Floyd Rose Tremolos for Left Hand Guitars: Original and Genuine
- Gaskell Guitars Australia
- Aug 5, 2025
- 37 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
The following is the ultimate guide on left-handed Floyd Rose tremolos: genuine, licensed, and proprietary—past and present. Nowhere else on the internet will you find all this information in one place.
This article is in five parts:
Part 1: Original and Genuine Floyd Rose (Floyd Rose, Fernandes, Schaller, Sung-il, Ping Well)
Part 2: OEM Producers (Schaller, Kahler, Gotoh, Takeuchi, Ping Well)
Part 3: Proprietary Versions (Schaller, Kahler, Fernandes, Ibanez, St. Louis Music, Aria Pro II, Yamaha, ESP, Jackson-Charvel, Kaman Music Corporation)
Part 4: The Asian OEM Pool ("Korean Catalog", "Chinese Catalog")
Part 5: No-Names, Fakes, Unknowns, and Never Left Handed
Overview
Musician and inventor Floyd Rose developed his original guitar vibrato system in 1976. It consisted of a locking clamp at the nut, a locking clamp at the bridge saddles on a pivoting bridge plate and block with hardened knife‑edge contacts that let the unit rock smoothly while minimising friction at the fulcrum. Those technical innovations produced dramatically improved tuning stability for heavy vibrato use.
In 1979, he was granted U.S. Patent No. 4,171,661, "Guitar tremolo method and apparatus" for the double-locking mechanism at both the bridge and nut.
While the tremolo allowed guitars to remain in tune during aggressive playing, retuning required loosening the locking nut, adjusting the strings at the headstock, and retightening the nut—a limitation that would soon drive further innovation.
Rose personally made them in his garage and presented his product publicly at the 1981 NAMM Show. Shortly thereafter he partnered with Fernandes Electric Sound Research Group Co. Ltd. of Japan to supply further prototypes and the first production models. Fernandes used factories in Japan to manufacture the units.
At the January 1982 NAMM Show, Rose met with executives from Kramer Guitars, sparking discussions about integrating his double-locking tremolo system into Kramer’s guitar lineup for possible replacement of the German Rockinger tremolo that Kramer had been using up to this time. Kramer guitars during this time were being built by California-based company Boogie Bodies.
Further developments
Rose was introduced to Eddie Van Halen through a mutual friend, and began using Rose's double-locking system on his guitars. Other well-known American guitarists, like Brad Gillis (Night Ranger) and Steve Lukather (Toto), also started using what was then referred to as the "Rose tremolo."
In a 2014 “Ask Eddie” Q&A on the official EVH Gear blog, Eddie Van Halen explained that the original locking nut design caused significant difficulties during live performance: strings would stretch or go out of tune, and guitarists had to unclamp the nut, retune, and re-clamp it mid-performance. He added, “My role in the design … was adding the fine tuners to the bridge … Adding the fine tuners to the bridge alleviated all these problems. Basically, I made it work” (Van Halen, EVH Gear Blog, 2014).
Drawing on his early experience with cello and violin (instruments featuring finger-adjustable fine tuners), Van Halen suggested to Rose: “Put some fine-tuners on it … I meant … finger tuners!” (Van Halen, MusicRadar, 2014).
Van Halen’s suggestions prompted Rose and Fernandes to redesign the unit by vertically bending the rear of the baseplate and positioning fine tuners for each string along the top of the bend. Rose filed the initial patent for the fine tuners on March 15, 1982. The first prototype tremolo with fine tuners was supplied by Fernandes and was tested on several prototype Kramer guitars and some of Eddie Van Halen's guitars which he used on the 1982 Van Halen "Hide Your Sheep" tour in late 1982. It was also during this period that Eddie Van Halen signed with Kramer. Rose also gave fine-tuner prototypes to Brad Gillis, Steve Lukather, and others such as K.K. Downing (Judas Priest.)
The vertical fine tuners caused some problems. Eddie Van Halen commented that their location got in the way of his playing.
Van Halen's next suggestion was to put the tail at an angle. Rose and Fernandes responded by extending the baseplate and bending the tail approximately 25° to get the fine tuners further back. Van Halen used the angled-tail prototypes during the last few months of the tour in late 1982. The final “whale tail” design was approved and ready for production in early 1983.
Around the same time, Floyd Rose finalized his partnership with Kramer for the exclusive use of his tremolo systems on their guitars. To support production, ESP in Japan was brought in to ghost-build bodies and necks, which were then shipped to the United States for assembly.
Kramer brings in Schaller, sidelines Fernandes
Kramer was a prolific user of Schaller GmbH hardware for its guitars and bass guitars, and Kramer executives decided to use the German company to manufacture the new double-locking tremolo with fine tuners. This decision sidelined Fernandes, despite them holding the active contract and having done all the preliminary work.
Local company Hansen Metalworks manufactured the first run of 800 units for Kramer's new 1983 lineup while Schaller in Germany prepared for full-scale manufacturing. The new double-locking tremolo with fine tuners appeared in the 1983 catalog, initially on the Pacer, Voyager, and Vanguard models, and later that year on the new Baretta. The Kramer Focus Series was also launched in 1983, which was fully made in Japan by ESP. Six months later, Schaller commenced mass production of both the fine tuner and non-fine tuner double-locking tremolos for Rose and Kramer.
In the USA, both the non-fine-tuner tremolo and the new tremolo with fine tuners were marketed as the "Floyd Rose Tremolo System."
Floyd Rose filed for a further patent for Fine Tuners on February 4, 1985, for which he was awarded U.S. Patent No. 4,549,461 on October 29, 1985. Separately, the patent Rose filed in 1982 for Fine Tuners was awarded as U.S. Patent No. 4,497,236 on February 5, 1985.
The contract between Rose and Fernandes ended sometime in 1985, leaving Schaller as the primary manufacturer of genuine Floyd Rose products thereafter.
With Fernandes gone, Kramer additionally launched the Kramer JK range in 1986, built by ESP specifically for the Japanese domestic market. Unlike the Focus Series, also built by ESP, the JK models were not part of Kramer’s U.S. catalog. They were positioned as premium Japanese alternatives to the American Series, fitted with the German-made Original Floyd Rose tremolo. In the 1986 Kramer Japan catalog, it stated:
クレイマー・ギターには、全てフロイド・ローズ氏が自らプロデュースした "FLOYD ROSE TREMOLO SYSTEM" がマウントされています。 | All Kramer guitars are mounted with the 'FLOYD ROSE TREMOLO SYSTEM,' personally produced by Mr. Floyd Rose." |
Licensing arrangements begin
The "locking tremolo with fine tuners" concept spread quickly throughout the Music industry, which led to other parts distributors and guitar brands making their own variants. To safeguard his patent rights, Rose devised an innovative strategy to grant sub-licenses to interested manufacturers, allowing them to produce their own units or OEM units for other guitar brands that wished to utilize them. Authorized manufacturers were required to display a licensing statement (e.g., "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents") on their products to validate their authenticity and to differentiate them from the genuine originals.
