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Floyd Rose Tremolos for Left-Handed Guitars: Licensed Producers

  • Writer: Gaskell Guitars Australia
    Gaskell Guitars Australia
  • Feb 3
  • 27 min read

Updated: 3 days ago


The following information is the definitive guide on Floyd Rose tremolos (and variants) with a special (but not exclusive) emphasis on left-handed guitars: 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:


Introduction: An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a company that produces components or complete products for another brand. This guide focuses on OEMs that manufactured licensed Floyd Rose tremolos either as aftermarket kits or for supply to specific guitar brands. This is distinct from genuine Floyd Rose-branded products and from proprietary tremolo designs developed independently by other companies. Some manufacturers produced genuine Floyd Rose units, licensed versions, and proprietary designs, so they appear in multiple sections where relevant.


Schaller


Schaller Licensed Tremolo 

(1984–2012)

Status: Discontinued


In addition to manufacturing genuine Original Floyd Rose (OFR) tremolos and both versions of the Floyd Rose II, Schaller also produced their own licensed tremolo. The Schaller Licensed Tremolo (SLT) was made of zinc alloy rather than hardened steel, yet it is visually almost identical to the Original Floyd Rose. Schaller sold it directly to the public as an aftermarket option and supplied it as an OEM product to various guitar brands. All parts between the SLT and the OFR are interchangeable. There are some very minor manufacturing differences between them:


  • The baseplate of the SLT is zinc cast, as opposed to being solid steel on the OFR.

  • The fulcrum points on the SLT have replaceable hardened steel inserts.

  • The locking screws on the SLT aren't as long in the back, thus allowing the unit to fit in a smaller rout.

  • The SLT features a 12" radius, as opposed to the 10" of the OFR.


The Schaller Licensed Tremolo had "Schaller" embossed on one side of the baseplate and "Made in Germany by Schaller" embossed on the other. The block was stamped with U.S. patent numbers 4,549,461 and 4,497,236, along with the block size. OEM-supplied units could be branded. Several guitar brands incorporated the Schaller Licensed Tremolo into select production models, including Jackson Stars, B.C. Rich, Charvel, Fender, Grover Jackson, Squier, Hamer, Washburn, and Fernandes.


Examples of left-handed guitars that came standard with the Schaller Licensed Tremolo include the 1996/1997 Japan-only Grover Jackson RR/L.D-144 and Grover Jackson SL/L.D-138, this 1995 USA-made lefty Hamer Diablo, and this USA-made 1989 lefty Charvel Deluxe 475. The Hisashi Imai "Stabilizer" Signature model by Fernandes came with the Schaller Licensed tremolo but was only available left-handed in 2003. The 2005 Japan-only Jackson Stars Series included four lefty models with the Schaller Licensed tremolo: the SL-J2L, RR-J2L, DK-03L, and RR-03L.


Schaller phased out left handed units beginning in 2012.


NOTE: New left-handed SLT aftermarket replacements (unbranded) can be bought here: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia



LockMeister 6

(2012– present)

Status: Current


​The Schaller LockMeister® 6 Tremolo is a further development of Schaller's Licensed Tremolo "using newer technologies." It is made in Germany and sold as an aftermarket kit. It can be bought through a music outlet or through Schaller directly if you are a manufacturer.


Like the Original Floyd Rose, the baseplate is made of hardened steel. All studs, inserts, and screws are black-zinc and black-chrome finished. It has height-adjustable, one-piece string saddles for a 12" tremolo radius, eliminating the need for shims. The fine tuner screws also have longer threads. Earlier versions were engraved with "Schaller" on the baseplate and the block size stamped into the block. The tremolo was updated in 2023 to allow different radii. Also with the update, the baseplate inscription changed to "LOCKMEISTER." Longer fine tuners were added in 2025.


The LockMeister is a direct replacement for the Original Floyd Rose but not for the earlier Schaller Licensed Tremolo (which has a shorter rout.) Left hand models are available in Chrome, Satin Chrome, Black, Gold, Nickel, and Ruthenium.


Author's note: I am not aware of any guitar brands that use the LockMeister for their model ranges.




Kahler


In the 1970s, Gary Kahler produced brass guitar parts and hardware for Fender and later DiMarzio. Kahler created a second company, American Precision Metal Works, and in 1981 released a guitar bridge system that would later become the famous Kahler cam-based tremolo system, which differed from the eventual fulcrum-based Floyd Rose system. Kahler products have always been made in the USA.


In addition to his signature cam‑based design, Kahler introduced three double‑locking, fulcrum‑style vibrato systems. The "Steeler" was a licensed version of the Original Floyd Rose, while the "Spyder" and "Killer" were proprietary hybrids that blended elements of both Floyd Rose and Kahler technologies. The three fulcrum-based tremolos were collectively called the 2700 Series. All were available in left-hand, though some models were limited to custom orders or specific brand partnerships.


