The Chase Tone Picture Wah is a wah pedal built as a replica of the 1967 Vox Clyde McCoy Picture Wah. Chase Tone describes its voice as a pronounced, thick vocal 'WAH' with a longer, smoother bass-midrange-treble sweep, and calls it "extremely vocal both clean and distorted"1. It is a Limited Production Item with a purchase price of $410 USD as of 26 October 2026, and Chase Tone asks buyers to contact the maker to get on the wait list for the next production run1.
True bypass, Vintage-Bypass and the output buffer
The Picture Wah is True-Bypass, with a ribbed front bumper that Chase Tone says prevents accidentally turning the switch off while still allowing easy turn-on ability1. For players who want a different bypass character, Chase Tone offers a Vintage-Bypass custom option. The two bypass settings differ in what they do to the signal when the pedal is off:
| Bypass setting | What Chase Tone says it does |
|---|---|
| True-Bypass | Standard hard-wire bypass, with a ribbed front bumper to prevent accidentally turning the switch off while still allowing easy turn-on ability1 |
| Vintage-Bypass (custom option) | "This lessens high end offering a smoother warmer response from some vintage tube amplifiers"1 |
The pedal also carries a Wah Output Buffer. Chase Tone quotes it as ensuring "impedance matching with various distortion devices for uncompromising wah sweep," which matters when a wah feeds overdrive, distortion or fuzz pedals that can load down a wah's sweep1. Chase Tone also sells a standalone Chase Tone Wah Output Buffer Upgrade for players modifying other wah pedals.
Build and finish
Chase Tone specifies a Military Grade Fiber Glass Circuit Board with Plated-Thru-Holes, which the maker describes as a superior connection able to withstand years of work1. The enclosure finish is a "Vintage Black Texture & Hot Rod Chrome" powder coat with hexavalent chrome, which Chase Tone says offers superior durability1.
The maker's sound clip was recorded with a 1957 Fender Tweed Champ Replica with a Deluxe size speaker cabinet and a 12" Weber Alnico speaker, and a 1968 Fender Stratocaster Replica1.
The Picture Wah is a Limited Production Item. Chase Tone's product page as of October 2026 asks buyers to contact the maker to get on the Picture Wah Wait List for the next production run, rather than listing stock for immediate purchase1.
Where it sits among Chase Tone's wahs
The Picture Wah is one of several wah replicas in the Chase Tone range, alongside the Chase Tone Gypsy Wah, the Chase Tone Script Wah, the Chase Tone Scripture Wah, the Chase Tone Italian Crybaby Wah Replica and the Chase Tone Vox Gray Wah Replica. The Picture Wah design traces back to the Real McCoy Custom RMC4 Picture Wah, which its maker Geoffrey Teese describes as true-bypass2; Tonebox has a separate page on the Real McCoy Custom RMC4 Picture Wah. Chase Tone lists the Picture Wah at a $410 purchase price as a limited production item, built on a military grade fiber glass circuit board with plated-thru-holes, in a "Vintage Black Texture & Hot Rod Chrome" powder coat finish with hexavalent chrome12.
Buying one
Because it is a Limited Production Item, availability runs through Chase Tone's wait list rather than off-the-shelf stock1. The maker offers a 30 Day Return Policy for USA buyers1.
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Questions
What is the Vintage-Bypass option on the Chase Tone Picture Wah?
Vintage-Bypass is a custom option Chase Tone offers on the Picture Wah. According to Chase Tone, it lessens high end, offering a smoother, warmer response from some vintage tube amplifiers. It sits alongside the pedal's standard True-Bypass mode, so a player can choose the bypass behavior that suits their amp and rig.
Is the Chase Tone Picture Wah true bypass?
Yes. Chase Tone lists the Picture Wah as True-Bypass, with a ribbed front bumper designed to prevent accidentally turning the switch off while still allowing easy turn-on ability. The pedal also includes a Wah Output Buffer, which Chase Tone says ensures impedance matching with various distortion devices for an uncompromising wah sweep.
Where is the Chase Tone Picture Wah made?
Chase Tone builds the Picture Wah in the USA. The maker states each pedal is built with pride and care, and individually fine-tuned and tested one at a time in the USA.
Is the Chase Tone Picture Wah in production?
It is a Limited Production Item. Chase Tone's product page as of October 2026 lists a wait list for the next production run and asks buyers to contact the maker to get on the Picture Wah Wait List.
What is the return policy for the Chase Tone Picture Wah?
Chase Tone offers a 30 Day Return Policy for USA buyers, as stated on the maker's product page.
Sources (2)
- Vox Clyde McCoy Picture Wah Replica, Chase Tone
- RMC4-PICTURE WAH, Real McCoy Custom, 2024
