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10 Best Wah Pedals 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Morley 20/20 Wah Lock

The Morley 20/20 Wah Lock is a compact and versatile wah pedal designed to fit easily on your pedalboard. One of its standout features is the switchless operation, which means you simply step on it to activate and step off to bypass, making it very user-friendly. The wah lock mode allows you to emulate a parked wah, and the 'Whoa' mode provides a deep vocal wah tone, adding to its versatility.

Additionally, the pedal includes a 'Loud' level control that can boost your signal by 15 dB, which is great for solos or standout moments. The optical circuitry is a solid plus, as it doesn't wear down like traditional potentiometers, ensuring long-term reliability. The premium Morley buffer helps protect your tone, even when the pedal is not engaged. Constructed in the USA, it features glow-in-the-dark treadle rubber, which is a fun and practical touch for dark stages.

While it is battery-powered, you also have the option to use an AC adapter, providing flexibility in power sources. On the downside, the pedal might be a bit heavy at 2 pounds for such a compact size, and it may not fit everyone's aesthetic preferences with its bright orange color. If you're looking for a reliable, versatile, and easy-to-use wah pedal, the Morley 20/20 Wah Lock is worth considering.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Adjustability
The lock feature is truly impressive.
#2

MORLEY 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah Guitar Effects Pedal,Red,MTBH2

The Morley 20/20 Bad Horsie Wah Pedal is a solid choice for guitarists looking for a reliable and expressive wah effect. One of its standout features is the switchless operation, allowing you to simply step on the pedal to activate it and lift your foot off to bypass, which promotes a more fluid playing style. The optical circuitry means you won't have to worry about wear and tear like you would with traditional potentiometers, enhancing its longevity and reliability over time.

Additionally, it offers two wah modes—Standard and Contour—with tone control, making it versatile enough for various musical styles. The included premium buffer helps protect your tone, ensuring high-quality sound output. Its compact size makes it pedalboard friendly, which is a plus for those with limited space. The glow-in-the-dark treadle rubber is a fun feature, especially for performances in dimly lit venues.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the 15 dB level control is useful, some users might find the pedal less adjustable compared to others that offer more intricate control options. Additionally, battery operation might not be ideal for everyone, especially for prolonged sessions; though it is compatible with a DC power adapter, you’ll need to factor that into your setup.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Sweep Range
Smooth operation and frequency sweep ensure a seamless playing experience.
Power Source
A minor drawback is the battery compartment design, which could be more robust.
Construction Quality
The build is sturdy and reliable, with a lifetime warranty adding to its appeal.
#3

Morley Classic Bad Horsie Wah

The Morley Classic Bad Horsie Wah pedal is designed to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced guitarists. One of its standout features is the switchless operation, which activates when you step on the treadle and bypasses when you step off, making it extremely convenient during performances. The spring-loaded treadle returns to the off position automatically, which can be a big plus for ease of use. Another highlight is its optical circuitry, which avoids the wear and tear associated with traditional potentiometers, promising long-term durability. Additionally, the premium buffer ensures your tone remains intact throughout the signal chain, a valuable feature for maintaining sound quality.

The glow-in-the-dark treadle rubber is a nice touch for visibility on dark stages. For those wanting to tweak their sound, the contour mode allows tone adjustments, and the 15 dB level control provides extra flexibility. Constructed in the USA, it weighs 3 pounds and has robust build quality, which adds to its reliability.

However, it is powered by a 9-volt battery, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer a power adapter for continuous use. It is also relatively heavier compared to some other wah pedals, which could be a drawback for portable setups. Despite these minor issues, the Morley Classic Bad Horsie Wah pedal combines innovative features with solid construction, making it a strong contender for anyone looking for a dependable and versatile wah pedal.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Bypass Type
The upgraded buffer is a noticeable improvement, making it worth the upgrade from the original Bad Horsie.
Adjustability
The contour switch adds versatility, allowing changes to the Q or boosting the level for more tailored sound adjustments.

Buying Guide for the Best Wah Pedals

When it comes to choosing a wah-pedal, it's important to understand that this effect pedal can significantly shape your guitar's sound. A wah-pedal is used to create a distinctive 'wah-wah' sound by altering the tone and frequencies of the signal. This effect is achieved by rocking the pedal back and forth with your foot. To find the best wah-pedal for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your playing style and needs.
Sweep RangeThe sweep range of a wah-pedal refers to the range of frequencies that the pedal can modulate. This is important because it determines how dramatic the 'wah' effect will be. A wider sweep range offers more tonal variation, which can be great for expressive playing. If you play a variety of music styles, a wider sweep range might be beneficial. Conversely, a narrower sweep range can provide a more focused sound, which might be preferable for specific genres like funk or rock.
Bypass TypeThe bypass type determines how the pedal affects your signal when it is not engaged. True bypass means the signal passes through the pedal without any alteration, preserving your original tone. Buffered bypass, on the other hand, can help maintain signal strength over long cable runs but may slightly alter your tone. If you have a complex pedalboard or use long cables, a buffered bypass might be useful. For purists who want their tone untouched when the pedal is off, true bypass is the way to go.
Power SourceWah-pedals can be powered by batteries or an external power supply. This is important for convenience and reliability. Battery-powered pedals offer portability and ease of use, but you need to keep spare batteries handy. Pedals that use an external power supply can be more reliable for long sessions and gigs, as you won't have to worry about the battery dying. Consider your playing environment and how often you use the pedal to decide which power source is best for you.
Construction QualityThe construction quality of a wah-pedal affects its durability and longevity. This is crucial if you plan to use the pedal frequently or take it on the road. Pedals made with robust materials like metal are generally more durable and can withstand heavy use. If you play gigs or travel often, investing in a well-built pedal is wise. For home use or occasional playing, a less rugged build might suffice.
AdjustabilitySome wah-pedals offer adjustable features such as Q control, which changes the intensity of the wah effect, or volume control. These features are important for tailoring the pedal to your specific sound preferences. If you like to experiment with your tone or need versatility for different music styles, a pedal with more adjustability options can be very beneficial. If you prefer a straightforward, plug-and-play experience, a simpler pedal might be more suitable.

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