NAMM is packed with synths, guitars, saxophones, etc. But I promise you right now, the Dimension Trigger from Casio is the only floor-standing wireless expression controller that is operated with the guitar strap.
The concept is simple. It's an expression pedal. Just not in pedal form. We've now seen expression controllers in all sorts of shapes and sizes: attenuators, rollers, even lasers. The Dimension Tripper does the same thing, except instead of moving a pedal back and forth with your foot or sliding a fader back and forth with your hand, it pulls down on the guitar.
The system has two parts. The transmitter goes between the end of the strap and the guitar strap button. One end is retractable and when you stretch it, it sends information via Bluetooth to the receiver. Under ideal conditions, there is about 20 ms of delay, but even in the NAMM room, with all the interference, it was barely noticeable.
The receiver is a relatively standard looking box that sits on the pedalboard and connects to the target pedal. A row of lights in the middle gives you visual feedback as you extend the sensor on the transmitter.
However, the two parts are a little bulkier than I expected. The receiver has two foot switches and is basically the size of a standard guitar pedal. The transmitter measures almost 5 inches long and 1 inch thick. You will notice this when playing and will have to shorten the strap significantly.
Other than that, it works like any other expression controller. You can use it for energetic wah wah effects, or gentle volume increases, or to increase the weirdness of a ring modulator. It can even be used in place of a footswitch to turn the effect on and off. So you could pull hard at the beginning of the chorus to activate an overdrive.
The concept is definitely effective. But I have to admit, it's fun and it actually feels kind of natural. Most musicians move the guitar around a bit anyway, and this seemed like an extension of that. I had to be a little more emphatic and move with more conviction than normal, but I adapted pretty quickly. It is practical? Probably not. But kudos to Casio for trying something different.
What's unclear is whether or not this will become an actual retail product. Casio is currently running a crowdfunding campaign where you back the Dimension Tripper for 32,736 yen, or about $221. However, it's still up in the air whether the wireless expression controller has a life beyond that.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/casios-dimension-tripper-lets-you-control-your-guitar-pedals-with-your-guitar-strap-200039380.html?src=rss
