Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal

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$146.42 to $222.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (53)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

Find out who is using Dunlop MC404 CAE

12 community setups

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10 Best Wah Pedals: Gear Review Guide 2026

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Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (55)

$199.99

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4.5 (20)

$199.99

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4.6 (186)

Used

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5.0 (53)

$146.42 40 available New

$99.00 35 available Used

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5.0 (18)

$199.99

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4.8 (193)

$222.00

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Average Price: $181

Standard/Professional

$75

$251+

Price Tier

In the Wah Pedals category, Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash your creative energy with the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal, a versatile and dynamic effects device designed for the modern guitarist. This wah pedal is the product of a collaboration between Dunlop and Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics, known for pioneering pedal designs for some of rock's most influential guitarists.

The MC404 CAE Wah stands out with its dual Fasel inductors, offering two distinct tonal variations for a high-end emphasis or a rich, mid-range resonance. Customize your sound and switch between these voices with ease, thanks to the side-mounted kickswitches.

Add an extra punch to your performance with the built-in MXR MC-401 Boost/LineDriver, known for its flexibility and superior sound quality. This pedal is all about customization, featuring internal pots for "Q" and gain adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the intensity of the wah effect to your liking.

The MC404 CAE Wah is crafted for the long haul, boasting true hardwire bypass, a long-life CTS potentiometer, and top-grade components. This pedal represents the high performance and quality that musicians have come to expect from Dunlop, the world leader in wah-wah technology.

Key Features:

Developed by Dunlop and Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics
Dual Fasel inductors with two distinct voices for a versatile sound
Side-mounted kickswitches for easy voice switching
Built-in MXR MC-401 Boost/LineDriver for added flexibility
True hardwire bypass
Long-life CTS potentiometer
Internal pots for "Q" and gain adjustments
High-grade components for durability and superior sound quality

Owner's manual

Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal User Manual

Product specs

Available since	May 2009
Wah Wah Pedal	Yes
Volume Pedal	No
Dynamic Wah	No
Distortion	No
True Bypass	Yes

FAQs

What unique features does the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal offer?: The Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal features dual Fasel inductors for two distinct wah voices, selectable via a side-mounted kickswitch, and includes a built-in MXR MC-401 Boost/LineDriver for added flexibility.
Is the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal is ideal for live performances, offering true bypass for uncolored tone when not engaged and a robust build that withstands the rigors of stage use.
Can I use the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal with other effects pedals?: Absolutely, the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal integrates well with other effects pedals, maintaining clarity and definition thanks to its true bypass feature.
Does the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal require a specific power supply?: The Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal can be powered with a standard 9V battery or an optional AC adapter, making it flexible for various setups.
How does the Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal differ from other wah pedals?: The Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal stands out with its dual Fasel inductors and built-in boost, offering versatile sound options and enhanced control compared to standard wah pedals.

Videos

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ProGuitarShopDemos

Custom Audio Electronics CAE MC-404 Wah

ProGuitarShopDemos

MC404 CAE Wah

jimdunlopusa

Custom Audio Electronics MC-404 Wah pedal: Clean, dirty and with MKI

Brett Kingman

Dunlop MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

New pedal day - CAE MC404 Wah by Dunlop - Dan Leggatt (Including demo)

Dan Leggatt

MC404 CAE WAH|Jim Dunlop|

All Music X'cess AMX

Reviews

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PROS

Two-in-one functionality with distinct inductor settings for versatile tones
Integrated boost function for solo enhancement without additional pedals
High-quality construction and durable components
LED indicators for easy visual feedback on settings
Adjustable Q pots for customizing sound
True bypass maintains signal integrity when not in use
Offers both classic and modern wah sounds for broad musical applicability
Boutique-level quality at a competitive price point
Works well with both clean and high-gain settings
Easy to tweak and customize, even for non-traditional wah users

CONS

Pedal automatically returns to start position, limiting static tone control use
Some find the mini switches on the side hard to access, especially on a pedalboard
Boost function only works when the pedal is engaged, not in bypass
Volume parity issues for some users, affecting overall sound output
Potentiometer can become noisy over time, requiring maintenance or repair
Sound can get muffled in toe-up position without proper adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal.

