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AW-3 Dynamic Wahplay button

AW-3 Dynamic Wah

collapse expand iconDescription

The BOSS AW-3 dynamic wah pedal gives guitarists a wide range of classic auto-wah and dynamic wah effects, plus a new "humanizer" effect that can simulate human vowel sounds. The BOSS AW-3's bass input even provides a variety of funky wah sounds for bass guitar. An EXP mode allows wah control via optional expression pedal.
BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah Guitar Effects Pedal

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Auto-wah and dynamic wah
  • Humanizer simulates vocal sounds
  • Bass input
  • Expression pedal jack
  • Decay, Manual, Sensitivity and Mode controls with Tempo Set function

collapse expand iconWarranty

Boss pedals - 5 year parts warranty
90 day labor warranty.
1 year warranty - Multitracks, Jamstations, etc.
Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.4

15 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

A versatile pedal that ...

A versatile pedal that combines wah-wah and envelope filter sounds into one box. The AW-3's four knobs certainly cover a lot of ground in terms of shaping everything from 60's psychedelia to smooth 70's funk. The Filter sounds are very musical in terms of responding to individual notes and nuances. If your looking for a Mutron vibe on a budget the AW-3 does a great job. It will take a bit of knob twiddling to find that sweet spot but the sonic payoff is worth it. Unfortunately the wah-esque settings were less impressive. It's basically a footless wah-wah with the rate knob simulating the constant motion of a pivoting manual wah. This fixed motion hardly leaves room for expressive soloing and most wah nuts will be better served by using the real deal. That said, this box is amazing for creating extra weird sounds, filtered stutters, and smooth rhytmic swells. Throw in your favorite distortion box and things get even crazier.

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Most Liked Negative Review

2

Sad day for BOSS

Boss is an outstanding company for guitar effects and most of their pedals are top notch even when you are in the DS1 OD1 range. but this pedal is not very useful because a wah should have some form of an expression pedal and not just a simple stomp for tone. it wasn't bad but it was difficult to get that humanized shift in sound without being able to use an expression pedal. stick to a Crybaby. The Hendrix is great. if you want more of a metal sound go for the Zakk Wylde or Kirk Hammett signature.

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Reviewed by 15 customers

  • Versatile Wah Pedal

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byBrad

    fromSpokane

    The Boss Wah can simplify your pedal use by setting your decay tempo and vowel tones as needed for song and rhythm styles. Your picking style also effects the wah intensity. The overall base/treble tones are a bit limited so I run it through a Boss OD 200 to set tone, boost level and drive. If you add an effect control pedal it should be everything you need. Be patient and you'll find the sweet spot.

  • I would buy this product again and again

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byMaguchi

    fromLalaland

    I use it between my guitar and amp. The sound varies subtly depending on how hard you pick and how you set your volume control on your guitar

  • great pedal sorry service

    5

    submitted13 years ago

    byted revia

    fromhouston,texas

    Bought Boss waw pedal 2 months ago . Started having problems keeping it turned on. Called pasadena store to work something out credit (or) exchange only got jokes and laughs from little salesgirl (JOHN)said tough luck .I am only going to try and be nice once,only once

  • Very Coool Wah!

    4

    submitted15 years ago

    byScott A

    fromChester, NJ

    After a 20 year layoff of playing I'm getting my gear together and experimenting with new equipment and effects. Having had some Boss pedals in the past I went with those again...so in addition to a Blues Driver, Digital Reverb, Delay and EQ I tried the AW-3 after hearing a local blues guy use one. I really like it! Once you dial it in to work with your own playing style and dynamics it does a great job of giving classic wah sounds and expressions without the need for wiggling your foot! Does a pretty good job with the voice box simulation as well. There are obviously some times when a true wah pedal would be better or more appropriate for the sake of control or specific sounds but overall I think this is a really great sounding and easy to use pedal.

  • Sad day for BOSS

    2

    submitted16 years ago

    byluvz2sploogeify

    fromChicago IL

    Boss is an outstanding company for guitar effects and most of their pedals are top notch even when you are in the DS1 OD1 range. but this pedal is not very useful because a wah should have some form of an expression pedal and not just a simple stomp for tone. it wasn't bad but it was difficult to get that humanized shift in sound without being able to use an expression pedal. stick to a Crybaby. The Hendrix is great. if you want more of a metal sound go for the Zakk Wylde or Kirk Hammett signature.

  • Grea Pedal

    5

    submitted17 years ago

    byLemon

    fromIslip NY

    For a bassist who wants to get funky and who usally is short on money, this pedal is the way to go. It has some sick settings, and the sounds that come out are worthy of the greatest funk. For a guitarist, however, I would recommend a classic Cry Baby pedal, but for a bassist this is the wah pedal for you.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 months ago

    asked byArcher

    fromMiddlebury Indianna

    Hello, I'm trying to achieve the effect that Mick Thomson (Slipknot Guitarist) Uses on the intro to their song spit it out, I do believe this is pedal he used but I'm not sure, Would this work for that or do you have recommendations for a different pedal?

    Hello, I'm trying to achieve the effect that Mick Thomson (Slipknot Guitarist) Uses on the intro to their song spit it out, I do believe this is pedal he used but I'm not sure, Would this work for that or do you have recommendations for a different pedal?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Nope. Not really. The BOSS AW-3 is a dynamic/envelope wah—great for funk, auto-wah, and some quirky filter effects. Mick Thomson’s tone on “Spit It Out” is not wah-driven. It’s a tight, gated, high-gain, almost synthy-nasal metal riff. What You Actually Want (Pedalwise): High-Gain Distortion or Preamp Pedal Example: Boss HM-2 Waza Craft (if you want chainsaw metal tone with nasal mids). Friedman BE-OD (amp-like tight distortion). Mesa Throttle Box (modern scooped distortion). Noise Gate (a must for tight stops and starts). ISP Decimator II. Boss NS-2. Optional Extras: EQ Pedal to scoop mids and tighten low end. Compressor to clamp the dynamics hard. If you really want to go nuts: Digitech Whammy or a synth filter for experimentation.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byJosh

    fromAlexandria Va

    Is this a 9V AC powered pedal or a 9V DC?

    Is this a 9V AC powered pedal or a 9V DC?

    Open Reply - Gear-Advisor
    Thank you for your question. I will have a product specialist contact you .