MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
- Thread starter dr.barlo
- Start date
MikeRocker
What's Your Forum Nameologist?
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
Years ago, before Dunlop had all of the different wah varieties, I had a standard Dunlop wah (with no side-kick switches, knobs, boosts, or anything else), and it sounded great. After years of going wah-less (I was sick of the abuse and overuse), I ordered a MC-404 from MF...specs looked good, and I figure you can't go wrong with Bradshaw. But I really didn't dig it very much. First of all, I didn't like the action of the pedal...too loose feeling. I like to be able to dig in a bit when I'm playing, and it just felt loose and sloppy. But more important than that, the wah sound just wasn't spectacular. I tried it with a few different guitars, in the effects loop and on the front end before the amp (Fender Hot Rod Deville and Vibro-King tube amps), and the wah effect just wasn't very pronounced. In certain registers, on both the red and yellow setting, in and out of the effects loop, you could hardly tell a wah was in use. It was really weird, and pretty lackluster. Also, the feel of it is a bit plasticky. My old standard Dunlop wah had a much better sound and feel.
This is the only item I've ever returned to Musician's Friend (and I've bought a lot from them over the years - they've always treated me very well). I exchanged it for a 535Q, and I'm much happier with that. About the only advantage the MC-404 has is the lights. The 535Q doesn't have them, but it sounds and feels much, much better. It has an adjustable kick boost switch, and with the other controls you can really vary the sound a lot to dial in your own wah sound. And the way I set it, you can certainly hear the wah effect in all registers when it's in use. I'm happy with it, and it's a great replacement for my old original Dunlop wah. I had to pay to ship the MC-404 back to MF, so I'd highly recommend you try one out in person if you're considering mail ordering it.
Good luck, I hope this helps!
Years ago, before Dunlop had all of the different wah varieties, I had a standard Dunlop wah (with no side-kick switches, knobs, boosts, or anything else), and it sounded great. After years of going wah-less (I was sick of the abuse and overuse), I ordered a MC-404 from MF...specs looked good, and I figure you can't go wrong with Bradshaw. But I really didn't dig it very much. First of all, I didn't like the action of the pedal...too loose feeling. I like to be able to dig in a bit when I'm playing, and it just felt loose and sloppy. But more important than that, the wah sound just wasn't spectacular. I tried it with a few different guitars, in the effects loop and on the front end before the amp (Fender Hot Rod Deville and Vibro-King tube amps), and the wah effect just wasn't very pronounced. In certain registers, on both the red and yellow setting, in and out of the effects loop, you could hardly tell a wah was in use. It was really weird, and pretty lackluster. Also, the feel of it is a bit plasticky. My old standard Dunlop wah had a much better sound and feel.
This is the only item I've ever returned to Musician's Friend (and I've bought a lot from them over the years - they've always treated me very well). I exchanged it for a 535Q, and I'm much happier with that. About the only advantage the MC-404 has is the lights. The 535Q doesn't have them, but it sounds and feels much, much better. It has an adjustable kick boost switch, and with the other controls you can really vary the sound a lot to dial in your own wah sound. And the way I set it, you can certainly hear the wah effect in all registers when it's in use. I'm happy with it, and it's a great replacement for my old original Dunlop wah. I had to pay to ship the MC-404 back to MF, so I'd highly recommend you try one out in person if you're considering mail ordering it.
Good luck, I hope this helps!
man-in-moon
New member
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
i just got one a few days ago. so far i really like it. i did not have to adjust anything out of the box. it is one of the more musical wahs i have owned. like everything some will like it and some will not. but for me it works perfectly. with my setup i can almost nail the jerry cantrell wah sounds.
i just got one a few days ago. so far i really like it. i did not have to adjust anything out of the box. it is one of the more musical wahs i have owned. like everything some will like it and some will not. but for me it works perfectly. with my setup i can almost nail the jerry cantrell wah sounds.
dr.barlo
New member
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
Thanks guys for the replies. It will help for sure.
MikeRocker's comment " like to be able to dig in a bit when I'm playing, and it just felt loose and sloppy." and "and the wah effect just wasn't very pronounced." are kinda turn-offs for me. Because, I think I am using the wah pedal as he is describing...
I don't use my wah with strats that much (and if I do, only the neck position), more with HBs. I don't like "bright" wah sounds, favor the darker ones. Didn't like the Budda wah at all. So, I figure I will be using the yellow side of MC-404 at all. Apart from that, I don't know much about the yellow and red fasels, but the boost thing is cool. I think, I could make quite a good use of it.
