Vox V846 Wah-Wah

The Vox V846 Wah-Wah pedal, introduced in 1967, is one of the most iconic wah pedals in music history. It succeeded the Clyde McCoy Wah and became a refined version of the original design, offering a smoother sweep and a more versatile tonal range. Initially manufactured by Thomas Organ in California, production later moved to Italy under EME and JEN. The V846 featured a Halo inductor, which contributed to its warm, vocal-like tone, making it a favorite among guitarists for both rhythm and lead work. Its timeless design and sound have made it synonymous with classic rock and funk.

Historical Development

Origins (1967): The V846 replaced the Clyde McCoy Wah and was marketed specifically for guitarists after initial experiments with brass and woodwind instruments. It became widely recognized as the definitive wah sound of the late 1960s.
Production: Manufacturing began in California but soon shifted to Italy, where it was produced by EME and later JEN. By the 1970s, production was split between Italy and the U.S.
Legacy: The V846 remains highly regarded for its warm tone and smooth sweep. Modern reissues, like the V846-HW (hand-wired), aim to replicate its vintage character.

Notable Players

Jimi Hendrix: Used the V846 extensively on tracks like "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," cementing its place in rock history.
Eric Clapton (Cream): Incorporated it into his rig during his Cream era for expressive lead tones on songs like "White Room."
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd): Known for using it to craft melodic, vocal-like solos on tracks such as "Echoes."

Popular Settings

The V846's simple controls allow for expressive use:

Classic Rock Lead: Engage the wah with a mid-sweep position for vocal-like phrasing in solos.
Funk Rhythm: Use rapid heel-to-toe movements to create rhythmic "chicka-chicka" effects.
Subtle Tone Shaping: Keep the pedal parked in a specific position to emphasize certain frequencies.

Legacy

The Vox V846 Wah-Wah pedal is celebrated as one of the most influential effects in music history. Its association with legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton solidified its status as a cornerstone of classic rock. Vintage units are highly collectible, while modern reissues continue to bring its signature warmth and versatility to new generations of players. The V846 remains an enduring symbol of expressive guitar tone.