Floyd Rose Tremolos for Left Hand Guitars: Proprietary versions
- Gaskell Guitars Australia
- Aug 6
- 45 min read
Updated: 4 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 four parts:
Part 1: Original and Genuine Floyd Rose (Floyd Rose, Fernandes, Schaller, Sung il, Ping Well)
Part 2: OEM Producers (Kahler, Gotoh, Takeuchi, Ping Well)
Part 3: Proprietary Versions (Schaller, Kahler, Fernandes, Ibanez, Matsumoku, Samick/Cort/WMIC, Yamaha, ESP, Jackson-Charvel, KMC)
Schaller
Schaller Licensed Tremolo
(1984 - 2012)
Status: Discontinued
In addition to producing the Original Floyd Rose (OFR) tremolo for Floyd Rose, Schaller also produced their own licensed tremolo, primarily as an aftermarket alternative to an OFR. These were advertised and sold by Schaller directly to the public.
The Schaller Licensed Tremolo has "Schaller" embossed on one side of the base and "Made in Germany by Schaller" embossed on the other side of the base. The block is stamped with the '661 and '236 patent numbers and the block size. All parts between the Schaller licensed tremolo and the OFR are interchangeable.
Several guitar brands opted for the licensed Schaller tremolo as standard on some of their production guitars at different times, such as Jackson, B.C. Rich (1988-1992 NJ Series), Charvel, Fender, Squier, Hamer, Washburn, and Fernandes. Some left-handed models that came standard with the Schaller licensed 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 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.
There are some very minor manufacturing differences between the OFR and the Schaller licensed:
The base plate of the Schaller licensed unit is zinc cast, as opposed to being solid steel on the FRT-100
The fulcrum points on the Schaller have replaceable hardened steel inserts.
The locking screws aren't as long in the back so the unit will fit in a smaller rout.
The Schaller licensed features a 12" radius, as opposed to the 10" of the OFR.
Trembucker or F-Spaced humbuckers are not necessary for the Schaller licensed tremolo.
Lockmeister 6
(2012 - present)
Status: Current
The Schaller LockMeister® 6 Tremolo is a further development of Schaller's licensed proprietary tremolo system "using newer technologies." It is made in Germany. All studs, inserts and screws are black-zinc and black-chrome finished. It has height-adjusted one-piece string saddles for 12" tremolo-radius, eliminating the need for shims. The fine tuner screws also have longer threads. It had "Schaller" engraved on the base plate and the block size stamped into the block. The tremolo was updated in 2023 to allow different radii.
Also, the base plate inscription changed to "LOCKMEISTER." Longer fine tuners have been added in 2025.
The Lockmeister is also a direct replacement for the Original Floyd Rose. Left hand models are available in chrome, Satin chrome, black, gold, nickel, and ruthenium.
I am not aware of any guitar brands that use this for their model ranges. This type of tremolo is aimed at Custom builders, such as Gaskell Guitars (myself), and for individuals that want to change an existing guitar.
Kahler
In 1981 Gary Kahler of American Precision Metal Works released a guitar bridge system that would later become the famous Kahler cam-based tremolo system. Besides his own system, Kahler developed three double locking, fulcrum tremolo systems, including the Kahler Steeler which was Kahler's licensed version of the Original Floyd Rose tremolo. For information on the Kahler Steeler see : Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: OEM Producers
Kahler's other fulcrum-based systems were the Kahler Killer and Kahler Spyder. These were proprietary systems that incorporated both Floyd Rose and Kahler technologies.
The Steeler, Killer, and Spyder were collectively called the 2700 Series. All Kahler tremolos were available in left-hand.
2710 Killer
(1985 - 1992)
Status: Discontinued
The Kahler 2710 Killer was a further development of the basic Floyd Rose double-locking design and Kahler's own licensed version of it, the Steeler. (See Part 2.) It was made in the USA.
The Killer incorporated finger-locking saddles which eliminated the need to cut off the ball ends of the strings and the need to lock the saddles with tools. This unit had more advanced intonation adjustability over an Original Floyd Rose and string spacing could be adjusted.
Left-hand guitars were produced with this tremolo, but disappointingly, the left-hand units were simply upside-down, right-hand units with a hole drilled into the metal on the opposite side for the lefty tremolo arm. Carvin, a prolific user of Kahler tremolos throughout the 1980s, adopted the Killer in 1989 before switching to Floyd Rose systems from 1990. The Killer came standard on Westone's highest-spec guitars from 1989.
In 2024 Gary Kahler stated this tremolo would not be reintroduced as it was too expensive to produce.
2720 Spyder
(1988 - 1992, 2024 - present)
Status: Discontinued 1992, Reintroduced 2024
The original 2720 "Spyder" tremolo from the 1980s utilized Kahler patents but was still visually reminiscent of a Floyd Rose. It was always made in the USA. There were three versions: the 2722 (Wrench-locking model), the 2731 (Finger-locking model), and the 2750 (Non-locking model.) Very different from a Floyd Rose is that the base has replaceable slotted inserts which pivot on the studs. The studs can be rotated instead of having to be replaced, unlike a tremolo with knife-edges. Unique to Kahler is the "Kahler Auto Latch" which is an optional fitting to the block that allows one to switch the tremolo from floating to fixed via the tremolo arm. The Spyder will not fit in a Floyd Rose rout.
The Spyder was primarily developed for Fender, for their HM Series Superstrats built between 1988 and 1992. Peavey and B.C Rich were also prominent users. Peavey and B.C Rich made left handed guitars, Fender did not.
As with the other 2700 Series tremolos, left-hand units were simply redrilled, upside-down right-hand units.
The 1988-1991 lefty Peavey Tracer came standard with the Spyder tremolo. More examples include this 1987 USA Custom Shop lefty Warlock, this 1987 USA Custom Shop lefty B.C Rich ST-III, and this left-handed B.C Rich ST-III from the same era.
Update 2024. After an absence of 32 years Gary Kahler has just re-released the Spyder and Steeler with modifications, marketed as the "2700 Series fulcrum tremolo." The Spyders are being assembled from new old stock parts and the Steeler has some updates. (There are no leftover left-handed Spyders.) The Kahler Auto Latch is offered again on the Spyder, which allows one to switch the tremolo from floating to fixed via the tremolo arm. As these are so new, it remains to be seen if provisions for lefties have been thought of yet.
Fernandes 1982 - 1985
Fernandes Electric Sound Research Group Co. Ltd. of Japan was the original contracted producer of Floyd Rose tremolos including the prototypes and first production models. They were joined by Schaller at the end of 1983 and both companies produced the non-fine-tuner (FRT-3) and double-locking (FRT-5) units until 1985 when the contract between Fernandes and Floyd Rose ended. Fernandes also marketed and sold guitars in Japan under the "Fernandes" and "Burny" brands, as well as sold electronics, parts, and accessories to the public. See here for Fernandes' production of genuine Floyd Rose products.
Fernandes never manufactured anything themselves; they used contractors. Gotoh was their official supplier of metal parts. Fernandes guitars were built by multiple factories, including Tokai, Kawai, FujiGen, and Matsumoku. After Matsumoku's closure in 1987, Japanese production went to Dyna Gakki, and lower-end models went to Korea. Tokai resumed Japanese manufacturing for Fernandes from the mid 1990s until Fernandes' closure in 2024.
NOTE: With the exception of the 1983 catalog, Fernandes catalogs never pictured left-handed models.
FRT-2 / Head Banker
Status: Obsolete
In 1982, Fernandes produced the first-ever Floyd Rose tremolo, the FRT-1. At the same time, Fernandes developed their own modified version of it as the "FRT-2", which was also released in Japan in 1982. Unlike the FRT-1, it does not have insert blocks or locks at the saddles. It is a string-through bridge where the strings are fed from the bottom through the block and do not need the ball ends cut.
This bridge was never advertised as a Floyd Rose product nor marketed outside of Japan. Both the Floyd Rose FRT-1 and Fernandes FRT-2 first appeared in the 1982 Fernandes catalog. While the FRT-1 was explicitly stated as being available right-handed and left-handed, the FRT-2 was not.
From 1983, the FRT-2 was advertised in Fernandes catalogs as the "Fernandes Tremolo System Head Banker." (I didn't know Fernandes was involved in Finance - joke.)