I currently have my heavily used gcb95 crybaby from early 90's. Apart from the regular pot changes, it served me pretty well. And I like it's tone, and that it does not go extremely bright. I am not one of those doing all that up and down all the time, rather would be finding the right spot and work around there.
I guess the real question is, would this MC-404 be 120 dollars more worth than the one I currently have?
I know, it is not a fair question... But still, was there anybody doing such a comparison?
Best.
B
Thanks guys for the replies. It will help for sure.
MikeRocker's comment " like to be able to dig in a bit when I'm playing, and it just felt loose and sloppy." and "and the wah effect just wasn't very pronounced." are kinda turn-offs for me. Because, I think I am using the wah pedal as he is describing...
I don't use my wah with strats that much (and if I do, only the neck position), more with HBs. I don't like "bright" wah sounds, favor the darker ones. Didn't like the Budda wah at all. So, I figure I will be using the yellow side of MC-404 at all. Apart from that, I don't know much about the yellow and red fasels, but the boost thing is cool. I think, I could make quite a good use of it.
I currently have my heavily used gcb95 crybaby from early 90's. Apart from the regular pot changes, it served me pretty well. And I like it's tone, and that it does not go extremely bright. I am not one of those doing all that up and down all the time, rather would be finding the right spot and work around there.
I guess the real question is, would this MC-404 be 120 dollars more worth than the one I currently have?
I know, it is not a fair question... But still, was there anybody doing such a comparison?
Best.
B
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
I have not tried the CAE but the reviews are good, real good in fact.
When you say you like Crybabys over Vox wah...which Crybabys and which Vox wahs are wer talking...vintage Vox over reissue or Clydes over 846's or what?? Crybabys go back as far as 69 made by Jen in Italy or all the way up to current Dunlop built wahs and there are a LOT of different wahs in between.
I have not tried the CAE but the reviews are good, real good in fact.
When you say you like Crybabys over Vox wah...which Crybabys and which Vox wahs are wer talking...vintage Vox over reissue or Clydes over 846's or what?? Crybabys go back as far as 69 made by Jen in Italy or all the way up to current Dunlop built wahs and there are a LOT of different wahs in between.
dr.barlo
New member
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
Hi C,
Maan, wish I had more details on that.
Both the "VOX" and "Dunlop CRYBABY" wahs I am referring to are from early to mid 90's, the crybaby was a standard production and if I remember right Vox V847 was some sort of a reissue. I kinda remember the crybaby a bit darker but still screaming, and that v847 having too trebly of a travel, which I am not too keen on. That is why I kept the crybaby and let go of the v847.
So I am not talking anything about the real deal vintage wahs at all.
I know that this is sorta too sketchy and far from being a solid description. But I hope it could serve as a basis.
B
Hi C,
Maan, wish I had more details on that.
Both the "VOX" and "Dunlop CRYBABY" wahs I am referring to are from early to mid 90's, the crybaby was a standard production and if I remember right Vox V847 was some sort of a reissue. I kinda remember the crybaby a bit darker but still screaming, and that v847 having too trebly of a travel, which I am not too keen on. That is why I kept the crybaby and let go of the v847.
So I am not talking anything about the real deal vintage wahs at all.
I know that this is sorta too sketchy and far from being a solid description. But I hope it could serve as a basis.
B
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stevie_bees
Cat In The Hatministrator
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
If you're after a slightly darker sounding wah I can recommend the Dunlop Hendrix wah. I got one recently, with the advice of a couple of forum bros, and I love it. Just doesn't get harsh and has a lovely full sweep.
If you're after a slightly darker sounding wah I can recommend the Dunlop Hendrix wah. I got one recently, with the advice of a couple of forum bros, and I love it. Just doesn't get harsh and has a lovely full sweep.
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
Right, the newest Hendrix wah is slightly darker on top than a classic Clyde voicing...
Right, the newest Hendrix wah is slightly darker on top than a classic Clyde voicing...
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
Alright Doc...those 847's are decent wahs but they are a bit thin and toppy for some guys.
I never cared for the new Crybabys but thats me...kind of honky sounding and they all seem to lack the depth and character of a 60's or even good 70's wah of almost any kind!
If I were you I'd look into a tuneable wah or at least a wah with a few tweaks on tap...
It depends on how much you want to spend at this point.
I used to sing the praises of RMC/Teese wahs, and still think Geoffrey makes a fine wah however in the spirit of honest I have to admit I had several issues wiht my RMC4 Picture wah that resulted in a replaced pot, then a replaced switch then in an effort to get rid if a buynch of white noise a repalced board!!! After the new board the wah STILL was hissy and I was told by Geoffrey that the amount of noie my wah made was normal...I sold it bought a new wah.
