Happy the one who is lucky enough to be the first. Every manufacturer dreams of it, only the fewest are granted it. We are talking about the creation of a true classic, whose product name Kleenex is directly linked to the name of the manufacturer. A small example, Plexi ... Rectifier ... TS-9 and also the Whammy pedal. Digitech probably would not have hoped for this in its wildest dreams 13 years ago, to establish a completely new effect of its time until today.
A large part of the ultimate success may have contributed Tom Morello's solo in the song "Killing In The Name", which with sounds beyond the guitar fretboard of its time caused many guitarists only incredulous head shaking at the exalted guitar work. A comparable effect had never been heard before on a guitar and accordingly hit like a bomb. In the meantime, DigiTech, a company belonging to the Harman Group, has brought version 5 of the Whammy pedal onto the market, and the product has once again improved on its predecessor in terms of quality and practicality.
Design
The pedal, classically designed in bright red, is manufactured in the USA and comes, as expected, in a very robust construction. The almost 1.5 kg weight is distributed on four rubber feet, which also show a very good "stickiness" on smooth surfaces. The product has a jack input and output plus a MIDI jack to control the Whammy remotely if necessary. The last jack to note is the input jack of the included power supply, battery operation is not possible.
The left-mounted expression pedal is not to be surpassed in stable construction. Solid sheet steel, clean workmanship and a circumferential rubber pad for the foot suggest a long durability. No matter how much heavy footwear is used, this rocker will not be smashed by anyone, unlike the plastic version of some competitors.
For the first time, a Whammy pedal comes with a true bypass switch, so it can also be placed before other effect pedals without the frequency response being affected too much due to a buffer function. Remember, first Whammy Pedal, then the distortion in the signal chain. Via an endless controller, you can choose between 20 different presets, which are conceptually divided into the Harmony, Whammy and Detune sections.
In the Whammy section, the delivered signal can be shifted selectively via pure fourth, pure fifth, 1 octave, 2 octaves up, respectively major second, pure fourth, pure fifth, 1 pure octave, respectively 2 pure octaves down. In the Harmony section intervals are added proportionally, alternatively 1 octave higher / 1 octave lower, fifth lower / fourth lower, fourth lower / third lower, fifth higher / seventh higher, fifth higher / sixth higher, fourth higher / fifth higher, third higher / fourth higher, minor third higher / major third higher and second higher / third higher. The expression pedal controls the proportion of the added interval in each case.
In Detune mode, you have a kind of mixable standing chorus, which is offered in two strengths (Shallow / Deep). In addition, you can choose between the modes "Classic" and "Chords" by means of a mini-switch. The "Classic" mode has been optimized for single notes, the "Chords" mode is self-explanatory for chords. If you ever have problems with the control path of the effect, you can recalibrate the Whammy pedal in no time. To do this, interrupt the power supply to the device and initiate it again while holding down the On/Off switch. Then a few targeted movements with the expression pedal and the control range is redefined.
Practice
The 5th generation or tradition obliges, whereby the verb obligate mostly refers to the area of improvement, respectively further development. One or the other will not be unjustified in asking what could be improved on the Whammy 5, or what its predecessors didn't have, but first things first.
The first thing that stands out is the excellent quality of the sound signal. The processor works tonally very well, generates the effect almost latency-free and also leaves the signal untouched in terms of formants over wide control ranges. It goes without saying that with 2 octaves of pitch, sound shifts occur at a certain point of the pitching, but this is also desired by the artist, or can be integrated into the performance / composition.
In terms of sound comparison to its predecessors, the Whammy 5 beats all its predecessors, as long as it is about a preferably coloration-free reproduction. For example, the pedal sounds almost too clean in direct comparison to the first-generation edition, with which Tom Morello recorded his huge hit, but in my opinion this is the much better option. Sonic "digital slobber" which still fed the first generations with plenty of artifacts in the signal, no longer occurs in this version.
In direct comparison, the two modes Classic and Chords differ in particular by a somewhat "smoother" operation in Chords mode, which reduces the unpleasant digital artifacts to a minimum. What I personally like very much are the Detune presets, which really create a very nice and at the same time independent chorus effect, very successful.
And the Whammy effect itself? Nomen est omen, that is, if you want Whammy, you need Digitech. The effect is the famous one-in-a-million thing, which can be identified in fractions of a second. Just the other day, as a member of the Guitar Fight Club jury, I was listening to various guitarists in an improv duel, where one of the musicians very tastefully integrated this pedal into his performance. The jury only looked at each other briefly and everyone knew which product it was, you can't do that with any other effect in such a short time.
Conclusion
The Whammy effect is one of the few outstanding effects that have made it to world fame in recent years due to their uniqueness. Nothing compares, unless it is a Whammy copy. The recognition value is immense, the signal quality excellent, the processing exemplary.
Intelligently integrated into the tonal context, the Whammy pedal enables unique effects that let the electric guitar advance in terms of expression into regions of a synthesizer, but without losing its guitaristic approach and expression. Traditional as well as experimental sounds can be easily realized without the need to use mechanical aids such as vibrato systems or neck bending. If you want a whammy effect, you can't go past Digitech.
