The Floyd Rose-Fernandes Connection
- Gaskell Guitars Australia
- Jul 30
- 12 min read
Updated: 2 minutes ago
In the very beginning, Fernandes Electric Sound Research Group Co. Ltd. of Japan (not Schaller) was the first company to mass-produce the Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo.
1981 - 1983 Genuine Floyd Rose Production
Late 1981: Floyd Rose meets Fernandes representatives at the 1981 NAMM show. A contract is signed almost immediately.
Fernandes (a Japanese marketing/distribution company) outsources the actual metalwork – almost certainly to Gotoh, though this has never been officially confirmed.
From late 1981 until approximately the end of 1983, all production Floyd Rose tremolos worldwide are Japanese-made under the Fernandes contract (complete units and parts shipped to Floyd Rose in the U.S.)
October 1982: Eddie Van Halen signs with Kramer.
1983 - 1985: Floyd Rose partners with Kramer, Kramer pushes Fernandes out
Early 1983, Floyd Rose partners with Kramer Guitars. Floyd Rose tremolos are to be exclusively fitted to Kramer guitars.
Kramer has a long history with Schaller and doesn't want to use Fernandes for hardware. They bring in Schaller and sideline Fernandes despite Fernandes having an active contract.
Six months after the deal is struck with Schaller, Schaller begins manufacturing Floyd Rose tremolos in late 1983.
According to an ex-Fernandes employee, this is done behind Fernandes' back.
Kramer relegates Fernandes production to Japan only, thus cutting them out of the U.S. market.
Floyd Rose does nothing to stop it as he likely sees the business advantage of having a European manufacturer and is all-in with the guitar company that has Eddie Van Halen as its public figure.
For the U.S./international market: only German-made Schaller units are used.
For the Japanese domestic market: Fernandes continues producing the exact same designs in Japan (bent-steel construction, metric screws, oval arches between the sustain block forks) and sells them both as replacement parts and on factory-installed guitars right through 1985.
1985–1994: Post-Contract Proprietary Developments
After the Floyd Rose licensing contract ended in mid-1985, Fernandes did not stop making the tremolo — they simply removed the “Floyd Rose” name and continued production unchanged for the Japanese domestic market.
1985: Fernandes rebrands their entire Floyd Rose range to "Head Crasher Tremolo System".
1986 - 1987: In-house designs with Floyd-inspired features are developed (e.g., string-through, no whale tail) and unique elements (e.g., straight knife edges, saddle height adjustment, bridge-locking device, push-in tremolo arm) for Fernandes guitars.
1987: Fernandes rebrands the entire range again to "FRT Tremolo System".
1988 - 1990: Entry-level guitar production begins to shift to Korean manufacturing (Cort, WMIC).
1989: Fernandes designs and produces the ultimate Floyd Rose tremolo, superior to anything before it: the new FRT-4. (Third use of the FRT-4 name.) It has horizontal fine tuners. Fernandes also releases a version with saddle height adjustment as the new FRT-5. (Third use of the FRT-5 name.) Both are made in Korea.
1992: Fernandes opens an office in the United States which eventually becomes a custom shop.
1993: Entry-level guitar production is fully transitioned to Korean manufacturing (Cort, WMIC).
1994–1997: Proprietary tremolos discontinued
1994: Fernandes starts fitting the refreshed FR superstrat series with Takeuchi TRS-PRO (a Japanese OEM licensed Floyd Rose again).
1994: Fernandes FRT-8 is the only remaining proprietary unit, and it is dubious as to whether it was proprietary in the first place.
1996: Despite being the greatest Floyd Rose tremolo ever made, the FRT-4 is discontinued.
1997: FRT-8 is discontinued.
1997–2024: Licensed Tremolos Only
1997: Higher-end Japanese-made models are now fitted with the Gotoh GE1996T supplied as an OEM product, branded as "Fernandes."
2000: Takeuchi TRS-PRO discontinued and replaced with OEM-supplied GE1996T clone by Ping Well in Taiwan, branded as "Fernandes."
2000: Entry-level production shifts to China (Yako factory).
By 2002, most Fernandes guitars are fully made in China except limited domestic runs.