In 1992, Floyd Rose filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Kahler and American Precision Metal Works (Case No. 8:92-cv-00166, Central District of California). While Kahler’s Steeler was produced under a valid licensing agreement as a close clone of the Original Floyd Rose, the court ruled that Kahler’s Spyder (and to some extent the Killer) infringed on Rose’s core double-locking vibrato patents due to their hybrid construction, which incorporated protected elements beyond the scope of the existing license. A permanent injunction was issued prohibiting further manufacture and sale of the infringing models. In 1994, the court awarded Floyd Rose more than $1.5 million in damages. The legal and financial consequences of the case contributed significantly to Kahler’s decision to exit the guitar hardware industry. Gary Kahler subsequently spent the next decade focused on selling golf clubs and sporting goods.


The Kahler Killer, Spyder, and the reintroduced 2024 Steeler are covered in Part 3: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: Proprietary Versions



2760 Steeler

(1986 - 1992)

Status: Discontinued


The Kahler Steeler from the 1980s was Kahler's licensed version of the double-locking Original Floyd Rose 100 Series. It was stamped at the top of the baseplate with "Kahler - Made in USA Lic. Under Floyd Rose Pats" and stamped on the bottom with "Made in USA by Kahler." Unfortunately, Kahler did not re-engineer the baseplates and left-handed versions were simply upside-down, right-handed units with a second hole drilled through the original stamping to accommodate the lefty tremolo arm. Despite the rough appearance, it did not affect the unit's functionality.


  • Carvin Guitars. During the 1980s, Carvin entered into an OEM arrangement with Kahler to source Kahler tremolos, including the Steeler, for its guitars. Carvin guitars were made-to-order and almost all models were available in left-hand. After Kahler left the industry in 1992, Carvin switched to Original Floyd Rose systems. The Steeler was used on the Carvin left handed DC-150, the mid-1990s lefty DC-135, the 1990 left handed DC-300 Reverse Headstock, and on the 1992 left handed DC-400. This 1991 left handed X2200CL was ordered with a factory-installed Steeler.


  • B.C. Rich Guitars. U.S-made B.C Rich guitars from the late '80s came standard with either a Kahler Steeler, a Kahler cam-based tremolo, or an Original Floyd Rose. Additionally, B.C. Rich guitars could be special-ordered with other options including the Gotoh Edge tremolo (before Ibanez secured exclusive rights.) This USA left handed B.C. Rich Warlock from 1988 has the Kahler Steeler.


  • Tom Anderson Guitars. Tom Anderson Guitars often utilized Kahler units. This 1991 Tom Anderson lefty has a Kahler Steeler.


Reintroduced Steeler


After an absence of 32 years, Gary Kahler reintroduced the Steeler in 2024 with engineering improvements and modifications. It is now a proprietary product. The new Steeler is available in two versions, including a version where you do not have to cut the ball ends off the strings. The Kahler Auto Latch, which allows the player to switch the tremolo from floating to fixed via the tremolo arm, is also an available option. All products are made in the USA.


A Critical Note on new Left-Handed Steeler (2024+)


Author's comment: I bought a new lefty Steeler in 2025. Despite Kahler's best intentions, we couldn't get it up to scratch and sadly, I had to return it. The new Steelers are being produced using N.O.S baseplates, which are 30-year-old parts and still display the obsolete licensing statement. The one I received was rusty and tarnished. I realize these are made of genuine American steel and the units have superior engineering, but this was a disappointment considering the premium price. The procedure they are using to make a lefty unit in 2025 is the same they used in the 1980s: put a regular RH baseplate on the drill press and drill a hole in the other side. The only problem is that because of the density of the steel, it is impossible to make a clean hole, and the hole goes through wording. See my review here: New lefty Kahler Steeler Review




Gotoh


Gotoh is a major Japanese parts manufacturer that has supplied guitar hardware for multiple guitar brands since 1960 and is world-renowned. While never definitively confirmed in primary sources, Gotoh is believed to have manufactured the original Floyd Rose FRT-1, FRT-3, and FRT-4 tremolos for Fernandes, as well as Fernandes' own FRT-1 variant, the Head Banker FRT-2. Gotoh manufactured both OEM and proprietary tremolo systems for multiple brands, including Yamaha, Aria Pro II, and Ibanez. The company also produced its own Gotoh-branded proprietary double-locking Floyd Rose variant, which has remained largely unchanged since 1988.


Gotoh's proprietary tremolo systems are covered in Part 3: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: Proprietary Versions



Edge Tremolo

(1985 - present)

Status: Current


Gotoh’s licensed version of the Original Floyd Rose, known as the Edge Tremolo, was introduced in 1985. It was initially supplied as an OEM unit to brands such as Aria Pro II and select Japanese B.C. Rich models, including left-handed models such as the 1985 Aria Pro II ZZ Standard, 1986 left-handed B.C. Rich Warlock and 1987 left-handed B.C. Rich ST-III.


From 1986 onward, Ibanez exclusively adopted the Edge as its primary high-end tremolo, and the design became the foundation for all future Ibanez Edge-series proprietary systems. Ibanez’s budget lines built in Korea, Indonesia, and China otherwise utilized parts sourced from universal OEM pools that began in Korea and later shifted largely to China. Both the original Edge from 1986 and the subsequent Lo-Pro Edge from 1991 remain in use to this day.



