DigiTech Whammy WH-1

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$214.95 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (15)

3 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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DigiTech WH-5 Whammy V

$185.05 - $319.99

5.0 (182)

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43 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (12)

$214.95 10 available Used

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Average Price: $215

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals category, DigiTech Whammy WH-1 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Introducing the DigiTech Whammy WH-1, the genesis of whammy pedals that redefined guitar sounds with its innovative design. This classic piece of gear offers experimental musicians a unique way to manipulate their sound. From two octave up/down Whammy option to a detune section, the WH-1 delivers a range of distinctive effects. Its Harmony octave capability further expands the tonal palette, making it a highly versatile tool for all guitarists. With a responsive shifting power, this pedal lets you shape your sound with precision and ease. Iconic artists like Tom Morello, Jack White, and Joe Satriani have harnessed the power of the WH-1, earning it the status of a '90s holy grail pedal and a crown jewel in any collection.

Key Features:

Two octave up/down Whammy option for powerful pitch shifting
Detune section for subtle pitch modifications
Harmony octave capability for expanded tonal range
Responsive shifting power for precise sound manipulation
Used by iconic musicians, testifying to its quality and versatility
Produced from 1989 - 1993 (1997 Limited Japan Only)

Owner's manual

DigiTech Whammy WH-1 User Manual

Product specs

Brand	DigiTech
Model	Whammy WH-1
Finish	Red
Year	1990s
Made In	United States
Categories	Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals

FAQs

What is the primary function of the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 pedal?: The DigiTech Whammy WH-1 is a pitch-shifting pedal that allows guitarists to raise or lower the pitch of their instrument by up to two octaves, controlled via an expression pedal.
How does the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 affect guitar tone?: The Whammy WH-1 can dramatically alter your guitar's tone by shifting pitches for creative harmonies, solos, and effects, making it popular for experimental and expressive guitar playing.
Is the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 is widely used in live performances for its reliable pitch-shifting capabilities and expressive control, favored by many professional guitarists.
Can the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 be powered with a standard 9V power supply?: The DigiTech Whammy WH-1 requires a specific power supply due to its unique voltage requirements, so it's important to use the correct adapter to ensure proper operation.
Does the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 work well with bass guitars?: While primarily designed for electric guitars, the DigiTech Whammy WH-1 can be used with bass guitars to achieve unique pitch-shifting effects, although results may vary based on the instrument's frequency range.

Videos

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shnobel

Vintage Boss Octave OC-2 vs Digitech Whammy WH1

shnobel

Digitech Whammy WH1

shnobel

Digitech Whammy 5 vs WH-1

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Digitech Whammy WH-1

Uoki Toki

Digitech Whammy WH-1

Vintage Stompboxes

Digitech Whammy 4 vs WH1

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Digitech Whammy WH-1

Pedal Science

Digitech Whammy WH-1 - BEST PEDAL OF ALL TIME - Pitch Shifting Awesomeness

Dogshark Guitar Players Society

Digitech Whammy Pedal Wh1, 30 years of awesomeness

Mark London

Killing in the Name Of solo cover using my Mk1 Digitech WH-1 Whammy pedal

Phil Currie

Reviews

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PROS

Original version offers superior, more analog sound
Clean output with no artifacts
Offers unique detune effect with a chorus-like quality
Compact and resilient design
Can produce unique harmony glitches for creative use
Versatile, used by iconic artists like Radiohead and Rage Against the Machine
Essential for creating distinctive sounds, including pterodactyl noises

CONS

Pricey compared to other effects pedals
Does not track as well as newer versions, particularly on complex chords
Limited artist use of the detune feature, suggesting niche appeal

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DigiTech Whammy WH-1.

Use cases and applications

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Users have found the WH-1 effective for adding rhythmic effects, especially by applying a +1 octave on open strings for a percussive feel.
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It's noted that the WH-1 can be used effectively in a style similar to Tom Morello, focusing on rhythmic rather than melodic applications.
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The WH-1 can enhance single-string lines by adding harmonies like a 4th or 3rd interval, broadening its application for creative playing.
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When paired with a non-octave fuzz like the Big Muff, the WH-1's dynamic pitch-shifting enhances solos with instant sound transformation.
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Using the WH-1 for dive bombs in solos can add dramatic transitions between notes, especially effective with a lot of delay.
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The WH-1 can be used for a shallow detune effect to mimic a Univibe, or for octave-down settings to achieve a Boss OC-2 vibe.
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Value and pricing

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A WH-1 can be a valuable find, as some users report selling them for four times their original purchase price due to demand and collectibility.
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Build quality

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It's mentioned that the WH-1 is the smallest version available, making it a top choice for those needing to save pedalboard space.
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Comparisons

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Some users who have tried newer Whammy versions, such as the v5, find the WH-1's lo-fi glitchiness uniquely appealing despite better tracking in later models.
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The WH-1 is physically smaller than later iterations, which may appeal to those with limited pedalboard space.
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Users find the WH-1's artifacts warmer and more familiar compared to newer models, retaining a stripped-down mojo.
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The WH-1 has a broader setting range than the Whammy 2 and is favored for its warmer artifacts not found in later versions.
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User experience

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Owners note that despite its age, a well-maintained WH-1 can still function effectively, even surpassing newer, more expensive models in terms of sound preference.
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Unlike a wah pedal, users do not instinctively mimic the WH-1's sounds with mouth movements, indicating a unique interaction during play.
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Setup and maintenance

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The WH-1 is often found requiring minor repairs, like fixing electronics, which can be done affordably with minimal parts and time investment.
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Features and functionality

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The WH-1's octave up setting has unique tracking quirks that create delightful, glitchy artifacts, especially noticeable on higher notes.
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The original power adapter is crucial for optimal performance of the WH-1, as noted by several users, suggesting it may not function well with generic adapters.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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cammojodragon

659

almost 10 years ago

Everything you've heard from RATM and more

The detune feature on these pedals is what really makes it magic for me, but I couldn't name you many (if any) artists who use it widly; the shallow detune is effectively a chorus-y modulation that sounds pretty fantastic, on top of everything else you already know the WH-1 is famous for. Nothing to complain about really; these things are pricey, but if you dig the effect there's nowhere better to turn!