2003: Fernandes offers a token left-handed signature model of a well-known Japanese artist who happens to be a lefty. It is a very bizarre guitar with zero-appeal to anyone other than a fan, but it is fitted with a Schaller Licensed Tremolo. (Catalogs haven't expressly mentioned or shown left-handed models since 1983.) It is never mentioned again as a left-handed model.
2005: Fernandes appears to have abandoned left-handed guitar production. The usual list of left-handed guitars noted on the last page of each year's catalogs has gone. As of 2025, no known examples of Fernandes guitars exist beyond 2004/2005.
2014: Fernandes U.S. custom shop quietly fizzles out.
Gotoh GE1996T remains on the last Japanese-built FRT-equipped models until Fernandes closes its doors in July 2024.
Fernandes Floyd Rose Production Chronology
First catalog appearance | Tremolo Model | Features and Traits | Left-Handed Guitar Models (Limited production or Special Order) | Type |
1982 | FRT-1 |
| Catalog says lefty available but no models listed as eligible for production with it | ✅ Genuine Floyd Rose |
1982 | FRT-2 |
| Not listed for any guitars RH or LH | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1983-1985 | FRT-2 (Head Banker) |
| EX-85L (1984) FST-65L (1984) BSV-60L (1985) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1983-1985 | FRT-3 |
| EX-145L (1983) FV-135L (1984) FST-85L (1984) FST-80L (1984) FST-75L (1985 by full custom order only) | ✅ Genuine Floyd Rose |
1983 | FRT-4 |
| None | ✅ Genuine Floyd Rose |
1984 | FRT-5 |
| None | ✅ Genuine Floyd Rose |
1985 | FRT-7 |
| FST-90L (by full custom order only, 1985) FST-85L (by full custom order only, 1985) BSV-90L (by full custom order only, 1985) | ✅ Genuine Floyd Rose |
1985-1989 | FRT-6 (Head Crasher) |
| FST-65L (1985-1986) BSV-70L (by full custom order only, 1985) FST-65L (1986) None (1987) FST-65L (1988) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1986 - 1988 | New FRT-7 |
| None | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1986 - 1988 | FRT-9 |
| None | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1986-1989 | FRT-8 (Body Crasher) |
| FR-55L (1986-1989) BSV-60L (1986) BX-60L (1986) FST-55L (1988-1989) FR-55XL (1989) FR-55TL (1988-1989) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1987-1988 | New FRT-4 |
| FR-65L (1987-1988) FST-65L (1987-1988) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1987-1988 | New FRT-5 |
| None | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1989-1996 | New FRT-4 |
| FST-65L (1989) FR-65L (1989) FST-65L (1992) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1989 | New FRT-7 |
| None | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1989 | New FRT-5 |
| None | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1990-1993 | FRT-8 |
| FR-50L (1990) FR-50XL (1990) FST-55L (1991-1992 despite not listed in catalogs) FR-55L (1991-1993 despite no catalog listings) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1994-2004 | FRT5-PRO |
| FR-65L (1994-1996) FR-55L (1995-2000) None (2001-2004) | 🏢 OEM (Takeuchi) |
1994-1996 | FRT-8PRO |
| FR-55L (1994) None (1995 - 1996) | 🛠️ Proprietary |
1997-2024 | FRT-10 |
| None (1997-2004) FR-180SL (2004 - despite not listed in catalog) FRP-2000L Revolver Pro (2005 - despite not listed in catalog) None (2006-2024) | 🏢 OEM (Gotoh) |
2000-2018 | FRT-11 |
| None (2000-2003), FGZ-550SL (2004), None (2005-2018) | 🏢 OEM (Ping Well) |
2003 | SFRT-2 |
| Hisashi Imai Stablilizer Signature model (2003) | 🏢 OEM (Schaller) |
2024 | — |
| — | — |
Fernandes Policy on Left-Handed Guitar Ordering
Years | Japanese (original) | English translation | Ordering Policy and Business nuances |
1983 (Page 38 of catalog) | サウスポーギター
左用は定期的に生産しておらず、年間の時期によっては在庫がない場合があります。 弊社にてオーダーする場合は、毎年2月〜4月の間に受け付けています。 発送は年末年始休暇前の20日前に行います。
左用の場合には、パーツの関係上、基本仕様の右用パーツとは異なる場合がありますので、あらかじめご了承ください。
また、左用のギターは右用の納期よりも時間がかかる場合がありますので、あらかじめご了承ください。 納期はオーダーしてから約3ヶ月〜5ヶ月になります。
一部の製品はオーダーできません。
在庫のものはオーダーできますが、特注となり、納期は4〜6ヶ月が基本となります。
左用は価格アップ（またはアップチャージ）となります。 | About Left-handed guitars
Left-handed models are not produced regularly and may be out of stock depending on the time of year. Orders are accepted annually from February to April, with shipments scheduled approximately 20 days before major holidays.
