This is a direct result of the collaboration between Jim Dunlop and Kirk Hammett, aiming to capture the exact EQ settings he uses on tour.

We ran this pedal through a variety of setups, from clean Fender-style combos to high-gain Marshall stacks. On the clean channel, the wah is musical and rhythmic, but it’s when you kick in the overdrive that the “Kirk” magic happens. The top end is rounded off just enough so that it doesn’t become shrill, but it still has enough “bite” to cut through a roar of distorted rhythm guitars. This balance is incredibly difficult to achieve with a standard filter, making this a feature that really sets it apart from the rest of the Cry Baby lineup.

High-Gain Synergy and Dynamics

One of the biggest complaints metal guitarists have about wah pedals is that they can often turn into a “noise box” when paired with high-gain distortion. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet and controlled the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah remains under heavy saturation. The analog signal format ensures that the dynamics of your picking are preserved. If you dig in hard, the wah reacts with a sharp, aggressive snarl; play more softly, and the filter feels more vocal and expressive. This dynamic range is essential for recreating the emotive solos Kirk is known for.

During our evaluation, we noticed that the pedal doesn’t just “wah”—it enhances the harmonics of the guitar. When holding a sustained note and slowly rocking the pedal, you can hear the overtones shifting in a way that feels very natural and “liquid.” This performance is backed up by users who have noted that it “suena bestial” (sounds beastly) when used with high-gain equipment. It solves the common problem of the wah “choking” the gain of the amplifier, allowing for a seamless integration into a modern metal rig.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Durability is non-negotiable for a wah pedal. You are essentially using your full body weight to operate it throughout a performance. The Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah features the classic 1/4-inch audio hardware interface and a rugged pot that feels smooth and consistent. There is no “jitter” or loose play in the footboard, which allows for very precise control over the filter sweep. We found the tension to be “just right”—stiff enough to leave it half-cocked for a parked-wah sound, but loose enough for rapid-fire “fire-hose” wah techniques.

Even though the specs mention an 8-ounce weight, the physical footprint is substantial and stays put on a stage floor or pedalboard. The rubber feet are grippy, and the top tread ensures your foot won’t slip off during a sweaty gig. This level of reliability is why so many professionals trust Dunlop. When you view the product details, you’ll see it is powered by a standard 9V battery or the included power supply, giving you flexibility depending on your setup.

Simplicity as a Strength

In an era where every pedal seems to have a hidden menu or Bluetooth connectivity, the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is refreshingly simple. There are no knobs to bump or settings to lose. It does one thing, and it does it better than almost any other pedal in its class: it provides the definitive metal wah sound. We found this to be a massive advantage during live testing. You don’t have to worry if your “Q” is too wide or if your volume boost is clipping your interface. You just step on it and play.

This “tuned-in” approach means that every time you activate the pedal, you get the exact same response. For a touring musician or a recording artist who needs consistency, this is invaluable. While some might miss the versatility of a multi-wah, we believe the trade-off for a “perfected” tone is well worth it. You can investigate the technical specs further to see how the 9-milliamp draw makes it incredibly efficient for those using battery power on the go.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is overwhelmingly positive, particularly among the high-gain community. We found that most users agree it is a “10/10” when used with a high-gain amp, confirming our own findings. One user enthusiastically mentioned that it “suena bestial,” highlighting the aggressive yet musical nature of the filter. Another pointed out its versatility, noting that while it’s a signature pedal, it works beautifully across various rock genres because of its unique frequency range.

However, no product is without its detractors. We did notice a rare report of a unit arriving “dead on arrival,” where the user received no sound upon activation. While this appears to be a rare quality control outlier, it is something to keep in mind; fortunately, the one-year warranty from Dunlop Manufacturing provides a safety net. Overall, the consensus is that if you want the “Kirk tone,” this is the only pedal that truly delivers it without fuss.

How the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah Compares to Top Alternatives

While the Kirk Hammett model is a beast, it’s important to see how it fares against other heavy hitters in the wah world. Here are three alternatives we recommend considering depending on your specific needs.

1. Dunlop 535Q Multi-Wah Guitar Pedal Adjustable Boost

The Dunlop 535Q Multi-Wah Guitar Pedal Adjustable Boost is the “Swiss Army Knife” of wah pedals. Unlike the Kirk Hammett model, which is pre-tuned, the 535Q allows you to select from six different wah ranges and adjust the “Q” (intensity) of the filter. It also features a switchable boost. We would recommend this to players who aren’t just playing metal and need a pedal that can pivot from vintage funk to modern scream with the turn of a knob. It’s for the “tweakers” who want total control over their sweep.

2. VOX V847-A Classic Wah Guitar Pedal

If you are looking for the absolute classic, 1960s British invasion sound, the VOX V847-A Classic Wah Guitar Pedal is the way to go. This pedal has a much more “nasal” and vintage character compared to the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah. It doesn’t handle high-gain distortion nearly as well, often becoming lost in the mix or sounding too thin, but for clean tones and blues-rock, it is legendary. Choose this if you want the sound of Hendrix or Clapton rather than Hammett.

3. Donner Mini Auto Wah Guitar Pedal

The Donner Mini Auto Wah Guitar Pedal is a completely different beast—it is an envelope filter, meaning it “wahs” automatically based on your picking dynamics rather than a foot treadle. It is also a fraction of the size. We recommend this for players with extremely crowded pedalboards or those who want a “wah” sound without having to manually rock a pedal. While it lacks the expressive control of the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah, it’s a budget-friendly way to add filter effects to your rig.

Final Verdict: Is the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah Right for You?

After extensive evaluation, it’s clear that the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is a specialized tool that excels at its specific mission. It solves the problem of thin, brittle wah tones by providing a thick top end and an even response that feels custom-tailored for high-gain amplification. The build quality is top-tier, and the inclusion of the power supply and cable makes it a fantastic value package.

We recommend this pedal to any guitar player who prioritizes a powerful, modern lead tone and wants a “plug-and-play” experience without the headache of constant tweaking. Whether you are a die-hard Metallica fan or just a metal player in search of a wah that can handle a wall of distortion, this pedal is an elite choice. To upgrade your soloing game today, we highly suggest you grab the Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah here and start cutting through the mix like never before.