Building on this licensing system, Rose introduced the Floyd Rose II tremolo in 1986 as a direct OEM product made available to guitar brands in addition to Kramer. This was a single‑locking, string‑through version of the double‑locking Original Floyd Rose with fine tuners, designed so the ball ends of the strings did not need to be cut off. It could be specially branded. Like the originals, it was made by Schaller in Germany.
By 1987, Kramer was using ESP exclusively for manufacturing its necks and bodies across the American Series and Signature lines, with final assembly still carried out in the United States. The Focus Series and JK Series continued to be fully manufactured in Japan.
In 1988, the Floyd Rose II name was reapplied to a lower‑spec, licensed version of the Original Floyd Rose, again intended for OEM use, and again manufactured by Schaller in Germany.
Rose applied for a worldwide design patent for "Fine Tuning Tremolo Bridge Unit for a Guitar" in 1989, which was awarded to him in 1992 as USD324693S. This patent covers the ornamental design of the fine‑tuner Floyd Rose bridge.
U
SD324693S
In 1989, Floyd Rose introduced his first major modification of the original 1983 design with the release of the low-profile Floyd Rose Pro tremolo. The Pro featured a flatter tail and top-mounted saddle clamp screws instead of rear-mounted ones, giving it a lower profile and distinct feel while maintaining the double-locking stability of the Original Floyd Rose. It was produced by Schaller until the early 2000s, and thereafter by Rose’s official Korean OEM partners.
Kramer bankruptcy and Fender distribution
Following a series of poor management decisions and a costly lawsuit over unpaid royalties to Floyd Rose, Kramer collapsed into bankruptcy in 1990. In the aftermath, Floyd Rose partnered with Fender USA, which became the new exclusive distributor of all Floyd Rose products.
This shift marked a pivotal moment: while Kramer faded from the spotlight, the Floyd Rose vibrato bridge lived on, carried forward by Fender’s global reach and reputation. This ensured continuity but left Rose with limited direct oversight of how his systems were marketed and sold. By the early 2000s, the market was increasingly flooded with counterfeit and low‑quality copies of his designs.
In 2003, Floyd Rose released the SpeedLoader Tremolo System, designed to eliminate the need for cutting string ends and streamline quick string changes. The units were manufactured under strict supervision by Ping Well Industrial Co. Ltd. of Taiwan and distributed in the United States through musical instrument distributor Davitt & Hanser. However, the system later became the subject of the McCabe v. Floyd Rose Guitars lawsuit in 2010, which implicated Rose, Ping Well, and Davitt & Hanser. The case was dismissed in 2913, but ultimately contributed to the SpeedLoader’s discontinuation.
Floyd Rose resumes control
In 2005, distribution returned to Floyd Rose himself, restoring the brand’s independence and ensuring it remained a standalone identity rather than a Fender sub‑line. This shift allowed Rose to reclaim control over branding, quality, and innovation. Rose appointed AP International Music Supply in the United States as its U.S. distributor.
In 2023 AP International coordinated with W‑Music Distribution in Europe to expand Floyd Rose’s presence worldwide.
Schaller remained the primary manufacturer of the Original Floyd Rose (and the non-fine tuner tremolo, reintroduced in 2015) from late 1983 until 2025. Note: Production of the flagship Original Floyd Rose models is currently transitioning to the United States (see USA Series below).
Guitar brands that adopted Floyd Rose bridge systems include Aria Pro II, B.C. Rich, Carvin, Charvel, Epiphone, ESP, EVH, Fender, Fernandes, Framus, Gaskell, Gibson, Hamer, Ibanez, Jackson, Kramer, Music Man, Peavey, Samick, Schecter, Tokai, Tom Anderson, Vester, Washburn, Westone, and Yamaha.
OEM producers
Early OEM manufacturers of well-known licensed Floyd Rose tremolos were Takeuchi, Gotoh, Kahler, Ping Well, and Jin Ah. Some also produced proprietary systems for individual brands. OEM versions could be branded or unbranded and were also sold as aftermarket kits. Licensed units were most often stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the baseplate or tail, or if OEM-supplied for a brand, with the brand's logo on the baseplate.
Takeuchi of Japan manufactured several licensed Floyd Rose tremolos as OEM units for Ibanez, Jackson, Charvel, Yamaha, Fernandes, Aria Pro II, and Washburn, among others until the late 2000s. Takeuchi's TRS-101 Original Floyd Rose variant was also sold as a boxed aftermarket kit. The TRS-101 is the most copied non-genuine Original Floyd Rose-style tremolo in the world.
Gotoh of Japan produced their own licensed proprietary tremolo as a direct aftermarket replacement for an Original Floyd Rose and supplied it as an OEM product to Aria Pro II, B.C Rich, Music Man, Peavey, and Fernandes from 1986. Their current product has remained largely unchanged since 1996 and is a popular choice for custom builders and individuals wanting to upgrade.
Kahler made a licensed Original Floyd Rose variant as well as two proprietary models that combined Floyd Rose and Kahler patents. All three were supplied as OEM units for such brands as Carvin, Fender Japan, and B.C. Rich. Kahler left the industry in the early 1990s but returned in 2005 and is now most famous for its own guitar bridges and tremolos. They most recently reintroduced fulcrum-based tremolos with engineering upgrades in 2024.
Ping Well in Taiwan supplemented Schaller production of genuine Floyd Rose systems for a time and also manufactured OEM and proprietary systems for guitar brands such as Fender, Jackson, Peavey, and Fernandes. Ping Well ceased its own production of Floyd Rose tremolos after 2015, but its TISONIX division continued to partner with Rose to develop and produce Titanium versions of Original Floyd Rose tremolos until 2022.
Jin Ah was a Korean company that produced OEM licensed Floyd Rose and proprietary systems for many guitar brands that had Korean production lines in the 1980s and 1990s. Korean OEMs Samick, Cort, and World Musical Instrument Co. built guitars for Fernandes, B.C. Rich, Aria Pro II, Charvette by Charvel, Washburn, Westone, Marlin, Hohner, Hondo, Vester, Epiphone, Vantage, and Dean Guitars using Jin Ah products.
Aria, ESP, Fernandes, Ibanez, Jackson, St. Louis Music (Westone), Tokai, and Yamaha, went on to produce proprietary versions of Floyd Rose-style systems for their own guitar brands. Often, these brands sourced hardware from the same factories, using different branding for identical parts.
Aria Pro II used several unique tremolos, such as the "ACT-3" which was made initially by Gotoh in Japan and then by Jin Ah of Korea after Japanese production ended in 1987. This same unit was also used by Washburn.
ESP utilized an early Japanese-made version of the double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo for their own guitars, stamped as the "Magician" and then developed their own licensed "ESP Synclear Tremolo" with proprietary modifications during the 1980s and 1990s.
Fernandes took the original Floyd Rose units they had supplied to Floyd Rose and Kramer in the United States and further developed them into their own proprietary "Head Crasher," then "FRT" Tremolo Systems until 1997. Production of the FRT range shifted to Korea after a major redesign in 1988. Fernandes consistently produced left handed guitars until the mid 2000s.
Ibanez developed its own proprietary systems during the 1980s using Gotoh and Takeuchi to manufacture the first models and then went on to further engineer and develop their own systems some of which continue to be used unchanged to this day. Modern Ibanez tremolo systems are made in China.
