Which wah is best to mod into a proper vintage wah

[JRM]

Hi!

I'm new around here. I'm trying to build an effectsboard with vintage effects: a Big Muff, a fuzz face, a DynaComp, a Colorsound powerboost, a Phase 90 and an Electric Mistress for a huge start. Of course I'd like to add a wah. I don't have an Electronics degree but I know a few things and how to solder.
I don't have any experience with guitar effects so my big question is:
-Which wah should I buy (new or used) to mod in to a proper vintage sounding wah?
The options I have are the Vox V845 and the Dunlop GCB95: I can get both from 40 to 50 EUR (used) or 66 to 95 EUR (new), with the vox being alwaays cheaper.
I've cheked the schematics in schematicheaven.com and the Original version Dunlop wah and the 1980's Version of the Vox V847 wah are almost identic. I already know that the GCB95 had some updates but nothing dramatic; couldn't find nothing on the V845.

If someone could help me out I'd apreciate much.

Best regards,

João

[zombiwoof]

The newer Vox and CryBaby wahs use surface mount components, I would suggest you get a used V847 (older USA version, made by Dunlop, not the current Chinese version) or an older Crybaby.  You can find these in good condition on Ebay for less than a new wah would cost, and they are much easier to mod to vintage specs than the newer pedals.

Al

[zambo]

here is a schematic.   http://www.montagar.com/~patj/crybaby.gif     http://www.smallbearelec.com/Categories.bok?category=Wah-Wah+and+Swell+Pedal+Parts%2C+Wah+Inductors  second link is for the shell brand new and misc. parts. Built one yesterday. Building another tommorow. Might be easier and cheaper to get what you want building from scratch. Cool points are off the charts too. ( hey nice wah man where did you get it? Oh that? I just threw that together the other day...no bid deal...)    Hope it helps and good luck!

[Magnus]

Hello,
I don't know whats the problem with a surface-mount (smd-soldered)-board,
the best choice to build a classic vintage-wah is to make a new pcb,
it can be build on perfboard, so you don't have to etch anything...

I bought a Crybaby GCB95 and it is perfect for modifying,
the pcb is attached by one screw and the two jacks left and right.


Greetings
Magnus

[tubelectron]

Hi JRM,

Magnus is right : the today's Dunlop GCB-95 is a good base for modifications (or new circuit/new PCB).

The factory mounted inductor is now the Red Fasel even on the basic model, and the PCB is standard components (not CMS/SMC) so mods are easy to achieve. It's not the case for the VOX V847A which is chinese-made and all CMS/SMC components, which a black encased inductor labeled "vox". This is valid in Europe, but may be not in USA.

In fact, any used Dunlop or Vox casing should be convenient if you are willing to change the pot and the PCB for a DIY version... It's what I do personnally.

A+!

[JRM]

Thank you all!
In fact the idea is getting a used one and refabrish it, mainly because it's more expensive to buy the parts individualy than get an already built and just change the parts you want, add a true by-pass and a led, etc. The doubt was born because V845 and CBG95 current versions are quite similar but the Vox is much cheaper. I'll see what I can get on the second hand market. Sometimes e-bay prices are good but shipping costs to Portugal aren't!