The Head Banker featured in the 1983 Fernandes catalog on the FST-95, FST-80, FST-75, FST-90H, FST-50, and EX-95 models. For 1984 it was featured on the FST-65, FST-95, BSV-70 and EX-85. Here is a 1984 left handed Fernandes EX-85L (Explorer) with Head Banker.
The 1985 Fernandes catalog states that the BSV-60, BX-60, and EXP-60 models came with the Head Banker.
Head Crasher FRT-6
Status: Obsolete
While still under contract, Fernandes produced a single-locking tremolo with fine tuners designated "Head Crasher FRT-6" which first appeared in the 1985 Fernandes catalog. The strings are fed through horizontal tubes at the rear and do not have to have their ball ends cut off. It had "Head Crasher" etched into the base plate and no licensing inscriptions.
The Head Crasher is almost identical to the single-locking Floyd Rose II released by Floyd Rose in the United States two years later. Different from the Floyd Rose II is that the arches between where the forks meet the tail are oval as opposed to square on a Schaller. Oval arches are a distinctive feature of all Fernandes bridge systems that have a "whale tail" and is distinctive of Gotoh manufacturing.
The Head Crasher was available only in Japan and featured in the 1985 Fernandes catalog on the FST-65, FST-135, FST-125, BSV-70, and BX-70. It was also used on the 1985 Burny RSC-100 (Les Paul replica.) Here is an example of a custom-ordered left-handed 1985 FST-65L.
The Head Crasher was also used by ESP on their Japan-only Kramer Japan JK Series introduced in 1985.
Left handed availability
In the final year of the Floyd Rose contract, Fernandes offered specific left-handed guitar models "produced in batches" which were the FST-65 and BSV-60. Specific left-handed guitar models "not batch-produced, but orders are accepted" were the FST-85, FST-90, BSV-90, and BSV-70.
Fernandes "Head Crasher Tremolo System" 1986- 1987
Fernandes' contract with Floyd Rose ended in 1985, and all Original Floyd Rose tremolos were thereafter manufactured by Schaller in Germany. Fernandes immediately took the name of their Head Crasher FRT6 tremolo and rebranded their entire range to "Head Crasher Tremolo System." They then went on to further develop and produce their own proprietary systems. 1985 would be the last year of the non-fine-tuner FRT-3 and Head Banker. The new Head Crasher range debuted in the 1986 Fernandes catalog.
New FRT-9 and new FRT-7
Status: Obsolete
In 1986, Fernandes introduced a system incorporating a plate that fitted to the top of the guitar, into which the tremolo fitted. By way of a lever, it locked the bridge, thereby turning the bridge from floating to fixed. Fernandes called it the "Floating Lock System." The Head Crasher FRT-6 with this system became the new "Head Crasher FRT-9," and the Head Crasher FRT-7 (double-locking Floyd Rose) with this system became the new "Head Crasher FRT-7." The upper knife edge of the new FRT-7 changed to a straight edge, coincidentally also a feature shared on the Edge tremolo produced by Gotoh in the same year. The Head Crasher FRT-6 otherwise remained unchanged.
The new Head Crasher FRT-7 was used on the 1986 FR-120, FST-90, FST-55 and JS-100 from the main catalog.
The new Head Crasher FRT-9 was used on the 1986 FR-75, BSV-70, BX-70, JS-90, STF-135, and STF-150.
The existing Head Crasher FRT-6 was limited to only the Fernandes FST-65 and STJ-75, and the 1986 Burny RSC-100 (Les Paul replica.)
Body Crasher FRT-8
Status: Obsolete
Also new for 1986 was the "Body Crasher FRT-8" tremolo. The Body Crasher is not like any original Floyd Rose system. It is a very simplistic string-through tremolo with fine tuners that screw vertically on six individually pivoting arms which each of the strings feed through horizontally and then go over saddles. String tension holds the arms down and the vertical fine tuners work by raising or lowering the arms on their pivots when you turn them. On this tremolo the whammy bar screws into the block. It was not exclusive to Fernandes.
Early models had no stamping of any kind and later ones were etched with "Body Crasher" on the base plate. There are no Floyd Rose acknowledgements anywhere. This tremolo would become the longest running tremolo for Fernandes, going all the way to 1997.
The Body Crasher was introduced on the 1986 FR-55, BSV-60, and BX-60 models. Left handed examples are this 1986 left-handed FR-55L, this left-handed FR-55L, and this 1991 left-handed FR-55TL.
Here is an excellent video showing a close up of a left-handed FRT-8: Fernandes FRT-8 — Obscure Lefthand Bridges — FR-55
Note: Fernandes guitars were being made by Matsumoku at this time which also manufactured Aria Pro II guitars. Some Aria Pro II models used this very same tremolo, such as the left handed 1986 Aria II Pro Mega Metal Stage III. In the Aria Pro II catalogs it is referred to as the "ART-2." It continued to be used on some Aria Pro II guitars built subsequently in Korea. Yamaha also used it for some of their RGX Series Superstrat guitars introduced in 1987 that were made at Yamaha's Kaohsiung factory in Taiwan, calling it the Yamaha "RMX" tremolo. Another Japanese domestic brand Fresher also used this for some of their guitars.
I have a left handed one of these from a guitar that I had back in New Zealand during the late 1980s. Mine has no stamping. I cannot remember what guitar it came off. I don't think it was a Fernandes. Definitely not a Yamaha. In fact, I used this bridge (because I was poor at the time!) on the very first left handed guitar I personally built in 1992. I gigged with that guitar a handful of times in the early-2000s and I remember it did not stay in tune well. To me this design is somewhat primitive. Does any reader know what factory actually made this tremolo?
1986 Left handed availability
In the appendix on page 71 of the 1986 Fernandes catalog, it states:
① サウスポーギターについて
About Left-Handed Guitars
●印のもの→少生産していますが、素材生産していないもので、機種によっては製造のない場合があります。 Items marked with a dot are produced in small quantities, but due to limited material inventory, some models may be out of stock.
その場合、約3ヶ月〜6ヶ月の納期が必要となります。 In such cases, a production lead time of approximately 3 to 6 months is required.
尚、納期は、木作定価の20%アップになります。 Furthermore, the price will be 20% higher than the standard base price.
● 空白の欄のらの受け付けておりません。 Models left blank in the catalog are not available for order. Please understand that we cannot accept requests for these items.
● 左用はMODELによってパーツ仕様が若干異なる場合が有りますので、あらかじめご了承ください。 Please be aware that for left-handed models, part specifications may differ slightly depending on the MODEL.
Left handed models available for order in 1986 were the FR-65, FR-55, and FST-65
Fernandes "FRT Tremolo System" 1987 - 1997
From 1987, the whole range of Fernandes tremolos were renamed "FRT Tremolo System." At this time, Fernandes had fully distanced itself from its Floyd Rose origins and was well into further developing its own unique proprietary tremolos. The new range was featured in the 1987 Fernandes catalog. There appears to be no mentions of left-handed availability in it.
With Matsumoku having shut its doors, Fernandes' Japanese guitar production went to Dyna Gakki. In the same year, Fernandes shifted manufacturing of its cheaper guitar series from Japan to Korea, thought to be the Samick factory, with hardware possibly by Saehan Guitar Technology Co. Ltd, although it is well documented that Samick obtained its metal parts from Jin Ah during this time.
FRT-4 rename and new FRT-5
Status: Obsolete
In 1987, the FRT-7 without the bridge lock was reintroduced and was redesignated "Head Crasher FRT-4." Adding saddle height adjustment ability to it became the new "Head Crasher FRT-5." The bridge-locking FRT-7 and FRT-9 continued to be advertised. The FRT-7, new FRT-4, and new FRT-5 all retained the straight upper knife edge introduced the year before. The Head Crasher FRT-6 and Body Crasher FRT-8 remained unchanged. The Head Crasher FRT-6 was used on the STJ-75 and STC-70. The Body Crasher FRT-8 continued to be used on the FRT-55 and FR-55T.
According to the 1987 Fernandes catalog, the new Head Crasher FRT-5 with saddle height adjustment was used on the FST-80, STF-115, STF-125, JS-100, and the STJ-120.
The renamed Head Crasher FRT-4 was used on the 1987 FR-65 and FST-65.
1987 Left handed availability
In the appendix of the 1987 catalog, on page 71, it states:
① サウスポーギターについて
About Left-Handed Guitars
●印のもの→少生産していますが、素材生産していないもので、機種によっては製造のない場合があります。 Items marked with a dot are produced in small quantities, but due to limited material inventory, some models may be out of stock.