Jackson had OEM manufacturer Ping Well of Taiwan produce a proprietary tremolo bridge with horizontal fine tuners and saddle caps exclusively for its Japan-market Charvel and Jackson guitars in the late 1980s, including left handed models. This was the infamous Jackson "JT6."
Tokai produced a range of tremolo systems using Floyd Rose technologies as the "Ayers Rocker" series during the 1980s. These were exclusive to Tokai.
Westone is famous for its proprietary "Bendmaster" tremolos, which were developed in-house when Westone guitars were being built in Japan by Matsumoku. The original Bendmaster was later manufactured by Jin Ah in Korea and released as a general OEM product, which was adopted by multiple guitar brands such as Aria Pro II, B.C. Rich, Charvel, Epiphone, Hondo, Marlin, Samick, Series 10, and Vantage.
Yamaha produced their licensed and proprietary "Rocking Magic" series of tremolos until the early 2000s. These units featured unique and innovative intonation adjustment, culminating in the "Yamaha Finger Clamp Tremolo System" in 2007.
U.S. Patent 4,497,236 expired on 5 February 2002 and U.S. Patent 4,549,461 expired on 15 March, 2002, after which licensing was no longer necessary. This led to a flood of Asian manufacturers producing copies of varying quality.
End of licensing arrangements
In the early days of mass manufacturing in China, factories sourced musical instrument hardware from established Korean OEM suppliers via a shared manufacturing pool that continues to this day. These were legitimate products manufactured under Floyd Rose patents used by multiple guitar brands with entry and intermediate level production lines.
As China built its own domestic production capabilities in the late 2000s, including its own OEM pool, and with all the original patents having expired, a flood of inexpensive counterfeit and low-quality copies emerged.
To compete directly with these knockoffs, Floyd Rose introduced the affordable "Floyd Rose Special" around 2008. Manufactured in South Korea like the high-quality OEM 1000 Series (which uses premium steel components matching the German-made Original), the Special employs cost-effective zinc alloy parts while delivering the reliable performance expected from an authentic Floyd Rose product. The Floyd Rose Special effectively eliminated the need for third-party licensed OEM manufacturing.
NOTE: The following information is the definitive guide on Floyd Rose tremolos (and variants) with a special (but not exclusive) emphasis on left-handed guitars.
Author's comment: I will get this out of the way first: I am a big fan of Floyd Rose tremolos. My first real left-handed guitar was a very poorly made red Kramer Striker, which I bought new in 1987. As a builder, I am very familiar with each of the OFR, Schaller, and Gotoh tremolos and the lower-cost variants from the Korean and Chinese universal OEM pools. I also like the modern Ibanez systems, and I am lucky to own a 1985 lefty Fernandes FST-65 with string-through Head Crasher tremolo, a 1989 lefty Fernandes FR-65 with the legendary FRT-4, and a 1995 lefty FR-55 with the low-profile Fernandes-branded Takeuchi TRS-PRO.
If you are keen on upgrading your lefty guitar with a better-quality tremolo or replacing the one you have, then here are your choices:
Floyd Rose Original Tremolo System
(Made in Germany, 1983 - 2025)
Status: Phased out
The final double-locking tremolo system manufactured by Schaller incorporated the fine tuners developed in partnership with Eddie Van Halen, culminating in the angled 'whale tail' design released officially in early 1983. As part of Rose's partnership with Kramer, the Floyd Rose Tremolo System was exclusive to Kramer guitars.
The early German units were originally cast with "Floyd Rose" on the base plate until about 1987, after which they were embossed with "Floyd Rose Original."
Left-handed availability
Kramer did make left hand versions of their U.S-assembled Pacer, Baretta, and "E.E." Pro I Series (1987-1988), and Japanese-made Focus 1000 Series. I do not believe the Japan-only JK Series were offered left-handed.
Left handed examples from this era include this white 1983 Pacer Deluxe, this white 1984 Baretta, this pink 1985 Baretta, this pink 1985 Pacer, this blue 1986 Focus 3000 (pictured below), and this black 1986/1987 Focus 1000.
Floyd Rose today: The 100-Series
The modern double-locking Original Floyd Rose tremolo is designated the 100-Series and is almost unchanged from the original production model from 1983. The left handed product code is FRT-100L.
The modern unit is made of high-quality hardened steel and the sustain block is made of nickel-plated brass. Saddles are CNC-machined hardened steel. A minor difference between the original Kramer-era units and the modern units is that the modern baseplate is a full 1mm thinner than the very first Schaller originals.
Lefty versions used to be available in chrome, satin chrome, black, gold, black nickel, vintage copper, and satin pearl, but as of late 2025, black, black nickel, and vintage copper have so far been deleted as the Schaller versions become phased out.
Floyd Rose USA Series Original Tremolo
(Made in USA, 2025 - present)
Status: Current
From 2025, Floyd Rose production has been brought back to the United States at their new state-of-the-art CNC and 3D printing facility in North Carolina. This was first announced at the March 2025 NAMM Show. By transitioning to in-house production, Floyd Rose gains direct oversight of every aspect of the manufacturing process, making it easier to implement design updates, fine-tune quality control, and ensure the highest production standards. In a 2025 statement President Andrew Papiccio said:
“Our process ensures tighter specifications and enhanced quality. By keeping production local, Floyd Rose maintains rigorous standards and supports American craftsmanship."
The 100-Series has always been Floyd Rose's flagship model, and the new USA-made unit is now designated the "USA Series Original Tremolo." It is made of high-quality hardened steel and the sustain block is made of nickel-plated brass. Saddles are precision CNC manufactured and now come in multiple radius options, eliminating the need for individual saddle shims. Alongside the traditional 12” radius, Floyd Rose Original Saddles are now available in 10”, 14”, 16”, and 17” radii. Locking nuts are now 3D printed. The base is still stamped "Floyd Rose Original" at the top.
Availability Note: It is not clear if, or when, lefty versions of the USA Series are being produced. According to the Floyd Rose website, it appears that leftover stock of German products are still being sold off.
Floyd Rose Original Non-Fine-Tuner Tremolo
(1983 - 1986, 2015 - present)
Status: Current
Floyd Rose's original tremolo system did not have fine tuners. It locked at the saddles and at the nut. Once it was double-locked, the guitar could not be retuned without loosening the locking nut at the neck, retuning, and then retightening the nut.
It was initially built by Rose himself then supplied by Fernandes from late 1981. Sometimes Rose used a mix of USA and Japanese parts for his own builds. The initial model number, according to Fernandes, was FRT-1. After a quick redesign of the saddles, it became the FRT-3, which was sold from the second half of 1982. The ones made by Floyd personally featured a sticker on the block that says "ROSE Tremolo Pat # 4,171,661 USA."
The FRT-3 was the first production model to be engraved with "Floyd Rose" branding on the upper baseplate. In the USA it was marketed officially as the "Floyd Rose Tremolo System."
From late 1983 Schaller produced both the non-fine-tuner tremolo and new angled-tail fine-tuner tremolo thereafter. The non-fine-tuner tremolo had "Floyd Rose" etched on the baseplate with "MADE IN GERMANY" on the underside, next to the tremolo arm hole. Fernandes also continued to produce its own version in Japan exclusively for its own brand (see detailed section below).