Gotoh GE1988T

(1988 - 1996)

Status: Superseded


With Ibanez having secured the Edge Tremolo for its own use, Gotoh released the GE1988T as its next broad OEM product in 1988. It was also sold as an aftermarket boxed kit.


The bridge was stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the tail and "GOTOH Japan" on the block. Sometimes it was stamped with "Gotoh" and the Gotoh "G" logo on the upper baseplate. It differs from the Original Floyd Rose in that the baseplate's top knife edge is straight (a trait shared with Fernandes Head Crasher tremolos.) Also distinctive is that the saddle assemblies are bevelled, giving them a slightly rounded appearance. It has offset saddle screws so that the strings do not get in the way when adjusting the intonation. Its tremolo arm collar has a squared base.



  • B.C Rich: Between 1989 and 1992, most B.C. Rich import guitars were manufactured in Korea; however, the NJ Series II during these years were manufactured at the Teihatsu factory in Nagoya, Japan. These guitars were built for the Japanese and European markets only and came equipped with the Gotoh GE1988T. Right-handed units had "B.C. Rich" stamped upside down on their baseplate, while left-handed units usually had no inscription at all. The GE1988T was listed in B.C. Rich catalogs as the "B.C. Custom Tremolo." Left-handed examples include this 1990 Warlock WG-801LH, and this Japanese B.C Rich ST-III.



  • Aria Pro II: The Gotoh GE1988T was supplied to Aria as an OEM product from 1989. The tremolo was stamped "Aria Pro II" on the baseplate with "ART-1" in smaller writing underneath. It was used on some 1989 Warrior, Libra, Magna, and Aquanote series guitars. In the same year, Aria and Gotoh entered into a more exclusive OEM arrangement to modify the GE1988T to Aria Pro II's specifications, resulting in the proprietary ART-2 unit. The new Aria variant added saddle height adjustment and longer threaded fine tuners. The sides of the baseplate were curved, and it had an L-shaped block, which the tremolo arm screwed into. The ART-2 first appeared in the 1990 Aria Pro II catalog. It was used on Aria Pro II Magna Series guitars from 1992 until 1995. Details on the proprietary version is covered in Part 3 of this series: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: Proprietary Versions


  • Music Man: Eddie Van Halen chose the Gotoh GE1988T over the Original Floyd Rose for his "EVH" signature range of guitars, made in partnership with Ernie Ball/Music Man from 1991 to 1995. The EVH tremolo was stamped "Music Man" on the baseplate. (Music Man did not make left-handed guitars during this period.) Eddie Van Halen eventually partnered with Fender in 2005. This collaboration saw his return to using Floyd Rose products and the introduction of a solid range of EVH-branded left-handed guitars.


GE1996TL

​(1996 - present)

Status: Current


The Gotoh GE1996T is the current Gotoh Floyd Rose tremolo, originally released in 1996 and manufactured in Japan. It was modified slightly from its predecessor, the GE1988T, to allow it to be a straight swap for an Original Floyd Rose. It is outwardly identical to the GE1988T, with the exception of the tremolo arm collar. It is known for its hardened-steel baseplate and saddles, brass sustain block, and its patented stud-lock mechanism that prevents the tremolo posts from shifting. It is primarily sold as an aftermarket kit but, like its predecessor, has been utilized as an OEM product by different brands at different times.


One of its engineering improvements is the Gotoh patented Stud Lock System. Each pivot stud (post) has a small internal locking screw that, once tightened, secures the stud to the insert. This, in turn, prevents the studs from turning inside their threaded bushings, thereby eliminating micro-movements that could affect tuning stability and action.


It comes in three block sizes (depth): 33mm, 36mm, and 40mm. It is stamped with "High Stability Tremolo System" on the tail and "Gotoh Japan" on the upper baseplate. Left-handed units are available in Chrome, Black, Cosmo Black (Black Chrome), and Gold.


The GE1996T is highly regarded by guitar builders and players around the world and is arguably the best like-for-like choice for replacing an Original Floyd Rose. It also costs less.



The GE1996T was also supplied as a branded OEM unit to Fernandes and Aria Pro II.


  • Fernandes: From 1997 Gotoh supplied their GE1996T as an OEM unit for Fernandes, who had ceased direct procurement of their own licensed tremolos in that same year. The Fernandes model was designated FRT-10 and was stamped "Fernandes Guitars" on the baseplate and without any inscription on the tail. Fernandes offered periodic runs of select left-handed guitars, however none with the FRT-10.


  • Aria Pro II: The GE1996T tremolo was used on the 2000 Aria Pro II MA Series MAC-85V model. This time Aria retained the original Gotoh model name in its product specifications.



Takeuchi

​

Takeuchi Manufacturing Co. Ltd was a major Japanese manufacturer of licensed Floyd Rose tremolo systems for many brands that produced guitars in Japan, beginning around 1986. The company produced a set range of products with only minor modifications for particular brands. The company otherwise did not make true proprietary systems.


Takeuchi products were also sold to the public as replacement or aftermarket kits. The company's last known OEM production runs concluded around 2008; the company ceased operations around 2010, and leftover kits continued to be sold until approximately 2016.