その場合、約3ヶ月〜6ヶ月の納期が必要となります。 In such cases, a production lead time of approximately 3 to 6 months is required.
尚、納期は、木作定価の20%アップになります。 Furthermore, the price will be 20% higher than the standard base price.
● 空白の欄のらの受け付けておりません。 Models left blank in the catalog are not available for order. Please understand that we cannot accept requests for these items.
● 左用はMODELによってパーツ仕様が若干異なる場合が有りますので、あらかじめご了承ください。 Please be aware that for left-handed models, part specifications may differ slightly depending on the MODEL.
Specific FRT-equipped left-handed guitars available for order in 1987 were the FR-65, FR-55, and the FST-65.
The 1987 range continued through 1988.
The 1988 catalog states that the bridge-locking FRT-7 was reserved only for the FR-120.
The FRT-4 (original FRT-7) was used on the FRT-75, FR-65, FST-65, STJ-90, and STJ-85.
The FRT-5 was standard on the FST-80, Grand Function STF-115, STF-125, STJ-120, and JS-100. The Head Crasher FRT-6 continued to be used on the STJ-75 and STC-70. The Body Crasher FRT-8 continued to be used on the FRT-55 and FR-55T.
The bridge-locking FRT-9 was mentioned in the 1987 and 1988 catalogs but not featured on any guitars.
1988 Left handed availability
Left-handed availability is stated on Page 71 of the 1988 Fernandes catalog, which is a repeat of the statements in the 1987 and 1986 catalogs.
The FR-65, FR-55, and FST-65 were again offered as left-handed models for 1988. Although the 1988 catalog lists the FST-65 with the FRT-4 tremolo, this 1988 left handed Fernandes FST-65L example is fitted with a Head Crasher FRT-6.
New FRT-7, FRT-5, and FRT-4
Status: Obsolete
In 1989, the FRT-7 (with bridge lock), FRT-4 (without saddle height adjustability), and FRT-5 (with saddle height adjustability) were each redesigned to reposition the fine tuners horizontally. They had "Fernandes" printed across the top of their tail and "FRT TREMOLO SYSTEM" embossed on the upper base plate. Both knife edges went back to being round again. The kit versions sold to the public had a sticker on the block saying "Made in Korea." The FRT-6 and FRT-8 remained unchanged. The FRT-9 was dropped.
The new FRT-4 was used on the FR-120, FR-100, FR-75, FR-65, FR-65X, FST120, FST-80, FST-60, JS-100, STJ-120, STJ-70, BSV-65, and BX-65. The FRT-8 continued to be used on the FR-50, FR-55, and FST-50. Despite appearing in the 1989 catalog, the FRT-7, FRT-5, and FRT-6 were not actually featured on any 1989 guitars.
1989 Left-handed availability
The appendix of the 1989 catalog included the usual statement regarding the availability of left-handed guitars, but the selection of left-handed guitars for 1989 was expanded. The range of FRT-equipped models was increased to include the FR-65, FR-55X, FR-55T, FR-55, FST-65, and FST-55. This 1989 left handed Fernandes FR-65L example has the FRT-4 tremolo with horizontal fine tuners.
According to the 1990 Fernandes catalog, only two FRT tremolos were offered on Fernandes guitars for that year: the FRT-4 and the FRT-8.
Updated FRT-8
The FRT-8 for 1990 was now etched with "FRT TREMOLO SYSTEM" on the base and continued to be used on the lower-spec FR Series. According to an ex-Fernandes employee, the company changed factories for the manufacturing of the FRT-8 at this time. Visually, there is a change to the shape of the base plate and the saddles are a bit different. This 1991/1992 left handed Fernandes FST-55L, and this 1991-1994 left-handed Fernandes FR-55L MTV Revolver are optioned with the newer FRT-8.
1990 Left-handed availability
Per the catalog, left-handed availability was reduced to two models for 1990: only the FR-50X and FR-50 were offered.
After 1990, it appears Fernandes may have stopped batch-producing left-handed models, or only offered them via special order not documented in the catalog. There is no more specific mention of left-handed availability in the appendix of the catalog other than a general statement in a "Custom Options" footnote confirming left-handed models available as special-order:「特別注文につき一部のモデルは左利き仕様、特殊カラー、またはその他の仕様変更が可能です。詳細は販売店またはフェルナンデス代理店にお問い合わせください。」Translated: "Under special order some models can be made in left‑hand specifications, special colours, or other specification changes. For details, contact your dealer or a Fernandes distributor."
For 1991 and 1992 the FRT Tremolo System range consisted of the FRT-4, FRT-5, FRT-6, FRT-7 and FRT-8.
By 1993 only the FRT-4 and FRT-8 tremolos were offered.
Takeuchi TRS-PRO
In 1994, Fernandes adopted the Takeuchi TRS-PRO low-profile licensed tremolo, designated "FRT5-PRO" for Fernandes. It had "FRT Tremolo System" and "FRT5-PRO-TRS" stamped on the base plate and "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats." on the tail. This became the standard bridge for the "FR" Series. The FRT-4 continued to be offered on higher-spec guitars, as was the FRT-8, although the FRT-8 was renamed "FRT-8PRO."
A "Custom Options" footnote on Page 60 of the 1994 catalog states: 「新採用のTRS‑PROダブルロッキングトレモロにより、激しいアーム操作でも安定したチューニングを実現。左利き用仕様もご用意しています。」Translated: "A newly adopted TRS‑PRO double‑locking tremolo ensures stable tuning even under extreme arm work. Available in left‑handed version as well.”
1994 left handed availability
Left-handed guitars available by special-order for 1994 were the FR-65 and FR-55 with the FRT5-PRO and the FR-50 with the FRT8-PRO.
Left handed availability for 1995 and 1996
For 1995 and 1996, the "Custom Options" footnote in both catalogs state that models FR-85SL, FR-75-3SL, FR-65L, and FR-55L were available in left hand by special order and were optioned with the FRT5-PRO. The FR-50L continued to be offered left-handed with the FRT8-PRO for both years.
Examples include this 1994 Fernandes FR-65L and this 1994 Fernandes FR-55L.
From 1996 Fernandes started to advertise the German Schaller licensed Floyd Rose on their U.S.A range of guitars. It was designated "SFRT-2."
End of proprietary systems
From 1997, Fernandes dropped all the original tremolo bridges they had produced previously and adopted a Fernandes-branded Gotoh GE1996T for many of their guitars. In the Fernandes naming convention, the new Gotoh was designated "FRT-10." It had "FERNANDES" on the base plate and "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the tail. They also continued to use the Takeuchi FRT5-PRO. For 1997 the FR-65 and FR-55 continued to be available in left hand by special order and came with the FRT5-PRO. For 1998 the FR-55 was dropped and the FR-75 was added. For 1999, left handed options included the FR-85S and FR-75-3S. The TRS-PRO was not used again until the 2002 left handed FRP-2000L Revolver Pro.
From 2000 a third option was added: a GE1996T clone for mid-level guitars, made in Taiwan by Ping Well. This unit was designated "FRT-11." The Ping Well unit is different from the Gotoh in saddle shape and says "FERNANDES Guitars" on the base whereas the Gotoh version just says "FERNANDES."
An example of the Gotoh-made FRT-10 is this 2004 left handed Fernandes FR-180S Revolver Pro. An example of the Ping Well FRT-11 is this 2004 left-handed Fernandes FGZ-550S.
Both the Gotoh and the Ping Well were used through to the 2010s. However, from 2008 only the FRT5-PRO was used on left handed guitars, and left handed models were reduced to just one model from 2008 until Fernades closed its doors in 2024. Catalogs continued to use the same disclaimer every year:
左利き用モデルは一部機種にて特注対応可能です。納期は3〜6ヶ月、価格は通常モデルの20%増しとなります。」 Translation: “Left-handed models are available for select guitars via special order. Delivery time is 3–6 months, and pricing is 20% higher than standard models.”
In the 2020s Fernandes otherwise used the stock Gotoh GE1996T, the FRT-100 Original Floyd Rose, or the Korean FRTS1000 Specials for its Fernandes and Burny guitars that are advertised with a Floyd Rose system.
UPDATE 2024: Fernandes Co., Ltd. ceased operations on July 11, 2024. The company posted a notice at its headquarters stating: "We are currently burdened with a considerable amount of debt to multiple creditors, and unfortunately, we are unable to continue our business."
