Floyd Rose Tremolos for Left Hand Guitars: Proprietary versions
- Gaskell Guitars Australia
- Aug 6
- 38 min read
Updated: 5 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 three 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, Yamaha, ESP)
Part 4: No-Names, Fakes, and Unknowns
Schaller
Licensed Schaller Tremolo
(1984 - 2012)
Status: Discontinued
In addition to producing the Original Floyd Rose tremolo for Floyd Rose, Schaller also produced their own licensed tremolo, primarily as an aftermarket alternative. These were advertised and sold by Schaller directly to the public.
The Licensed Schaller 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.
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, starting with the Kahler Steeler, which was Kahler's licensed version of the Original Floyd Rose tremolo.
Following the Steeler, Kahler produced two other designs incorporating both Floyd Rose and Kahler technologies, while at the same time developing and selling his own cam-based systems. The three fulcrum-based tremolos were collectively called the 2700 Series, consisting of the "Steeler," "Killer," and "Spyder." All Kahler tremolos were available in left-hand.
For information on the licensed Floyd Rose Kahler Steeler see Part 2: Floyd Rose Tremolos for Lefties: OEM Producers
2710 Killer
(1985 - 1992, 2023 - present)
Status: Reintroduced
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.
2720 Spyder
(1986 - 1992, 2023 - present)
Status: Reintroduced
The 2720 "Spyder" tremolo utilized Kahler patents but was still visually reminiscent of a Floyd Rose. It was made in the USA. There were three versions: the 2722 (Wrench-locking model), the 2731 (Finger-locking model), and the 2750 (Non-locking model.) It has replaceable knife-edge inserts. 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.
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 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 for some reason has just re-released the Spyder and Steeler with modifications, marketed now as the "2700 Series fulcrum tremolo." The Spyders are being assembled from new old stock parts and the Steeler has some updates. 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. The new Steeler is available in two versions, including a string-thru option. The Kahler Auto Latch is an option as well. 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 producer of Floyd Rose tremolos including the prototypes and first production models.
Fernandes manufactured and sold their own "Fernandes" and "Burny" guitar brands, as well as electronics, parts, and accessories to the public. They sold both their own Original Floyd Rose kits and the Schaller Original Floyd Rose kits during the time both companies were producing them.
FRT-2 / Head Banker
Status: Obsolete
In 1982, Fernandes were manufacturing and supplying parts for 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 strong-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 appeared in the 1982 Fernandes catalog.
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 was used on some FST Series guitars in 1982-1984, and on their 1984 BSV-70 and EX-85, and 1985 BSV-60 and EXP-60 Series. I am not sure if any of these were available left handed.
Head Crasher FRT-6
Status: Obsolete
While still under contract to Floyd Rose, 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 in 1987 but predates it by a full two years. Different from the Floyd Rose II is that the arches of the between where the forks meet the tail are oval. This is a distinctive feature of all Fernandes bridge systems that have a "whale tail."
The Head Crasher was only available in Japan. It was used on some Fernandes FST Series guitars and on the BX-70 and BSV-70 Series including some left handed versions.
Fernandes "Head Crasher Tremolo System" 1986- 1987
Fernandes' contract to Floyd Rose expired 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" and went on to further develop and produce their own proprietary systems. The FRT-3 and Head Banker were immediately deleted.
Head Crasher FRT-7
Status: Obsolete
Fernandes' version of the Original Floyd Rose was designated "FRT-7" to distinguish it from the Schaller version which was designated "FRT-5" and made at the same time. The Fernandes version was only used on Japanese guitars. After the contract ended it was renamed "Head Crasher FRT-7." It was etched on the top face of the base plate with "Head Crasher" sometimes with "U.S. Pats 4497236" on a second line. There was no licensing statement on the unit or block. One notable change was that the upper knife edge became a straight edge.
The Head Crasher FRT-7 was used on the 1985 left handed Fernandes BSV-70 and the 1985-1987 left handed Fernandes FST-55 "The Function" Stratocaster.
Body Crasher FRT-8
Status: Obsolete
Fernandes introduced the "Body Crasher FRT-8" tremolo in 1986. 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.
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 an option on some Fernandes FR Series guitars including the left-handed FR55 from 1986.