The German-made version was used on the Kramer Striker Series from 1983 until 1986. There were left handed models, such as this 1985 left handed Striker 300ST.
It was discontinued in 1986.
After an absence of 25 years, Floyd Rose re-released this tremolo in 2015, driven by renewed interest, particularly because of guitarists Guthrie Govan, Brad Gillis, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Today, it is called the "non fine tuner" tremolo. The reissued model was made by Schaller, and although it was available left-handed during its original run, the reissue has never been available left-handed..
(Author's Note on Lefty Availability): With Floyd Rose's operations now based in the USA, it remains to be seen whether they will consider it feasible to produce a left-handed version as well.
Floyd Rose II Single-Locking Tremolo
(1986-1987)
Status: Obsolete
In 1986, Floyd Rose released the Floyd Rose II tremolo, which was made of cast iron. It only locks at the neck. This was a single locking tremolo bridge with fine tuners in which the ball ends of the strings do not need to be cut off. Instead, it has horizontal square tubes that screw into the saddle assemblies. The strings are fed through the tubes and come out through the saddles. The ball ends lodge in at the entry of the tubes. This was a genuine Floyd Rose product, made by Schaller in Germany for Kramer guitars made in Korea. It is very similar to the Fernandes Head Crasher FRT-6, which Fernandes released a year prior.
It was embossed with "Floyd Rose II" at the top of the baseplate and "Made In Germany by Schaller" at the bottom of the baseplate. It had a hammered finish.
The Floyd Rose II was used on the 1986 - 1987 Kramer Striker Series made in Korea, while U.S-assembled Kramers and Japanese Focus Series continued to be built with the Original Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo. The Striker Series were available in left hand, such as this 1986 left-handed Kramer Striker 600ST.
Floyd Rose II double-locking
(1988 - 2000)
Status: Obsolete
From 1988, the Floyd Rose II name was reapplied to a cast-iron version of the double-locking Original Floyd Rose, for import models. This unit was also made by Schaller in Germany. Its knife edges have replaceable inserts. It had "Floyd Rose II" cast into the top of the baseplate. As with the single-locking version, it has a hammered metal finish. This was a genuine Floyd Rose product.
The double-locking Floyd Rose II first appeared on the 1988-1989 Kramer Striker 100-Series made in Korea. The Striker Series continued to be available in left hand. Examples include this white left-handed Kramer Striker ST100, this silver-grey left-handed Kramer Striker ST605, and this white 1988 left-handed Kramer Striker ST600.
The double-locking Floyd Rose II was also used on the 1989, Japan-only, ESP Kramer TK Series, which do not appear to have been available in left hand.
1989 was the last year of original Kramer guitars as the company went bankrupt in 1990. The Original Floyd Rose, Low-Profile Floyd Rose Pro and the Floyd Rose II were advertised in Fender catalogs after Fender took over distribution in 1991. Fender did not make left handed guitars with Floyd Rose tremolos.
From my research, it seems the Floyd Rose II may have been dropped around 2000.
NOTE: New left-handed Floyd Rose II replacements can be bought here: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia
Floyd Rose II: OEM supply
Floyd Rose offered both the single locking and double locking Floyd Rose II tremolos as branded OEM versions, and these were adopted by Jackson, Carvin, Charvel, ESP, Hamer, Gibson, Music Man, Peavey, and Washburn for some of their production guitars through to the 1990s. These OEM models retained the hammered finish of the stock Floyd Rose II. Unlike the original Floyd Rose II, the OEM branded version had to have a corresponding licensing statement.
OEM units were embossed on the face of the upper baseplate with the guitar brand name and embossed on the lower face of the baseplate with "Made in Germany by Schaller." The tail had "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" embossed with a border around the statement. Two U.S patent numbers were engraved in the block.
Jackson-Charvel: For Jackson the string-through Floyd Rose II was model JT-570 and the double-locking Floyd Rose II was JT-590. For Charvel the latter was the FLC-202. They had "Jackson" or "Charvel" embossed on the top side of the baseplate. No left handed guitars were produced with the JT-570. The JT-590 was used on the lefty Grover Jackson RR/L D-144. The identical FLC-202 was used on the 1989-1991 Japan-only, catalog lefty Charvel 475 Deluxe and the 1990-1991 Japan-only catalog lefty Charvel DK-095-SSHL.
Carvin switched from Kahler tremolos to the double locking OEM tremolo in 1990. It was listed in Carvin catalogs as the FC3 from 1990-1993. All Carvin guitars were offered left handed. OEM Floyd Rose-equipped Carvin guitars included the BC130 (1990 only), DC125, DC127, DC135, DC145, LS175 (1991 only), DC200, DC300, DC400, X220, and the long-running Ultra V. From 1994 Carvin switched to Wilkinson tremolos with Original Floyd Rose as an option.
Hamer: The Schaller double-locking OEM unit was used on many Hamer guitars, such as this red 1989 Elite Graphic Finish left handed Hamer Californian Elite Custom Shop, this black 1990 left handed Hamer USA Californian, this 1993 Transparent Cherry Red Hamer USA Diablo, and this Sea Foam Green 1993 left-handed Hamer E4TE Californian. It was stamped "Hamer" on the opposite side of the "Made in Germany by Schaller" inscription.
Lâg: French guitar brand Lâg used an OEM version of the Schaller double-locking Floyd Rose II for their guitars during the 1980s including this sunburst left handed Lâg Roxane FR model.
Note: ESP, Gibson, Music Man, Peavey, and Washburn at that time either did not make left-handed guitars at all or did not make left-handed guitars with the OEM version of the Floyd Rose II, but did so for some of their right-handed guitars.
NOTE: Modern left-handed Floyd Rose II replacements can be bought here: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia
Floyd Rose 1000 Series Original Style Tremolo System (OEM)
Status: Current
On lower-cost guitars fitted with a genuine Floyd Rose tremolo, the unit was not made in Germany but made in Korea. Some Korean OEM production had been occurring since the 1980s for non-U.S guitar models but it was initially Schaller producing both the originals and OEM models for guitar brands while other manufacturers were producing licensed versions.
Since about 2010 OEM versions of the Original Floyd Rose systems have been made in Korea. I eventually identified Sung-il Hightech Co Ltd as one of the manufacturers but I was told by AP International in 2025 that Sung-il has not worked with Floyd Rose for a long time. These OEM models were designated the "1000-Series" until 2020 after which they underwent a name change to 1000 Series Original Style Tremolo System.
The product description on the Floyd Rose website historically stated:
"The 1000 Series Original is the Korean-made version of the Original Tremolo, made to the same specifications and materials, but is available only to guitar manufacturers and cannot be purchased aftermarket..."
