I designed the E-Whammy to address the issues with traditional whammy bars—tuning instability and clunky designs. I wanted a better way to modulate pitch without relying on old-school solutions. It’s been a journey of trial and error.
The E-Whammy is an electronic vibrato system that uses a Hall-effect sensor to detect movement and translate it into MIDI pitch bend messages, offering precise pitch control without the mechanical complexity of traditional whammy bars. Initially, we used coil springs to replicate the feel of a traditional bar. It worked, but I wanted something simpler and even less clunky. I am a fan of the KISS principle.
In August 2024, we introduced a “spring-less” version. On paper, it seemed promising: fewer moving parts meant fewer potential issues. But we still needed something to provide resistance and return-to-center action. We used polycarbonate, known for toughness and flexibility, as a spring. It worked, but it couldn’t handle continuous stress, especially with heavy use. I needed a material that offered the feel of a traditional whammy bar without wearing out. The obvious material, as many people noted, is spring steel. It has the perfect combination of strength and flexibility for this purpose.
I think we’ve nailed it with spring steel in the latest version. The response is sturdy, reliable, and provides smooth return-to-center action—essential for pitch modulation. The design remains low-profile, and the added resilience makes it more robust. I wouldn’t call it “spring-less” anymore, as I initially did—incorrectly. It has evolved naturally, and I’m delighted with the result. I think this one is ready to go!
