For guitarists chasing the definitive “throaty growl” of the 1990s alt-rock and post-grunge explosion, the search for vintage gear just got a lot easier. Dunlop has officially announced the return of a cult classic: the Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue.
The BB535 wasn’t just another effect; it was the world’s first commercially available “modded” wah. Originally released in 1994, it became the gold standard for versatility, allowing players to shape their frequency response and output in a single housing for the first time.
A Meticulous Restoration of an Icon
To ensure the reissue lived up to the legendary status of the original, Dunlop engineers “dusted off” the best-sounding 1999 units from their archives. The goal was simple but ambitious: recreate the circuit part-by-part for maximum authenticity.
The company even contacted the original military-grade inductor supplier to resume production of the specific component that gives the BB535 its signature character.
Key Specifications & Features
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Custom Inductor: Tuned to a precise 535 millihenries for a warm, vocal response.
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Six-Position Frequency Selector: Offers a palette ranging from aggressive bite to deep, low-end growls.
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Integrated Boost: An adjustable +16dB boost circuit based on the iconic MXR Micro Amp.
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High-Impedance Input Buffer: Derived from the Jimi Hendrix Wah to preserve high and low-end clarity.
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Modern Upgrades: New on/off LEDs for both the wah effect and the boost circuit.
From the Workshop to the World Stage
The BB535’s origin story is rooted in the early ’90s heavy rock movement. Dunlop spent years on the road with touring professionals who demanded a wah that was quieter, more expressive, and capable of maintaining the guitar’s natural voice.
“Each point of feedback led to another tweak as our workshop started to feel more and more like a custom mod shop,” says the team at Dunlop. “Finally, we decided that it was time to make the ultimate Cry Baby Wah.”
By 1999, the pedal had evolved to include six tonal options, becoming a staple on pedalboards for the decade’s foundational acts. Today’s reissue specifically targets that 1999 “peak” version, offering the same hands-on control that pros still scour the used market for.
Why It Matters for Your Pedalboard
In a world of specialized boutique pedals, the Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue stands out as a “Swiss Army Knife” of filters. Whether you need a sharp, funky sweep or a wide, vocal-like roar for high-gain solos, the combination of the six-position dial and the Micro Amp boost makes it adaptable to nearly any rig.
The inclusion of status LEDs addresses the only real complaint players had about the original units, making it more stage-ready than ever.
Pricing and Availability
The Cry Baby BB535 Wah Reissue is now available to order from authorized dealers.
MSRP: $229.99/£234.99
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