Here is an excellent video showing a close up of the FRT-8: Fernandes FRT-8 — Obscure Lefthand Bridges — FR-55
Note: Fernandes guitars were being made by Matsumoku at this time which also produced Aria Pro II guitars. Some Aria Pro II models used this very same tremolo, such as including the left handed Aria II Pro Mega Metal Stage III. In the Aria Pro II catalogs it is referred to as the "ART-2." 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. So, here we have three different brands made at two different factories in two different countries, all using the same product.
I have a left handed one of these from a guitar that I had back in New Zealand during the 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. I have questions.... Where did Matsumoku, Fernandes, and Yamaha get this one from? Does any reader know what factory actually made this tremolo?
Fernandes "FRT Tremolo System" 1987 - 1997
From 1987, the whole range of Fernandes tremolos were renamed "FRT Tremolo System" while retaining the "Head Crasher" name for each of the tremolo models. At this time, Fernandes had distanced itself from its Floyd Rose origins and was well into further developing its own unique proprietary tremolos.
With Matsumoku having shut its doors, Fernandes' Japanese guitar production went to Tōkai Gakki and Dyna Gakki. In the same year Fernandes shifted manufacturing of its cheaper guitar series from Japan to Korea. While not confirmed, it appears it may have been the Samick factory with hardware possibly by Saehan Guitar Technology Co. Ltd, rather than Jin Ah.
The new FRT-7-based tremolos retained the straight upper knife edge introduced in 1985.
FRT-9 and new FRT-7
Status: Obsolete
For 1987, Fernandes introduced a system incorporating a plate that fitted to the top of the guitar that the tremolo units sat in which, by way of a lever, locked the bridge, thereby turning the bridge from floating to fixed. The Head Crasher FRT-6 with this system became the new "Head Crasher FTR-9" and the FRT-7 with this system became the new "Head Crasher FRT-7."
The new FRT-7 was used on the 1987 Revolver FR-120. The new FRT-9 was used on the 1987 FR-75.
FRT-4 and new FRT-5
Status: Obsolete
Also, in 1987 the previous FRT-7 (without the floating/fixed adjuster) was redesignated "Head Crasher FRT-4." Adding saddle height adjustment ability to it became the new "Head Crasher FRT-5."
According to the 1987 Fernandes catalog, the new FRT-5 with saddle height adjustment was used on the The Function FST-80, the Grand Function STF-115 and STF-125, the JS-100 (Randy Rhoads V), and the STJ-120. The renamed FRT-4 was used on the 1987 FR-65 and FST-65. As far as I know none of these were available left handed.
The 1987 range continued through 1988.
In the 1988 catalog, it says that the Function FST-65 came with the FRT-4 (formerly FRT-5), yet this 1988 left-handed The Function FST-65 example is fitted with the string-through Head Crasher FRT-6. (Why different for a lefty?)
The FRT-8 continued to be used on the Revolver FR Series guitars.
New FRT-4
In 1989 the "FRT-4" was redesigned to reposition the fine tuners horizontally. It had "Fernandes" printed on the tail and "FRT TREMOLO SYSTEM" embossed on the upper base plate. Both knife edges were round again. The kit versions sold to the public had a sticker on the block saying "Made in Korea." From 1989, there was no more mention of "Head Crasher" on any Fernandes tremolos or in any literature.
The new FRT-4 was used on the higher-end FR-100 and FR-120 Revolver Series as well as the The Function FST Series.
According to the 1989 Fernandes catalog, only two tremolos were offered on Fernandes guitars for 1989: the FRT-4 "with pitch shift cavity" and the FRT-8.
The FRT-8 was now etched with "FRT TREMOLO SYSTEM" on the base and was used on the lower-spec Revolver 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. The newer FRT-8 was used on the 1990-1994 left-handed Fernandes FR-55 MTV Revolver.
For 1992 the only FRT Tremolo System variants advertised were the FRT-4, FRT-5, FRT-6, FRT-7 and FRT-8.
By 1993 only the FRT-4 and FRT-8 were offered.
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. It was used on the left handed Fernandes FR55.
In the same year the FRT-4 continued to be offered as did the FRT-8, although the FRT-8 was renamed "FRT-8PRO."
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 TRS-PRO ("FRT5-PRO.")
