The T-Rex Tonebug Sensewah is an auto-wah pedal: an envelope filter that produces a wah effect automatically, triggered by your playing rather than by a rocker pedal you rock with your foot1. Like the other pedals in the Tonebug line, it comes in a retro-hued metal-and-chrome package, and the crimson finish gives it a look that stands out on a pedalboard2.
What it does to your sound
At its heart the Sensewah is an envelope filter for producing an autowah effect, plus what T-Rex calls a "yoy yoy". MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen described the two as similar, with the Yoy Yoy carrying more high frequency content1. A single toggle switch moves between the Wah Wah and Yoy Yoy settings2.
The pedal reacts to how hard you play. The Sense knob and Range knob together set that response: as Curwen put it, the "Juxtaposition of the two knobs gives a useful range of automatic wah sounds that respond to player dynamics."1
Controls at a glance
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sense knob | Sets how the filter responds to your playing dynamics3 |
| Range knob | Works with Sense to shape the automatic wah sounds3 |
| Toggle switch | Selects between Wah Wah and Yoy Yoy modes2 |
| On/off footswitch | Engages and bypasses the effect2 |
Build and price
The Sensewah is part of T-Rex's Tonebug line. Premier Guitar's review noted that each Tonebug unit comes in a retro-hued metal-and-chrome package, and the crimson Sensewah fits that look2. The US street price was listed at $1492; at the 2011 launch, MusicRadar reported a UK RRP of £1453.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's verdict on the playing response was brief and positive: "Nice range of playing sensitivity."1
Videos
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Questions
What is the difference between the Wah Wah and Yoy Yoy modes?
Both are automatic wah sounds produced by an envelope filter. MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen described the Yoy Yoy as similar to the wah-wah effect but with more high frequency content. A single toggle switch moves between the two settings, so you can pick the character that suits your playing without bending down to turn a knob.
What do the Sense and Range knobs do?
The Sense and Range knobs shape how the auto-wah reacts to your guitar. MusicRadar's review noted that the juxtaposition of the two knobs gives a useful range of automatic wah sounds that respond to player dynamics, so adjusting them together sets how sensitively the filter tracks your picking.
Does the Tonebug Sensewah need a wah pedal to work?
No. The Sensewah is an auto-wah, meaning it triggers from your playing dynamics rather than from a rocker pedal. Its controls are the Sense knob, the Range knob, a toggle between Wah Wah and Yoy Yoy modes, and an on/off footswitch.
How much does the T-Rex Tonebug Sensewah cost in the US?
Premier Guitar's review listed a US street price of $149. At its 2011 launch, MusicRadar reported a UK RRP of £145.
Sources (3)
- T-Rex ToneBug SenseWah review, MusicRadar, 2011-09-30
- T-Rex Tonebug Sensewah Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-10-18
- Musikmesse 2011: T-Rex reveals five new pedals, MusicRadar, 2011-04-07
