MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle Review: The Ultimate Shape-Shifter for Your Pedalboard

I have spent the better part of two decades chasing the elusive “perfect” guitar tone. If you are like me, you have probably realized that the wah-wah pedal is perhaps the most expressive tool in a guitarist’s arsenal—and also the most frustrating to get right. We have all been there: you buy a standard wah, plug it in, and realize the sweep is too bright for your bridge pickup or too muddy for your neck humbucker. Or perhaps the “vocal” quality of the filter just doesn’t sit right in the mix when the band kicks in.

The problem with most traditional wah pedals is their “set it and forget it” nature. You are locked into one inductor, one sweep range, and one Q-factor. When you change guitars or amps, your wah tone often falls apart. This is exactly why I turned my attention to the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle. It promises to solve the “one-size-fits-all” limitation by providing a Swiss Army Knife of wah tones in a single, rugged chassis. Missing out on the right wah frequency can make your solos sound thin or abrasive, and having a tool that adapts to your rig is not just a luxury—it is a necessity for the serious player.

What to Consider Before Investing in Electric Guitar Wah & Filter Effects

An Electric Guitar Wah & Filter Effects pedal is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for guitarists who want to transcend the static nature of their instrument’s electronics. These pedals allow you to manipulate the frequency response of your signal in real-time, creating “vocal” textures, percussive rhythms, and dramatic sweeps. Whether you are playing funk, psychedelic rock, or heavy metal, the wah pedal provides a level of human-like expression that no other effect can replicate. It solves the problem of a “flat” or “boring” lead tone by adding movement and character.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing tonal limitations with standard pedals—specifically, the professional gigging musician or the dedicated home studio enthusiast who needs versatility. It is perfect for the player who switches between a Stratocaster and a Les Paul and needs the wah to respond correctly to both. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer absolute simplicity or those who have a very specific “signature” sound that only a vintage-spec, non-adjustable pedal can provide. If you just want to “plug and play” without ever touching a knob, a standard GCB95 might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A full-sized wah pedal like the one in this bundle takes up a significant amount of real estate on a pedalboard. We have found that while mini-wahs are popular for small boards, the full-sized throw of the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle offers much finer control over the sweep. You should measure your board to ensure you have roughly 10 inches of vertical space available.
• Capacity/Performance: Look for the “Q” control and frequency range selectors. These are the metrics that define how “sharp” or “wide” the effect sounds. In our testing, having a variable boost is also a game-changer for ensuring your volume doesn’t drop when you engage the effect during a solo.
• Materials & Durability: Wah pedals take a beating—literally. You are stepping on them constantly. We prefer heavy-duty die-cast housings over plastic alternatives. The internal pot (potentiometer) should also be high-quality to avoid the dreaded “scratchy” sound that plagues cheaper units after a few months of use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While the 535Q is highly adjustable, you want controls that are accessible but won’t be accidentally bumped. Maintenance usually involves occasionally lubricating the rack and pinion gear and ensuring the battery compartment is easy to access if you aren’t using the included power supply.

While the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle 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 MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle

When we first unboxed the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle, the first thing that struck us was the sheer weight and build quality. This isn’t a toy; it’s a professional-grade tank. The classic black crinkle finish feels premium, and the rubber tread on top provides excellent grip for your foot, even if you’re playing a sweaty outdoor gig. The bundle itself adds significant value, providing the ECB003 power adapter, which is essential because wah pedals can be picky about power “ripple” noise.

Setting it up was straightforward, though the side-mounted knobs for the Range Selector and Variable Q require a bit of initial “dialing in.” Compared to the standard Cry Baby, the 535Q feels more “deluxe.” It’s like moving from a base-model truck to one with all the off-road and towing packages. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand why this specific bundle is a favorite for those starting a new board from scratch. The inclusion of the patch cables and picks is a nice touch, effectively making this a “pedalboard-ready” kit right out of the box.

Deep Dive: Why the MXR Dunlop 535Q is the “Swiss Army Knife” of Wahs

The true power of the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle lies in its ability to be whatever you need it to be. Over weeks of testing, we put this pedal through its paces with various guitars—from a vintage-spec Telecaster to a high-gain Ibanez. Here is our detailed breakdown of the performance.

The 6-Position Range Selector: Tonal Mastery

The heart of the 535Q is the large silver knob on the side. This is the Range Selector, and it fundamentally changes the “frequency floor” of the wah sweep. In our experience, many wahs are either too high-pitched (causing ear fatigue) or too low (getting lost in the bass guitar’s frequencies). With the 535Q, you can choose from six different ranges. We found that the lower settings are incredible for “cocked wah” tones, giving you that lo-fi, mid-heavy growl popularized by players like Michael Schenker.

When we switched to the higher ranges, the pedal took on a more modern, aggressive “shriek” that worked perfectly for metal solos. This level of customization is why we recommend you check the latest price and availability for this bundle; having this many pedals in one is an incredible value. Whether you want the deep, “woody” sweep of a 1960s Italian wah or the bright, percussive “chacka-wacka” of 70s funk, it’s all here in one dial.

Variable Q Control: Shaping the “Voice”

The “Q” control is perhaps the most misunderstood feature on a wah, but it is actually the most important for “feel.” Q stands for the bandwidth of the filter. A high Q setting creates a very sharp, resonant peak that sounds like a whistle or a sharp “owww” sound. A low Q setting is much more subtle and musical, sounding more like a gentle “aahhh.”

