Boss introduces the PW-3 Wah in time for Musikmesse 2015, a compact space-saving analog wah pedal with two modes.
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This miniaturized wah is designed for guitarists who want to maximize their pedalboard space, in this age where guitar rigs and pedalboards are getting bigger and bigger.
Traditional wah pedals occupy the space of around 2 regular sized pedals, and it is known for taking up too much space in pedalboards. This prompted guitar pedal manufacturers to build smaller wah pedals, case in point is the new PW-3 Wah from Boss – having almost the same size as their other regular stompboxes.
Because of the trimmed down size, it is understandable for some to feel uneasy and expect some compromise when it comes to feel, functionality and tone. The company knew of these fears and designed the PW-3 to match the performance of regular sized wah wahs – and they even added extra features to give the smaller PW-3 more edge over the bulkier alternatives.
To ensure reliability, Boss utilized die-cast aluminum chassis that does not feel fragile when being rocked. They then balanced this sturdiness with a smooth pedal action that according to the company is highly responsive. The PW-3 even comes with an adjustable pedal action, giving you control over the pedal’s feel by simply easily tightening or loosening the action via a hex key.
Because of its small size, having the LED indicator on the face is not an option, your foot will simply block it. To solve this, the company devised a clever way for you to be able to see when the effect is on or off, by putting LEDs on each side of the pedal. This way you can easily see the light indicator be it in dark or well lit locations.
The official press release says, “With its rugged design, practical size, and full-bodied sound, the PW-3 is the ideal wah for traveling guitarists and any player looking to maximize space on a crowded pedalboard.”
While the smaller size of this wah is indeed it’s main selling point, Boss was not content with just producing a small wah, so they packed an interesting dual mode switching feature. The first voicing is called “Rich mode” which is newly developed by boss, providing a transparent full wah tone that retains low-end body and overall sonic definition. This works in contrast with the usual wah circuits that shape the tone. By simply flipping a switch, the wah goes into “vintage mode” where it sounds and feels like a traditional wah from the ’60s. The dual modes give you the ability to go from subtle transparent wah to classic in your face midrange tones.
Check out the official video demo:
The new Boss PW-3 Wah is now available for pre-order with a price tag of around $140, scheduled for release at the end of June 2015. For more information, head over to Boss.
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