Now, the new wah is from Wilson effects...Kevin Wilson makes several killer sounding wahs, offers a lot of options and IMO the quality is head and sholders above the RMC I had...
The CAE wah is around $170 new, Kevin offers SEVERAL wahs in that price range that are extremely well made and sound great as well as the fact that they offer a lot of great sounds. Kevin's customer servise is second to none and it's also worth mentioning that he offers drop in boards if you have a wah you are unhappy with...just a thought.
http://www.wilsoneffects.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wilsoneffects
I can't speak highly enough of Kevins wahs!
Alright Doc...those 847's are decent wahs but they are a bit thin and toppy for some guys.
I never cared for the new Crybabys but thats me...kind of honky sounding and they all seem to lack the depth and character of a 60's or even good 70's wah of almost any kind!
If I were you I'd look into a tuneable wah or at least a wah with a few tweaks on tap...
It depends on how much you want to spend at this point.
I used to sing the praises of RMC/Teese wahs, and still think Geoffrey makes a fine wah however in the spirit of honest I have to admit I had several issues wiht my RMC4 Picture wah that resulted in a replaced pot, then a replaced switch then in an effort to get rid if a buynch of white noise a repalced board!!! After the new board the wah STILL was hissy and I was told by Geoffrey that the amount of noie my wah made was normal...I sold it bought a new wah.
Now, the new wah is from Wilson effects...Kevin Wilson makes several killer sounding wahs, offers a lot of options and IMO the quality is head and sholders above the RMC I had...
The CAE wah is around $170 new, Kevin offers SEVERAL wahs in that price range that are extremely well made and sound great as well as the fact that they offer a lot of great sounds. Kevin's customer servise is second to none and it's also worth mentioning that he offers drop in boards if you have a wah you are unhappy with...just a thought.
http://www.wilsoneffects.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wilsoneffects
I can't speak highly enough of Kevins wahs!
XSSIVE
OCDologist
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
just wanted to clarify a few things...
the rocker tension is adjustable on the mc404 from crazy loose to rock hard and anything in between and comes with the allen key to adjust it (adjustment is right below the rocker). also the amount of boost and the Q are adjustable via trimpots inside the wah. adjusting the Q will make the wah more pronounced since it moves the peak of the sweep giving it more quack.
so Mike...you should have read the instructions before you sent it back because you could have changed both things you didn't like about it. it's not "plasticy" at all it's in the same exact metal housing as every dunlop wah comes in, just with a special finishing process (like the dime wah also uses) to get the brushed metal look. let me guess why you like the 535Q more and consider it more pronounced...you turned the Q up all the way. you could have done the same thing on the MC404. i don't mean to sound defensive over a product and you're certainly allowed to not like things and like others better but IMO you're passing along false information about it since you didn't use half the features of it and complained about things that are changeable on the wah and clearly stated in the instructions that come with it.
-Mike
just wanted to clarify a few things...
the rocker tension is adjustable on the mc404 from crazy loose to rock hard and anything in between and comes with the allen key to adjust it (adjustment is right below the rocker). also the amount of boost and the Q are adjustable via trimpots inside the wah. adjusting the Q will make the wah more pronounced since it moves the peak of the sweep giving it more quack.
so Mike...you should have read the instructions before you sent it back because you could have changed both things you didn't like about it. it's not "plasticy" at all it's in the same exact metal housing as every dunlop wah comes in, just with a special finishing process (like the dime wah also uses) to get the brushed metal look. let me guess why you like the 535Q more and consider it more pronounced...you turned the Q up all the way. you could have done the same thing on the MC404. i don't mean to sound defensive over a product and you're certainly allowed to not like things and like others better but IMO you're passing along false information about it since you didn't use half the features of it and complained about things that are changeable on the wah and clearly stated in the instructions that come with it.
-Mike
man-in-moon
New member
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
i agree with xssive. i have not tweaked the internal trimpots as mine seems to be set fine. i did have to adjust the rocker tension. but after i did that it was fine. i have not owned as many wahs as a lot of people. but i have owned a teese wizard wah 2 535q's 2 dime wahs a hendrix wah and countless standard cry baby and vox wahs. out of all of them the wizard wah was my favorite. and i honestly like MC 404 just as good.
i agree with xssive. i have not tweaked the internal trimpots as mine seems to be set fine. i did have to adjust the rocker tension. but after i did that it was fine. i have not owned as many wahs as a lot of people. but i have owned a teese wizard wah 2 535q's 2 dime wahs a hendrix wah and countless standard cry baby and vox wahs. out of all of them the wizard wah was my favorite. and i honestly like MC 404 just as good.
