The Digitech Whammy

[ParkAvenger]

I really want a Digitech Whammy. I have a few different options and would like your advice. Should I:

• Scrounge around on Ebay for a Whammy I or II
• Buy the new MIDI-based Whammy IV
• Acquire a schematic for the Whammy I or II and try to build it

The Digitech website says that one can get schematics for discontinued pedals for $10. Should I go this route, or would it be too difficult/expensive to build? Or is the new Divebomb effect on the Whammy IV reissue worth the extra bucks? I'm interested to know what you guys recommend. Thanks!

EDIT: Once again, if this is in the wrong section, whoops. Sorry.

[The Tone God]

A schematic would be useless without the software to run it. They won't be giving that out.

Andrew

[Dave_B]

Someone correct me, but I've heard the Whammy II is not the one to get.  If I remember right, it's largely made of plastic. 

I've got a Whammy 4 and I'm happy with it, but I've never played through an original model either.

[blanik]

i have a whammy II, it's actually the same chip as the original whammy but they put a bad preamp with adjustable volume in it and the volume is very sensitive (difficult) to adjust properly, making the tracking more prone to skids (it can actually be interesting depending on the part being played) putting it after the distortion helps a lot...

what make it interesting in the casing! lol
the pedal is made of metal except both sides wich a stylized plastic but the sides are just plugs to close both side... the pedal being a folded sheet (thicker than the EHX casings)
the interesting part is the size (a lot smaller than the usual Whammy so less real estate in your pedal board) and the fact that you can switch through the setting with the foot switches (it's got two switches, bypass and select) a cool effect to do is letting go a feedback or sustaining note and shuffleing throught the settings following some rhythmic pattern... perty kewl 

R.

[ParkAvenger]

Yeah, Buckethead uses the Whammy II, and he's the one who really made me want it (although Gilmour certainly helped  )

But Tone God, I thought that the Whammies I and II were analog, and that the distinguishing feature of the IV was its digital-ness? Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if I were completely and crushingly wrong.

Also, if anyone has used the Whammy XP-100, can you verify that it is indeed total trash compared to the other Whammies (this is what I've read)? It sure sells cheaper... 

[jonathan perez]

ive got a wh-1, im a big morello fan...i cant push it enough. the sweep is much more smooth than the whammy 4, and the detune settings do it WAAAY better on the wh-1. BUT! thats not saying that the wh-4 isnt worth the money. give it a shot, for like 150 used on ebay.

otherwise, youre looking at close to 600 smackers...

[SolderBoy]

I'm happy with my IV.  The midi interface is fantastic.  I use a sequencer to change the pedal position - instant arpeggiator!  very cool.

[Stompin Tom]

$600!!?? Man, I'm kicking myself... I had the first one and never used it. Then the foot controller started acting weird, so I just gave it to my friend who thought he might be able to fix it... this was so very long ago. I could probably fix it now.

[jonathan perez]

GET IT BACK! haha

[ParkAvenger]

...and then give it to me. Can I be your new friend?   

[Stompin Tom]

I don't think you understand. I had that thing in high school. I gave it to my friend at least 8 years ago. I hardly talk to the dude anymore either... of course, maybe this is a good reason to get back in touch!

[blanik]

maybe he sold it on ebay for 600$