Features and functionality

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The CAE Wah includes a side switch to toggle between red and yellow fasel inductors, offering distinct tonal characteristics with red being deeper and yellow brighter.
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The built-in boost circuit enhances tonal saturation, particularly on the yellow setting, but adds some hiss at toe-down position.
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The pedal maintains the howling issue regardless of fasel inductor setting, indicating the problem lies elsewhere in the setup chain.
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The CAE Wah integrates many popular home modifications, offering versatility and eliminating the need for manual tinkering with fasel indicators.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the LED indicators for the fasel settings, which prevent forgetting the pedal's active state during use.
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Some owners express concerns about potential dust entry through exposed circuit openings, suggesting minor modifications like electrical tape for protection.
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Setup and maintenance

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The internal trim pots allow for custom adjustments to the inductor settings and boost gain, providing tailored tonal control.
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The battery compartment is inconveniently attached to the bottom panel, risking wire damage during inspection or battery replacement.
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Users report a resonant howling tone when running the wah into distortion, resolved by switching from a Walrus Finch power supply to battery power.
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Build quality

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Users find the pedal's large size challenging for transport without a dedicated pedalboard, despite benefiting from its sturdiness and ease of engagement.
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Software and compatibility

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The pedal's deep power jack can cause compatibility issues with certain power supplies, such as the 1Spot extension.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners use the CAE Wah effectively in both home setups and touring rigs, highlighting its adaptability across different playing environments.
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Comparisons

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The CAE Wah and Dimebag Darrell Wah From Hell are noted for their versatility, though the CAE is preferred for those who want a more understated design.
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Critic Reviews

Dunlop MC-404 CAE Wah Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Dunlop MC404 CAE Wah Pedal impresses with its versatility and top-notch build quality. Its dual Fasel inductors deliver distinct tonal options, catering to both high-end and low-mid resonance preferences. The built-in MXR boost adds an extra tonal kick, while true bypass ensures signal integrity. The pedal's intuitive design features bright LEDs for easy operation and foot-friendly control switches, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. However, its complex features might overwhelm those seeking simplicity in a wah pedal. Overall, the MC404 CAE is highly regarded for its rich sound and functionality, making it a worthwhile investment for tone-conscious players.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 53 Ratings

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mancio_23

551

over 11 years ago

2 Wah in 1 + boost!

Great Wah! With a side switch you can set 2 kind of wah, plus with another switch you can extend your gain with a boost controlled by another side knob. Love it 'cause i can choose the kind of tone of wah that i need!

hugo_alberto_hernandez

473

almost 10 years ago

Perfection!

This wah takes your sound to a whole next level, Dunlop and Custom Audio Electronics have made the best wah ever, is just perfect; true bypass, 2 Fasel inductors, LED indicators (on/off, boost, yellow/red Fasel), you have under your feet a boutique pedal, 2 wahs in 1 for a great price, you can sound mean and "cuacky" by just pushing the right side button. By far is the best wah I played with. Highly recommended.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Latin Alternative rock

From Gear Setup

goddog

137

about 10 years ago

Wah

I looked for a long time for an aggressive in your face full sounding Wah pedal. I must have bought 4 or 5 different pedals, all were missing something. I found the CAE and tweaked the Inside parameters to get it to sound how I wanted it to. Kenny Wayne Shepherd uses one and he talks about it on a you tube video about his rig. Good stuff.

kosmas_spanidis

almost 11 years ago

Awesome pedal, highly recommended!

It sounds awesome! First, the original crybaby wah wah sound, so nasty/powerful and on the other hand that creamy/bluesy/fuzzy sound, making together two unique sounds.