The Cry Baby BB535 Wah reissue is a faithful reproduction of the first modified wah to hit the market. Initially released in 1994, the original BB535 redefined Cry Baby wah standards and paved the way for all subsequent models. Through close collaboration with some of the world's best guitarists, we were able to offer musicians, for the first time, the ability to sculpt their own sound with a single pedal. Featuring a frequency selector, a built-in boost, and a custom inductor delivering a warm, expressive tone, the BB535 became the voice of a new era of wah, perfected for the modern age.
This sound is still sought after by musicians, and professionals travel the globe in search of original models for their tours. The Cry Baby BB535 Wah reissue is an authentic restoration of the expressive, gritty sound and the intuitive feel that made the original version a cult classic.
FROM STAGE TO WORKSHOP
The Cry Baby BB535 wah pedal may have been released in 1994, but its story began years earlier in our workshop. It was there that we explored every component and every parameter to reveal the full potential of this pedal. The Jimi Hendrix Cry Baby Wah was the first proof that it was possible to recreate an artist's sound by deconstructing it. But our experiments deepened as we hit the road with bands at the forefront of the new heavy rock movement of the early 90s. We gathered direct feedback from the guitarists who brought the wah pedal back into style. They all wanted the same thing: quieter operation and a grittier sound, while preserving the natural character of their guitar.
Every bit of feedback led to a new improvement, turning our shop into a true customization workshop. Finally, we decided it was time to create the ultimate Cry Baby Wah.
TECHNICAL EXPRESSION
In every detail, the Cry Baby BB535 wah pedal is the result of our experience gained from turning artists' requests into concrete circuits. We started by adding a high-impedance input buffer, a lesson learned from the Jimi Hendrix wah that we then extended to the entire range. This modification allowed for better preservation of the highs and lows that artists noticed were being lost when the effect was engaged. Next, we tackled the very heart of the wah pedal's sound by sourcing military-grade inductors which, in addition to blocking unwanted noise, offered a warm and expressive response at the optimal inductance of 535 millihenries. We then added on/off LEDs for the wah effect and the boost circuit, so that touring professional musicians would know at any moment which circuit was active on stage.
A MULTITUDE OF SOUNDS IN ONE
To create the ultimate Cry Baby Wah, the result of collaboration between several renowned musicians, flexibility was essential. On this foundation, we added an adjustable and switchable boost circuit inspired by the MXR Micro Amp. This served two purposes: first, to allow musicians to best adapt the sound and volume of their instrument to the wah-wah effect; and second, to provide that smoothness and character so characteristic of the Micro Amp's reputation.
To make the BB535 truly versatile, we added a four-frequency range selector, inspired by the iconic tones of the founding bands of modern rock. In 1999, we expanded it to six tonal options by adding two additional sounds from our vintage collection. The result: a rich and expressive sonic palette, ranging from an incisive, aggressive bite to a deep, gritty rumble. By the end of the 90s, the BB535 had become a touring staple for the biggest rock bands.
THE RETURN
And it is this 1999 version that we decided to bring back to life. The original Cry Baby BB535 wah pedal models have achieved cult status over the years. So, we pulled the best-sounding model from our collection and recreated its circuit piece by piece for maximum authenticity. We even contacted the original inductor supplier and asked them to restart production of that specific component.
Starting now, you can get your hands on the first multi-function wah pedal. Get the Cry Baby BB535 Wah reissue and find your sound.