Because it is a Floyd Rose genuine product, as with the earlier OEM Floyd Rose II, it does not have or need a "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" statement. The 1000-Series is simply stamped with "Floyd Rose" on the base with only one exception: EVH guitars that use the 1000-Series have "EVH Floyd Rose" stamped on the baseplate, apparently the result of a special arrangement between Floyd Rose and Eddie Van Halen. See the current left handed EVH Striped Series (Red with Black and White Stripes), the EVH left handed 5150 Series Standard, the EVH Wolfgang USA Left Hand, and the EVH left handed Wolfgang Special. This left handed 2012 Fender EVH Wolfgang Standard is an early example of the EVH-branded 1000L. The left handed EVH 1000 Series was even advertised on the Floyd Rose website alongside the 1000 Series Original during the 2010s.
1000-Series units have the "FR" logo and the website address stamped on the sustain block. The lefty chrome version is the FRT-01000L, the black is the FRT-02000L and gold is the FRT-03000L.
Prior to the release of the Floyd Rose Special, 1000-Series units were sometimes branded or co-branded. An example is this blue 2016 lefty ESP LTD MH-103 QM. In 2023 AP International told me that this is no longer the practice.
Floyd Rose Special Tremolo System
(2008–)
Status: Current
The Floyd Rose Special was introduced in 2008, originally made in Korea exclusively for Floyd Rose. It was a brilliant marketing decision to combat the flood of cheap Chinese Floyd Rose copies that were starting to come onto the market during the 2000s, and to undercut the cheaper but still high-quality licensed OFR alternatives like the Takeuchi TRS-101 and Gotoh GE1996T. Takeuchi coincidentally went out of business two years later.
The Floyd Rose Special is exactly the same as the Korean-made OEM 1000 Series but uses zinc alloy saddles in place of steel and a zinc alloy sustain block in place of brass. It is branded "Floyd Rose Special" on the baseplate and has the "FR" logo on the block.
The Floyd Rose Special (and 1000 Series) used to be manufactured by Sung-il in Korea
until around 2020, coincidentally the same year that the Floyd Rose OEM and Floyd Rose Special tremolos disappeared from the Sung-il website. Current versions of the Special are made in China. These have a "W" stamped on the underside of the baseplate. Users have reported that there are some noticeable small differences in quality.
Unlike the OEM-only 1000 Series, the Special is available to the public and can be bought direct from Floyd Rose or from a reseller. Unfortunately, lefty versions weren't made available until 2020. The S1000L model is the lefty chrome version, the S2000L model is black, and the S3000L is the gold model.
The Special is the usual Floyd Rose tremolo for entry-to-mid-level guitars produced by most international guitar brands today. AP International offers the option to stamp the Special. The standard stamping format is "[brand] by Floyd Rose." Jackson's current left handed JS32L Randy Rhoads, made in China is an example.
NOTE: From 2021, there was a left-handed 7-string Floyd Rose Special, model FRTSSS1000L, but as of 2025 they are sold out according to the Floyd Rose website. The 7-string lefty was available in chrome, black, black nickel, and gold. Guitars that have the lefty 7 string Special are the Dean USA Limited Edition Rusty Cooley Signature RC7, the Schecter Jeff Loomis JL-7, the Sawtooth Americana Heritage HM724, and this Agile Interceptor Pro 725 EB DNC. Discontinued lefty models include this Washburn PXSOLAR170CLH Ola Englund Parallaxe Solar 7-String.
NOTE: Left-handed Floyd Rose Special alternatives can be bought here: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia
Floyd Rose 1500 Series
Status: Current
The 1500 Series Tremolo is the upgraded version of the OEM 1000 Series Tremolo (made in Korea) with stainless steel screws and a Push-In tremolo arm. The bridge plate, saddles, insert blocks, studs & inserts, and locking nut retain those of the 1000 Series. Like the 1000 Series, the 1500 Series is an OEM option available only to guitar manufacturers and is not available for aftermarket purchase. There are 6 and 7 string versions.
You can upgrade your existing 1000 Series tremolo yourself with these parts to make a 1500 Series:
• Push-In Tremolo Arm
• Stainless Steel Screws
NOTE: I make and sell aftermarket OFR (rectangular baseplate) and Takeuchi style (trapezoid baseplate) Floyd Rose tremolos with stainless steel saddles, lock screws, and fine tuners. Left-handed and right-handed. The units are made in Korea (same as Floyd Rose 1000 Series). The stainless steel upgrades are made in Japan. Go to my REVERB store: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia
Fernandes 1981 - 1985 (Floyd Rose contract)
Fernandes Co. Ltd. of Japan was the original contracted supplier of Floyd Rose tremolos, supplying the prototypes and first production models starting in late 1981.
Fernandes was primarily a design, marketing, and distribution company, not a manufacturer itself. The company began in 1969 as Saito Musical Instruments Co., Ltd., marketing Fender-style guitars under the Fernandes brand and Gibson-style guitars under the Burny brand. In 1972, the company renamed to Fernandes Co., Ltd. and established Osaka Fernandes Co., Ltd. as a separate legal entity to handle wholesale, distribution, and sales support. Fernandes Co., Ltd. served as the primary brand holder and product developer, focusing on design, artist licensing deals, and oversight of outsourced manufacturing, while Osaka Fernandes Co., Ltd. managed the supply chain for Fernandes electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, and effects pedals, handling domestic retail distribution and exports, such as those to the United States.
Fernandes relied on a network of OEM manufacturers to build their products. Gotoh was their primary supplier of metal parts. Over time Fernandes expanded beyond guitars and began marketing electronics, replacement parts and accessories.
In all the years since, it has never been made public as to who Fernandes used for the Floyd Rose contract. Empirical evidence suggests it was Gotoh.
NOTE: With the exception of the 1983 catalog, Fernandes catalogs during the Floyd Rose contract (1982-1985) never featured pictures of left-handed models.
Floyd Rose FRT-1
(1981-1982)
Status: Superseded
Floyd Rose personally manufactured and sold his double-locking tremolo from 1978. This early unit had the locking saddles but no fine tuners. Once it was double-locked, the guitar could not be retuned without loosening the locking nut at the neck, retuning, and then retightening the nut.
Rose presented it publicly at the 1981 NAMM Show, where he and representatives of Fernandes first met. Shortly after NAMM, Rose contracted Fernandes to mass-produce it with production beginning late 1981. Using Japanese factories, Fernandes supplied complete units and parts to Rose in the United States, and it appeared in Fernandes' own catalog for 1982 designated as the FRT-1. The Japanese FRT-1s have a sticker on the block that reads "Floyd Rose TREMOLO SYSTEM Pat. 4,171,671."
The FRT-1 was featured on the 1982 Fernandes FST‑90TH, FST‑70TH, FST‑70TH‑C, ST-160 "Leopard", and ST-130 (Stratocaster) models, the EX-145 (Explorer), and the FV-135 (Flying V) catalog models; and on the Fernandes ST-135VH Eddie Van Halen and LG-135NS Neal Schon "Musician's Limited Series." Most Fernandes guitars during this period were built by Kawai Gakki.
The FRT-1 was advertised in Volume 1 of the 1982 catalog as being available both right-handed and left-handed.
Left-handed availability for 1982
Up until 1982, Fernandes’ left-handed guitar policy was a general statement that left-handed guitars were produced, but not regularly. Catalogs only noted which models from the lineup could not be ordered. Production runs were undertaken when enough orders had accumulated. If a model was not available at the time of order, it could be a 3-to-4-month wait. All left-handed guitars were priced 20% higher than right-handed models.