From 1999, Fernandes guitars were made with either the FRT-10 (Gotoh GE1996T), the FRT5-PRO (Takeuchi TRS-PRO), or the GE1996T clone made in Taiwan by Ping Well, 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 2002 left handed Fernandes Revolver Pro. An example of the Ping Well FRT-11 is this left-handed Fernandes FGZ-550S.
The Takeuchi was dropped in the 2000s but the Gotoh and the Ping Well were used through to the 2010s.
In the 2020s Fernandes 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 made guitars for Aria Pro II, Electra, Epiphone, Fernandes, Ibanez, Greco, Hondo, Samick, Univox, Vantage, and Washburn, along with its house brand "Westone." They also built some of the early 80's Focus Series Kramers. The company was initially a subsidiary of Singer Sewing Machine Company, and produced wooden cabinets, tables, and accessories for Singer sewing machines. It was one of the largest producers of OEM guitars in Japan.
Bendmaster FT
Status: Obsolete
Matsumoku's first use of a Floyd Rose-style tremolo was in 1984 with the "Bendmaster FT" made by Jin Ah of Korea. 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.
These tremolos initially had no stamping. Later versions were stamped "Mfg. Under Floyd Rose Pats." on the base plate, and the bottom of the block was embossed with "JINAH." It was used on many Vantage, Electra, and Westone guitars including the 1985 left handed Westone Spectrum DX, and the left handed Westone Spectrum LX
Note: Gotoh made a version for Ibanez which was used for one year only, on the 1985 Ibanez Axstar Series. The Gotoh version is model OGE1086TFB and was available only in black. It was stamped "Gotoh" on the block. The Axstar Series were made at the Jackson-Charvel Chushin Gakki factory and I do not believe they were available in left hand?
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 the 1988 left-handed Aria Pro II XR Series built by Samick.
The specific factory responsible for building or designing this tremolo is not publicly known. However, given that it was utilized by multiple brands that were manufactured in different factories, it is reasonable to assume that one factory produced it and supplied it to multiple factories.
ACT-3
Status: Obsolete
Other Matsumoku-built Aria Pro II and Washburn Superstrat models were fitted with a unique tremolo called the "ACT-3" for Aria Pro II and "600-T" for Washburn. This tremolo's earliest appearance was also in 1984.
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 rectangular carbon steel "pressure pads" (string clamps) that clamp the strings down, each secured by a hex screw. The tail is almost horizontal. It has an L-shaped block into which the tremolo arm screws.
The Aria Pro II unit was stamped "ACT/3" on the base only. Initially, there was no licensing statement anywhere on it. 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 hole. Eventually, the Aria Pro II version gained this too.
This tremolo was highly regarded by players of the time and came standard on the 1984-1985 Aria Pro II RS Esprit Yngwie Malmsteen Signature model (sadly not made left-handed) and the Aria Pro II Neil Schon Signature model. Both Malmsteen and Schon were huge advocates of this tremolo.
It was used on the 1985 left-handed Aria Pro II RS Esprit. and the left-handed Aria Pro II XR Series. Here is an example of a 1987-1988 left-handed Washburn E29 that came with the 600-T equivalent.
Aria Pro II replaced the ACT-3 in 1989 with the Gotoh GE1988T for its Japanese-made range.
Bendmaster Deluxe
Status: Obsolete
Matsumoku also built its inhouse Westone guitars with a string-through Floyd Rose-style tremolo called the "Bendmaster Deluxe." From the Westone catalogs, it appears it was new for 1986. This tremolo was unusual in that it had roller-style, yet fixed, saddles and 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 the Floyd Rose patents elsewhere. It was used on the 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.
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.
Matsumoku's Westone brand of guitars continued to be marketed by the original distributor 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.
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.
After Samick took over production, the Bendmaster Deluxe was gone by 1988.
Samick
For many decades Samick has been the largest OEM producer of electric guitars in the world. 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 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) and was the major producer of Epiphones from 1984 until 1996. Hondo guitars were made until 1990.
Samick acquired the Vantage license from Matsumoku just before its closure in 1987 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 Westone-branded guitars until 1991 and Vantage guitars until 1998.
Samick also built Marlin guitars for British Music Strings Ltd between 1986-1988, and Squier guitars from 1989-1991, as well as guitars for Epiphone, Aria Pro II, Washburn, and Charvette by Charvel during the 1990s.