MikeRocker
What's Your Forum Nameologist?
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
It's true that I didn't adjust the rocker tension, but that complaint is way secondary to the sound of the pedal. Despite your unfounded assumptions to the contrary, I did in fact read the manual, and there wasn't anything in it about adjusting the tension: http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1236795117_MC404_manual.pdf And, believe it or not, I actually did go inside and adjust the internal pots. Or as best I could anyway...one of them looked like it was epoxied over, and I couldn't adjust it. The way it looked, I was afraid to try to dig into it for fear of damaging the trimpot. The adjustments I did make just didn't seem to make that big of a difference. Hate to burst another bubble, but I in fact don't use the 535Q with the Q all the way up, and I actually haven't found any settings on the 535Q, even at both extremes of all settings, that have an unpronounced and minimal wah sound the way the MC-404 did.
Sorry dude, not "passing along false information"...I've played guitar for years, and I've used lots and lots of different kinds of gear, and I certainly know how to tweak and adjust things. The adjustability and versatility of the MC-404 is the thing that drew me to it in the first place, and I really wanted to like it...in fact, I spent a few hours with it, with different guitars and amps, trying to tweak it into a sound I really liked. But to me it just didn't have a classic, rich Crybaby sound. If anyone uses and enjoys the MC-404, that's great, to each his own. I have nothing against the pedal nor the company...obviously, since I'm using and happy with another one of their models. But, having thoroughly assessed it, I'm going to tell it like it is when someone asks for an opinion.
It's true that I didn't adjust the rocker tension, but that complaint is way secondary to the sound of the pedal. Despite your unfounded assumptions to the contrary, I did in fact read the manual, and there wasn't anything in it about adjusting the tension: http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1236795117_MC404_manual.pdf And, believe it or not, I actually did go inside and adjust the internal pots. Or as best I could anyway...one of them looked like it was epoxied over, and I couldn't adjust it. The way it looked, I was afraid to try to dig into it for fear of damaging the trimpot. The adjustments I did make just didn't seem to make that big of a difference. Hate to burst another bubble, but I in fact don't use the 535Q with the Q all the way up, and I actually haven't found any settings on the 535Q, even at both extremes of all settings, that have an unpronounced and minimal wah sound the way the MC-404 did.
Sorry dude, not "passing along false information"...I've played guitar for years, and I've used lots and lots of different kinds of gear, and I certainly know how to tweak and adjust things. The adjustability and versatility of the MC-404 is the thing that drew me to it in the first place, and I really wanted to like it...in fact, I spent a few hours with it, with different guitars and amps, trying to tweak it into a sound I really liked. But to me it just didn't have a classic, rich Crybaby sound. If anyone uses and enjoys the MC-404, that's great, to each his own. I have nothing against the pedal nor the company...obviously, since I'm using and happy with another one of their models. But, having thoroughly assessed it, I'm going to tell it like it is when someone asks for an opinion.
dr.barlo
New member
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
C, you are da man!
:yourock:
Thanks for the input.
That's exactly what I felt.
Agreed. Yet, I prefer them over the 847s of mid 90s, and I suppose the new ones. At least, it is not thin and trebly.
Which model are you using?
Thanks for the link, I was not aware of these wahs. I do not have a clue about which particular model to go for? I have to study a bit.
By the way, I already have a Teese Wheels of Fire, love that Macari type thing. Am very happy with that one.
Now I am looking for one to replace my beat-up 95 GCB Crybaby.
What I should go for is a dark Italian type wah. Correct? Or go for Wilson's Macari type - Colorful Clone - wah? Call me stupid, but I don't have the heart to bring my WOF to gigs and practices... :banana:
B :friday:
C, you are da man!
:yourock:
Thanks for the input.
That's exactly what I felt.
Agreed. Yet, I prefer them over the 847s of mid 90s, and I suppose the new ones. At least, it is not thin and trebly.
Which model are you using?
Thanks for the link, I was not aware of these wahs. I do not have a clue about which particular model to go for? I have to study a bit.
By the way, I already have a Teese Wheels of Fire, love that Macari type thing. Am very happy with that one.
Now I am looking for one to replace my beat-up 95 GCB Crybaby.