Matsumoku (1962 - 1987)
Matsumoku Industrial Co. Ltd. was a factory in Nagano, Japan that was one of the largest producers of OEM guitars in Japan. The company was initially a subsidiary of Singer Sewing Machine Company and produced wooden cabinets, tables, and accessories for Singer products.
Matsumoku had owned the "Westone" name since 1975 and formed a partnership with St. Louis Music in the United States, the distributor of Electra brand guitars, to build U.S.-designed guitars for the U.S. and European markets in exchange for the use of the Westone name, beginning in earnest in 1981. The Electra brand was merged into Westone in 1984. Electra-Westone guitars were also distributed in the UK and Europe by FCN Music.
Matsumoku had a close relationship with the Japanese company Aria. Aria provided design development and business arrangements on behalf of Matsumoku, such as the contract to build Epiphone guitars for Gibson in the 1970s and 1980s. Matsumoku built guitars and drums for Aria.
The factory also made guitars for Epiphone, Fernandes, Ibanez, Greco, Hondo, Samick, Univox, Vantage, and Washburn.
By the late 1980s, Singer was on the verge of bankruptcy. This caused major problems for Matsumoku, and the company was unable to buy itself out from under Singer and closed its doors in 1987.
Bendmaster FT
Status: Obsolete
Matsumoku's first use of a tremolo with fine tuners was the "Bendmaster FT," which was designed by Westone's lead designer and product manager, Tom Presley, at St. Louis Music. It is a two-point, string-through bridge with vertical fine-tuners. It is quite distinctive for the curved sides of its base plate and J-shaped string hooks. It was manufactured in-house by Matsumoku and first appeared in the 1984 Electra-Westone catalog .
Left-handed Westone guitars that came with the Bendmaster included the 1985 Spectrum LX, the 1985 Spectrum DX, and the 1986 Spectrum DX.
Although not mentioned in the Aria Pro II catalog for 1985, this 1985 left handed Aria Pro II Laser Electric Heritage has a Bendmaster tremolo.
A similar version made by Gotoh was used for one year only, on the 1985 Ibanez Axstar Series. The Axstar Series were made at the Jackson-Charvel Chushin Gakki factory and I do not believe they were made in left hand. The Gotoh version was designated Gotoh 1086 or model OGE1086TFB, and was available only in black. It had "Gotoh" stamped on the block. It had the same J-shaped saddles but a different base plate shape.
The Gotoh version somehow found its way on the 1985 Lâg Rockline, a French brand.
Aria Pro II ART-2
Status: Obsolete
Some Aria Pro II guitars built in the 1980s came with a tremolo listed in their catalogs as an "ART-2" which is identical in every way to the Fernandes "Body Crasher" and Yamaha "RMX" tremolo. The Aria Pro II version is stamped "Aria Pro II ART-2" on the base plate.
It was available on the 1986 left handed Aria II Pro Mega Metal Stage III built by Matsumoku and this 1988 left-handed Aria Pro II XR Series ST-3 built by Samick. The Aria catalog supplement of 1986 calls it a "FT-1 Fine tuning Locking tremolo with Zero Fret Nut Lock."
Aria Pro II ACT-3
Status: Obsolete
Aria Pro II's first own proprietary locking tremolo system with fine tuners was a unique tremolo called the "ACT-3." (It was also used on some Washburn guitars, for which it was designated "600-T" for Washburn.)
The ACT-3 first appeared in the Aria Pro II catalog for 1985 on the RS Esprit, RS Hellcat, RS Inazuma III, XX and ZZ Custom, all 3 Custom X models in the CT range, and the Diamond Series JX-Plus and JX-Custom. Yngwie Malmsteen had his own RS Esprit Yngwie Malmsteen Signature model. It was used on the 1985 left handed RS Esprit.
In the Aria Pro II Japan catalog for 1986 it was used on the RS Knight Warrior, RS Knight Warrior-MX, RS Hellcat, RS Wildcat PLUS, and RS Inazuma-III; on the CT Series Custom X-FR, Custom X-MX, and Custom X; and on the Diamond Series JX-Plus and JX-Custom. The international Aria Pro II catalog for 1986 lists these models with the ACT-3: Knight Warrior Deluxe 3, Knight Warrior STD-3, Road Warrior 3, Wildcat-3, and Bobcat-3. It was also used on the international Exotic Series XX Deluxe and ZZ Deluxe.
The ACT-3 has very different dimensions from a genuine Floyd Rose and is not at all interchangeable. It is very recognizable for the large, raised rectangular collar on its base plate where the tremolo arm goes through; the strings are fed through the horizontal tube screws at the back without needing to cut off the ball ends; and it has hinged rectangular carbon steel "pressure pads" (string clamps) that clamp the strings down and are locked in place by a hex screw. It has an L-shaped block into which the tremolo arm screws.
There were two versions, the first was made in Japan and the second was made in Korea. The earliest Japanese version has a German Floyd Rose-style solid "whale tail" and the later Korean version has a Fernandes/Gotoh FRT-style, flatter, curved tail. The early Aria Pro II unit was stamped with "ACT/3" on the base only. The Washburn version had "Washburn 600-T" on the upper part of the base and "Mfg. under Floyd Rose Pats." in very small lettering at the opposite end of the base under the tremolo arm collar. The latter Aria Pro II version with the flatter tail had "Mfg. under Floyd Rose Pats." on the tail and ACT3-S on the tremolo arm collar. (Does the "S" stand for "Samick?")
This tremolo was highly regarded by players of the time and was chosen by Neil Schon for his 1986 Schon NS6 Signature model made by Jackson Guitars (not made left handed.)
The latter version was used on the 1987-1988 left-handed Aria Pro II XR Series made by Samick in Korea. Here is an example of a 1987-1988 left-handed Washburn E29 made by Samick that came with the 600-T equivalent.
Aria Pro II replaced the ACT-3 in 1989 with an OEM version of the Gotoh GE1988T and the Takeuchi TRS-101.
Bendmaster Deluxe
Status: Obsolete
Tom Presley from St. Louis Music also designed the Floyd Rose-style "Bendmaster Deluxe" tremolo for Westone which first appeared in the 1986 Westone catalog. This tremolo was unusual in that the saddles had roller-style string guides, and the unit had very long tuning springs, which made the tail very long but low too. It was stamped "Bendmaster Deluxe" on the base plate and without apparent acknowledgment of Floyd Rose patents elsewhere. It was used on the 1985 and 1986 left-handed Westone Spectrum DX.
In the January 1987 Westone catalogs, it lists the Pantera Standard and Deluxe Series, the Spectrum II and III Series, the Corsair DLX Series, and the new-for-1987 Genesis I and II Series as having the Bendmaster Deluxe. Of those, I do not know if any were made left-handed.
After Matsumoku's closure in 1987, Westone guitars continued to be marketed by St. Louis Music for the United States, and by FCN Music for the UK and European markets, with guitars subsequently built by Samick in Korea. After Samick took over production, Japanese hardware was replaced with Korean-sourced hardware and the Bendmaster Deluxe was gone by 1988.
Various Japanese factories such as Terada and FujiGen picked up Matsumoku's Japanese market contracts, but by the late 1980s Japanese manufacturing had become expensive and most guitar brands that had Japanese lines moved to Korean factories.
Samick
Samick of Korea has been the largest OEM producer of electric guitars in the world for many decades. In 1982, Samick opened a branch office in Germany and a full subsidiary in the United States. In 1992, Samick built a factory in Indonesia which now produces the majority of instruments built by Samick today.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Samick produced guitars under the "Hondo" brand (as a joint venture with U.S company International Music Corporation.)
Following the closure of Matsumoku in 1987, Samick inherited the Aria Pro II and Epiphone contracts, and became the major producer of Epiphones until 1996. They continued to make Aria guitars and drums until Aria returned to Japanese production in the early 2000s.
Samick also built Marlin guitars for British Music Strings Ltd between 1986-1988, and Squier guitars from 1989-1991. Samick acquired the "Vantage" license from Matsumoku a year before its closure and continued to build Vantage guitars for U.S. distributor Music Technology Inc. before taking over the brand fully in 1990. Samick continued to build Hondo guitars until 1990, Westone guitars until 1991, Applause and GTX brands for Kaman Music Corporation until 1994, Charvette by Charvel during the 1990s, and Vantage guitars until 1998.
