Floyd Rose Saddles

[Hsb]

Well, we have all heard stories of how inferior the Floyd Rose Specials are compared to the OFR. Well, one of the saddles on my FRS on my LTD M-400 failed today while I was changing strings. Saddle on the high E stripped out.

Can I put OFR saddles on the FRS or am I better ponying up and getting an OFR to replace it with. Have a feeling that that one saddle failed, the others will soon be not far behind.

When I replace it, any recommedations, I know of the OFR, saw Gotoh had something similar.

Just hate spending that much on an OFR when that is almost half of what I paid for the guitar a cpl yrs ago. Really dont want to stick another FRS in it unless I end up getting rid of it.

 

[nexion218]

Plug'n'play. Did it to a Special myself, worked like a charm. In fact, if you slap a brass sustain block underneath it, you'll basically have a German equivalent FR, because the baseplate is the same material on the Specials too. And DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN! Sorry if you knew this, but many people tighten Gloyd screws like their life depended on it...

 

[Mr. 80's]

If it were me I'd just get a set of the 1,000 series saddles and a 1,000 series block (nickle plated brass) as well directly from Floyd Rose.. The baseplates are fine on the FR Specials, it's the saddles and block that are the weak point price cuts. Probably wouldn't hurt to get a new set of string lock bolts as well.

https://floydrose.com/collections/parts/1000-Series

 

[nexion218]

Hah, I though the 1000 series are only available as OEM parts. In that case, that's the way to go! The only difference will be that the German saddles are a bit more rounded on the edges, but same material, less coin.

 

[Mr. 80's]

Hah, I though the 1000 series are only available as OEM parts. In that case, that's the way to go! The only difference will be that the German saddles are a bit more rounded on the edges, but same material, less coin.

As a whole they are only OEM on guitars or used but they sell all the parts too build one from scratch brand new.

 

[Hsb]

Looks like the 1000 series saddles in black are all out of stock everywhere. Think Im planning on getting the OFR saddles, string blocks and a new brass block to replace the FRS block. What is the preferred size brass block?

Def wasnt what I was hoping to do with some of my play money but guess better than replacing the entire trem.

 

[Mr. 80's]

Me personaly would just get the 1,000 series block. It is made out of solid brass and then nickle plated. I'm not a fan of fat blocks or L blocks at all. There should be a block size number on the block you have and I would just get a new one of the same size.

 

[Hsb]

Thank ya sir, first "real" FR, previously had a Lo Pro on an old Ibanez RF570, which never gave an issue at all.

 

[Ashurbanipal]

I'd slap in a Gotoh GE1996T and call it a day (you can get one for $120-130). A whole set of German OFR saddles and a brass block will probably cost almost as much.

 

[nexion218]

I'd slap in a Gotoh GE1996T and call it a day (you can get one for $120-130). A whole set of German OFR saddles and a brass block will probably cost almost as much.

Yeah, that' a great option too. Though I vaguely recall some size differences between the Gotoh and OFR pivot studs/bushings. But it might not make a difference given that only one of the knives is curled on the Gotoh the other is straight.

 

[Hsb]

I did find the Gotoh mentioned about for the same price as I found the saddles, string blocks and a new 1000 series brass block. I think it is a $1 difference between the entire Gotoh and the parts.

Is there an issue using the studs that are already installed or will I have to pull those and install the Gotoh studs?

 

[nexion218]

I did find the Gotoh mentioned about for the same price as I found the saddles, string blocks and a new 1000 series brass block. I think it is a $1 difference between the entire Gotoh and the parts.

Is there an issue using the studs that are already installed or will I have to pull those and install the Gotoh studs?

Shouldn't be due to the straight upper knife on the Gotoh. But I can imagine that only a slight mismatch of the pivot point on the other knife causing it to be a bit "unprecise". I'm just brainstorming though, never done this kind of swap, hopefully a pro or more experienced forumite will chime in... Changing the studs could be a PITA, the Gotoh has the bigger bushing and stud, so a drill might be needed too. But again, I'm just making educated guesses here, not based on experience.

 

[Benjy_26]

As something of a FR noob, this thread is a goldmine of info. Thanks, gents!

 

[nexion218]

As something of a FR noob, this thread is a goldmine of info. Thanks, gents!

It is a perversion of mine to try and convince/educate people that Floyds are not as awful and finnicky as many percieve it to be...

 

[Benjy_26]

It is a perversion of mine to try and convince/educate people that Floyds are not as awful and finnicky as many percieve it to be...

I'll get into Floyds before I seriously mess with Vibrolas.

 

[Hsb]

I def appreciare the assist here.

 

[Mr. 80's]

I can't see any reason to swap out the studs. IMHO they will perform in the exact same manner. To be honest though I'd stick with the Floyd and pass on the Gotoh.

 

[AdrianSD]

I did find the Gotoh mentioned about for the same price as I found the saddles, string blocks and a new 1000 series brass block. I think it is a $1 difference between the entire Gotoh and the parts.

Is there an issue using the studs that are already installed or will I have to pull those and install the Gotoh studs?

I've installed the 1996T in 2 of my guitars, very good stuff, no regrets. You may want to install the Gotoh studs, they're thicker and longer, you need the right drill bit and a bit of patience.

 

[Benjy_26]

I can't see any reason to swap out the studs. IMHO they will perform in the exact same manner. To be honest though I'd stick with the Floyd and pass on the Gotoh.

Any reason to pass on Gotoh?

I've used Gotoh for decades and have always found their stuff to be pretty darned good.

 

[Mr. 80's]

Any reason to pass on Gotoh?

I've used Gotoh for decades and have always found their stuff to be pretty darned good.

Nothing wrong with the quality it's just not the rout I would take. The Gotoh is not always an exact swap especially on recessed Floyd's since the dimensions very a little from a real Floyd. Some people have issues with the string lock bolts not having enough room in the body rout. The rout can very in size from guitar brand to brand even if they all came with real Floyd's. From what I heard you have to use their studs to not void their warrantee. IMHO that's bull crap if that's true. Not all guitars can accommodate their larger anchors since they are both longer and wider. Depending on the guitar you may not have enough wood to accommodate the bigger studs. Plus it's a permanent modification. So it's a rout that has its risks. It may be an upgrade for some guitars and work great for them. But lets face it TS's guitar is already setup to accommodate an OFR and doesn't need any modifications to do so.

Once he upgrades the saddles and trem block his Special will be top notch and no modifications or hope that it will work out in the end. IMHO real Floyds are still the king of the hill. The only time I would go for the Gotoh is if a guitar comes with a generic Floyd and has an odd stud spacing that won't accommodate an actual Floyd Rose. The only other time would be on a top mount non recessed Floyd guitar that a recessed rout isn't an issue. I'd still be inclined to use the original Floyd studs and not permanently modify the guitar.