Volume 2 of the 1982 Fernandes-Burny catalog included for the first time a Colour Chart for the entire lineup with a dedicated column in the table for left‑handed availability. On the same page was the usual disclaimer about periodic production, the 3-4 month wait time, and the 20% surcharge. Models eligible for ordering were marked with an X in their column. (In 1982, this was the Japanese equivalent of a check mark in English.) With the exception of one model, every Fernandes and Burny model listed in the table was marked as available for left‑handed ordering.
Floyd Rose FRT-3
(1982-1985)
Status: Discontinued
After a quick redesign of the saddles, the FRT-1 became the FRT-3, released only six months later. The FRT-3 was the first production unit to be engraved with "Floyd Rose" branding on the upper baseplate. Fernandes continued to supply the new FRT-3 to Rose in the United States, where it was used on Kramer guitars.
For Japan, the FRT-3 first appeared in Volume 1 of the 1983 Fernandes catalog (published late 1982) as a genuine Floyd Rose product. It was used on the 1983 Fernandes FST-115, FST-120H, ST-120, and ST-160 superstrats, the FV-135 Flying V, and the EX-145 Explorer models from the main catalog, as well as on signature models ST‑105BG (Brad Gillis), ST‑145SL (Steve Lukather), and ST‑135VH (Eddie Van Halen "Bumblebee" replica).
For 1984, the Japanese FRT‑3 was featured on the Fernandes FST‑85, FST‑80, and FST‑115 superstrat models; the BSV‑90 Flying V, the EX‑100, and EX‑145 Explorer models; two Brad Gillis signature models (ST‑155BG and ST‑105BG); a Steve Lukather replica (ST‑145SL); a Mick Jones replica (ML‑120MJ); and a Neil Schon replica (LG‑135NS). The FST Series were built by Kawai, including left-handed models.
Per the 1985 catalog, the FRT-3 was featured on the FST-75 superstrat and JS-100 Randy Rhoads V from the main catalog; and on four Brad Gillis Signature models, and a Vinnie Vincent (replica) Signature model.
Floyd Rose FRT-4
(1982)
Status: Discontinued
With the addition of vertical fine tuners as recommended by Eddie Van Halen, the FRT-3 was developed into the prototype FRT‑4 in 1982.
Although it never made it past prototype stage in the United States, the FRT‑4 was produced in Japan in 1982 and featured in the March 1983 Fernandes-Burny catalog as a genuine Floyd Rose product alongside the FRT-3 and Fernandes "Head Banker FRT-2" tremolo. It was fitted to the ST-145SL Steve Lukather "Musician's Series", and the FST-155 and FST-135 superstrats.
The FRT-4 product description on Page 3 of the 1983 catalog stated:
● ファインチューナーを搭載!! フロイドローズ FRT-4 チューニングを強力にサポートするストリングロックシステムに加え、 弦をロックしたままチューニングの微調整を可能にしたのがファインチューナー付きフロイドローズ FRT-4 だ。 チューニング後、上ナットおよびサドル部で弦をはさみ込み完全固定し、 チューニングを狂わせない。しかし、弦がまだ新しい場合は独自の伸びによってチューニングに多少のズレが生じてしまう。その時、トレモロが付いていないギターでも安定するまで調整を繰り返すわけだが、この FRT-4 の場合は、ある程度チューニングした後に弦を完全にロックしても、ロック後にチューニングが狂った場合は上ナットを外さずにファインチューナーノブを回すだけで正確なチューニングができる。 演奏前のクイックチューニング、演奏中においては左手でネックを支えたまま右手でチューニングするという離れ業も可能だ。ライブにおいては特に効力を発揮するはずだ。 | ● Equipped with Fine Tuners!! Floyd Rose FRT‑4
In addition to its powerful string‑locking system that gives rock‑solid tuning stability, the Floyd Rose FRT‑4 comes equipped with fine tuners that allow precise adjustments even after the strings are locked.
After tuning, the strings are clamped firmly at both the nut and saddle, completely fixed to prevent tuning from slipping. However, when strings are new, their natural stretching can cause slight shifts in tuning. On guitars without a tremolo, you would normally just keep adjusting until the strings settle, but with the FRT‑4, once you have tuned to a certain degree, you can lock the strings completely, and even if tuning drifts after locking, you don’t need to loosen the nut — just turn the fine‑tuner knobs to bring the tuning back accurately.
Quick tuning before a performance, and even the impressive feat of adjusting during a performance while supporting the neck with your left hand and turning the knobs with your right, becomes possible. On stage, this feature proves especially effective. |
The Japanese FRT-4 was embossed with "Floyd Rose" inside a rectangular border on the upper baseplate.
Here is a video by Youtube user mr. twistyneck examining several genuine Fernandes FRT-4 tremolos:
Left-handed availability for 1983
The 1983 Fernandes–Burny catalog introduced a symbol system to classify the different categories of left‑handed ordering, shown in the “LH” column of the product list.
Models marked with a ※ symbol in their column were the periodically produced models. Five Burny and two Fernandes models from the lineup were marked in this category for 1983; however, none featured the Floyd Rose FRT-3, FRT-4, or Fernandes' proprietary "Head Banker FRT-2."
Models that Fernandes was not willing to produce were marked with a — symbol in their column. 12 models from the lineup were marked in this category.
The remaining models with blank columns could be accepted as special orders. Page 10 of the catalog even showed a picture of a blueburst left-handed EX-145 with a Floyd Rose FRT-3.
Whether production models or special orders, all left-handed guitars were priced 20% higher than their right-handed equivalents, with an expected 3-4 month wait, or longer depending on the model and parts availability.
Surviving examples of special-ordered left-handed guitars from 1983 are this EX-145 with FRT-3 and this FV-135, also with the FRT-3.
Prototype Floyd Rose FRT-5
(1982-1983)
Status: Prototype
Fernandes worked with Floyd Rose during 1982 on the prototypes of the final two Floyd Rose designs: the double-locking fine tuner unit with the vertical tail (FRT-4) and the double-locking fine tuner unit with the angled tail (FRT-5), both influenced by Eddie Van Halen's suggestions. The final design was completed in early 1983. Although Fernandes had been instrumental in its development, Floyd Rose, having just finalized his partnership with Kramer also early in 1983, ultimately selected Schaller in Germany to manufacture and distribute the official new Floyd Rose tremolo for the U.S. and global markets.
Meanwhile, the Japanese FRT-5 prototype was publicly advertised in the July 1983 issue of Young Guitar magazine as an ESP product called the "Magician." Notably, ESP was not only ghost-building the bodies and necks for Kramer guitars at this time but was about to fully manufacture the new Kramer Focus Series for export to the United States. As the manufacturer of the guitars, ESP had access to the OEM that was also manufacturing the components for Fernandes' own parts supply to the United States.
The Magician was then featured in ESP's August 1983 Export Catalog. The catalog listed the Magician as a boxed kit or factory option for ESP Custom Shop models.