When Gibson Guitars bought Kramer Guitars out of bankruptcy in 1997, Gibson resurrected the brand and sold Kramer guitars via U.S. online shop MusicYo from 1998 until 2009. The enduring partnership between Samick and Gibson for the production of Gibson's Epiphone brand led to Epiphone managing Samick's production of the new Gibson Kramers. This left-handed Samick-made Kramer Baretta FR404SNL, came with a Kramer-branded licensed Floyd Rose style tremolo which appears to be a Floyd Rose II clone and is identical to the Jackson JT500.
Cort
Cort is one of the largest guitar manufacturers in the world, with headquarters in Korea. Cort began manufacturing guitars in 1973, eventually producing guitars for many brands at different times, including Hohner, Kramer, ESP, Ibanez, G&L, Schecter, Yamaha, Epiphone, Squier, Steinberger, and B.C. Rich. They also used Jin Ah hardware.
Cort was the factory that made the Ibanez entry-level guitars that came with the poorly-received Lo-TRS II, SLT-101 and Edge Pro II tremolos in the 1990s and 2000s. (See following section on Ibanez.) I suspect the aforementioned and the Ibanez ILT1 all came from the same factory.
World Music Instrument Co.
World Music Instrument Co. is another major guitar factory in Korea that produced B.C Rich and Dean guitars at different times. They appear to have used the same hardware suppliers as Cort and Samick. Other brands they build for or used to build for are Agile (Rondo Music), Schecter, PRS, Eastwood, LTD by ESP, and Jackson.
KKT-1 (Bendmaster FT)
Status: Obsolete
Westone's Bendmaster FT tremolo continued to be used by multiple brands that utilized Samick to build their guitars, with the unit manufactured locally by Korean parts supplier Jin Ah. The Korean version is outwardly identical to the Japanese original, but the block shape is completely different and it is made of inferior metal. In the Samick naming convention, it was designated "KKT-1." 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 base plate, and the bottom of the block was embossed with "JINAH."
Hondo: Samick built the Hondo "Fame" Series guitars 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.)
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.
Marlin: The 1986-1988 left handed Marlin K38KT Loner and left handed Marlin K36KT Stingray models built by Samick were fitted with the KKT-1, and it was an option on the left handed Marlin K34 Sidewinder. (In 1989, the brand was bought by Hohner, who switched production to Cort. Here is an example of a left handed Marlin by Hohner HSS Superstrat from 1990.)
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." (Some Charvettes were also made at the Chu Shin Gakki factory where they made the higher quality Japanese Charvels and Jacksons.) I am not sure if Samick built any lefty Charvettes.
B.C Rich moved production of their non-U.S guitars from Terada in Japan to Korea in 1986, using Cort for the main, and from 1987-1993 the entry-level "Platinum Series" were built with the KKT-1 including the 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.
Aria Pro II. The KKT-1 was featured on a single model in the 1989 Aria Pro II catalog, on the SL Series model DX3.
KKT-2
Status: Obsolete
Samick built some Aria Pro II guitars with a single-locking tremolo manufactured by Jin Ah, which they also used on their own Samick brand guitars during the 1990s. This unit was designated "KKT-2." Strings were fed through a self-locking T-shaped saddle assembly on a see-saw pivot. Vertical fine tuners at the rear of the individual saddles pressed on the base plate when turned, thus making the saddles pivot to make tuning adjustments. This unit has the raised rectangular tremolo collar like the ACT-3 / 600-T. The top of the base plate was stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents." World Musical Instrument Co. also built guitars with this tremolo.
Samick: The KKT-2 was used on Samick's own left handed 1990-1999 KJ-560 Superstrat.
Aria Pro II: The KKT-2 was used on the Aria Pro II 1990 Diamond Series JX-450. Left handed Aria Pro II guitars optioned with the KKT-2 include the 1988-1991 Excel Series XL SPT-3RL, the 1991 Viper Series VP-40, and the mid-90s Magna Series MA-20 built by Samick.
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 in 1996 on the reintroduced "N.J Series" made in Korea. In B.C Rich catalogs it is referred to as a "Single Locking Tremolo." I believe these guitars were made by World Musical Instrument Co.
KKT-3 / Bendmaster FR
Status: Obsolete
From 1989 Samick introduced a TRS 101-style double locking tremolo manufactured by Jin Ah but with one straight knife edge. This replaced the Bendmaster Deluxe. It was designated "KKT-3" by Samick. For Westone it was designated "Bendmaster FR." For Aria it was designated "ART-10." The KKT-3 was stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the upper base plate in "Courier New" caps-and-lower-case font. It is also recognizable for its conical shaped fine tuners. Cort and World Musical Instrument Co also built guitars with this tremolo.
Samick: The only left handed Samick-branded guitar that I know of that came with the KKT3 was the 1994 Viper KR-564L TBK.
Aria Pro II guitars built by Samick that came with the ART-10 were the 1990 Vanguard VA-50 and Diamond Series JX-550. Left handed Aria Pro II models that came with the ART-10 include the 1989-1995 left handed Aria Pro II XL DLX3, and the 1990-1993 left-handed Aria Pro II Mad Axe ST-02-3XL/VS.
Vantage used it on their 1991-1996 left-handed 818G-DT.
Westone used the Bendmaster FR for their 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 a left-handed version) and Kahlers for most other models.
B.C Rich also used this double-locking tremolo on their Korean-made guitars 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 produced some "DS Series" guitars in the 1990s with this tremolo, such as the left handed Dean DS-92E Superstrat. I believe Dean used World Musical Instrument Co. to build their guitars 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. I do not know of any lefties.
Samick also built the Gibson Kramers that were produced from 1998 until 2008 and were distributed by online retailer Music Yo in the United States. The Floyd Rose tremolos used on these are Kramer-branded Floyd Rose II clones but they have faux knife edge "inserts" and no inscriptions anywhere. Coinicidentally, the Jackson JT500 used on the Jackson Performer Series of the same era is identical. Samick used Jin Ah hardware but these are not Jin Ah KKTs. What are they?
Ibanez
Ibanez began building their guitars with tremolo systems initially provided by OEM producers Gotoh and Takeuchi in the 1980s and then further developed them inhouse, using factories in Korea and China.
For details on OEM production by Gotoh and Takeuchi for other brands, and for OEM units made by Takeuchi for Ibanez please see Part 2: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: OEM Producers.
Ibanez Edge Tremolo
Status: Current
Ibanez's first proprietary tremolo was the "Edge Tremolo" made by Gotoh in 1986. The Edge Tremolo is very similar to the 100-Series Original Floyd Rose and is a straight replacement. The Gotoh Edge was also used on some USA Series B.C Rich guitars such as this 1986 left handed B.C Rich Warlock. Ibanez gained exclusive use of it, and it became the basis for all subsequent Ibanez proprietary systems thereafter.
It was non-recessed for the first year and fully recessed from 1987. It was stamped "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" on the top of the tail. The block was stamped with "Ibanez EDGE" and "Japan" in smaller letters on a second line.
The first Ibanez left handed models to feature the new Edge Tremolo were the one-year-only 1986 PL1770L and the 1986-1987 Roadstar II RG440L. It continued to be used on the 1988-1991 RG550L, the 1989-1990 Roadstar II 540S-L, the 1989-1992 RG560L, the 1993 USA and European market RG470L, and the 2002-2004 RG570L. These guitars were made at Fujigen Gakki, Fender Japan's factory in Nagano.
Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge
Status: Current
Ibanez continued its collaboration with Gotoh and introduced a lower-profile version of the Edge Tremolo called the "Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge" in 1991. Like the Original Floyd Rose PRO (never available left handed), this system too has much shorter string lock screws forward of the tail allowing for a flatter tail angle. By 1992, the Lo-Pro became the standard tremolo for all high-end Ibanez guitars made in Japan. The left hand version is Ibanez Part No. 2LE1L31K.
Left hand guitars built with the Lo-Pro Edge were the 1992 RG560L, the 1995 RG570L and RG550L, the 1998-2000 RG680CL, the 2000 RG3120L, and the 2001-2002 Japan-only RGR580L.
Starting in 1997, select high-end RG models reverted back to the original Edge including the Japan-only left handed RGR580L (2001-2002) and Europe-only left handed RG570L (2002–2004.)