Please be advised that left‑handed guitar parts may vary from those used in right‑handed guitars.
Please be advised that standard left‑handed production models can take longer to produce, with a lead time of about 3 to 5 months from the time of order.
Some models cannot be ordered.
Models accepted for ordering that are not regular production models are treated as fully custom builds, with a standard lead time of 4–6 months.
Standard left‑handed production models carry an additional charge. | Policy: Feb–Apr seasonal window only, 20% surcharge, some models × (unorderable), custom orders 4–6 months
Business nuance: Left-handed never regular production; always 特注 (special order) or limited batch. Orders tied to Japan’s fiscal year (starts April) and factory shutdowns (お盆 summer Obon / 年末年始 year-end); 20–30 day shipping only if parts stockpiled.
|
1984 | ① サウスポーギター
左用に木材を厳選しておりませんので、製材によっては木目が左右対称にならない場合があります。 弊社でのオーダーの場合、通常納期は約3～4ヶ月となります。 価格は本体価格の20％アップとなります。
（注）左用仕様の場合、パーツの入手事情により基本仕様と異なるパーツを使用する場合がございます。あらかじめご了承ください。
木材の色味・木目の指定は承ります。ただしナチュラル／トランスペアレント系フィニッシュを選択された場合は、個体差により色調に多少の差が出る場合がございます。 また、特定の木材をご指定いただいた場合は納期がさらに長くなることがあります。
通常納期は約3～4ヶ月です。 特殊な木材をご指定の場合などは最長6ヶ月ほどかかることがあり、その場合は6～7ヶ月程度を目安としてお考えください。
仕様変更などはアップチャージにて承ります。 | ① Left-Handed Guitars
We do not specially select timber for left-handed models, so depending on the piece of wood, the grain or figure may not be perfectly symmetrical. Orders placed through our company require a lead time of approximately 3–4 months. Pricing is 20% higher than the base model price.
(Note) Please be aware that due to the limited availability of left-handed parts, some components may differ from the standard right-handed specification.
Wood colour/figure requests are accepted. Please note that if you select a natural or transparent finish the colour may vary slightly depending on the individual piece of wood. Special wood requests may also extend the lead time.
In such cases, the lead time can extend up to six months, in which case please allow 6–7 months in total.
Any changes or custom options will incur an additional upcharge. | Policy: Blanket 20% surcharge, no symmetry guarantee, custom orders via additional upcharge, specific models available.
Business nuances: Left-handed treated as semi-特注 (special order) despite catalog listing → no 木取り選別 (special timber selection); natural-finish colour/grain mismatches common; parts availability dictated by 左用パーツ入手事情 (left-handed parts supply situation). "Custom-ordered models" clarifies 特注品 as custom orders rather than implying fully bespoke designs. |
1985 | ③ サウスポーギターについて ● 印のもの ロット生産していますが常時生産しておりませんので、詳細によっては在庫がない場合があります。その場合には、約3ヶ月〜6ヶ月の納期が必要となります。尚、定価は、本体価格の20%アップにしています。 ▲ 印のもの ロット生産していませんが、特注で単価は高くなりますが、納期は約3ヶ月〜6ヶ月以内で上の納期内で対応します。尚、定価は、本体価格の20%アップにしています。 × 印のものは、オーダーを受付けていません。 無印のもののオーダーを受付けておりますが、特殊な治具が必要となる場合はその価格及び納期は、部品によって異なりますのでご注文依頼時に確認願います。 | ③ Regarding Left-Handed Guitars
Items marked with ●: These are produced in batches but not on a regular basis, so stock may be unavailable depending on production demands. In such cases, a lead time of about 3 to 6 months will be required. Please note: A 20% surcharge will be added to the base price. Items marked with ▲: These are not batch-produced but can be custom-ordered, although at a higher unit price. Lead times are anticipated to be approximately 3 to 6 months, or longer. A 20% surcharge will also be added to the base price. Items marked with × : Orders are not accepted for these models. Orders for unmarked items are accepted, but if special tooling is required, pricing and delivery time will vary depending on the components involved—please confirm these details when placing your order. | Policy: ● = batch (3–6 mo, 20% surcharge), ▲ = custom orders (higher price), × = unorderable, unmarked = tooling check required.