Additional Informations:
- Digitech Pedals is a renowned music gear manufacturer that specializes in the production of pedals for guitarists, bassists, and other musicians. The company was founded in 1984 and has been at the forefront of the industry ever since. With its wide range of innovative products, Digitech has become a household name among musicians worldwide.
The company's product lineup is vast, including everything from distortion and overdrive pedals to multi-effects processors and loopers. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Digitech has something for everyone. Their products are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, versatility, and ease of use.
Digitech's commitment to innovation is evident in its products, with each new release featuring groundbreaking technology that sets the standard for the industry. For example, their Whammy pedal, which was first released in 1989, is still considered one of the most innovative pitch-shifting effects pedals on the market.
Another standout product is the Trio band creator pedal, which was released in 2014. This pedal allows guitarists to create complete backing tracks by simply playing chords. The pedal uses advanced algorithms to analyze the chords and create realistic bass and drum parts in real-time, giving guitarists the ability to play along with a full band.
In addition to its innovative products, Digitech is also committed to providing excellent customer service. The company has a dedicated support team that can help customers with any questions or issues they may have. Additionally, Digitech offers a 1-year warranty on all of its products, giving customers peace of mind knowing that they are buying a quality product that is backed by the manufacturer.
Digitech's products are used by a wide range of musicians, from bedroom guitarists to professional touring musicians. Some notable artists who use Digitech pedals include David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and John Mayer, among many others.
Overall, Digitech Pedals is a company that is dedicated to providing musicians with innovative and high-quality products that inspire creativity and musical expression. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Digitech has something for everyone, and their commitment to customer satisfaction makes them a top choice for musicians worldwide.
- Digitech’s Whammy Pedal is one of the most iconic and innovative pitch-shifting effects pedals on the market. It was first released in 1989 and has since become a go-to pedal for guitarists looking to create unique and experimental sounds.
The Whammy Pedal is a pitch-shifting pedal that allows guitarists to change the pitch of their notes by up to two octaves up or down. This can be done in real-time, allowing guitarists to create incredible sounds on the fly. The pedal is also capable of creating other effects such as detuning, harmonizing, and vibrato.
One of the most notable features of the Whammy Pedal is its "Whammy Bar" mode. In this mode, the pedal acts like a tremolo arm on a guitar, allowing guitarists to create pitch-bending effects by simply pressing down on the pedal. This mode has become a staple for many guitarists and has been used in countless songs and recordings.
Another notable feature of the Whammy Pedal is its "Dive Bomb" effect. This effect allows guitarists to create a dramatic and powerful sound by quickly dropping the pitch of their notes. This effect has been used by many guitarists, including Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Eddie Van Halen.
Over the years, the Whammy Pedal has gone through several updates and revisions. The most recent version, the Whammy 5, features new modes and improved sound quality. It also includes MIDI input and output, making it easier to integrate into complex guitar rigs and recording setups.
The Whammy Pedal has been used by countless guitarists over the years, including Steve Vai, Tom Morello, Jack White, and many others. Its unique and innovative sound has made it a staple of many genres, including rock, metal, and alternative music.
In conclusion, Digitech's Whammy Pedal is a groundbreaking and innovative pitch-shifting effects pedal that has been a go-to for guitarists for over 30 years. Its unique features and sound have made it a staple for many guitarists, and its continued updates and revisions ensure that it remains relevant and useful in today's music industry. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Whammy Pedal is a must-have for any guitarist looking to create unique and experimental sounds.
- Tom Morello is an American musician, best known for his work as the guitarist for the rock bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of his generation, and his unique playing style has had a significant impact on the world of rock music.
Morello was born on May 30, 1964, in Harlem, New York City. He grew up in a politically active family and was heavily influenced by the social and political issues of the time. He began playing guitar at the age of 17 and quickly developed his own unique style, incorporating elements of heavy metal, punk rock, and hip-hop.
In the late 1980s, Morello moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He quickly established himself as a talented guitarist and began playing in various bands around the city. In 1991, he formed the band Rage Against the Machine with singer Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk.
Rage Against the Machine's self-titled debut album was released in 1992 and quickly became a critical and commercial success. The album's politically charged lyrics and innovative sound, which combined elements of heavy metal, punk rock, and hip-hop, helped to establish the band as a major force in the world of rock music.
Morello's playing style on the album was particularly notable, as he utilized a range of unique techniques to create his distinctive sound. These included heavy use of effects pedals, alternate tunings, and unconventional playing techniques such as tapping and scratching.
In addition to his work with Rage Against the Machine, Morello has also played with other notable musicians over the years. In 2001, he formed the band Audioslave with former members of Soundgarden, and the band released three albums before disbanding in 2007. Morello has also played as a solo artist, releasing several albums under his own name.
Throughout his career, Morello has been known for his political activism and his commitment to social justice. He has been involved in various political causes over the years, including labor rights, environmentalism, and anti-racism. He has also been a vocal critic of the policies of the U.S. government, particularly in the areas of foreign policy and civil liberties.
In recognition of his contributions to music and activism, Morello has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. He has been named one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with Rage Against the Machine and once with Audioslave.
In conclusion, Tom Morello is an iconic and influential guitarist who has had a significant impact on the world of rock music. His unique playing style, political activism, and commitment to social justice have made him a revered figure among music fans and activists alike.
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