Best Kirk Hammett Guitar Pedals for Metal Tones and Shred
The following guide highlights top Kirk Hammett-inspired guitar pedals, focusing on the iconic Cry Baby Wah family and related accessories. Whether you’re chasing his signature rack tones or compact on-board options, these picks cover classic wah textures, dynamic response, and bundle deals designed for Metallica-style solos. Each entry includes key features to compare, helping you find a pedal that fits your rig and playing style.
Summary of selected products:
- Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah – Dunlop
- Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Wah Pedal w/ 6 Cables – Bundle
- Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah Pedal Bundle with 2 Patch Cables and Dunlop 9V Power Supply – MXR
- Briskdrop Dunlop KH95X Special Edition Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah – Purple
- Kirk Hammett Cry Baby® Wah Yellow Sparkle Edition – Dunlop
Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah – Dunlop
The Dunlop Kirk Hammett Cry Baby Wah is tailored to reproduce Kirk’s signature vocal-like wah with tight control over EQ, volume, and tone. It emphasizes a thick top end while maintaining a full dynamic range, making it suitable for aggressive leads and roaring riffs. The pedal responds smoothly from heel to toe, helping players articulate expressive solos without losing bite during fast passages. Ideal for players seeking a faithful feel of Kirk’s classic rack tones in a compact pedal format.
Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Wah Pedal w/ 6 Cables
This bundled package pairs the KH95 wah with six essential cables, offering a complete setup for immediate gig-ready use. The KH95 design centers Kirk Hammett’s EQ, volume, and tone preferences, delivering an exceptionally even response across the sweep. Expect a thick top end and robust midrange for soaring solos while retaining expressive dynamics when switching between strings and pedals. A practical choice for players who want a ready-to-play rig without sourcing cables separately.
Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah Pedal Bundle – MXR
MXR’s KH95 Signature Cry Baby Wah Bundle mirrors Kirk Hammett’s on-stage rig with additional accessories. The core pedal is voiced to reflect Kirk’s EQ, with a consistent, even response and a pronounced top end for cutting through dense band arrangements. The bundle often includes patch cables and power options, reducing setup time and helping maintain signal integrity on stage or in the studio. This option suits players who want a complete, performance-ready signal chain.
Briskdrop KH95X Special Edition Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Wah
The KH95X Special Edition from Briskdrop delivers a purple sparkle finish and Kirk Hammett-inspired voicing. The pedal emphasizes a smooth heel-to-toe transition with an arresting midrange and a thick top end, designed to replicate the heavy metal textures associated with Hammett’s live tone. This edition is visually distinctive and aims to preserve the expressive dynamics that define modern metal solos while offering a signature look for fans and players who want a standout pedal in their chain.
Kirk Hammett Cry Baby® Wah Yellow Sparkle Edition
The Yellow Sparkle Edition Cry Baby Wah captures Kirk Hammett’s rack-ready tone in a bright, eye-catching package. It reproduces the classic Cry Baby response with emphasis on a bold top end and a dynamic midrange. The pedal is voiced to evoke the on-record and on-stage textures Kirk uses for metal solos, offering reliable tracking across a variety of playing styles from rhythm chugging to sweep-picking lines. Great for players seeking a vivid aesthetic without compromising tonal integrity.
KH95X Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby Pedal – Purple
This purple KH95X edition emphasizes Kirk Hammett’s signature Cry Baby voicing with a bold, high-contrast finish. It focuses on an even response across the pedal’s sweep and a full, thick top end suitable for aggressive riffs and blistering solos. The Purple KH95X is popular among players who want a high-visibility pedal that maintains consistent tracking and expressive control through fast picking and wide dynamic ranges.
Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Jazz III Guitar Picks
While not a pedal, these Kirk Hammett Signature Jazz III picks complement gear aimed at Metallica-style tones. The custom model is designed to help players achieve precise articulation with a metal-oriented grip and a purple sparkle aesthetic. Players often pair these picks with the pedal lineup to optimize pick attack and note definition during fast passages and dense chord voicings.
Buying Guide
- Purpose and tone: Choose a pedal that aligns with your preferred Kirk Hammett tones—classic Cry Baby voice, rack-inspired EQ emulation, or signature editions offering a distinct top-end emphasis.
- Voicing and response: Look for even response across the wah sweep, strong midrange, and a thick top end that remains expressive at high gain or high gain with heavy rhythm.
- Bundle value: Bundles including patch cables, power supplies, and picks can save time and money, especially for gig-ready setups.
- Build and durability: Metal housings and robust footswitches help withstand live use and frequent stomping during solos and rhythm parts.
- Aesthetic preferences: Special editions in purple or yellow sparkle not only look distinctive on stage but can aid quick visual identification in a crowded rig.
- Format compatibility: If you’re building a compact board, verify size and power requirements to ensure compatibility with other pedals and power supplies.
- Rationale for multiple options: Having more than one wah can provide different tonal flavors (more vintage vs. more modern), enabling quick tonal changes during performances.
In summary, these Kirk Hammett-inspired pedals offer a range of voicings and bundles designed to reproduce the guitarist’s iconic wah tones. Whether you want a faithful recreation of his rack setup or a compact pedal with a striking finish, there are options that emphasize response, top-end presence, and expressive control. Consider your rig, playing style, and performance needs when selecting the right model.