We spent hours tweaking this knob and found that it allows you to match the pedal’s response to your playing style. If you are a fast shredder, a high Q helps every note pop. If you are playing bluesy, expressive lines, a lower Q feels more natural and vocal. This is a feature that really sets it apart from the standard models, giving you a level of precision that makes the pedal feel like an extension of your own voice rather than just an effect.

The Integrated Boost: Cutting Through the Noise

One of the biggest complaints guitarists have about wah pedals is the “perceived volume drop.” When you engage a filter, you are cutting certain frequencies, which can make your guitar sound quieter in a live setting. The MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle solves this brilliantly with an adjustable boost circuit. On the right side of the pedal, there is a small red button and a volume knob.

We tested this boost from 0 to +26 dB and were blown away. It doesn’t just increase volume; it can actually push the front end of your tube amp into a beautiful saturation. During a rehearsal, I engaged the boost at about 50%, and my lead lines instantly jumped to the front of the mix without needing a separate boost pedal. It’s a clean, transparent boost that maintains the integrity of your tone. For any gigging guitarist, this feature alone makes the 535Q worth the investment.

Bundle Value and Real-World Reliability

Finally, we have to talk about the bundle components. Often, “bundles” are filled with low-quality filler items. That isn’t the case here. The MXR patch cables are surprisingly high-quality—shielded well and with low-profile ends that save space. The ECB003 power supply is a necessity; we found that using a generic “wall wart” power adapter introduced a 60-cycle hum into the signal, but the Dunlop-branded supply was dead quiet.

We should note, however, that one user reported their bundle arrived missing the patch cables and power supply. While this is rare, we always advise that you verify the bundle contents upon arrival. In our test unit, everything was present and worked perfectly. The inclusion of assorted Dunlop picks is a nice “extra” that every guitarist can use. When you factor in the cost of buying a 535Q, a power supply, and two premium patch cables separately, this bundle is a no-brainer for anyone looking to save money while upgrading their rig.

What Other Users Are Saying

In our research, we found that the general sentiment for the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle is overwhelmingly positive, with most users praising its “endless tonal options.” One user noted, “I’ve owned four different wahs in five years, and I finally stopped looking once I got the 535Q. The ability to change the range on the fly is a life-saver for different genres.” Another guitarist mentioned that the “Boost” button is their favorite feature, calling it “the ultimate solo-button.”

However, it is important to address the logistical side. As one user noted, “Faltaron los cables de patch y la fuente de alimentación” (The patch cables and power supply were missing). This highlights the importance of choosing a reputable seller within the marketplace. While the pedal itself is legendary for its durability, the fulfillment of these specific bundles can occasionally vary. We found that when the bundle is complete, it represents the best value for money in the wah category today. Most users who received the full package were delighted by the “plug-and-play” convenience of having the power and cabling ready to go.

Comparing the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle to the Competition

While the 535Q is a powerhouse, it’s important to see how it compares to other options in the Dunlop and Vox lineups. Here are three alternatives to consider depending on your specific needs.

1. Dunlop 535Q Multi-Wah Guitar Pedal

This is the “standalone” version of the pedal featured in our bundle. It is the exact same hardware—the 6-position range selector, the variable Q, and the boost are all here. The only difference is that it does not include the patch cables, power supply, or picks. We would recommend this version if you already have a high-end isolated power supply on your pedalboard (like a Voodoo Lab or Strymon) and plenty of patch cables. If you are starting from scratch, however, the bundle usually offers a better price-to-value ratio. To see which fits your budget better, you can compare the bundle price with the standalone unit.

2. VOX V847-A Classic Wah Guitar Effects Pedal

If the 535Q is a modern Ferrari with dozens of buttons and settings, the VOX V847-A is a vintage Mustang. It is simple, iconic, and has a very specific “throaty” sound that was the hallmark of the 1960s British invasion. It does not have a boost, a Q control, or a range selector. It does one thing, and it does it perfectly. We recommend the Vox for purists who want that Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton “Cream” era sound and don’t want to mess with knobs. However, it is far less versatile than the 535Q, and we found it can struggle to cut through high-gain distortion without the boost feature found on the MXR.

3. Donner Mini Auto Wah Guitar Pedal

The Donner Mini is a completely different beast. First, it is an “auto-wah” or envelope filter, meaning the effect is triggered by how hard you pick the strings rather than a foot pedal. Secondly, it is tiny. This is an excellent choice for players who have absolutely no room left on their pedalboard or those who want a “wah sound” but don’t want to physically rock a pedal back and forth. While it is much more affordable, it lacks the expressive control of the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle. It’s a great “fun” pedal, but it won’t replace a real Cry Baby for serious lead work.

The Final Verdict: Is the MXR Dunlop 535Q Bundle Your Tonal Savior?

After putting the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle through extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: this is the most versatile wah pedal on the market for the working musician. It bridges the gap between vintage soul and modern precision. The ability to tailor the sweep, the resonance, and the output volume makes it a “future-proof” investment—no matter how your rig changes in the coming years, this pedal can be adjusted to match it.

We recommend this bundle particularly for guitarists who are tired of “tone-sucking” wahs or those who need one pedal to cover everything from funk rhythms to metal leads. The added value of the power supply and cables makes it a fantastic gift or a smart purchase for anyone building their first professional board. While you should keep an eye on the box to ensure all bundle components are present, the pedal itself is a five-star piece of equipment.

If you are ready to take full control of your expressive “vocal” guitar tones and stop settling for “good enough” wah sounds, we strongly suggest you check out the MXR Dunlop 535Q Cry Baby Multi-Wah Pedal Bundle today and see why it remains the industry standard for professionals worldwide.