What is the primary purpose of the Dunlop KH95?

The KH95 is designed to replicate the specific wah-wah settings and tonal characteristics used by Kirk Hammett of Metallica. It provides a pre-tuned EQ and sweep range tailored for heavy metal lead guitar.

How does the design of the KH95 differ from a standard Cry Baby?

Beyond its internal tuning, the KH95 features a unique black and green colour scheme. The top rubber grip is also customised with a skeleton footprint design.

Is the KH95 built for touring?

Yes, like all Jim Dunlop Cry Baby pedals, the KH95 is constructed with a robust and reliable chassis. It is specifically designed to withstand the rigours of aggressive use on the road.

What era of Metallica's sound does this pedal capture?

The pedal is voiced to deliver the sound that helped transform 80s metal. It captures the aggressive, high-gain wah-wah tones heard on Metallica's most famous recordings.

Can the KH95 be used for genres other than metal?

While it is fine-tuned for Kirk Hammett's signature metal sound, it is a functional wah pedal that can be used in any genre. However, its EQ is specifically optimised for high-gain clarity.

What is the typical price for a Dunlop KH95?

The typical price for the Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Wah is approximately £219. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Who did Dunlop collaborate with to create this pedal?

The pedal was developed through a direct collaboration between the Jim Dunlop engineering team and guitarist Kirk Hammett. The goal was to make his personal rack settings available in a pedal format.

Does the KH95 have a specific EQ profile?

Yes, the pedal features a fine-tuned EQ that was adjusted to Hammett's exact specifications. This ensures the 'wah' effect is prominent and clear across the entire sweep.

How does the KH95 handle high volume and gain?

The KH95 is specifically designed to handle high volume and gain settings without becoming muddy. Its internal settings ensure that the guitar's signal remains articulate during fast technical solos.

Is the treadle on the KH95 different from other pedals?

Mechanically it operates like a standard Cry Baby, but aesthetically it features a unique skeleton footprint. This provides the necessary grip for the foot while maintaining the signature look.

What other pedals are often used alongside the KH95?

It is often paired with other metal essentials such as the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor for signal cleanliness or the Boss DD-3T for delay. It also sits well in chains featuring the Digitech Whammy Ricochet.

How does the KH95 compare to a standard expression pedal like the Yamaha FC7?

The KH95 is a dedicated wah-wah effect with internal circuitry to process sound. In contrast, the Yamaha FC7 is a passive expression pedal used to control parameters on other devices or keyboards.

Gear article

Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah

The Dunlop KH95 is a signature wah-wah pedal developed in collaboration between Jim Dunlop and Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett. It is specifically engineered to replicate the precise EQ, volume, and sweep settings used by Hammett to achieve his influential heavy metal lead tones.

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Overview and Development

The Dunlop KH95 Cry Baby Kirk Hammett Wah represents a technical partnership between the engineers at Jim Dunlop and the Metallica guitarist. Hammett is widely recognised for his extensive use of the wah-wah effect as a foundational element of his lead playing. The project aimed to capture his specific tonal preferences, which were previously achieved through rack-mounted systems and custom modifications, and condense them into a standard floor-based pedal format for public use.

Technical Features and Design

The KH95 is distinguished by a custom-tuned frequency response. Dunlop worked with Hammett to fine-tune the EQ, volume, and sweep range to match the settings he uses on tour. Externally, the pedal features a robust chassis built for professional road use. The aesthetic is defined by a striking black and green finish, complemented by a unique rubber tread featuring a skeleton footprint, reflecting the guitarist's well-known affinity for horror and gothic imagery.

Sonic Character

The sonic profile of the KH95 is designed to provide the 'killer tone' associated with 80s and 90s heavy metal. Unlike vintage-style wah pedals that may have a subtler sweep, this signature model is voiced for high-gain environments. It provides a consistent response across the entire frequency range, ensuring that lead lines remain cutting and articulate even when processed through significant distortion or overdrive.

Target User and Application

This pedal is primarily intended for guitarists seeking to emulate the technical and aggressive style of Kirk Hammett. While it is specialised for heavy metal, its robust construction makes it suitable for any touring musician requiring a reliable wah. It serves as a central component in a signal chain that might also include high-gain utilities like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or time-based effects such as the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay.

Market Comparison

Within the Dunlop range, the KH95 sits alongside other artist-specific models like the Mick Ronson Cry Baby, though it is specifically voiced for modern metal rather than classic rock. Compared to budget-oriented options or standard expression tools like the Yamaha FC7, the KH95 offers a highly specific, pre-set EQ curve that removes the need for manual tweaking to find a 'sweet spot' for metal soloing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Dunlop KH95?: The KH95 is designed to replicate the specific wah-wah settings and tonal characteristics used by Kirk Hammett of Metallica. It provides a pre-tuned EQ and sweep range tailored for heavy metal lead guitar.
How does the design of the KH95 differ from a standard Cry Baby?: Beyond its internal tuning, the KH95 features a unique black and green colour scheme. The top rubber grip is also customised with a skeleton footprint design.
Is the KH95 built for touring?: Yes, like all Jim Dunlop Cry Baby pedals, the KH95 is constructed with a robust and reliable chassis. It is specifically designed to withstand the rigours of aggressive use on the road.
What era of Metallica's sound does this pedal capture?: The pedal is voiced to deliver the sound that helped transform 80s metal. It captures the aggressive, high-gain wah-wah tones heard on Metallica's most famous recordings.
Can the KH95 be used for genres other than metal?: While it is fine-tuned for Kirk Hammett's signature metal sound, it is a functional wah pedal that can be used in any genre. However, its EQ is specifically optimised for high-gain clarity.
What is the typical price for a Dunlop KH95?: The typical price for the Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Wah is approximately £219. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Who did Dunlop collaborate with to create this pedal?: The pedal was developed through a direct collaboration between the Jim Dunlop engineering team and guitarist Kirk Hammett. The goal was to make his personal rack settings available in a pedal format.
Does the KH95 have a specific EQ profile?: Yes, the pedal features a fine-tuned EQ that was adjusted to Hammett's exact specifications. This ensures the 'wah' effect is prominent and clear across the entire sweep.
How does the KH95 handle high volume and gain?: The KH95 is specifically designed to handle high volume and gain settings without becoming muddy. Its internal settings ensure that the guitar's signal remains articulate during fast technical solos.
Is the treadle on the KH95 different from other pedals?: Mechanically it operates like a standard Cry Baby, but aesthetically it features a unique skeleton footprint. This provides the necessary grip for the foot while maintaining the signature look.
What other pedals are often used alongside the KH95?: It is often paired with other metal essentials such as the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor for signal cleanliness or the Boss DD-3T for delay. It also sits well in chains featuring the Digitech Whammy Ricochet.
How does the KH95 compare to a standard expression pedal like the Yamaha FC7?: The KH95 is a dedicated wah-wah effect with internal circuitry to process sound. In contrast, the Yamaha FC7 is a passive expression pedal used to control parameters on other devices or keyboards.