Any Kahler Trem users?

[Brow]

Hey guys.

I've got a new guitar incoming and it has a USA Kahler Flyer tremolo system on it, which I've got no experience with.

I just wondered if any Kahler trem users could give me any tips or pointers at all? Especially as I'll need to up the string gauge to 10s pretty much straight away so any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Craig.

 

[Securb]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

I have a Kahler hybrid 7200 Tremolo that I love on my Ibanez shred machine. I have .09s on the Iceman and I have had no problems with it. The trem is very low maintenance that is why I prefer Kahler. It is also very easy to change the strings. I would suggest locking tuners if you do not have them yet.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

I'm a recent convert. I love 'em - best vibrato I've ever used...though I have not owned a guitar with the Flyer model.

10's should no problem, especially if you use Fender Bullets. You can even go with bigger strings if you replace the lower string hook/s with the wide-channel ones as required and get high-tension springs.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

The Flyer is the budget version of the flatmount Kahler vibrato bridge. The spring cavity is the same but the baseplate is a slightly different outline. The most significant difference is the saddles. The Flyer saddles are not so adjustable. Less important, the Flyer is not drilled to accept as many arms and/or palm pedal attachments.

My favourite thing about the Kahler cam vibrato system was always that applying the arm did not lift the bridge assembly and strings away from the pickups. (Especially important for MIDI Guitar applications!)

 

[Securb]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

I read the question wrong, sorry. I have had the Ibanez setup for 10s also with no issues. You are going to love this trem.

 

[Brow]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

Thanks for the info guys.

I've dealt with 2 and 6 point Fender bridges and Floyd Roses before but have never seen or used a Kahler before so thought I'd ask.

How do they change the tonality of the guitar compared to say a Floyd Rose?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

The baseplate of a Kahler flatmount is fastened down onto the top of the guitar body. Plenty of physical contact compared to the two pivot points of a floating vibrato. Fewer metallic overtones.

Also, if the Kahler installation is original, there will be none of the rear of the guitar sacrificed to housing tension springs and a claw adjuster.

None of this is to say that either system is perfect.

 

[Brow]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

The baseplate of a Kahler flatmount is fastened down onto the top of the guitar body. Plenty of physical contact compared to the two pivot points of a floating vibrato. Fewer metallic overtones.

Also, if the Kahler installation is original, there will be none of the rear of the guitar sacrificed to housing tension springs and a claw adjuster.

None of this is to say that either system is perfect.

Thanks for the info.

The guitar has been modified to take the Kahler and from the front/top it looks alright. I haven't seen the back though.

The seller says the guitar is perfectly playable and even if it is a bit of a mess on the back, it only cost £112

 

[DankStar]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

I want a G&L that has a kahler, does that count?

 

[Brow]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

I want a G&L that has a kahler, does that count?

Guess so

 

[Securb]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

How do they change the tonality of the guitar compared to say a Floyd Rose?

I get tons of sustain that being said I use mine with a SD Dimebucker/Jazz setup and 1 meg pots. I took my Ibanez into my local music store and the guitar was passed around like a drunk girl at a frat party. Everyone on the staff including the guitar teacher were blown away by the tone and sustain. They also loved the action of the Kahler, there were a couple of Floyd converts that day.

I will say pay attention to the rollers when you change strings. When I bought the Ibanez there was a Kahler clone on it and the rollers were frozen from corrosion. Make sure you use a little oil on the moving parts.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

Make sure you use a little oil on the moving parts.

Yes. To excerpt from Kahler's literature: "Be sure to oil the roller/saddles...every two months. We suggest simple '3 in 1' household oil."

I prefer lock lubricant, which is basically similar to 3-in-1, but with graphite in it. It works better and lasts longer IME. Even better than that is Neo-Lube No. 2. No oil – just the graphite suspended in a jelly-like alcohol that quickly evaporates. The application is much more precise and less messy, because the stuff is not thin and runny. But you can't just walk into any store and find it like you can with lock lubricant.

 

[Brow]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

I get tons of sustain that being said I use mine with a SD Dimebucker/Jazz setup and 1 meg pots. I took my Ibanez into my local music store and the guitar was passed around like a drunk girl at a frat party. Everyone on the staff including the guitar teacher were blown away by the tone and sustain. They also loved the action of the Kahler, there were a couple of Floyd converts that day.

I will say pay attention to the rollers when you change strings. When I bought the Ibanez there was a Kahler clone on it and the rollers were frozen from corrosion. Make sure you use a little oil on the moving parts.

Yes. To excerpt from Kahler's literature: "Be sure to oil the roller/saddles...every two months. We suggest simple '3 in 1' household oil."

I prefer lock lubricant, which is basically similar to 3-in-1, but with graphite in it. It works better and lasts longer IME. Even better than that is Neo-Lube No. 2. No oil – just the graphite suspended in a jelly-like alcohol that quickly evaporates. The application is much more precise and less messy, because the stuff is not thin and runny. But you can't just walk into any store and find it like you can with lock lubricant.

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it.

I've also come across a website with some good info and some 'how to' guides on it.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

Google for Wammi World. That guy carries all manner of spare parts for Kahler vibrato systems, old and new.

 

[Brow]

Re: Any Kahler Trem users?

Google for Wammi World. That guy carries all manner of spare parts for Kahler vibrato systems, old and new.

Thanks FF.

Just remembered I need to PM you, I'll do that now!