1975 DeArmond Model 1800 Wa-Wa/Volume Pedal

This was a nice find on eBay. Pedal is in remarkable condition, especially since it is almost 40 years old. All original and works great. Only issues I found was it needed a new 9-volt battery clip which is a $1 part and a 2 minute fix. These pedals are built like a tank and probably why they lasted so long. Came with the original box and paperwork. Has volume and Wa functions and is a larger pedal for today’s standards. But I would have no issue using this as my main wah-wah/volume pedal.

1975 DeArmond Model 1800 Wa-Wa/Volume Pedal (Wa-Wa as they called it) is a bit of a sleeper for a vintage pedal. The circuit is based on the original Maestro Boomerang pedal even including the same 25K potentiometer and an El-Rad 500mH inductor. DeArmond made some parts for the Boomerangs that were manufactured by All Test Devices under the Maestro brand, which was a subsidiary of Gibson, in the 1970s this should not be too big a surprise.

These Wa-Wa pedals using this circuit along with the rare El-Rad inductor do not sound the same as the Vox Cry-Baby Wah-Wah. The Maestro Boomerang is most famous for being the Wah-Wah used on the original Shaft (1971) recording. Probably one of the most definitive recordings utilizing a Wah pedal. That sexy, slink and smooth sound is instantly identifiable, was played soulfully by Stax Records session guitarist Charlie “Skip” Pitts. On my recent visit to Stax in Memphis this recording was highlighted and they have the original Maestro Boomerang Wah that was used on display. We also visited Isaac Hayes grave to pay our respects.

Charles “Skip” Pitts (April 7, 1947 – May 1, 2012) was an American soul and blues guitarist. He is best known for his distinctive “wah-wah” style, prominently featured on Isaac Hayes’ title track from the 1971 movie Shaft. He is widely considered to have been one of the architects of soul, R&B and funk guitar.

The El-Rad inductor is a bit rare and not used in any other Wah effects pedals. The combination with the 25K potentiometer are a big part of the smooth sound these Wah pedals and makes them different than a Cry-Baby. The 1800 Wah pedal was made in early ’70s to mid ’70s and use a modified Maestro Boomerang circuit.

The 1970s DeArmond Model 1800 is a collectable effect, but sells for less money than an original Maestro Boomerang and you can probably thank Shaft for this.