Takeuchi TRS-101

(1988 - 2008)

Status: Discontinued


The TRS-101 was Takeuchi's licensed version of the Original Floyd Rose tremolo and was adopted by many guitar brands that had Japanese lines. It was used by Aria Pro II, B.C. Rich, Charvel, ESP, Fender, Greco, Ibanez, Jackson, Kramer, Washburn, Westone, and Yamaha, among others. It was produced from 1988 until 2008 and attained legendary status as the most popular OEM unit of its era.


The TRS-101 replaced its less-refined predecessor, the TRT-1, which was identical in appearance but never used on left hand guitars. See Part 5: No-Names, Fakes, Unknowns, and Never Left Handed


The TRS-101 was stamped on the upper baseplate with either 'TRS-101' or the guitar brand’s name, and 'Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats.' in small letters near the tremolo arm collar. The sustain block was stamped 'Takeuchi' with 'Made in Japan' below it. It is easily recognized by its trapezoid-shaped baseplate and slightly more angular tail compared to the German-made Original Floyd Rose. It has a threaded tremolo arm which screws into the block. To this day, the TRS-101 is the most copied Floyd Rose-style tremolo system of all time.



The TRS-101 is also known as the Jackson JT580, Washburn 600-S, Ibanez TRS, Fender Ex-Trem, Greco GF-II, Charvel FLC-101, among others.


  • Jackson: Between 1990 and 2002 Jackson's "Performer Series" and top-tier "Professional Series" were built in Japan for export to the United States and Europe. Left-handed Japanese-export Jacksons with the JT580 include the 1991-1994 Professional Series Stealth EX, the 1997 Professional Series Dinky DK2SL, the late-1990s Performer Series PS4L, and the 2000 Professional Series DK-3L. Fender acquired the Jackson and Charvel brands from Akai Musical Instruments Corporate (AMIC) in 2002 but was unable to use the "Jackson" brand name in Japan due to Japanese distributor Kyowa Shokai owning the trademark domestically since 1989. Fender's workaround was to create a Japan‑exclusive brand named "Jackson Stars." These were a continuation of the global Jackson Professional Series. Although right-handed models were listed in catalogs with the Schaller Standard Locking Tremolo, some left-handed export models came with the Takeuchi TRS-101. Examples are this left-handed Jackson Stars DK-03L Dinky and this 2006 left-handed Jackson Stars Randy Rhoads V. The TRS-101 last appeared in the 2008 Jackson Stars Japan catalog, coinciding with Takeuchi ceasing production of the TRS-101, after which it was fully replaced by the OEM Floyd Rose 1000 Series or Original Floyd Rose. The Jackson Stars brand was discontinued in 2011 after Fender gained the right to use the Jackson brand in Japan.

​

  • Charvel: Some Japanese Charvels made at the Chushin Gakki factory (1986-1991) came with the equivalent FLC-101 including the 1989 and 1990 left-handed DK-070-SSHL and the 1990 left-handed DK-065-SSH.


  • Ibanez: While Ibanez ordinarily used the Gotoh Edge or low-profile Takeuchi tremolos for most of their guitars, they did use the TRS-101 on some Japanese-built guitars including the 1999 left-handed RG420AHL. It was known as the Ibanez TRS.

​

  • B.C Rich: Some lefty B.C Rich guitars made in Japan during the late 1980s were fitted with the TRS-101 if not a Kahler Spyder. Confirmed models include left-handed NJ Series "Stingers" and ST-III models.


  • Aria Pro II: The TRS-101 first appeared in the 1989 Aria Pro II catalog on several models of the CT, XR, and Vanguard Series, and from 1991 on several models of the Vanguard, Magna, Avenger, and Viper series. An example is this left-handed 1993 Aria Pro II MA-62 LH Magna.


  • Washburn has always been one of the worst guitar companies for left hand guitars, but there were left hand versions of the 1988 Japanese G-5V, and the Korean-made 1988-1991 Chicago Series KC-40V, the 1988-1990 KC-70V, and the 1992 Mercury Series MG40 LH. Here is an example of a left-handed Washburn MG400L. Each of these models came with the equivalent 600-S. Washburn stopped advertising left hand electric guitars after 1992.


  • Westone: This 1990 left-handed Westone Steve Lynch Signature Corsair came with a TRS-101 although it is not clear if that would have been by special order as the 1990 Westone catalog says it came with a Kahler tremolo, and it does not specify if the model was available left-handed.



Note to left-handed guitarists: Takeuchi went out of business 15 years ago and aftermarket, high-quality left-handed alternatives do not exist in standard retail. If you are restoring a MIJ guitar that originally came with a TRS-101 (e.g., Jackson, Ibanez, Kramer, ESP) or want to upgrade an entry-level model (Ibanez, Schecter, B.C. Rich, or an unbranded "China cheapie"), high-quality left-handed TRS-101 replacements are available here: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia


Takeuchi TRS-PRO

(1994 - 2010)

Status: Discontinued


In 1994, Takeuchi introduced its version of the low-profile Floyd Rose Pro tremolo for guitars made in Japan. Like the low-profile Floyd Rose original (which was never available left-handed), it has shorter locking bolts inside of the tail and the tail is flatter. This was released as the TRS-PRO. It was also known as the Jackson JT580LP, Washburn 800-S, Fernandes FRT-5PRO, Charvel FLC-PRO, Greco GF-III, among others. These models were stamped "TRS-PRO" on the baseplate (if not branded) and "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats." on the tail. The block was stamped "Takeuchi" and "Made in Japan" on a second line. It was made until the late 2000s.


