Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

ParameterMan

ParameterMan

New member
I know nothing except there's a lot of different models and manufacturers. What's good? What should one look out for? What general differences in feel, usability etc. are there?
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

Top three off the top of my head

Original Floyd Rose- I use this one
Schaller Floyd Rose
Gotoh Floyd Rose

Differences would be:
bridge radius at the saddles (can be changed with shims)
Do you want it Flat mount or Recessed/Floating
Where the fine tuners are positioned

Their is more but I have a slight headache right now and don't feel like typing it all out at the moment. I'm sure forum member Zerb (If he's still around) could give you all the info you need.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

More info: I'm asking on behalf of someone else, so I'm not being very specific other than to ask what's good.

I personally would like a unit that's fully floating with that nice scratchy steely sound that certain floyds have. I also like ones that oscillate easily, though I'm pretty sure that has more to do with the springs. Possibly a lighter unit?
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

Rockstar216 said:
Top three off the top of my head

Original Floyd Rose- I use this one
Schaller Floyd Rose
Gotoh Floyd Rose

Differences would be:
bridge radius at the saddles (can be changed with shims)
Do you want it Flat mount or Recessed/Floating
Where the fine tuners are positioned

Their is more but I have a slight headache right now and don't feel like typing it all out at the moment. I'm sure forum member Zerb (If he's still around) could give you all the info you need.
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Basically agreed, but the Gotoh should be at the top of the list.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

I'd gladly have either an OFR, schaller or gotoh but I'd skip the rest. I do have also liked two JT580s on a MIJ Jackson but it's not a preference.
 
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Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

The ones that have been mentioned. Plus, Ibanez Edge/Lo Pro, though they're quite expensive as an aftermarket part if going new; made by Gotoh too.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

My only contribution is that I like the arms with collars much better than the push in ones. The collar arms don't have any play in them, the push in ones wiggle a bit which is annoying.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

I've found the ones I have tend to thin out the tone. This is one bridge where I'd add a heavy brass block.

These days the Floyd is not needed (IMO), unless you need to go completely slack and back up in tune. Just need locking tuners and a well cut nut.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

the FR site has all you'd need to know about the original German made and the FR Special and the 1000 series.

Schaller makes the German FR and has a few licensed models they put out that are supposedly as good or better. Schaller has also been behind the OEM models for brands like Hamer and ESP.

any other make/model would be a licensed FR that's essentially a copy. I hear a lot of good things about the Gotoh.

I've never seen a Kahler-made Floyd Rose, but Gary was commissioned to make some at one point and people that have used them consider them to be the best ones ever made. I'd not hold my breath on being able to find one of those.

I've had good luck with the Tacemuchi (sp?) and the TRS variations. I have an original Edge-7 and it's crap....the pivot points and knife edges wore out quick and you can't find replacement knife edge inserts any more.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

Your OG Edge 7 is crap? That's surprising, the Edge and Lo Pro are both excellent in my experience. I have one of each and one that's been to hell and back and the edges are still in great shape.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

darthphineas said:
I've never seen a Kahler-made Floyd Rose, but Gary was commissioned to make some at one point and people that have used them consider them to be the best ones ever made. I'd not hold my breath on being able to find one of those.
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Kahler made several licensed FRs back in the 80s; some of them good and others not so much. The 2500 'Traditional' was used on Charvel Model 2s & 3s in 1986 I believe; a Jackson JT-6 was used starting in 1987 and it's a better bridge IMO. I've never had a chance to play a 2710 'Killer', so I can't comment on that one. I have played the 2720 'Spyder' and it wasn't great. The last FR they made was the 2760 'Steeler' that looks very similar to an OFR. I've never seen one in person, but that's probably the high end one you're thinking of.
 
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Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

LReese said:
I've found the ones I have tend to thin out the tone.
Click to expand...

In this case the sound is a desired attribute.

LReese said:
These days the Floyd is not needed (IMO), unless you need to go completely slack and back up in tune. Just need locking tuners and a well cut nut.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'd like to put together an 80's strat with an original-style floyd(without the fine tuners) and a well-cut nut.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

Ibanez Original Edge (the one in the very first Jem in 1987) is often claimed to surpass original FR.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

Rockstar216 said:
Top three off the top of my head

Original Floyd Rose- I use this one
Schaller Floyd Rose
Gotoh Floyd Rose

Differences would be:
bridge radius at the saddles (can be changed with shims)
Do you want it Flat mount or Recessed/Floating
Where the fine tuners are positioned

Their is more but I have a slight headache right now and don't feel like typing it all out at the moment. I'm sure forum member Zerb (If he's still around) could give you all the info you need.
Click to expand...

This is a very good starting point, and exactly what I was going to post.
 
Re: Trem guys: talk to me about floyds

King IzzO))) said:
Your OG Edge 7 is crap? That's surprising, the Edge and Lo Pro are both excellent in my experience. I have one of each and one that's been to hell and back and the edges are still in great shape.
Click to expand...

If Ibanez had executed it better, the ZR trems would have been amazing. I still like some of them.
 
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