What I should go for is a dark Italian type wah. Correct? Or go for Wilson's Macari type - Colorful Clone - wah? Call me stupid, but I don't have the heart to bring my WOF to gigs and practices... :banana:
B :friday:
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the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
I'm using a Wilson Signature wah, and it's actually a custom wired drop in for an empty Vox shell I had!
The Wilson Colorful wah and your WoF will be very similar in terms of tone...Kevin has a demo on his UTOOB page of his Colorful wah.
I'd say look into one of his tunable wahs...they will give you vintage Vox tones if you want, later 846 tones if you want, Jen era tones, Colorsound tones...even more odd ball wahs like the old Schaller wah and the Ibanewz WH10!
However, if you want a no controls, plug and play wah (like I do!) email Kevin and tell him what you are looking for...he will tune and tweak a wah for you if you want.
FWIW, the Signature wah is toppy like a real vintage Vox wah but not at all harsh like the reissue Vox, and to be honest I even found it smoother and sweeter on top than my RMC4 Picture wah (which is also a Clyde clone)!
The Signature wah is a plug and play wah with no external controls but he does include a Q and a GROWL trim pot on teh board that can be adjusted to tweak the overall sound of the wah to cover the fact that all vintage Clyde wahs were a little different.
If you want to know what the Signature wah sounds like listen to this...this is the song I mentioned to Kevin when I got my Sig drop in...he said his wah would do this and he was right!!
I'm using a Wilson Signature wah, and it's actually a custom wired drop in for an empty Vox shell I had!
The Wilson Colorful wah and your WoF will be very similar in terms of tone...Kevin has a demo on his UTOOB page of his Colorful wah.
I'd say look into one of his tunable wahs...they will give you vintage Vox tones if you want, later 846 tones if you want, Jen era tones, Colorsound tones...even more odd ball wahs like the old Schaller wah and the Ibanewz WH10!
However, if you want a no controls, plug and play wah (like I do!) email Kevin and tell him what you are looking for...he will tune and tweak a wah for you if you want.
FWIW, the Signature wah is toppy like a real vintage Vox wah but not at all harsh like the reissue Vox, and to be honest I even found it smoother and sweeter on top than my RMC4 Picture wah (which is also a Clyde clone)!
The Signature wah is a plug and play wah with no external controls but he does include a Q and a GROWL trim pot on teh board that can be adjusted to tweak the overall sound of the wah to cover the fact that all vintage Clyde wahs were a little different.
If you want to know what the Signature wah sounds like listen to this...this is the song I mentioned to Kevin when I got my Sig drop in...he said his wah would do this and he was right!!
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
I have not tired the Rippah but the reviews are great and it is hella versitile.
I have not tired the Rippah but the reviews are great and it is hella versitile.
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
Since you've already got an RMC WOF I'd go for the Rippah.
I know you're worried about not liking the Italian wah thing but the Rippah will do the vintage Vox thing and more...the Colorful is a fine wah but you already have a Colorsound clone.
Just my 2 cents!
Hi C,
As you've said, Kevin is quite a nice guy. Has been answering all my mail.
:cool2:
He told me that I'd be happy with either one of those: Rippah-Q or the Colorful Clone.
I still could not decide which one to go for.
:banghead:
B
Since you've already got an RMC WOF I'd go for the Rippah.
I know you're worried about not liking the Italian wah thing but the Rippah will do the vintage Vox thing and more...the Colorful is a fine wah but you already have a Colorsound clone.
Just my 2 cents!
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
I've remained pretty satisfied with my Fulltone Clyde Deluxe. It has the 3 features I need most - volume, true bypass, and the ability to choose 3 distinct voicings, and I'm delving into all 3 more and more.
Whacked is shifted low for a nice Wow sound...great for lower note riffs. Jimi is the traditional Vox Wah tone, and Shaft sounds like a baby screaming, good for funk riffs in the higher notes...it's voiced like waaaah. Mike Fuller really voiced all three modes to cover almost anything you'd use a wah pedal for. For me, it's a keeper.
I've remained pretty satisfied with my Fulltone Clyde Deluxe. It has the 3 features I need most - volume, true bypass, and the ability to choose 3 distinct voicings, and I'm delving into all 3 more and more.
Whacked is shifted low for a nice Wow sound...great for lower note riffs. Jimi is the traditional Vox Wah tone, and Shaft sounds like a baby screaming, good for funk riffs in the higher notes...it's voiced like waaaah. Mike Fuller really voiced all three modes to cover almost anything you'd use a wah pedal for. For me, it's a keeper.
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: MXR MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal: Any Good?
B,
What did you decide on???
B,
What did you decide on???
