Tone Report Weekly Issue 125 | Page 15

THERE ARE FEW GUITAR EFFECTS THAT CAN BE SO READILY IDENTIFIED BY EAR AS THE DIGITECH WHAMMY. Even to casual listeners, its sound is so unique that it is rather difficult to ever mistake it for something else. Besides just the sound, the Whammy’s functionality and ease of manipulation practically beg the user to abuse it in dramatic fashion, further lending to its reputation and idiosyncratic sonic signature. All of this adds up to making the DigiTech Whammy one of the most iconic and recognizable pedals in the entire pantheon of guitar effects.  The Whammy’s massive popularity stems partially from its unique sound and interactivity, and also from the fact that it has been prominently featured in the work of many well-known artists over the years, even making it into a number of genuine hit songs. Some of these artists are only occasional Whammy users, but a select handful are truly masterful manipulators of this distinctive effect. These Whammy masters can play the pedal as if it were an instrument itself, making it talk, sing, bomb, and barf with remarkable expressiveness and real musicality. Here are a few of my favorite masters of the Whammy pedal. ToneReport.com 15