Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45 vs Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah
ZW45's high-Q aggressive peak is designed for pinch harmonics and dramatic metal leads — KH95's wider Vox-inspired sweep is more versatile across metal and hard rock.
Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45
Zakk Wylde signature wah — high-Q, sharp vocal peak designed for dramatic pinch harmonic expressions and aggressive heavy metal lead tones.
Metal players who use wah for dramatic lead expressions and pinch harmonics — Zakk Wylde style
Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah
Kirk Hammett signature wah — wider Q than the standard Cry Baby with a Vox-inspired sweep. More versatile than the Zakk Wylde version while still suited to rock and metal.
Metal and hard rock players who want signature wah character with Vox-influenced sweep
Tone Character
Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45
- ✓ High-Q aggressive peak for metal leads
- ✓ Distinctive visual design
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✓ Clear articulation for high-gain
- ✗ High-Q peak is too aggressive for subtle applications
- ✗ Less versatile than standard Cry Baby
- ✗ Very specific voicing limits genre use
Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah
- ✓ Wider Q for more musical sweep
- ✓ Vox-inspired voicing
- ✓ Versatile across rock and metal
- ✓ Kirk Hammett design input
- ✗ More expensive than standard Cry Baby
- ✗ Signature styling not for everyone
- ✗ Similar to Cry Baby 535Q at higher cost
When To Choose Each
Metal players specifically wanting the dramatic high-Q peak for pinch harmonics and aggressive lead statements
Metal and hard rock players who want more musical sweep — better for rhythmic wah work and versatile lead playing
Final Verdict — Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45 vs Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah
Best for beginners
Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah
Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah scores higher on versatility (55/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45.
Best for metal tones
Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah
Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (50/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45
At £119 vs £119, Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45 delivers 0% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah ZW45 | Dunlop Kirk Hammett KH95 Wah | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £119 | £119 |
| Category | Wah | Wah |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 45/100 | 52/100 |
| Treble | 75/100 | 68/100 |
| Bass | 45/100 | 50/100 |
| Versatility | 35/100 | 55/100 |
| Best for | Metal players who use wah for dramatic lead expressions and pinch harmonics | Metal and hard rock players who want signature wah character with Vox-influenced sweep |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Zakk Wylde has a high-Q, sharp vocal peak suited to pinch harmonics. KH95 has a wider Q, more traditional Vox-inspired sweep.
KH95 — wider sweep is more musical for rhythmic wah work.
Zakk Wylde — the aggressive Q makes subtle expression harder. It's designed for dramatic lead statements.
KH95 more closely — its sweep is closer to the Vox V846 Hendrix used.