We recently received the parts from GOTOH Japan. These include the tremolo arm and arm holder. The parts I am using are the same as those used in the GOTOH VS-100N Tremolo.
For those who tuned in late, see these posts for reference:
The E-Whammy : Center Stability
The E-Whammy : Center Stability Take Two
The E-Whammy Update
The E-Whammy Explained: What It Is (and Isn’t)
The E-Whammy: Evolution
Spring-less E-Whammy: Proof of Concept.
I also got a suitable prototype for the machined parts, including the mounting plate, shims, and the steel spring. Except for the steel spring, all machined parts are stainless steel and surface-treated with black electrophoresis. For the final product, I plan to use black chrome instead of black electrophoresis.
Most of you prefer black hardware (the GOTOH parts I ordered are in black chrome), but after thinking about it for some time, I suppose it is possible to also have it in chrome for the tremolo arm and arm holder, and buffed stainless steel for the machined parts. The steel spring is the exception; it really cannot be chrome-plated because constant deflection can weaken the plating with microcracks. So, that one has to be coated for corrosion resistance.
Basic
The basic E-Whammy outputs control voltage (0–5V CV) only. If you’re unfamiliar with working with CVs, it’s best to consult someone with electronics experience—ideally someone knowledgeable in converting CV to pitch bend or other controls, such as those in the modular synth community. I’ll cover this basic setup in more detail in a follow-up post.
If you own a Nexus GK with the MIDI module, the E-Whammy can be connected to channel 13, which is then translated to MIDI pitch bend and sent to the MIDI output jack at the back of the Nexus. The caveat is that you’ll get 10-bit resolution instead of MIDI’s native 14-bit for pitch bend, but it will still work. Alternatively, you can route the CV output to an unused jack at the back of the Nexus.
You can also install the E-Whammy in a guitar of your choice. Ideally, it should be connected to an active guitar—one that has a built-in battery-powered preamp. If you’re using a passive guitar instead, you’ll need to add a 9V battery to power the E-Whammy’s low-power analog circuit. In this setup, your guitar will have two separate outputs: one for the standard guitar signal and another for the E-Whammy’s CV output. You’ll need to use a TRS cable to carry both signals from the guitar.
Extensions
For experts only: we are developing an optional CV-to-expression-pedal converter. See the “Expression Input” section in my previous post: The E-Whammy Update. Again, if you are not familiar with how this works, get in touch with someone who has electronics skills, preferably from the modular synthesizer community. If done incorrectly, this may damage the device you are connecting it to.
For non-experts, there’s a strong likelihood that we will also develop a higher-resolution CV-to-MIDI module, possibly with Wi-Fi. This is a safer route, as everything is done via standard MIDI.
We expect to finish these around the same time as the basic (CV-only) E-Whammy. Prices to be determined.