Arbiter Cry Baby
The Arbiter Cry Baby wah pedal, introduced in the late 1960s, is a lesser-known but significant variation of the iconic Cry Baby wah. Produced by Dallas Arbiter, this model was part of the early wave of wah pedals inspired by the original Vox Clyde McCoy and Thomas Organ Cry Baby designs. Like its contemporaries, the Arbiter Cry Baby featured a band-pass filter circuit controlled by a foot pedal, creating the expressive "wah" effect. It used similar components to other Cry Baby models of the time, including inductors that contributed to its warm and vocal-like tone. Though it never achieved the widespread recognition of Vox or Dunlop versions, it remains a sought-after piece of vintage gear for collectors and tone purists.
Historical Development
- Origins (Late 1960s): The Arbiter Cry Baby was developed during the early boom of wah pedals, capitalizing on the popularity of the effect among guitarists.
- Design: It shared many design elements with other Cry Baby models, including a rugged enclosure and intuitive foot control. Component variations, such as different inductors, gave it a slightly distinct tonal character.
- Legacy: While overshadowed by Vox and Dunlop models, the Arbiter Cry Baby is appreciated for its vintage sound and rarity.
Notable Players
Specific players associated with the Arbiter Cry Baby are not well-documented, but its design aligns with the preferences of guitarists in rock and funk genres during the late 1960s and 1970s. Artists who popularized similar wah pedals include:
- Jimi Hendrix: Known for his extensive use of wah pedals to shape his iconic solos.
- Eric Clapton: Frequently used wah effects during his Cream era.
Popular Settings
The Arbiter Cry Baby's simple controls allow for versatile applications:
- Classic Wah Sweep: Use full pedal motion for dynamic lead phrasing.
- Midrange Boost: Park the pedal in a mid-sweep position to emphasize certain frequencies.
- Funk Rhythms: Rapid heel-to-toe movements create rhythmic "wacka-wacka" effects.
Legacy
The Arbiter Cry Baby remains a rare and collectible piece of wah pedal history. While it did not achieve the same fame as Vox or Dunlop versions, its vintage components and unique tonal characteristics make it a prized item among enthusiasts. Its influence is part of the broader legacy of early wah pedals that shaped rock, funk, and blues music.