Lo-TRS II
Status: Obsolete
From 1994 to 2004 Ibanez used a Korean-made copy of the Takeuchi OEM straight-edge Lo-TRS called the "Lo-TRS II" which was fitted to some entry-level Ibanez guitars built in Korea by Cort. Japanese guitars were otherwise built with the higher-quality original Lo-TRS. The Ibanez parts number for the lefty Lo-TRS II is 2CL1LC34B for black and 2CL1LC34K for Cosmo black. It has a collar-mounted tremolo arm.
Left handed Ibanez models that received the Lo-TRS II were the Korean-made 1994-1999 RG470L, the 1998-2004 S470L, and the 1997-2000 JEM555L.
This unit appears to have earned a consistent bad reputation with Ibanez players for its cheapness and apparent trouble staying in tune. What factory in Korea actually made this?
SLT-101
Status: Obsolete
The SLT101 (SLT = "Single Locking Tremolo") was a clone of the Takeuchi TRS-505, which was Takeuchi's version of the single-locking Fernandes Head Crasher / Floyd Rose II.
It was used by Ibanez for its entry level guitars bult by Cort in Korea, including the 1998-2001 left handed RG270L. Ibanez Part Numbers are 2SL1C12C (chrome) and 2SL1C12B (black.) It was not exclusive to Ibanez. It was also used on some of Cort's own guitars.
There is one notable difference between the Takeuchi original and this copy. The arches between the forks at the top of the tail on Takeuchi tremolos are always square. The SLT-101 has oval arches, like a Fernandes.
The tail has "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents." which is inner-facing. There is no model number or inscriptions on the base plate. The block has three circles pressed into one side of it, not necessarily in the same place every time. Nowhere on the unit does it say where it is made, or by whom. It is 100% identical to the aftermarket Mighty Mite Single Locking Tremolo. Anyone know anything?
Ibanez ILT1
Status: Obsolete
In 2001 Ibanez used a TRS-101 clone for Ibanez's entry-level Superstrat models built by Samick in Korea and Indonesia, designated "ILT1."
Unlike the TRS-101 or TRT-1 originals made by Takeuchi, the upper knife edge on the ILT1 is straight like the Ibanez Lo-TRS. It was stamped "Ibanez" (upside down) on the upper base plate and "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents." on the tail which was inner-facing. As with the related SLT-101 single-locking tremolo, it has a Takeuchi-shaped base plate, and the arches between the forks at the top of the tail are oval. The block has three circles pressed into one side of it, just like the SLT-101. Nowhere on the unit does it say where it is made, or by whom. Ibanez used this tremolo until 2010. Left hand Part Numbers were 2CD1L101B (black) and 2CD1L101C (chrome.)
The ILT1 was used on entry-level Ibanez guitars from 2001-2010, including the 2001-2002 left-handed S370L, and the 2000-2002 left-handed RG270L.
Edge Pro
Status: Discontinued
From 2003 the Edge was discontinued, and the Lo-Pro Edge was replaced by the new "Edge Pro", an evolutionary redesign of the Edge and Lo-Pro Edge. It was produced by Gotoh exclusively for Ibanez.
The Edge Pro shares nothing with its predecessors in terms of parts except the push-in tremolo arm. It has unique saddles with integrated string locks. Instead of having string holder blocks, the Edge Pro has sliding string holders which are part of the bridge. It can be strung either with or without removing the ball ends of the strings. The tail has "Ibanez" cast in the centre. The block is cast with "Made in Japan" and has a sticker that says "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents." It cannot be retrofitted into a guitar that was built with the Edge or Lo-Pro Edge and vice versa.
The Edge Pro was produced until 2009 and was fitted to Ibanez's Prestige line and most Signature models. Left handed finishes for the Prestige line were 2ELJ11LK (Cosmo black), 2EL1J11LG (gold), and 2EL1J11LPC (powder Cosmo.) Left hand models were the 2003 RG2570EXL, 2003-2008 RG1570L, and 2009 RG1550ML. The 2009 limited edition left handed JS1200L Joe Satriani Signature was available in chrome only.
Edge Pro II
Status: Discontinued
Also in 2003, Ibanez released the "Edge Pro II" for its Korean-made guitars, and to replace the unpopular Lo-TRS II. It has "Made in Korea" embossed on the underside of the block. As with the Edge Pro, the Edge Pro II can be strung either with or without removing the ball ends of the strings and the saddles have integrated string locks. It has a threaded tremolo collar instead of the push-in system on the Edge Pro. It has knife edge inserts which are replaceable. The Edge Pro II was featured on all Korean-made RG models utilizing double-locking systems until 2005.
Lefty Ibanez RG models fitted with the Edge Pro II were the 2003 RG370BL, 2003 RG320FAL, 2003-2004 RG320FML and the 2004 RG370DXL that were made in Korea. (From 2005-2010 the RG370DXL would thereafter been manufactured in Indonesia.)
ZR (Zero Resistance) tremolo with ZPS (Zero Point System)
Status: Discontinued
A third release in 2003 was the "Zero Resistance" (ZR) tremolo. It was the first Ibanez tremolo to feature a ball-bearing pivot system (like a Kahler) instead of the two-post and knife-edge pivot. It also has offset saddle locking bolts so they can be adjusted without the strings being in the way. It has a snap-in tremolo arm socket and adjustable arm tension.
The unit came with the "Zero Point System," (ZPS) which is a backstop-like device that consists of a metal bar attached to a pair of springs installed in the bridge cavity outboard of the usual tremolo springs. It applies counter pressure to return the bridge to the zero point (flat position.) It can be set to floating or fixed. The ZR relied on a hex bolt to adjust the spring tension from the rear of the guitar. With the ZPS installed, the ZR has a slightly stiffer feel when pushing down on the arm since there is an extra set of springs involved. The ZR and ZPS were made in China. It was used exclusively on Ibanez S-Series guitars and was discontinued in 2015.
The S420L is the only production Ibanez left-handed model ever to employ the original ZR tremolo, produced from 2010-2013 in Indonesia. It was available only in the one colour.
ZPS2 (Zero Point System 2)
The ZPS2 was introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the original ZPS, used in conjunction with the ZR tremolo. The main difference between the ZPS2 and the ZPS is that the ZPS2 uses a tension adjustment thumbwheel which replaced the hex bolt adjustment system in the first ZR. It is made in China.
Edge III
Status: Discontinued
The "Edge III" was introduced in 2005 and has a slightly higher tail than the Edge Pro/Edge Pro II. The Edge III lost the integrated string lock saddles of its predecessors, the Edge Pro and Edge Pro II, and requires the ball ends to be cut off the strings. It is made in China.
The Edge III eventually replaced the Edge Pro II for Ibanez's Korean and Indonesian-made guitars including the 2005-2010 RG370DXL and the 2009-2012 USA-only RG5EX1L, both made in Indonesia.
The Edge III was phased out and finally discontinued in 2017.
ZR2 with ZPS3
Status: Discontinued
In 2008, Ibanez introduced the ZR2 tremolo, which continued to use the ball-bearing pivot system of the original ZR tremolo. It featured a redesigned pop-in tremolo arm in place of the screw-in arm on the ZR, which was prone to breaking. The ZR2 also used a lighter metal in the thumbwheel assembly. The ZR2 was offered on the Japanese high-end Prestige line, while the original ZR continued to be used on the standard models. (In 2010, the pop-in arm was extended to the original ZR too.) Accompanying the new ZR2 was the new ZPS3, which replaced the ZPS. The lefty ZPS3 unit is Ibanez Part Number 2TRX5AE005. The ZPS3 is made of duralumin and is made in China.
The ZPS3 was used with ZR, ZR2, and later Edge Zero, and Edge Zero II tremolos.
The original ZR and ZR2 were both discontinued after 2015. Five years earlier Ibanez was involved in a court action with Floyd Rose and Ping Well Industrial Co. (manufacturer of the similar Floyd Rose Speedloader) brought by Geoffrey L. McCabe alleging patent violations which included Ibanez's ZR tremolo units and the Zero Point System. The case was dismissed in July 2013. Rather than pay licensing fees to McCabe for any future use of the technology, Ibanez switched back to knife-edge pivot designs for which the patents had expired and royalties to Floyd Rose were no longer required.
Edge Zero Tremolo with ZPS3
Status: Discontinued
Also in 2008, Ibanez introduced the "Edge Zero Tremolo with ZPS3." The Edge Zero shared the pop-in tremolo arm with the ZR2, and reintroduced the locking studs from the original Edge tremolo. It is a regular knife edge tremolo and was used on Japanese Prestige models. It is made in China.