  • Jackson: While the TRS-101 was the workhorse vibrato bridge for the Jackson Performer and Concept series built in Japan, the TRS-PRO became the standard for the Professional series starting around 1994-95. The equivalent JT580LP was used on Jackson's U.S-market Dinky and Performer models that were made in Japan from the mid-1990s until about 2000, such as this 1995-1998 left-handed Performer Series Dinky PS-4, and this 1990s left-handed DK2-L. (Note: Jackson's lower-end models built in Korea used a TRS-PRO clone sourced through the Korean universal OEM pool. It continued to be marketed as the JT580LP. See here: Part 4: The Asian OEM Pool.)

  • Grover Jackson: Between 1991 and 1998, the TRS-PRO was used on several Japan-only Grover Jackson Dinky and Randy Rhoads models. Examples include this left-handed DKL A-66, this 1996 left-handed DKL.A-55, and this left-handed RRL P-90 (Randy Rhoads V.) These were built at the Chushin Gakki factory and are considered the Japanese equivalent of the global Jackson Professional line. 


  • Washburn: The equivalent 800-S was used on the 1990s left-handed Washburn MG74 LH.


  • Fernandes: In 1994, Fernandes adopted the Takeuchi TRS-PRO which became the standard bridge for their "Revolver" FR series superstrats. It was designated FRT5-PRO by Fernandes. The top of the baseplate was stamped with "FRT Tremolo System" with "FRT5-PRO-TRS" on a second line. The tail had the usual "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats." statement. It was replaced by the Ping Well P505 (FRT-11) in 2000. Fernandes produced left-handed guitars in periodic runs until 2004, including their core FR-55 and FR-65 models. Examples of left-handed guitars with the FRT5-PRO-TRS are this 1994 Fernandes FR-65L, this 1994 Fernandes FR-55L, and this blue 1995 Fernandes FR-55L.

​




Takeuchi TRS-PRO (straight edge version)

(1994 - mid 2000s)

Status: Discontinued


The Takeuchi TRS-PRO (Straight Edge Variant) was an OEM variant of the TRS-PRO produced for Ibanez (branded as the Lo-TRS) and Yamaha (branded as the Yamaha TRS-PRO).


It is functionally identical in every way to the regular TRS-PRO except that the baseplate's upper knife edge is straight. It has a screw‑in tremolo arm. The block has "Takeuchi" and "Made in Japan." One small difference is that the "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" statement engraved on the tail is outward-facing, meaning it is oriented to be read by an observer looking at the guitar externally. (On a regular TRS-PRO, the statement is player-facing, i.e. according to the player's perspective.)


  • The Ibanez Lo-TRS version is engraved with "Ibanez LO-TRS TREM" (upside down) at the top of the baseplate. The left-hand version is Ibanez Part No. 2LT1L35K. The Japanese-made 2000-2002 left-handed RG470L, manufactured by FujiGen Gakki, came with the Lo-TRS.


  • The Yamaha version has "YAMAHA" and "TRS-PRO" stamped upside down on the upper baseplate. It first appears on the 1994 RGX Series. Yamaha never made a lot of left hand guitars, but the 1995 Yamaha RGX 421DL, made in Taiwan used this tremolo. Here is a surviving example. Yamaha continued to use it on their RGX Series until the mid 2000s.




Takeuchi TRS-PRO7

(1999 - 2010)

Status: Discontinued


Takeuchi also made a left-handed 7 string tremolo. It was designated TRS-PRO7. This unit remained available until the company closed in 2010. Consistent with other Takeuchi tremolos of the era, it featured a straight upper knife edge. As with all Takeuchi products, it had "Takeuchi" on the block and "Made in Japan" on a second line underneath.


  • It was designated 700-S by Washburn. I am not aware of any 7-string Washburn guitars that were made left-handed.


  • For Ibanez it was called the LO-TRS7. It was used on the only left-handed 7-string with a double-locking tremolo Ibanez has ever made: the 2000-2002 RG7420L. The Ibanez version has "Ibanez TRS LO-TRS TREM" stamped upside down on the baseplate with "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats." engraved on the tail. It is Ibanez part number: 2LT1UV35B.


​

Ibanez's venture into proprietary tremolo systems, including the Edge Series, their Takeuchi clones, and ZR/ZPS systems is covered in Part 3 Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: Proprietary Versions



Ping Well 

(1987 - 2015)

​

Ping Well Industrial Co. Ltd. located in Taiwan was one of Floyd Rose's official producers of genuine Floyd Rose products as well as an OEM producer of licensed products for various guitar brands. Floyd Rose personally selected Ping Well to manufacture the Floyd Rose Speedloader in 2004 and to supplement Schaller production of the Original Floyd Rose. (See Part 1: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: Original and Genuine)


The company has its own patents for guitar tuners and locking tuners. 


