In a Nutshell – Whammy

The world of effects is a vast and complex one, a world that remains a mystery to many but that we guitarists must master if we are to find our own sound. From wah to reverb, from flange to delay... the possibilities are endless, and this complexity is compounded with each additional link in the chain. Effects are available in many guises today, with rack-mounted devices and software on our computers; however, we will concentrate on good old fashioned pedals.

This month we'll take a look at the 'Whammy', which is in a ballpark pretty much on its own but the capabilities of this pedal make it a distinctive addition to any pedalboard, and a pedal that you'll find under the feet of your heroes.


The Science
The DigiTech Whammy is a treadle operated pitch shifter and harmony pedal. It allows the user to select from a number of preset harmonies to add to the notes played with thirds, fifths and so on, as well as the more extreme 'Whammy' effects that see notes soar to 2 octaves up, divebomb 3 octaves down, detune, drop tune... this pedal has a great deal of possible uses.

The current version Whammy WH-4 has the following presets:

Harmony effects:
One octave down - one octave up
Fifth down - Fourth down
Fourth down - third down
Fifth up - seventh up
Fifth up - sixth up
Fourth up - fifth up
Third up - fourth up
Minor third up - third up
Second up - third up


Detune effects
Shallow
Deep


Whammy effects
Two octaves up
One octave up
One octave down
Two octaves down
Dive bomb - three octaves down
Drop tune - two semi-tones down


In Use
The Whammy harmony effects add the specified harmony note to the note you are playing, so it's almost as good as having another guitarist, possibly even better as there should be fewer arguments! Using 'second up, third up' as an example – once the preset is selected rocking the pedal 'toe up' will add a note a second above the note played, and rocking it 'toe down' will add a note a third above. Rocking the pedal back and forth will bend the harmony note in between the two.

The 'Whammy' settings bend the note played as defined by the preset selected – Up or down by multiple octaves. These are the functions that the Whammy is best known for, responsible for the other-worldly guitar lines of many well known tracks. David Gilmour's playing on 'Marooned' is a good showcase for the Whammy, as are many tracks by virtuosos Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. The double octave up setting is one I use a fair bit, and rocking the pedal back and forth while playing can create some dynamic and interesting soundscapes. The divebomb option is also there, allowing anyone with a fixed bridge to pretend they've got a Floyd-equipped Ibanez.


Products
Well, a Whammy is a Whammy so for the full suite of functions a DigiTech Whammy WH-4 is what you'll need. For purists, the WH-1 original is available on the used market, but prices can be frightening and I can't tell the difference.

For harmony effects alone – adding thirds, fourths and so on a number of alternatives exist. The BOSS harmoniser HR series are good harmony pedals, but require a modest amount of theory knowledge to select the key you're playing in and intervals you want. The BOSS PS-5 pitch shifter is a smaller and cheaper unit, and may be worth a look if size and cost are the priority. The standout offering for harmony again comes from DigiTech in the form of the Harmony Man HM2. The HM2 is a little more limited in terms of the intervals you can select for harmony lines, but has the huge advantage that it calculates the key you are playing in and sorts out the harmony for you. If your grasp of music theory is limited, or you just don't feel like having to think, the HM2 will take care of it all for you and create a two-part harmony for your lead line.

The Digitech Whammy WH-4 retails for £149.99 or $199.99. At the time of writing, there is one WH-1 listed on a well known online auction site at $1200...! The HM2 for harmony only functions retails at $199/£199 with the two BOSS pedals mentioned at $149/£99.

So that's Whammy in a nutshell... until next time, happy harmonising...