One common complaint about the Edge Zero is that it lacks the steel backing plate for the fine tuner screws, which was a feature of the earlier designs. This change means that the fine tuners are threaded directly into the more brittle zinc alloy of the tremolo body, which, with even general use, can cause this brittle metal to crack.
Ibanez guitars that come with the Zero Point System have a "Z" in their model designations. The Edge Zero tremolo with ZPS3 was available only in Cosmo black.
Left hand guitars that used it were the RG2550ZL (2009, 2013-2014), RG1570ZL (2010-2013), RG1550MZL (2010-2011), and the RG8570ZL (2015-2017, 2019-2021.)
ZPS3Fe
Status: Current
The ZPS3Fe is the third version of the Zero Point System, introduced in 2010, for mid-level Ibanez guitars. It is made from a zinc alloy and is made in China. It adds a dial in the spring cavity cover that allows you to adjust the spring tension with your finger (from the back of the guitar) without having to use an Allen key.
Today it is used only with the Edge Zero II, following the discontinuation of the ZR, ZR2 and Edge Zero tremolos earlier. Several left-handed guitars came with the ZPS3Fe.
Edge Zero II
Status: Current
In 2011, Ibanez released the "Edge Zero II," which was available with or without the ZPS3Fe system for mid-level guitars and to replace the Edge III. The Edge Zero II is also made in China.
The left-handed Edge Zero II with ZPS3Fe was available in black (2TRX5AF006) or Cosmo black (2TRX5AF008), and the left-handed Edge Zero II with spring hook was available only in black (2TRX5AD032).
Lefty models with the Edge Zero II included the 2011-2014 RG370DXZL (with ZPS3Fe), the 2011-2012 RG870QMZL (with ZPS3Fe), the 2013-2014 RG450DXBL (without ZPS3Fe), and the 2013-2014 RG950QMZL (with ZPS3Fe.)
As of 2025 the only left-handed Ibanez guitar with the Edge Zero II is the Nita Straus Signature JIVA10L, first released in 2022.
Reintroduced Edge and Lo-Pro
Status: Current
In response to the largely negative feedback about the Edge Zero, Ibanez reintroduced the original 1986 Edge and 1991 Lo-Pro Edge tremolos for their Japanese-made Prestige Series guitars in 2010. Both continue to be used to this day.
The current Edge and Lo-Pro Edge tremolos no longer need or have a Floyd Rose licensing statement on the tail as they did originally. The block still says "Ibanez EDGE" with "Japan" on a second line.
The reintroduced Edge tremolo was used on the following left handed Prestige Series guitars: 2011-2013 JEM7VL Steve Vai Signature, 2011-2015 JS1200L Joe Satriani Signature, 2016-2017 Prestige Series RG655L, 2016-2019 RG652AHML, 2017 30th Anniversary JEM777L, 2017 RG652MPBL, 2018 RGR652AHBL, and the 2018-2020 Genesis Collection RG550L reissue (available in yellow or red.)
It is used on the current (2024-) left-handed RG550L-DY (Desert Sun Yellow Mancina) Genesis Collection.
The re-introduced Lo-Pro tremolo was fitted to the 2020-2022 left-handed RG5320L.
Ibanez have reduced their lefty offerings as of 2025, but they do offer the Lo-Pro tremolo on the 2025 lefthanded RG5120ML.
Ibanez Standard DL Tremolo
Status: Current
The Ibanez ILT1 tremolo was used on Ibanez entry-level guitars until 2010 leaving only the Edge III for budget models, which in turn was phased out and fully discontinued in 2017. Before then, Ibanez released it's "Standard DL tremolo," which was introduced in 2013. It is essentially another TRS-101 / TRT1 / ILT1 clone, made in China.
This version has "Ibanez" (right side up) etched on the upper baseplate only. There are no more licensing statements. A box with the block size inside it is stamped into the block. Members of the public can buy equal-quality right-handed clones of this clone from AliExpress, or eBay and Amazon for around $40 or $50.
Like the Edge Pro II, Lo-TRS II, ILT1, and Edge III tremolos before it, the Standard DL tremolo is made for entry- to mid-level Ibanez guitars which are made in Indonesia or China, such as the Indonesian-made 2015-2019 left handed RG450DXBL and the Chinese-made left handed Steve Vai Signature JEMJRL, which has been in production since 2016 (and costs around $1,000 here in Australia.)
Yamaha
Yamaha started making acoustic guitars in 1966, followed by electric guitars in the 1970s. Their guitars have always been built by contracted factories in Japan, and later in Korea, China, and Indonesia. The company has never been very lefty-friendly, but has made token offerings on and off over the years.
Yamaha was one of the first brands to plagiarize Floyd Rose designs, introducing a "Vibrato System" bridge with a locking nut in 1984. (This was before Floyd Rose had been granted the '461 and '236 patents for a fine tuner system.) While it had no name, it utilized knife edges for the pivot, and fine tuners at the end of individual saddle arms. It also loaded the strings through the back and did not need the balls cut off. Each saddle had a locking plate that screwed down with a grub screw. The base plate had a rectangular turret with threaded hole for the tremolo arm to screw into. The unit only pitched down.
Further developments of this tremolo system evolved into the highly-respected "Rocking Magic Series," including left handed versions, used by Yamaha all the way through to the mid 2000s.
Yamaha RM-II
Status: Obsolete
The first "Rockin' Magic" proprietary tremolo was the Yamaha RM-II introduced in 1985. This was a single locking tremolo that had the strings fed through from the rear of the base (rather than tubes as on the original Floyd Rose II and most other single locking variants.) The strings are double locked by a plate with a hex screw. Unique to Yamaha is that the unit has horizontal screws at the rear of the base that adjust the saddle positions for premise intonation setting. The block on the RM-II is "forked" and has a pin running through the ends of the forks for the spring hooks.
The Yamaha 1986 catalog says the following: "The new Yamaha Rockin' Magic II locking vibrato system adds a new dimension to the concept of radical pitch bending. The low profile bridge allows for right handed muting techniques without being hindered by bulky hardware. String locks at the nut and on each individual saddle ensure perfect tuning stability at all times. Individual fine tuners on each string provide for minute pitch adjustments while playing. The Rockin' Magic II uses standard ball end strings and is capable of both upward and downward pitch bending." There were no inscriptions anywhere on the unit. There was a lot of steel in this unit and therefore it added a lot of weight to the guitar.
It was used on the 1987 Yamaha left handed RGX-312L and the early versions of the 1987 Yamaha left handed RGX-612SL, both made in Taiwan. This very rare Japanese-made (likely a special order) left handed RGX-612DL from 1987 has the RM-II.
Yamaha RM-Pro
Status: Obsolete
The "RM-Pro" was a Yamaha proprietary single locking tremolo, introduced in 1988, that allowed the strings to be fed through from the rear of the base. As with the RM-II, the strings do not need the ball ends cut off and are each double-locked with a bullet-shaped plate. It was unique in that it used needle bearings at the fulcrum to ensure smooth operation and precise pitch return. Right-handed units featured a pitch rise adjustment, which makes it possible to set a maximum amount of pitch bend; lefty versions did not have it. It also has a pop in-pop out tremolo arm. There was no licensing inscription or model identification on the unit. This tremolo last appeared on the 1991 "Yamaha Hard Style" mid-level RGX and higher-level RGZ Series.
Later versions of the 1987-1989 left handed Yamaha RGX 612SL and Yamaha SE612L were made with this tremolo.
Yamaha RMX II
Status: Obsolete
The "RMX II" was introduced in 1988 and is a nod to Yamaha's original 1984 Vibrato System. It is a single-locking tremolo where the strings are fed through the back and the ball ends do not need to be cut off. Each string is locked into an individual grooved saddle which has its own fine tuner at the rear; thus, all six saddles in line with each other create the appearance of a "tail." It has intonation screws under the rear of the base plate to adjust the saddles. The unit has a pop-in tremolo arm. It was discontinued after 1991.
The Yamaha left handed RGX-312L that was made in Taiwan from 1987-1990 initially came with the Yamaha "RM II" tremolo, then the RMX II.