When Gibson Guitars bought Kramer Guitars out of bankruptcy in 1997, Gibson resurrected the brand and sold Kramer guitars via U.S on-line shop MusicYo from 1998 until 2009. These guitars were made by Samick in Korea, which already had a long-standing relationship with Gibson through the production of Gibson's Epiphone brand. Epiphone, in turn, oversaw the production of the 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.
KKT-1 (Bendmaster FT)
Status: Obsolete
As with Matsumoku, Samick used the "Bendmaster FT" tremolo during the 1980s for some brands they built guitars for. In the Samick naming convention, it was designated "KKT-1."
Hondo: Samick built the Hondo "Fame" Series guitars beginning in 1984 which included a left handed Strat copy: the Fame Series H-760 which came with the KKT-1 as an option. The Fame Series lasted until 1987. (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 import guitars from 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.
KKT-2
Status: Obsolete
Samick built some Aria Pro II guitars with a single-locking tremolo 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 the left handed 1990-1999 Samick KJ-560 Superstrat.
Aria Pro II: The 1988-1991 left handed Aria Pro II Excel Series XL SPT-3RL, the 1991 left handed Aria Pro II VP-40 Viper, and the mid-90s left handed Aria Pro II MA-20 Magna Series all came with the KKT-2.
B.C Rich: From 1993-1995 B.C Rich's Korean-made "Gold 50 Series" guitars came with the KKT-2. This was continued 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 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 KKT-3 were the 1989-1995 left handed Aria Pro II Excel, 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 KKT-3 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 every made.
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 "Ibanez 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. 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 1991 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.
Some B.C Rich guitars made in 1986 and 1987 also received the original Gotoh Edge tremolo, including the 1986 left handed Warlock.
Lo-Pro Edge
Status: Current
In collaboration with Gotoh, Ibanez introduced a lower-profile version of the Edge tremolo called the "Lo-Pro Edge" in 1991. Like the Original Floyd Rose PRO, this system too has the fine tuners moved to the back of the saddles in front of the tail and separated from the string locks. 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 and is only available in black.
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 Gotoh-built "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 clone 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. Who actually made this?
SLT-101
Status: Obsolete
The SLT101 (SLT = "Single Locking Tremolo") was a clone of the Takeuchi TRS-505, 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.)
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 square. The SLT-101 has oval arches, like a Fernandes.
The tail has "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents." which is inner-facing. 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 higher-spec TRS-101 or TRT-1 originals made by Takeuchi, the upper knife edge is straight. 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 "Edge Pro", produced by Gotoh again.
The Edge Pro was a different design, but still based on Ibanez's own Lo Pro Edge. It 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, and there are no licensing statements elsewhere. 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 models, and to replace the unpopular Lo-TRS II. It was manufactured in Korea. 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 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 version 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. Ibanez continues to use the Zero Point System but with its Edge Zero knife-edge tremolos.
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.
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.
It is used only with the Edge Zero II, following the discontinuation of the ZR, ZR2 and Edge Zero tremolos earlier.
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, although they are not made in Japan anymore.
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 original 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.
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. With the return to this design, Ibanez was able to remove itself from all remaining licensing obligations with Floyd Rose and Geoffrey McCabe.
This version has "Ibanez" (right side up) etched on the upper baseplate only. A box with the block size inside it is stamped into the block. Members of the public can buy equal-quality right-handed clones from AliExpress 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 made in Indonesia or China such as the Indonesian-made 2015-2019 left handed RG450DXBL and left handed Steve Vai Signature JEMJRL, made in China, 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," used by Yamaha all the way through to the 2000s.
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. 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 left handed RGX-312L and left handed RGX-612SL, both made in Taiwan, from 1987-1990.
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. The bridge also featured a pitch rise adjustment which makes it possible to set a maximum amount of pitch bend. It also has a pop in-pop out tremolo arm. There was no licensing inscription or model identification on the unit.
Later versions of the 1987-1989 left handed Yamaha RGX 612SL and Yamaha SE612L were made with this tremolo.