NOTE: The original Ping Well website (www.ping-well.com) was shut down around 2020. They now have a new website and logo. The latest parts catalog from their old site was from 2015. They no longer advertise Floyd Rose tremolo systems on their current website. Ping Well continues to operate as an exporter and manufacturer of tuners and other generic hardware, supplying companies like C.F. Martin & Co., but without significant licensing partnerships or major IP-related products since 2015. In the 2020s, the company was involved with Floyd Rose in the manufacturing of Titanium Floyd Rose products.



Jackson JT-6 

​(1987 - 1989)

Status: Discontinued


Jackson-Charvel used the Chushin Gakki factory in Nagano exclusively for its Japanese-made range of guitars. In 1987, the company commissioned Ping Well of Taiwan to produce an OEM tremolo for its Japanese guitars. This was the Jackson JT-6. It replaced the Kahler tremolos in use up until this time. It is conceptually similar to the horizonal-tuner Fernandes FRT Tremolo range adopted by Fernandes in 1988.


The JT-6 differed from the Original Floyd Rose primarily because its fine tuners and string lock screws ran horizontally out the back of the unit, rather than sitting vertically on the tail. Additionally, the saddles featured cover plates over the string lock blocks, creating a completely flat surface. It was embossed with "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the tail with "Jackson" on the front of the block and "Made in Taiwan R.O.C" on the back of the block. The block also had a sticker with "#40121587." The JT-6 has a distinctive rough hammered steel finish, even rougher than the Schaller Floyd Rose II. It was made of pot metal. Public reviews over the years suggest that they were not considered to be good quality.


Jackson's left-handed Dinky model of that era came with this tremolo as did the left-handed 1987 Charvel Model 3 and left-handed 1988 Charvel Model 3. Another example (without the capped string blocks) is here: Charvel Model 3. Left hand versions of the 1987 Randy Rhoads, Soloist, and Strat-body models could be custom ordered. The JT-6 was standard for each. 


It was replaced in 1990 with the Takeuchi TRS-101.




PT 505

(1996 - 2015)

Status: Discontinued


Ping Well produced an alternative version of the Gotoh GE1996T that was supplied as an OEM product to Fernandes and Peavey from 1996 until the mid-2000s. The Ping Well designation is PT 505. (PW Product Code YF-04VB) It is outwardly identical to the Gotoh except for the shape of the saddles, which are beveled on the Gotoh and squared-off on the Ping Well. The PT 505 has their stylized "PW" logo or "P.W" abbreviation on the block. While the Gotoh GE1996T features a hardened steel baseplate and saddles, the PT 505 uses zinc alloy for both the baseplate and saddles. Both units have brass blocks.


  • Peavey. The PT 505 was used on Peavey's 1996-2004 range of EVH Wolfgang guitars. (The earlier 1991-1995 EVH guitars came with a Gotoh GE1988T.) The unit is stamped "Peavey" on the baseplate and "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the tail. Ping Well's "PW" logo is stamped on the block. It was not until Eddie Van Halen partnered with Fender in 2005 to redesign the EVH models and establish EVH as its own brand that we would get left-handed EVH models, such as the Japanese-built Wolfgang Special released in 2010, and shortly thereafter, other models. The Fender EVHs instead use the OEM genuine FRT-01000 Series.

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  • Fernandes. The Fernandes version is designated FRT-11. (Fernandes also used the original Gotoh which is designated FRT-10.) The FRT-11 is printed with "FERNANDES Guitars" on the baseplate (The Gotoh original says "FERNANDES" only) and "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the tail. It was introduced in 2000. In the same year Fernandes introduced its generic Custom Order System. Although it never said explicitly that it also applied to left-handed guitars, guitars were produced through this system, despite no catalog mentions. Examples include this 2001 Metallic Black Satin Fernandes FR-55S, this 2001 Ice Blue Sunburst (one-year-only) Fernandes FR-48, this 2002 Blue Metallic Burst Fernandes FR-55S, this 2004 Tamarind Fernandes FR-55S, this 2004 Metallic Black Satin Fernandes FGZ-550S, this 2004 Metallic Black Satin Fernandes FGZ-550S, and this 2004 Metallic Black Satin Fernandes FGZ-550S. 2005 was the last year Fernandes produced left-handed models with the FRT-11. The last use of the FRT-11 is in the 2018 Fernandes Japan catalog which was the last year of the FR-Standard 2011 and FGZ-Standard 2011 Series.


