Product Review

Digitech's long running Whammy series of pitch shifting pedals has been a huge hit for them over the years. Starting with the release of the original 12 bit WH-1 Whammy back in 1989, the focus has been on monophonic pitch shifting. While stunningly impressive in its day, the limitations of the technology of the era meant rather glitchy tracking and pitch shifting, especially on lower notes. In the years since, it has become possible to do considerably more in terms of complex pitch processing, but the quirkiness of the original WH-1 Whammy has remained popular with many players. The latest, 5th generation Whammy promises improved tracking and 24 bit fidelity as well as polyphonic capability so you can use it when playing chords. It also retains the ability to recreate the original mono 12 bit tones of the WH-1, complete with glitches and miscellaneous and somewhat unpredictable chaos when you try to use it with chords. Can you really get both in one pedal?