RM-Pro II
Status: Obsolete
The Yamaha RM-Pro II was the successor to the RM-Pro and is an Original Floyd Rose-style unit with one straight knife edge. It first appeared in 1989. Strings are fed from underneath into individual tubes and do not have to have their ball ends cut off, but it still has string locks. What makes it superior to a Floyd Rose is that under the base plate at the rear, there are intonation screws for each of the saddles that, when turned, move the saddles forward or back for easier intonation. Yamaha continued this innovative functionality on later tremolos.
It is immediately recognizable for the fact that its 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" 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 tremolo arm.
Left hand guitars made with this tremolo were the 1989-1991 Yamaha RGZ 612L, and 1991-1992 Yamaha YG 612L, both made in Taiwan; and the 1992-1995 Yamaha Pacifica 912JL, made in Japan.
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 the intonation screws under the rear of the base plate to adjust the saddles.
Here is a YouTube video presenting a close up of the lefty RMX II: Yamaha RMX II — Obscure Lefthand Bridges — RGX 312L
The Yamaha left handed RGX-312L that was made in Taiwan from 1987-1990 initially came with the Yamaha "RM II" tremolo, then this RMX II.
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 was used on the 1993 left handed Pacifica 912JL. After 1993, Pacificas were fitted with the Takeuchi TRS-PRO.
Yamaha Finger Clamp Tremolo System
Status: Discontinued
In 2007 Yamaha released two guitars with what they stated was a "unique" and "patented" double locking tremolo. It is mentioned here so that you don't waste your time trying to find one, because these two models were never made left handed. This tremolo was the "Yamaha Finger Clamp Tremolo System" and it was used on the 2007 Yamaha CV820 WB Wes Borland Signature model and the 2007 Yamaha RGX-520DZ Superstrat, both made in Taiwan. The Wes Borland model was made into the 2010s.
This is a string-through system where you do not have to cut off the ball ends. The strings are fed through from the bottom of the guitar and the saddles have levers that lock the strings by pressing down. You tune the guitar properly first before locking the saddles. Tuning on-the-fly is done with the fine tuners. The saddles unlock with a simple lifting of the lever. Intonation is adjusted by first loosening the saddle by way of a hex screw on top and adjusting the saddle position by horizontal hex screws at the rear. The locking nut also has a lever system which, after the nut is tightened, pulls out to disengage and can be positioned at any angle to be out of the way. No tools are needed to change strings. Quite ingenious actually. Pity us lefties missed out on this one!
However... I don't know how Yamaha could say this was "unique" and "patented" in 2007 because the very same tremolo, albeit a slightly less fancy version, was used 20 years earlier by B.C Rich, on some of their Japan-only N.J Series Warlock models between 1986 and 1989 and some ST-III models, 2000s era. And here it is again on a Lag Rockline made in France in 1987! (How did this end up on a French guitar?) Further, Gibson Guitars and Wayne Charvel collaborated in 1987 to produce the limited edition 1987-1988 Gibson WRC guitar (never offered left handed.) It used this exact same tremolo. They all have the "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Patents" statement stamped upside down on the baseplate. The 2007 Yamaha version has no inscriptions.
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. "LTD" and "Grassroots" were launched in 1996 and are both made in Indonesia or China.
Magician
Status: Obsolete
ESP was possibly the first major guitar company to make clones of early original Floyd Rose tremolos, starting with an FRT-3 non-fine tuner clone used on some of their 1982-1983 ESP Navigator guitars, followed by an FRT-5 clone called the ESP "Magician" in 1983.
The Magician was advertised in the 1983 ESP catalogs. Sold individually, it retailed for ¥50,000, which was a lot of money for 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 is this lefty ESP SE-260L.
ESP made guitar necks and bodies for Kramer and eventually whole guitars, so the connection is perhaps not surprising. It is even possible the Magician was made at the same factory that Fernandes was using for it's genuine Floyd Rose tremolos. It is basically identical, even down to the oval arches between the forks of the tail.
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 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.
KLK-I and KLK-II
Status: ?
ESP: ESP used a "no-name" double-locking and string-through tremolo for some of its Japanese guitars beginning in the late 1980s. In ESP catalogs, the double locking is designated "KLK-I" and the string-through is designated "KLK-II."
The KLK-I is a TRS-101 clone and has "Licensed Under Floyd Rose Pats." on the tail. There are no other inscriptions. The KLK-I was used on the late-2000s left-handed Grassroots Original Series G-FR-62GT which was made in China.
