On most guitars, installing a traditional vibrato is a task ranging from difficult to impossible. And even done right, mechanical vibratos impact tuning stability and increase wear on nuts and saddles.

The Virtual Jeff PRO digital whammy changes all that. A kit that comes complete with the whammy bar and mount, foot controller, radio transmitter, power supply, and cable. Installation is as simple as selecting a position behind the bridge that will not interfere with the arm’s movement and sticking the mounting plate in place with the double-sided adhesive foam pads.

The Virtual Jeff PRO offers two switchable ranges that can be pre-selected in one-semi-tone increments from one octave above to two octaves below original pitch. The Blend function adjusts the balance of the original note with the pitch-shifted tone, so a subtle movement of the vibrato arm produces a soft chorus effect while greater movement yields a convincing Uni-Vibe sound. Combining the Blend and Hold functions generates a range of chorus effects, and harmonies are precise using the Blend and Virtual Capo together. Twelve-string, Octavia, and sub-octaves are no problem.

The musically liquid quality of the notes, combined with the large number of other effects available with the Virtual Jeff PRO and the impossibility of it affecting tuning, makes bypassing, disabling, or completely removing an existing mechanical vibrato from a guitar a serious option.

This article originally appeared in VG’s April 2022 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.