ESP カスタム・ハードウェア：マジシャン・トレモロ・システム 世界初のフル・ファイン・チューナー・ロック・トレモロ。ダブル・ロッキングでピッチ・スタビリティを保証。ベンド・スチール・ベースプレート、T-ブロック・サドル、ナット/ワッシャー・アーム機構。ゴールド・フィニッシュオプションあり。対応モデル：Mirage SE-170, Navigator VHシリーズ。価格：¥50,000 (クローム)/¥55,000 (ゴールド)。 [Specs: Stud spacing 74mm; Knife-edge pivot; Compatible with locking nut.] | ESP Custom Hardware: Magician Tremolo System World's first full fine-tuner locking tremolo. Double-locking guarantees pitch stability. Bent steel baseplate, T-block saddles, nut/washer arm mechanism. Gold finish option available. Compatible models: Mirage SE-170, Navigator VH series. Price: ¥50,000 (chrome)/¥55,000 (gold). [Specs: Stud spacing 74mm; Knife-edge pivot; Compatible with locking nut.] |
The Magician was quickly discontinued from use after its last appearance in the September 1983 ESP catalog.
Fernandes only learned of Schaller and the production-ready final design after receiving the imported German unit at the end of 1983. Immediately, the fine tuner FRT-4 was discontinued.
The Schaller unit was advertised in Volume 1 of the 1984 Fernandes catalog, published in January of that year, as the imported "Floyd Rose FRT-5." It was featured on the Fernandes FST-155 and FST-135 superstrats, and the BSV-135 Flying V.
The product information page for the FRT-5 and model descriptions for the FST-155 and FST-135 were both word-for-word repeats of the previous year’s FRT-4 page, with only "FRT-5" replacing "FRT-4" in the text, and updated photographs—giving the impression of a rushed response to the new German tremolo rather than a fully developed product listing. Elsewhere in the catalog, Fernandes offered other models equipped with either the Floyd Rose FRT-3 or the proprietary Fernandes Head Banker FRT-2.
Left-handed availability for 1984
The left-handed ordering disclaimer in the Fernandes-Burny catalog for 1984 remained the same as the one for 1983. 10 models between the two brands were marked as production models. Those with Floyd Rose tremolo systems were the FST-85, and FST-80 with Floyd Rose FRT-3. 13 models from the lineup were marked as not orderable.
Japanese "Floyd Rose" FRT-7
(1985)
Status: Discontinued
With just the imported Schaller FRT-5 as the primary Floyd Rose option for 1984 and the Floyd Rose contract coming to an end, Fernandes took the Japanese FRT-5 prototype (ESP "Magician") that they had previously done all the preliminary work on with Rose and released it officially in 1985 as the "Floyd Rose FRT-7."
According to recollections made in 2012 by a Fernandes employee:
...このＦＲＴ－５Ｓｈは、自社で生産しているものでなくいわば取次商品になるので、 当社としてはあまりおいしくありません。 そこで、ＦＲＴ－５Ｓｈと同様のものを、国産で製作し販売を始めました。 これが国産ＦＲＴ－５です。 そして翌１９８５年には、戦略的に価格を下げて展開を始めました。 ＦＲＴ－５と区別する意味で、ＦＲＴ－７と命名し、￥４８，０００で販売しました。 | ... this FRT-5Sh [Schaller] isn't something we manufacture ourselves. It’s basically an imported item we just distribute, so we don't really make anything on it. We then decided to build and sell a Japanese-made version that works the same as the FRT-5Sh. That's how the domestic Japanese FRT-5 was born. Then, the very next year in 1985, we strategically lowered the price and went on the offensive. To differentiate it from the original FRT-5, we named it the FRT-7 and sold it for ¥48,000. Sales took off like crazy. |
The Japanese FRT-7 and the German FRT-5 were both featured in the 1985 Fernandes catalog as "Floyd Rose" products. They were also advertised as kits and offered for retrofit and aftermarket installations.
Both were etched with "Floyd Rose" at the top of the baseplate. The Fernandes blocks had a sticker that read "Floyd Rose TREMOLO SYSTEM PAT. 4,171,661." The Schaller units had "Made in Germany" embossed under the baseplate and a "Made in W. Germany" sticker on the block. Some notable design differences are:
The Japanese version is made of bent steel. The German original was cast.
The German version uses imperial measurements. The Japanese version uses metric.
The arches between where the forks meet the tail are oval on the Fernandes FRT-7, while the arches on the Schaller FRT-5 are square.
The baseplate of the German version is more rectangular with harsher right angles. The Japanese version is more rounded, and its tail curves back.
According to the 1985 catalog, the pricing was listed as follows:
Colour | German FRT-5 (1985) | Japanese FRT-7 (1985) |
Chrome | ¥65,000 | ¥45,000 |
Gold | ¥68,000 | ¥47,000 |
Black | ¥69,000 | ¥47,000 |
The FRT-7 was featured on the Fernandes FST-85, FST-90, and FST-55 superstrats, and the BSV-70 and BSV-90 Flying Vs.
Left handed availability for 1985
In Volume 1 of the 1985 Fernandes-Burny catalog, as noted on page 49, the ordering process for left-handed guitars and general ordering conditions was revised to limit the choices for custom ordering and to add a feasibility check dependent on new tooling and the customer's willingness to pay extra. Models that Fernandes did not want to produce continued to be marked as unavailable.
③サウスポーギターについて | ③ Regarding Left-Handed Guitars |
●印のもの は、ロット生産していますが、常時生産しておりませんので、機種によっては在庫のない場合があります。その場合は、約3ヶ月-4ヶ月の納期が必要となります。定価は、本体定価の20％アップになります。 | Items marked with ● are produced in batches, but they are not in continuous production, so depending on the model, stock may be unavailable. In that case, a delivery time of approximately 3 to 4 months is required. Please note that the price will be 20% higher than the standard list price. |
▲印のもの は、ロット生産していませんが、特注で受付できます。その場合納期は、約3ヶ月-4ヶ月以上の納期が必要となります。定価は、本体定価の20％アップになります。 | Items marked with ▲ are not produced in batches but are accepted as custom orders. Lead times are approximately 3 to 4 months but could be longer. A 20% surcharge will also be added to the base price. |
×印のもの は、オーダーを受付けていません。 | Items marked with × are not accepted for ordering. |
無印のものもオーダーを受付けておりますが、新たな治具が必要となる場合がありますので納期及び料金は、機種によって異なりますのでご注文以前にご確認ください。 | Items with no mark [left blank] are also accepted for ordering, but since new jigs/tools may be required, lead times and costs may vary depending on the model, so please confirm these details before placing your order. |
Left-handed guitar models listed as "produced in batches" were the FST-65 fitted with Fernandes' proprietary Head Crasher FRT-6, and the BSV-60 fitted with the Fernandes Head Banker FRT-2.
Models listed as "not batch-produced but are accepted as custom orders" were the FST-75 with the Floyd Rose FRT-3, the FST-85, FST-90, and BSV-90 with the Japanese FRT-7, and the BSV-70 with the Fernandes Head Crasher FRT-6.
Left hand examples include this black 1985 left handed FST-85L and this white 1985 left-handed BSV-70.