  • Graph Tech. The Graph Tech Ghost LB-63 is an OEM-supplied double-locking tremolo that is essentially a modified Ping Well PT-505 that takes Graph Tech’s GHOST piezo system. It was released around 2010. The primary visual difference between the two is the LB-63’s baseplate, which features sharp, rectangular corners instead of the rounded corners found on the regular PT-505. The Graph Tech GHOST saddles are retrofit components that replace the stock saddles. Each GHOST saddle contains the piezo element and must be individually installed in the saddle slots of the baseplate. The signal cables are routed from each saddle to the control cavity or preamp through a round hole in the block. The block is made of brass and is stamped "P.W." The baseplate is laser etched with "graphtech" and the tail is laser etched with "Precision Tremolo System" in white lettering. Since Ping Well has been out of business for a decade, newer ones are likely from the universal Korean or Chinese OEM pools, for which there are Ping Well clones available. I doubt whether there are any lefties.




Jin Ah


Jin Ah Precision Industries was a Korean company that emerged as a key producer of licensed Floyd Rose tremolo systems and OEM proprietary tremolo systems during the late 1980s and 1990s. The company supplied universal hardware to major brands with Korean production lines. Guitars produced by Samick, Cort, and World Musical Instrument Co. were often manufactured with Jin Ah parts.


Jin Ah ceased manufacturing guitar parts around the early 2000s, as parts manufacturing shifted toward higher-spec producers like Taiwan's Ping Well and Korea's Sung-il.


Jin Ah's most well-known series of licensed Floyd Rose tremolos is the KKT series. (This is actually the Samick designation for the series.) Early products are easily identifiable by the "Mfg. Under Floyd Rose Pats." wording of the licensing statement on their products and their conical fine tuners.


Jin Ah also took over manufacturing St. Louis Music’s proprietary Bendmaster tremolo as an OEM product for multiple brands built by Samick after Matsumoku closed its doors in 1987. The factory also manufactured several proprietary Aria Pro II tremolo systems, post-Matsumoku. See Part 3: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: Proprietary Versions



KKT-1 / Bendmaster

(1980s)

Status: Discontinued

 

The KKT-1 was Jin Ah's version of the original Bendmaster proprietary tremolo, which was originally developed by staff at St. Louis Music (SLM) in the United States for Westone guitars, which were manufactured by Matsumoku and distributed by SLM in the United States and FCN Music in the United Kingdom and Europe. It was a two-point, string-through bridge with vertical fine-tuners, curved baseplate sides, and J-shaped string hooks. Strings are fed through chambers in the block and do not need the ball ends cut off.


The SLM original was made in Japan. After Matsumoku closed and SLM production moved to Samick in Korea, it became an OEM product used by many major guitar brands well into the 1990s.


The Jin Ah version is outwardly identical to the Japanese original, but the block shape is completely different, and it is made of inferior metal. As with the original, it was made initially with no inscriptions of any kind. Later versions were stamped "Mfg. Under Floyd Rose Pats." on the baseplate, and the bottom of the block was embossed with "JINAH."


  • Aria Pro II. After the Matsumoku closure, Aria Pro II guitars were made by Samick in Korea. Left-handed guitars were not standard and had to be custom ordered. The KKT-1 was featured on a single model in the 1989 Aria Pro II catalog, on the SL-DX-3.

      

  • B.C Rich moved production of their import guitars from Terada in Japan to Korea in 1986, using Cort for the main, and from 1987 until 1993 the entry-level Platinum Series were built with the KKT-1 including the catalog-listed Platinum Series left-handed Warlock introduced in 1988. It was referred as the Bendmaster in catalogs. The B.C Rich versions were properly stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" from 1990.


  • Hondo: During the 1970s and 1980s, Samick produced guitars under the Hondo brand (as a joint venture with U.S company International Music Corporation.) The Hondo Fame Series were built from 1984 until 1987 which included a left-handed Strat copy: the Fame Series H-760. The last of the H-760 models came with the KKT-1 as an option. (This same guitar was also sold as the Epiphone S-300 from 1986-1995, although was not available left-handed.) Samick continued to build Hondo guitars until 1990.

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  • Epiphone: Samick produced the 1986-1989 Epiphone S-Series Superstrats and Flying V with this tremolo, stamped as "Bennder." There was a lefty model: the Epiphone S-600L. 

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  • Charvette By Charvel: From 1989-1991 Samick made Charvel's entry-level Charvette range, some of which also used this tremolo. The Charvette version was designated CH-120. I have not found any evidence that lefty Charvettes were made.


  • Series 10: This was another St. Louis Music brand that were student-level guitars produced from the early 1980s to the late 1990s and built in Korea, by Samick. SLM marketed its acoustic line under the Bentley name, while the Series 10 label was reserved for its electric models. They made an Ibanez/Jackson superstrat clone which came with the Bendmaster tremolo. This Series 10 left-handed Fat Strat was built with the KKT-1.


  • Memphis was a budget guitar brand distributed by Kaman Music in the United States between 1977 and 1989. Guitar pedals and amplifiers were also sold under the same brand. Some late-80s superstrat models came with the Bendmaster/KKT-1 tremolo. Very little information about them has survived. Visually, Memphis superstrats look like rebranded Washburn guitars and may very well have been. There are no known lefty models.


  • Vester was a guitar brand launched in the late 1980s by the U.S. retailer Samuel Music Company and later via importer Midco International / Midco Music. They were entry-level guitars built by Saehan Guitar Technology in Korea. The brand disappeared after 1994. Vester's Stage Series superstrat models were built with the KKT-1. Some left-handed guitars were produced but no documented examples exist with KKT-1 tremolos.

