Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 vs MXR Phase 90
Wah wins for expressive, real-time foot-controlled tone sculpting — the resonant filter sweep is one of the most expressive effects available, directly responsive to playing expression. Phaser wins for automatic, set-and-forget modulation — once dialled in, the phaser produces an evolving, rhythmic movement without requiring active foot operation during a song.
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
MXR Phase 90
Four-stage all-analog phaser with a single Speed knob — the swooping phase effect of Van Halen's early records. Eddie Van Halen's Phase 90 at Speed 4 is one of the most iconic pedal tones ever recorded.
Classic rock, psychedelic, blues — subtle swooping phase texture that adds movement without overwhelming the tone
Tone Character
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
MXR Phase 90
- ✓ Simple one-knob operation
- ✓ Very musical, not overpowering
- ✓ Works on clean and dirty signals
- ✓ Iconic EVH-approved tone
- ✗ No mix/depth control
- ✗ Single speed range limits extreme settings
- ✗ No expression pedal input on standard model
- ✗ Effect depth fixed at 100%
When To Choose Each
Funk, rock, blues — expressive, real-time filter sweeping controlled by foot for playing-specific tone shaping.
Rock, classic rock, hard rock — rhythmic, automatic phase modulation that adds movement to rhythm parts without requiring foot operation.
Final Verdict — Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 vs MXR Phase 90
Best for beginners
MXR Phase 90
MXR Phase 90 scores higher on versatility (72/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95.
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 £89, Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 delivers 11% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| Dunlop Cry Baby GCB95 | MXR Phase 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 | £89 |
| Category | Wah | Modulation |
| Gain | 2/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 50/100 | 55/100 |
| Treble | 65/100 | 50/100 |
| Bass | 50/100 | 50/100 |
| Versatility | 70/100 | 72/100 |
| Best for | Rock, funk, blues lead | Classic rock, psychedelic, blues |
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 →