Dunlop Cry Baby Mini Guitar Wah

Jan 19, 2024

Dunlop Cry Baby Mini: The Ultimate Compact Guitar Pedal


Welcome back, fellow tone-chasers! Today, we’re diving into the world of compact effects with the ravishingly tiny powerhouse—the **Dunlop Cry Baby Mini**! Brought to you by the legends at Dunlop, this pedal shrinks the classic Cry Baby wah into an adorable mini-me version without losing an ounce of cool.


Rock-Solid and Ready to Wail


At first glance, the Cry Baby Mini is a stunner—tiny yet formidable. But looks aside, how does this petite pedal stand up in a live jam or recording? In a recent session, I put those lead lines to the test, and let me tell you, it was exhilarating to let the pedal guide the groove.


"From seamless sweeps to dialing in that growling Hendrix-inspired wah, the pedal prompted me to shred with a new kind of fervor"


A Trio of Tones at Your Toes


Now, here's the kicker: hidden within its tiny frame are three distinct voice settings—low, vintage, and the default Cry Baby 95. Each has its own flavor—the low setting growls with a Hendrix-esque voice, the vintage recalls the original wah's soulful cry, and the default setting embodies the modern Cry Baby vibe.


"To switch it up, you'll need to play mechanic and remove the backplate. Admittedly, I share your sigh here—a more accessible switch would've been a welcome convenience"


Feel and Functionality


Despite being pint-sized, the Cry Baby Mini is a spitting image of its larger counterpart, from the legendary red Fasel inductor to its full sweep range. It's lightweight, compact, and your foot will feel right at home on its familiar travel.


Adjust Your Footwork


For the big stompers out there, there's a minor learning curve. You might find it hyper-responsive initially, but it only takes a shake of a lamb's tail to adapt. Remember, good things come in small packages, and this tiny titan is no exception.


The Touring Guitarist's Dream


The struggle of lugging gear is real, but the Cry Baby Mini makes it a breeze. Whether you're flying to a gig or hopping to a studio session, this pedal saves your back and your board space. And trust me, you won't miss the boat-anchor wah you left at home.


Setting the Stage: A Sound Comparison


Let's get down to brass tacks—how does each setting truly sound? Armed with my Aria Pro II and plugging directly into a Friedman amp, I switched through the settings for a side-by-side showdown.




Final Thoughts: Is it the Best Guitar Pedal Ever?


The Cry Baby Mini has earned its spot on my pedalboard. It’s not just a novelty; it’s a testament to Dunlop's savvy updates to a time-honored classic. Priced at around $90 to $100, the value is undeniable.


But here's the crux—it's not just about the pedal itself. It stands as an example of a historic brand like Dunlop acknowledging the shifting tides and adapting brilliantly.


Small Size, Big Sound


Whether you're a bedroom virtuoso or a gigging professional, the Dunlop Cry Baby Mini is a giant leap for pedal-kind. Its compact design doesn't sacrifice an ounce of the sonic punch we've come to expect from its full-sized brethren. From Hendrix's howls to modern wails, this pedal checks every box.

Thumbs up, Dunlop! You've outdone yourselves.

As always, I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below and let’s discuss. Have you found a mini wah that outperforms the Cry Baby Mini? I'm all ears.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember—keep strumming, keep exploring, and above all, be kind to your fellow musicians. Peace.