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KKT-2

(1988 - 1995)

Status: Discontinued

 

The KKT-2 was a single-locking variant of an Original Floyd Rose manufactured by Jin Ah. It was not attributable or specific to any one brand but was used on mass-produced guitars built in Korea by Samick, Cort, and World Musical Instrument Co. Ltd.


Strings were fed through individual self-locking T-shaped saddle assemblies, each on see-saw pivots. Vertical fine tuners at the rear of the individual saddles pressed on the baseplate when turned, thus making the saddles pivot to make tuning adjustments. It had a rectangular tremolo collar in common with the Aria Pro II ACT-3. The KKT-2 was stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the top face of the baseplate.


  • Samick: The KKT-2 was used on Samick's own guitars including this 1990-1999 left handed KJ-560.



  • B.C Rich: From 1993-1995 B.C Rich's Korean-made Gold 50 Series guitars came with the KKT-2. This tremolo was carried over onto the reintroduced N.J Series made in Korea from 1996. In B.C Rich catalogs it is referred to as "Single Locking Tremolo." I believe these guitars were made by Cort. Left handed examples also include this red 1994 Platinum Series B.C. Rich Warlock.

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KKT-3 / Bendmaster FR / ART-10

(1989 - 1996)

Status: Discontinued

 

The KKT-3 was Jin Ah's licensed OEM version of the Original Floyd Rose but with the trapezoid-shaped baseplate similar to the Takeuchi TRS-101 and a single straight knife edge. It incorporated adjustable saddle height, giving its design an innovative edge over the standard Original Floyd Rose. The unit was stamped on the baseplate with "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents," in the very distinctive "Courier New" typeface (a monospaced slab serif font originally designed for typewriters and widely used in print since the 1950s). The KKT-3 is further recognizable for its conical-shaped fine tuners.


In addition to Samick’s KKT-3 designation, it was marketed as the Bendmaster FR by SLM’s Westone brand and as the ART-10 by Aria Pro II. After its introduction in 1989, it was soon used by multiple brands throughout the 1990s.


The KKT-3 was also sold as an aftermarket kit. It could be bought from WD Music Products in the United States. This would be the last licensed Floyd Rose product before Jin Ah disappeared off the scene.


  • B.C Rich also used KKT-3 alongside the KKT-2 on their import line beginning in 1994. It was an alternative to the KKT-2 on some Gold 50 Series models and was standard on the Diamond 100 Series until 1996. In B.C Rich catalogs it was noted as "Floyd Rose Licensed Tremolo." I believe they were built by World Musical Instrument Co.


  • Dean used the KKT-3 on its DS Series superstrat guitars in the 1990s. Left-handed examples include this left-handed Dean DS-92E, and this left-handed DS-92E from 1994. Samick ghost-built the DS Series during this time. (Dean did not make left-handed guitars again until 2008.)


  • Hamer had a range of entry-level guitars made at the Cort factory in Korea during the 1990s, marketed as Slammer by Hamer. Those that had Floyd Rose systems were fitted with the KKT-3. Left-handed Slammer guitars did exist but were produced as special orders or very small runs rather than standard catalog models. While a small number of lefty Pacer, Californian, and Centaura models have appeared for sale in the used market, documented examples with factory-installed Floyd Rose or licensed tremolos such as the KKT-3 are non-existent in public archives.


  • Samick: The KKT-3 was Samick’s primary licensed double-locking tremolo during the early-to-mid 1990s. Most left-handed examples were produced as special orders rather than standard catalog models. Examples include this 1991 Samick KR-660L which was also available via custom order, and this left-handed 1994 Viper KR-564L TBK.



  • Vantage: From 1978, Matsumoku produced Vantage guitars for Canadian distributor Jam Industries and U.S. distributor Music Technology Inc. Samick acquired the Vantage license from Matsumoku a year before its closure and continued to manufacture the brand for Music Technology Inc. before taking over the brand fully in 1990. The KKT-3 was used on some Vantage guitars including the 1991-1996 left-handed 818G-DT. Samick continued to build Vantage guitars until 1998.


  • Westone used the KKT-3/Bendmaster FR for its Challenger, Dimension, and Spectrum II models in 1989, then replaced it in 1990 with a Takeuchi TRS-101 on the 1990 Dan Armstrong Signature model (which wasn't made in left-hand) and Kahlers for most other models. Samick manufactured Westone guitars until 1991.

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NOTE TO LEFT-HANDED GUITARISTS: Jin Ah's early KKT series were a bit hit-or-miss in terms of quality, but by the time they released the KKT-3 they were making superior products. Of course, all Jin Ah products have been out of production for decades. They are unreplaceable, especially lefties.


For restorations of original KKT-3 equipped guitars, you can buy a modern alternative that is a straight swap (but without saddle height adjustability.) See here: Gaskell Guitars Retail | Reverb Australia




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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. For decades this term has been technically misused to describe pitch-bending effects such as those produced by guitar vibrato systems.​

  • 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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