Wah Wah
The CBS-Arbiter Wah Wah is a true classic among vintage effect pedals, capturing the legendary vocal sweep and soulful character that defined the golden era of wah-wah. Designed by the legendary engineer Gary Hurst, this Italian-made beauty shares its core circuit with the equally revered Electronic Sounds and UFO Wah Wah models, all part of the same family of vintage wahs from the 1970s. At the heart of the CBS-Arbiter's magic lies an inductor-driven analog filter, which produces a smooth, mid-focused sweep that's both expressive and organic. The resonant circuit's warm, vocal tonality is the result of carefully selected components, including a premium Mullard or Italian-made inductor coil that gives the wah its signature voice. Compared to earlier Vox-style wahs, the CBS-Arbiter offers a slightly darker and more refined response, perfect for everything from soulful R&B leads to psychedelic rock explorations. The lightweight, molded plastic housing and metal baseplate make this wah both rugged and portable, while the smooth-operating treadle and toe-activated bypass switch ensure intuitive, expressive control. Beloved by icons like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Carlos Santana, the CBS-Arbiter Wah Wah is a true tone classic that has stood the test of time, delivering that unmistakable vocal wah magic that has defined so many legendary guitar performances.
