MXR Phase 90 vs Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
MXR Phase 90 wins for automatic modulation that adds rhythmic movement to guitar parts without requiring real-time foot control — set the Rate and let it evolve through a song. Wah wins for expressive, manually controlled filter sweep that is one of the most directly expressive effects available to a guitarist — it adds a vocal quality to the guitar that automatic modulation cannot replicate.
MXR Phase 90
The iconic 4-stage FET phase shifter in an orange box. Single Speed knob controls the sweep rate — Eddie Van Halen used it on every Van Halen album. Two internal versions: Script Logo (smoother, vintage) and Block Logo (brighter, more modern).
Classic rock, hard rock — the iconic one-knob phase shifter that defined 1970s and 1980s electric guitar modulation
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
The definitive wah pedal — a rocking treadle controls a bandpass filter that sweeps between bass-heavy and treble-heavy frequencies, mimicking a vocal "wah" sound. The sound of Hendrix, Clapton, and every wah solo ever recorded.
Rock, funk, blues lead — expressive real-time tonal filter for soloing, rhythm chicken-picking, and signature wah textures
Tone Character
MXR Phase 90
- ✓ Simple one-knob operation
- ✓ Iconic tone used on countless classic recordings
- ✓ Script switch on modern versions adds vintage character
- ✓ Phase character is smooth and musical across the Speed range
- ✗ No depth, mix, resonance, or other controls
- ✗ Fixed phase character that cannot be extensively shaped
- ✗ Less tweakable than multi-knob phasers
- ✗ Script vs block logo character requires internal inspection to identify
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
- ✓ Instantly recognisable vocal guitar character
- ✓ Real-time expression with the foot
- ✓ Works as static tone filter (toe-down = treble, heel-down = bass)
- ✓ Massive catalogue of styles and applications
- ✗ Requires floor space and foot control
- ✗ True bypass not standard (tone sucking in bypass mode)
- ✗ Placement in signal chain is critical
- ✗ Can dominate a mix if overused
When To Choose Each
Classic rock, hard rock — rhythmic, automatic phase modulation that adds movement and depth without requiring foot operation during a song.
Funk, blues, rock — expressive, real-time foot-controlled filter sweeping for playing-specific tone shaping.
Final Verdict — MXR Phase 90 vs Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
Best for beginners
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 scores higher on versatility (70/100) and lower on gain (2/100) — a more forgiving starting point than MXR Phase 90.
Best for metal tones
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 leads on gain (2/100) and bass response (50/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
At £79 vs £99, Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 delivers 20% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| MXR Phase 90 | Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £99 | £79 |
| Category | Modulation | Wah |
| Gain | 0/100 | 2/100 |
| Warmth | 55/100 | 50/100 |
| Treble | 50/100 | 65/100 |
| Bass | 50/100 | 50/100 |
| Versatility | 55/100 | 70/100 |
| Best for | Classic rock, hard rock | Rock, funk, blues lead |
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