Vox V847 Wah-Wah

The Vox V847 Wah-Wah pedal, introduced in 1994, is a modern iteration of Vox's legendary wah pedal lineage, which began with the Clyde McCoy and V846 models in the late 1960s. Designed to capture the essence of the original Vox wah sound, the V847 features a resonant band-pass filter that delivers the classic vocal-like "wah" effect. Produced under contract by Dunlop Manufacturing until 2006, the V847 retained many of the tonal characteristics of its predecessors while incorporating updates like improved durability and compatibility with modern setups. The pedal became a popular choice for guitarists seeking a reliable wah with vintage-inspired tone.

Historical Development

Origins (1994): The V847 was introduced as a faithful continuation of Vox's wah tradition, inspired by the original Clyde McCoy and V846 models from the 1960s.
Design: It featured a resonant peak centered around 750 Hz, sweeping between 450 Hz and 1.6 kHz. The pedal was powered by a 9V battery or an optional adapter and included true bypass switching in later versions to preserve signal integrity.
Legacy: After production shifted to China in 2007 (with the V847A), Vox continued refining the design, introducing models like the V847-C with a lower frequency sweep and higher gain.

Notable Players

Jimi Hendrix: While Hendrix primarily used earlier Vox wah models like the Clyde McCoy and V846, his influence cemented the Vox wah as a staple effect for expressive lead playing.
Eric Clapton: Known for his use of Vox wah pedals during his Cream era, Clapton's style aligns with the tone offered by the V847.
John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers): Frequently used Vox wah pedals for dynamic solos and funk-inspired rhythm work.

Popular Settings

The V847's simple design allows for a range of expressive effects:

Classic Rock Lead: Use full pedal sweeps to create vocal-like phrasing during solos.
Funk Rhythm: Rapid heel-to-toe movements produce rhythmic "wacka-wacka" effects for funk grooves.
Midrange Boost: Park the pedal in a mid-sweep position to emphasize frequencies for cutting solos.

Legacy

The Vox V847 Wah-Wah pedal carries on the tradition of one of music's most iconic effects. Its warm, expressive tone and association with legendary players have made it a favorite among guitarists across genres like rock, funk, and blues. While newer models like the V847-C offer modern enhancements, the original V847 remains a go-to choice for those seeking vintage-inspired wah tones with reliable performance.