The AMT WH-1B is an optical bass wah-wah pedal from AMT Electronics, described by the maker as the bass version of its current bestseller optical wah, the WH-1. It is a 100% analog take on the classic wah-wah effect, with a three-way switch that selects among three bandpass filter ranges chosen for bass: 0.22-2kHz, 0.15-1kHz and 0.1-0.6kHz1. The pedal is listed as AVAILABLE NOW1.
How it works and what it does
The WH-1B uses an optical frequency control with an original JFET-based circuit design. AMT says this gives the pedal low noise and an expanded frequency tuning range1. Instead of a single fixed voicing, a 3-way switch fixes the bandpass filter range among the three bass-centered options, so you can set how much of the low end the sweep covers before you play1.
The maker's sound claim is broad: AMT says the WH-1B "boasts great versatile sound and processes both clean guitar sound and Ultra high gain overdrive equally well"1. The media center page for the WH-1B also lists a Noise Gate as a global setting2.
Controls and operation
- Rocking pedal: the effect is engaged by pressing the movable front end part of the pedal, which fixes the effect selection1
- 3-way range switch: fixed switching among bandpass filter ranges of 0.22-2kHz, 0.15-1kHz and 0.1-0.6kHz1
- Pedal tension: the pedal movement is adjustable by means of an axial screw1
The enclosure is a steel heavy body that AMT describes as stable and confidently responsive to foot control1. At 110mm x 62mm x 58mm, the maker notes it fits easily into a guitar case, and it weighs 0.45 kg without the battery1.
The WH-1B takes a 9V battery as well as a DC adapter at 9-12V, so it can be used without a supply on a small board or in a case1.
WH-1B and WH-1
The WH-1B is a variant of the AMT WH-1, which AMT sells as the Japanese Girl Wah and also lists as AVAILABLE NOW31. The WH-1 is a fuller-featured digital-era design: its maker pages list an IR cabsim with one IR for both L/R channels per preset and a Parametric Pre/Post EQ4. The WH-1B strips the idea back to an analog bass wah: no IR cabsim or parametric EQ, just the optical wah circuit with three bass-oriented bandpass ranges1.
For players looking at AMT's wider bass range, the company also makes the AMT BC-1 Bass Crunch and the AMT Bass ZEALOT BZ-300, and the WH-1B sits among bass pedals as the company's optical wah option. Wah-wah pedals as a type are covered on the wah-wah pedals page1.
Videos
Ariel Nefle
Questions
Does the AMT WH-1B take a battery?
Yes. AMT Electronics lists the WH-1B as powered by a DC adapter or a 9V battery, with the supply voltage given as DC 9-12V. The pedal weighs 0.45 kg without the battery fitted, so a battery adds a little to that figure. A DC adapter is the usual choice for pedalboard use.
Is the AMT WH-1B true bypass?
Yes. AMT Electronics specifies true bypass for the WH-1B, so when the wah is switched off the pedal passes your signal without its circuit in the path.
How do you turn the AMT WH-1B on and off?
Like a conventional wah, the effect is engaged by pressing the movable front end part of the pedal, which AMT describes as fixing the effect selection. Rocking the pedal controls the wah sweep while it is engaged.
What is the difference between the AMT WH-1B and the WH-1?
The WH-1B is the bass version of the WH-1, which AMT calls a current bestseller optical wah. The WH-1 Japanese Girl Wah adds features such as an IR cabsim with one IR for both L/R channels per preset and a parametric Pre/Post EQ. The WH-1B focuses on bass-oriented bandpass filter ranges.
Is the AMT WH-1B analog?
Yes. AMT Electronics describes the WH-1B as a 100% analog wah-wah effect, built around an optical frequency control with an original JFET-based circuit design that the company says keeps noise low and widens the frequency tuning range.
Can the AMT WH-1B be used with guitar?
AMT Electronics says the WH-1B boasts great versatile sound and processes both clean guitar sound and ultra high gain overdrive equally well, so the maker presents it as usable beyond bass, though its three bandpass ranges are chosen for bass frequencies.
Sources (4)
- AMT WH-1B, AMT Electronics, 2026
- AMT WH-1B, AMT Electronics
- AMT WH-1, AMT Electronics, 2026
- AMT Electronics Japanese Girl Wah WH-1, Media center of AMT Electronics
