ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

[Mr. B]

and good riddance, I say..

I note that all the Locking-trem equipped S-model Ibanez guitars, from the lowest priced to the Prestige, now come with knife edge trems instead of the ball-bearing based ZR trems.

I tried out an S-model several years back and loved the feel of the body and neck. I bought it, and picked up a few others in perfect condition when I lowballed bids for them on Ebay. These were mostly S470's. I've just been through months of mods trying to get rid of almost microphonic sounding screachy, clangy notes on the G B E strings when playing (especially the neck pickups) on high gain settings. I think if you weren't trying to shred with high gain, you might never notice it, but all 5 of my S Guitars have the same sonic flaw. I replaced the pickups with every model made, and changed out pot values, caps, strings, etc. I finally narrowed it down to being that ZR trem and have sold off my S-models for RG's. Now they have fixed the problem.... Oh well. I'm really liking my RG's too.

 

[tc]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

The ZR was one of the best conceptualized bridges ever. In my opinion it was right up there with the Schaller Hannes, OFR and the original Fender Synchronized Tremolo in terms of the overall idea, features and direction they wanted to take it.

The problem was the actual design and build quality wasn't that good (tiny block, soft metal posts, fragile arm holder, etc). I've seen many of those trem posts broken from regular use and adjustment.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

I agree. I liked the way it worked, the way the strings loaded, and the intonation adjustment tool. It was just cheaply executed, and sounds like crap.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

Never ran across one,but Thanx for the Head's Up on 'em!

 

[B2D]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

Yep... good idea, bad execution.

If you're gonna build anything as finicky as a double-locking trem, you gotta do it right and not cut corners with subpar materials.

I still maintain that the original Edge tremolo is one of the best double-locking systems out there.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

I need a hardtail sabre togowith my 96 mij

 

[Mr. B]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

They have 2 hardtails in their regular line this year and one Prestige S with a hardtail.

 

[Ashurbanipal]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

Never played a ZR but was always skeptical about the size of the block and what that would do to the tone - the S is already a skinny guitar.

Well, a number of Prestige Ss this year have a Lo Pro again.

 

[tc]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

They have 2 hardtails in their regular line this year and one Prestige S with a hardtail.

Actually, for this year every 6 string S model in their regular and Prestige lines has both a double locking and hardtail version. I think it's awesome.

Edit: Just checked to make sure I was right, and even better, every single Iron Label model and 7-8 string model is hardtail. First time I've heard that there's more hardtail Sabers than ones with vibratos.

 

[Pierre]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

Vigier use ball-bearing trems and they're FANTASTIC. Unuseable, stable, perfect action.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

I need a hardtail sabre togowith my 96 mij

Go getchaself an S Classic. They are dirt cheap and IMO a much better, more coherent design than the S.

Vigier... suffice to say they're in a whole different guitar making universe. Their floyd looks like a modified Schaller, for the record.

 

[youngthrasher9]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

Yup. The block on my brother's ZR trem on his S420 is freakin tiny. It's probably about a third of the size of my OFR block.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

I saw a purple burst S5570Q with an Edge lo-pro and thought it was a looker. I wanted to play it to see how it performed because I have zero experience with the Edge trems at all.

 

[Hairmail]

Re: ZR Trems gone from Ibanez S-Models

Vigier use ball-bearing trems and they're FANTASTIC. Unuseable, stable, perfect action.

In my opinion the 'perfect' ZR trem is what goes in those Vigier guitars. Same type of trem, which works with ball bearings instead of knife edges. I've never played one but I've heard they're made with good quality materials and never wear down.

If Ibanez were to step up their game they'd have something really great in their hands.