The string-through KLK-II is quite distinctive in that the tail noticeably curves back to the top of the tail where the fine tuners sit. It has the same oval arches between the forks of the tail as the early Fernandes "Head Crasher" tremolos. It has no inscriptions of any kind on the unit or the block. The block is L-shaped.
Kramer Japan: ESP also built Kramer guitars exclusively for the Japanese market. The Japanese EK Series used the KLK-I and the Japanese LK Series and JK Series used the KLK-II. Both tremolos first appeared in the 1988 Kramer Japan catalog. I am not sure whether they made lefties.
After Kramer declared bankruptcy in 1989, ESP attempted to recover its losses by continuing to build Kramer-branded guitars for the Japanese market using surplus bodies, necks, and whatever parts and hardware they had on hand. These "parts bin" guitars were sold in Japan as "Kramer by ESP" throughout the 1990s and do not necessarily correspond to original Kramer or Gibson-era Kramer specifications.
B.C Rich: From 1997-2003, some B.C. Rich "NJ Series" guitars made in Korea by World Musical Instrument Co. factory were built with the KLK-I tremolo. This replaced the KKT-3 double-locking tremolo made by Jin Ah. In B.C Rich catalogs it was listed as "Double Locking Floyd Rose licensed tremolo." It was used on the "NJ Neck-Thru Series" and some "NJ Platinum Series" models including left-handed models such as this Platinum Series Warlock, or this NJ Warlock, and this NJ Neck-Thru Warlock. This 2005 lefty Platinum Pro Series Warlock is another example.
After dabbling with the ill-fated Floyd Rose Speedloader in 2003 and 2004, it appears B.C. Rich returned to the KLK-I until about 2006, after which the options became either Kahler or Original Floyd Rose systems.
Greco: Greco is a musical instrument brand marketed by Japanese company Kanda Shokai Corporation. This was another Japanese company that originally made knock-offs of Fender and Gibson guitars during the 1970s and 1980s. Grecos of that era were made by Fujigen Gakki, which also made Ibanez guitars.
In 1982, Fender USA, Kanda Shokai, and another distributor, Yamano Gakki, formed a partnership with the Fujigen Gakki factory to officially manufacture Fender guitars. This partnership became Fender Japan, which lasted until 2015. Greco and Fender guitars continued to be built at the Fujigen factory, with Greco only for the Japanese domestic market. Fujigen stopped making guitars for Greco in 1993.
Up until 1987 Greco exclusively used Kahler cam-type tremolos on their own guitars. From 1987 until 1994, Greco used the KLK-II on several of their JJ and SPF Superstrat guitars, notably the Greco NYS-85, but none left-handed. It was branded as the Greco "Wing."
Greco still exists today, featuring their own designs and replicas of Ibanez and Fender models, exclusively for the Japanese market. I believe they are currently made at Tokai Gakki.
Tokai (1980s - 1990s)
Status: Obsolete
Tokai Gakki was another early Japanese guitar manufacturer to make tremolo systems inspired by Floyd Rose designs before licensing arrangements were initiated. They did not make left handed guitars with any of these, but I see they made five different bridge systems under the "Ayer's Rocker" name with the first being a Floyd Rose non-fine-tuner copy in 1984. The first acknowledged licensed Floyd Rose-style unit was the "Ayer's Rocker V" introduced in 1986. This is basically an Original Floyd Rose with the addition of T-shaped saddle blocks that are also fitted caps over the saddles.
I only mention Tokai here because their AR-V baseplate and tremolo arm collar are identical to the ACT-3 tremolo as used on Aria Pro II, Washburn, and Westone guitars which were all made by Matsumoku in the mid 1980s, including left-handed models. It also has the same L-shaped block. However, the Tokai is double locking whereas the ACT-3 is string-through.
In Tokai catalogs of the time, they claim it is their own design. And I wonder now if Tokai made this for themselves and maybe also for Matsumoku? Or did both Tokai and Matsumoku just source it from a common supplier? Tokai said they made their own tuners, so that means that they were capable of metalwork, and they did make guitars for other brands too, e.g Fernandes. All of this is just supposition. Otherwise, this information is of no benefit to lefties.
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