Here is a YouTube video presenting a close up of the lefty RMX II: Yamaha RMX II — Obscure Lefthand Bridges — RGX 312L
Yamaha RM-Pro II / RM-Pro III
Status: Obsolete
The Yamaha RM-Pro II is an original Floyd Rose-style tremolo with one straight knife edge. It first appeared in the 1991 Yamaha catalog on the new Pacifica model and highest-spec "Yamaha Hard Style" RGX-612JS, and on the "Yamaha Advance Style" Sonare Series. It also featured on several Japanese signature models until 1995. It was gradually replaced by the identical Rockin' Magic Pro III, which in turn was used until 2003.
The RM-Pro II and III are unique in that they have a two-piece base, one of which is the housing for individual horizontal intonation screws that, when turned, move the saddles forward or back on the main base plate for precise adjustment. Both plates screw into the block. This additional saddle adjustment functionality was pioneered by Yamaha and used on earlier tremolos. Each saddle assembly includes a vertical tube that you feed the string through from underneath. The strings do not have to have their ball ends cut off. Additionally, the saddles have string locks like a regular Floyd Rose. Here is an excellent video guide on the Yamaha RM-PRO II: Yamaha RM PRO II Assembly Guide - YouTube
The RM-Pro II and III are immediately recognizable for the fact that the licensing statement is stamped upside down on the base plate, irrespective of whether the guitar is left handed or right handed. It says: "YAMAHA RM-PRO II" or "YAMAHA RM-PRO III" with a second line saying "Licensed Under" and a third line saying "Floyd Rose Pats." All three U.S patent numbers are stamped on the block.
From those I've seen, it appears that Yamaha couldn't be bothered to use a proper left-handed base plate, as they just drilled the straight edge of a right-hand base for the lefty tremolo arm.
Left hand guitars made with this tremolo were the 1991 Yamaha RGZ 612L and 1991-1993 Yamaha YG 612L, both made in Taiwan; and the 1992-1995 Yamaha Pacifica 912JL, made in Japan.
Yamaha RMX III
Status: Obsolete
The RMX III is a redesign of the RMX II adding a one-piece tail structure for the fine tuners instead each saddle having its own tuner. It also has one straight knife edge. It is still single locking in the same way as the RMX II. It has a torque adjusted tremolo arm which pops in and out. There are no inscriptions or identifiers on the base or block. The RMX III first appeared in the 1991 Yamaha catalog on the lower-spec "Yamaha Hard Style" RGX and RGZ Series and the lower-spec YG Series until 1993.
ESP Japan (1980s and 1990s)
ESP of Japan began as a guitar repair shop in Shibuya, Tokyo in 1975. In 1979 they started a custom shop and established a presence in the United States in 1981. The company opened its own factory in Nagano, Japan in 1983. A second factory opened in 1986 in Sado Island, Niigata-ken Japan. During the 1980s and 1990s, the company was an OEM producer for several brands, most famously Kramer. In 1990 ESP bought Schecter Guitars. ESP has, for the most part, been quite lefty-friendly. One of the few.
ESP offers five brands: "Navigator" which is exclusive to the Japanese domestic market and consists of high-end Fender and Gibson replicas, "ESP" for the international market with high-end and intermediate guitars, "Edwards" for the Japan domestic market aimed at intermediate to advanced players, entry-level brand "Grassroots" for the Japanese domestic market, and entry-level brand "LTD" for the international market. "Edwards" was launched in 1990. "Grassroots" was launched in 1993 and "LTD" was launched in 1996. Both are made in Indonesia or China. Gotoh was the official hardware supplier for ESP and sub-brands made in Japan.
ESP Mighty Vise
Status: Obsolete
Gotoh produced the genuine Floyd Rose FRT-1, FRT-3, and FRT-5 for Fernandes, who in turn supplied these to Floyd Rose in the United States for Kramer guitars until Schaller took over manufacturing in 1983. At the same time as they produced these for Fernandes, Gotoh also supplied the FRT-3 and FRT-5 to ESP for their own brand guitars. ESP built necks and eventually whole bodies for Kramer in the USA. The FRT-3 supplied to ESP was branded "ESP" and was mated with an adapter plate that enabled the two pieces together, without the block, to be retrofitted to guitars that had Tune-O-Matic bridges. This unit was called the "ESP Mighty Vise." It first appeared in the 1983 ESP Japan catalog. The 1983 catalog also appears to show, although not stated explicitly, the Floyd Rose FRT-3 as an option for ESP guitars, but not as a Floyd Rose product. This product did not even last 6 months.
ESP Magician
Status: Obsolete
The Fernandes FRT-5 (made by Gotoh) was supplied to ESP as the ESP "Magician" in 1983. It was etched with "MAGICIAN" in capital letters on the upper base where "Floyd Rose" was meant to go on the originals.
The Magician was advertised in the 1983 ESP catalogs. Sold individually, it retailed for ¥50,000, which was a lot of money in 1983. ESP guitars could be special ordered in left-hand, and the Magician was available (as you can see in the following pictures.) A very rare example of an ESP with the Magician/FRT-5 is this lefty ESP SE-260L.
ESP Synclear
Status: Obsolete
When Floyd Rose commenced licensing arrangements with manufacturers other than his own, ESP produced their "Synclear" tremolo for their own ESP and Edwards brand guitars under Floyd Rose licensing agreements beginning in 1987. The Synclear had some unique proprietary features while still based on Floyd Rose principles. Each saddle could be individually adjusted for correct intonation by way of a vertical hex screw on each saddle and a washer underneath that stopped it from moving when tightening the screw. This was later changed to a Floyd Rose-style saddle arrangement. The block is L-shaped, and the tremolo arm screws into the block. It has "ESP" on the tail and "Licensed Under Pat No 4549461 No 4497236" embossed upside down on the upper base plate. It was produced until 1993.
The Synclear is not a straight swap for an Original Floyd Rose as the sides of the base plate of the Synclear are oval and the sides of the Floyd Rose base plate are straight. The post spacings, however are the same.
There was a left handed version, as used on the mid 80s left handed ESP Mirage Deluxe.
This ESP Custom Shop left handed ESP Random Star features the Synclear tremolo.
Jackson-Charvel
Jackson JT-6
(1987 - 1989)
Status: Obsolete
Jackson-Charvel used the Chushin Gakki factory in Nagano exclusively for its Japanese-made guitars. In 1987, the company commissioned Taiwanese company Ping Well to produce an OEM tremolo for its Japanese guitars. This was the "JT-6." It replaced the Kahler tremolos in use up until this time.
The JT-6 is actually an exclusive Jackson proprietary system. It was different from original Floyds in that the fine tuners ran horizontally out the back of the unit along with the string lock screws rather than sitting vertical on the tail. The saddles also had string lock blocks with cover plates making the whole saddle surface flat. 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 "orange peel" 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.
Kaman Music Corporation
KMD Double Locking Tremolo System
Status: Obsolete
Kaman Music Corporation is a U.S company that distributes multiple musical brands in the United States and was the manufacturer of Ovation guitars and its sub brand Applause. In the early 1980s they released the Celebrity brand of solid body guitars and basses, priced to be between the Applause and Ovation brands, which were made by Samick in Korea. These became the GTX range by Applause in 1988. Also, in 1988 Kamen acquired Hamer Guitars. Kaman and Hamer were bought out by Fender USA in 2008.
The Applause GTX Series were beginner-level guitars made to compete with the lower-end B.C Rich, Kramer, and Jackson Superstrats. They were very cheaply made, with plywood bodies and cheap electronics, but came with Ping Well tuners. Hamer quickly became the popular brand for solid body guitars and the Applause GTX range was dropped in 1994.
The GTX Superstrats came with a proprietary double locking tremolo called the "KMD double locking tremolo system," which was Kaman's effort to produce an unlicensed Floyd Rose. This tremolo has "KMD" stamped on the upper base plate. It has an L-shaped block with no other ID or information anywhere. It has horizontal fine tuners, and the strings are fed from underneath through the block. It is unique in that it has no tail. Today, the KMD would be one of the rarest non-genuine Floyd Rose style tremolos ever.
Somehow, this tremolo ended up on what appears to be a non-catalog version of the 1988 Aria Pro II XR Series. These guitars have one humbucker and two slanted single coil pickups and a reverse headstock. Left hand models were made such as this 1988 XR Series and this 1988 XR Series.
1987 was a transitional time for Aria Pro II. Matsumoku had closed down in February and production had moved offshore to Samick in Korea, so it is possible this KMD product was used while Jin Ah was tooling up to produce their version of the ACT-3. The body and specs of this XR orphan look like GTX guitars. Samick built both brands. I have no proof.
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