End of contract
Sometime in 1985, the contract between Fernandes and Floyd Rose ended, and Schaller thereafter became the exclusive manufacturer of both the non-fine tuner (FRT-3) and fine-tuner (FRT-5) Floyd Rose systems. Fernandes' response was to rebrand their product range as the "Head Crasher Tremolo System" and continue to develop and manufacture their range of vibrato bridges exclusively for the Japanese domestic market.
On April 26, 2023, the Osaka District Court issued a bankruptcy commencement order for Osaka Fernandes Co. Ltd. due to prolonged sales declines and insurmountable debts. This decision predated and exacerbated the collapse of Fernandes Co., Ltd., which cited the event as a tipping point for its own insolvency (filing in July 2024 with ¥730 million in liabilities). Fernandes Co., Ltd. closed its doors in July 2024. As of December 2025, Osaka Fernandes remains in bankruptcy proceedings, with no reported revival or asset sales. The Fernandes brand itself was partially acquired post-bankruptcy, but Osaka Fernandes' specific operations have ceased, marking the end of its role in the supply chain.
See here for Fernandes' venture into proprietary tremolo systems post Floyd Rose: Floyd Rose Tremolos for left hand guitars: Proprietary Versions
Ping Well 1987 - 2008
Ping Well Industrial Co. Ltd. located in Taiwan was a supplementary producer of genuine Floyd Rose tremolos during the 2000s and was personally selected by Rose to manufacture his SpeedLoader tremolo system introduced in 2003.
The company also supplied licensed Floyd Rose tremolos as OEM products and produced proprietary models for multiple guitar brands. Ping Well also has a number of patents for guitar tuners and locking tuners.
Since 2020, Ping Well has owned and managed the TISONIX trademark, which is associated with Titanium products. Under its TISONIX brand, Ping Well collaborated with Floyd Rose in the 2020s to produce an Original Floyd Rose tremolo 100% made of Titanium. Note: Geoffrey McCabe filed a trademark cancellation case against Ping Well in 2022. As with his prior litigation involving Floyd Rose and Ping Well in 2010 (McCabe v. Floyd Rose Guitars et al.), this case failed, with Ping Well retaining the rights.
The following information is about Ping Well's genuine Floyd Rose products that were available left handed.
For Ping Well's OEM production of licensed Floyd Rose systems that were also available left-handed, see: Part 2: OEM Producers
For Ping Well's OEM production of proprietary systems for other brands, that were also available left-handed, see: Part 3: Proprietary Versions
The following genuine Floyd Rose products produced by Ping Well that have never been available left-handed are covered in Part 5: No-Names, Fakes, Unknowns, and Never Left Handed
Titanium Floyd Rose Tremolo System
Floyd Rose SpeedLoader
Floyd Rose FRX Tremolo System
Fender Deluxe Locking Tremolo
Floyd Rose 1000 Series Pro Tremolo System
Genuine Floyd Rose tremolo
Status: Discontinued
During the 2000s, Ping Well manufactured a double locking tremolo for Floyd Rose. It was identical in every way to the Original Floyd Rose but with a solid, "non-plated" brass block and arm bushing. Apparently, it was produced under the strict supervision of Floyd Rose directly, to supplement Schaller production. There is very little publicly available information about this product. Author's comment: I personally have never seen one.
This Ping Well unit was apparently the only Floyd Rose system other than the German-made OFR at that time that was permitted to be branded simply as "Floyd Rose". The unit had "Floyd Rose" laser etched on the upper base with the "PW" logo on the lower base. The tail was laser etched with "LICENSED UNDER FLOYD ROSE PATENTS" (all in capitals) in white lettering. The block was etched with the block size and sometimes the '236 and '661 patents. It was used on the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Series, introduced in 2008. Note, the unit supplied to Gibson has "Floyd Rose" in a cursive font on the baseplate.
It was available as an aftermarket kit through distributors such as Axcessories (www.axcessories.com) and was only US$30 less than an Original Floyd Rose. These could still be bought up to about 2016. I do not know if there was ever a lefty kit.
Note: Ping Well no longer sells Floyd Rose tremolos of any kind; the last time they were advertised was in their 2015 catalog.
Floyd Rose SpeedLoader Fixed Bridge
(2003 - ?)
Status: Discontinued
The Floyd Rose SpeedLoader Fixed Bridge is a flat-mount fixed bridge with fine tuners based on the SpeedLoader and released at the same time. Being fixed, it can be used as a right-handed or left-handed bridge. I've never seen one, but apparently, it can still be used with Fender bullet strings. It has "Floyd Rose" in cursive script embossed at the top of the baseplate, with "Fixed" embossed on the other side. "P.W" is embossed on the underside.
This bridge also came under scrutiny in the McCabe vs. Floyd Rose et al. case in 2010.
As of 2025, knockoffs are being sold on AliExpress and even state they are "made in Taiwan." The only way they are not counterfeits is if they are, in fact, leftover dead stock.
Glossary of Terms
Batch-produced: Stock products manufactured in limited runs, not custom orders.
Custom order: Made-to-order units, often with long lead times or higher cost.
Double-Locking: A system where the strings are clamped at two points: the bridge (via saddle blocks) and the nut (via a locking nut). This removes the tuning pegs from the equation during play.
Fine Tuners: The small knurled screws on the back of the bridge used for precision tuning after the nut has been locked.
Knife Edges: The two sharpened points on the baseplate that pivot against the mounting studs. This is the "friction point" of the system.
License stamp: “Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats.” on a tremolo post-2008 does not indicate an active agreement — it’s legacy tooling or marketing.
Licensed Floyd Rose: A tremolo made under official Floyd Rose branding but by a third-party manufacturer.
Locking Nut: A nut consisting of three metal pads tightened by hex bolts. Lefty Note: Nut sizes (R2, R3, R4) are mirrored for lefties (L2, L3, L4). A right-handed nut cannot be used on a lefty neck.
N.O.S. (New Old Stock): Unused parts from discontinued production runs.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): A third-party company that produces parts for other brands.
OFR: Original Floyd Rose. Applies to the modern FRT100 Series currently made in the USA and formerly made in Germany. Historically also refers to the Japanese and German FRT-5.
Proprietary: An in-house design, self-branded and used only for the company's own products, usually manufactured by an OEM. For example, the Jackson JT6 tremolo was a property of Jackson-Charvel in the United States, manufactured by OEM Ping Well of Taiwan.
Radius: The curvature of the saddles. A Floyd Rose must match the fretboard radius (e.g., 12", 16") to ensure consistent string height.
Tremolo: A musical effect where the volume (amplitude) of a note is rapidly modulated, producing a pulsating or shuddering sound. It is distinct from vibrato, which otherwise affects pitch, not volume. Since 1954, this term has been technically misused to describe pitch-bending effects such as those produced by guitar vibrato systems. The error originates with Leo Fender.
Upcharge / Surcharge: An upcharge is an extra charge for an additional service or option, while a surcharge is an extra charge added to the standard cost, often for specific circumstances.
Vibrato: A musical effect where the pitch of a note is varied up and down, usually rapidly, creating a warbling or wavering sound. This expressive technique adds warmth and richness to music, commonly used by singers and instrumentalists.
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