EHX Small Stone vs Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95
EHX Small Stone wins for automatic, set-and-forget phase modulation that adds movement and depth without requiring foot operation — the OTA circuit produces a warm, evolving phase sweep that enhances rhythm and lead playing simultaneously. Wah wins for expressive, real-time filter control — the vocal, resonant character of a swept wah is one of the most emotionally direct effects available to a guitarist.
EHX Small Stone
The Electro-Harmonix analog phase shifter — a 4-stage OTA-based design with a Color switch that adds resonance feedback for a more dramatic sweep. A different character from the Phase 90: wider, more enveloping, with a deeper sweep range.
Rock, blues, psych — the alternative to the Phase 90, with a wider, more enveloping phase sweep and the Color switch resonance option for dramatic effects
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
EHX Small Stone
- ✓ Rich, warm analog phase character distinct from Phase 90
- ✓ Color switch adds dramatic resonance feedback
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Wide sweep range with smooth, musical movement
- ✗ Output level can drop when engaged on older versions
- ✗ Color switch interaction requires careful level adjustment
- ✗ Larger enclosure than Phase 90
- ✗ Less consistent quality control than MXR
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
Rock, blues, psych — automatic phase modulation that adds character and movement without requiring attention during performance.
Funk, blues, rock — expressive manual filter control for playing-specific tone shaping that responds directly to musical intention.
Final Verdict — EHX Small Stone 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 EHX Small Stone.
Best for metal tones
EHX Small Stone
EHX Small Stone leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (52/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
EHX Small Stone
At £79 vs £79, EHX Small Stone delivers 0% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| EHX Small Stone | Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 | £79 |
| Category | Modulation | Wah |
| Gain | 0/100 | 2/100 |
| Warmth | 58/100 | 50/100 |
| Treble | 50/100 | 65/100 |
| Bass | 52/100 | 50/100 |
| Versatility | 60/100 | 70/100 |
| Best for | Rock, blues, psych | Rock, funk, blues lead |
Not sure which to choose?
Use the Rig Builder — tell it your genre, budget and playing style and it will recommend the right gear for you.
Build My Rig →