The Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95X Cry Baby Wah is a signature wah pedal built for the Metallica guitarist's lead sound, wrapped in a purple sparkle finish with a skull guitar logo on the treadle. Dunlop lists it as the KH95X guitar effects pedal, and the circuit is based on Kirk Hammett's own Cry Baby Rack Wah settings, the sound behind his wah-soaked solos12.
Same circuit as the earlier Kirk Hammett wah
The KH95X is a restyled version of the pedal Hammett players already knew. Gearnews reports that apart from the new aesthetics, the model is the same as the previously released Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Wah. If you already own that pedal, the KH95X brings the finish and treadle artwork rather than a new circuit3.
Sound: extended mid-range and a full sweep
Dunlop voiced this wah for Hammett's soloing style. Gearnews describes it as having an extended mid-range and a full wah sweep3. Premier Guitar's summary of the pedal puts it this way:
"The response is even from heel to toe with an arresting midrange wail and a thick top end, designed for fast, melodic runs over hard-charging riffs."
In practical terms, that points to a sweep that keeps the middle of the frequency range in play from heel to toe, with a thick top end and a full dynamic range, rather than the thin, nasal character some wahs have at the extremes2.
Availability and price
A few hand signed models of the KH95X leaked out at the beginning of April 2022, but the pedal is not a limited edition: by May 2022 it was on general release, and Premier Guitar reported it available from retailers32.
Pricing as reported in May 2022:
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Questions
Is the KH95X different from the earlier Kirk Hammett signature wah?
Only in appearance. Gearnews reports that apart from the new aesthetics, the KH95X is the same model as the previously released Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Wah. The circuit is based on Kirk Hammett's own Cry Baby Rack Wah settings, so the difference between the two is the purple sparkle finish and the custom treadle artwork rather than the electronics.
What does the skull logo on the KH95X treadle look like?
The KH95X carries a skull guitar logo on the treadle, the foot-operated rocker plate of the wah. That custom treadle artwork, together with the purple sparkle finish, is what sets this version apart from the earlier Kirk Hammett signature wah it is based on.
Is the KH95X a limited edition?
Not any more. A few hand signed models leaked out at the beginning of April 2022, but by May 2022 the pedal was on general release. Premier Guitar reported in May 2022 that the Kirk Hammett Collection Cry Baby Wah was available from retailers.
How much does the KH95X cost at Thomann?
Gearnews listed the KH95X at 249 euros at Thomann in May 2022. Premier Guitar gave a US list price of $199.99 USD at the same time. The euro figure is the Thomann price as reported and is not converted to dollars.
What does the extended mid-range on the KH95X mean?
Gearnews describes the KH95X as having an extended mid-range and a full wah sweep, meaning the sweep emphasizes the middle of the guitar's frequency range rather than only the extremes. Premier Guitar describes an even response from heel to toe with an arresting midrange wail and a thick top end, aimed at fast melodic runs over hard-charging riffs.
Sources (3)
- KIRK HAMMETT CRY BABY® WAH BOTTOM PLATE, Dunlop (www.jimdunlop.com)
- Kirk Hammett & Dunlop Launch Special Cry Baby Wah, Premier Guitar, 2022-05-02
- Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95X Cry Baby Wah: Purple sparkle Metallica tones!, gearnews.com, 2022-05-03
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