JAM Pedals Wahcko MK2: The Classic Wah Gets an Update
The most wah you can find!
JAM Pedals has unveiled a major update to one of its most popular pedals! The Wahcko MK2 replaces the famous red Fasel inductor with a custom-designed inductor modeled after vintage TDK inductors. The Greek company also added an internal Q-trimmer and a special bass mode. The six-way sweep remains intact.
First Impression of the JAM Pedals Wahcko MK2
It takes quite a bit of courage to take on a nearly 20-year-old classic revered by legends like Steve Lukather and Richie Sambora – where the original is also still available. And then to swap out one of its core components—the red Fasel inductor—for a TDK-style inductor… Hats off! But the other new features, such as the improved footprint and the bass mode, also show that JAM Pedals is committed to getting a lot right—and improving only what needs improving without altering what made the OG so special.
What’s new with the JAM Pedals Wahcko MK2
Since 2008, the Wahcko has shown how to capture the vintage flavor of a wah effect in a modern pedal in such a way that even players like Nile Rodgers, Mick Thomson, and Mateus Asato are won over. In the original version, JAM Pedals used a red Fasel inductor and carbon resistors; the first iteration also featured a rotary switch for six frequency ranges and an internal trimmer for input gain.
The Wahcko MK2 largely carries over this concept: the gain control and six-position sweep remain, as does the colorful design. One new feature, for example, is a second internal trimmer for the Q-factor. This lets you determine how intense the wah peak sounds.
There’s also a new DIP switch that lets you switch the pedal to a dedicated bass mode, which extends the sweep to a lower range. A welcome improvement has been made to the Wahcko MK2’s footplate: it’s no longer made of plexiglass but features a non-slip rubber surface.
Another feature carried over from the previous model is the ability to adjust the spring tension using the included 4-mm Allen wrench, the pedal is also still true bypass. Another new feature: optional 9-volt battery operation!
The New TDK Coil: Endless ’60s Vibes
The biggest innovation in the Wahcko MK2 is the custom-made inductor inspired by vintage TDK designs, which replaces the red Fasel inductor. JAM Pedals points to the TDK coils used in classic Cry-Baby and Vox wah pedals from the ’60s. Thomas Organ began installing these in Cry-Babies and U.S. versions of the Vox V846 around 1968.
Pricing and Availability
The JAM Pedals Wahcko MK2 is available now from Thomann* for 379 euros. The predecessor* is also still available for 339 euros, and both are still handmade in Greece.
More on the new pedal from JAM Pedals
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