Business nuances: Even ● “batch” lefties were 量産ではなくロット生産 (not mass production but lot production); runs triggered only after minimum orders accumulated → 3–6 month waits set by 金型 (mold tooling) and lot size. |
1986 | ① サウスポーギターについて
●印のもの／ロット生産していませんが、常時生産しておりませんので、部品によっては生産のない場合があります。その場合は、約3ヶ月～4ヶ月以上の納期が必要となります。納期は、本体価格の20％アップで承ります。
▲印のもの／ロット生産していませんが、特注で受付けできます。また、新たな治具が必要な場合がありますので納期は製品の種類、形態によって異なりますのでご注文以前にご確認ください。（注）空白の欄のものは受け付けておりません。
●左利きMODELについて／メーカー仕様を若干異なる場合がありますので、あらかじめご了承ください。 | ① Regarding Left-Handed Guitars
Models marked with ● are produced in limited batches but not on a continuous basis, so may not always be available. In such cases, a lead time of approximately 3 to 4 months is required. An additional 20% will be added to the base price.
Models marked with ▲ are not batch-produced but can be custom ordered. New tooling might be necessary, so lead times may vary depending on the product features. Please confirm before placing an order. (Note) Order forms with incomplete or blank sections will not be accepted.
● Left-handed versions may have minor part differences depending on the model. Thank you for your understanding. | Policy: Post-order confirmation mandatory, ● limited batch (20% surcharge), ▲ custom orders (variable lead/tooling), incomplete order forms won’t be actioned.
Business nuances: Explicit shift away from any pretense of regular production; all left-handed guitars now openly limited-batch or custom-order only; customer contacted after placing order to confirm whether build can be done (製作可能確認 production feasibility check). |
1987 -1990 (disclaimer missing from 1991-1993 catalogs) | ① サウスポーギター について；
●印のもの→ロット生産していますが、常時生産しておりませんので、機種によっては在庫のない場合があります。その場合は、約3ヶ月～4ヶ月の納期が必要となります。 定価は、本体価格の20％アップになります。
〈注〉生産可能機種のみ受け付けております；
左用はMODELによってパーツ仕様が若干異なる場合がありますので、あらかじめご了承ください。 | ① Left-Handed Models Items marked with ● are produced in limited batches and not made year-round. Stock varies by model – some may be temporarily unavailable. If out of stock, lead time is approximately 3 to 4 months. Price is +20% over the standard model. Note: Orders are only accepted for eligible models.
Left-handed versions may have minor part differences depending on the model. Thank you for your understanding. | Policy: Fixed eligible model list, ● batch only (no custom orders), 20% surcharge.
Business nuances: Left-handed still never 量産 (mass production); ● simply meant small 左用ロット (left-handed lot) when enough orders collected; 3–4 month delay only when stock depleted. |
1994-2003 (possibly ~2007) | サウスポーギターについて
下記の機種については、左用の生産をしております。ただし、常時生産しておりませんので、機種によっては生産のない場合があります。その場合、目安としては約3ヶ月～6ヶ月の納期が必要となります。定価は、本体定価の20%アップです。 | Regarding Left-Handed Guitars
The models listed below are production left-handed models. However, they are not manufactured continuously, so some models may be out of stock. In such cases, the estimated lead time is approximately 3 to 6 months. Pricing is 20% higher than the standard retail price. | Policy: Listed models batch-only (no custom orders or unlisted), 20% surcharge, 3-6 month lead times; routine low-volume.
Business nuances: Left-handed remained periodic small runs only (韓国工場でも左用ロット even in Korean factory, still left-handed lot production); declining priority and catalog detail marked winding-down phase; production fully ceased ~2005. |