Floyd Rose Trem Upgrades w/ FU-Tone - Are They Worth It?

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DISCLAIMER - all views contained herein are mine and mine alone. My comments merely reflect my own, individual experience with this gear. They do not necessarily reflect what your personal experience may be as a potential customer of the brand I am reviewing.
This video was meant as an experiment. I was curious as to whether or not a big brass block actually does ANYTHING to affect the actual tone/sustain of the guitar like it claims to.
Both the Before and After footage were shot using the same settings on the amp, the noise gate, The Two Notes Captor, the interface, and the Two Notes Wall-Of-Sound plugin. There were no pedals on my board for this except for a tuner and a noise gate. The is no post processing done (EQ, Compression, Enhancers, Modulations, etc.), and that includes within the Wall-of-Sound plugin, where said functions were all disabled. The guitar utilized for both is obviously the same, and the same set of strings was also used once the upgrades were installed. Both performance takes were shot in one continuous take.
Please like and subscribe. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the instrument or the video, please leave a comment.

[@aatamisyren4747]

the vibration that a floating bridge allows dampens the tone somewhat. a heavier block adds weight so the floyd doesn't eat the vibration of the strings as much. to my ear the fu-tone parts sounded way brighter than stock

[@danielvelkovski3156]

Aatami Syrén on top of this can also add a block box (stabilizer) that still lets you dive up/down. And if a string breaks the rest don’t get out of tune.

[@elgoogkcuf]

@@danielvelkovski3156 what the hell is a block box?

[@danielvelkovski3156]

elgoog kcuf black box stabilizer. Acts like a hard tail. Can still dive up/down and it returns perfectly neutral. If a string bends or even breaks the rest still stay in tune.

[@elgoogkcuf]

@@danielvelkovski3156 thank you very much! I'll be getting one to try out soon.

[@jorgemartinpellegrino6940]

Same here. More brighter. Different, not better

[@spicyrat6051]

Honestly I cant believe how much of a difference there was Most of the time when someone makes an upgrade to their guitar it literally sounds exactly the same sand they're like "see? Huge difference!" And I'm just like "yea totally mhm" but this actually made an audible difference

[@watersnortmoment3734]

This is an old comment, but that’s because in the room sound is very different from recorded sound. We also don’t know if his recording setup was exactly the same between the two clips. Record your guitars next to eachother if they all have different pickups. You will not notice the difference unless you have very nice headphones/studio monitors, and even then, the difference will be slight. As for here, that’s a big enough difference I almost wonder if the recording setup is the same. If it is, that is genuinely impressive.

[@qua7771]

Some effects/ amps make everything sound the same.

[@ruggie.74]

Best review of blocks ever. You're really intelligent when it comes to how to do a proper demonstration of an A/B experiment. Great work.

[@IWatchYouFromAfarOfficial]

That difference is night and day, it sounds so much better and brighter with the brass block fitted.

[@RubyRoks]

I'm glad you panned the tracks center during this. My ears don't hear the same frequency range, so being able to hear it unpanned helps a lot

[@ArnoldPlaysGuitar]

theqrokz exactly why i did it. I appreciate you appreciating!

[@dmthandmade5674]

@@ArnoldPlaysGuitar I also have only one functioning ear and appreciate your effort.

[@davidbreuer6449]

All of my trem guitars have been upgraded to the gills with FU-Tone upgrades. The amount of resonance they give off as a night and day difference from the production parts. I can't imagine owning a trem guitar without FU-Tone upgrades.

[@tenhundredkills]

FU-Tone being a tongue-in-cheek name? Nah! Seriously though, if I were a Floyd Rose guy, I'd definitely upgrade to FU-Tone parts. I definitely like the tone more than the stock Floyd parts.

[@FloydUpgrades]

Thanks Steven - We do Strat blocks, LP parts, Acoustic Pins and more.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

I've added several FU-Tone parts upgrades to one of my Schecter SVSS guitars (Green Reign) and it's made a difference. Titanium intonation screws, titanium string blocks, titanium saddle posts and silent springs for the trem. The longevity of the parts will likely outlast the Floyd Rose which is fine but the other small side benefit is they also take away some weight which does matter the longer you have a guitar on your shoulder. We're not talking pounds here but in truth every ounce collectively adds up. Oh and also titanium top string retainer screws. Out of everything I think the saddle string blocks (6) and the springs (3) made the biggest sound difference. Next up will be a brass trem block upgrade too. I don't believe it changes the sustain time but it does actually change your tone. That will probably even out any weight loss somewhat but still slightly lighter than if I'd kept all the stock parts and then just added the brass trem block.

[@MrEstpas71]

What suprises me the most is that the Floyd Rose Company isn't putting this big block on the trems standard! What a huge difference! I didn't expect that...

[@grimora-dg3vq]

Likely a few reasons. 1) Cost of course. Even if it's only a $25-$35 dollar upgrade they have to raise the overall price in order to keep their margin the same. 2) Weight. I would imagine not everyone wants more weight that they may already be holding for an hour. While it may only be a few ounces everything adds up the longer you wear it. 3) The low cost zinc trem blocks do the job. The best job? Possibly not but again the idea is to give you a working guitar for as fair a price as possible which will work.

[@bestboy897]

The fu tone sounds huge, it acts almost like a db boost

[@zaphodrahja]

I put a FU brass block on an ibanez bridge and it made a huge difference. Just get one.

[@mrtn2842]

Enjoyed the FU parts and it’s a good brighter tone with way better sustain at end of playing..

[@kitoyobeni1]

If you only dive with your floyd, the trem-stopper ties the vibration to the body (when the floyd is at rest) for better resonance/sustain as well. Great products.

[@ragnaroksangel]

Horseshit. That is not what the fuck those are for. You really need to get a better understanding of what devices are for if you're going to use them or comment about them.

[@rocknrollresignation93]

@@ragnaroksangel Stfu jerkoff. You have no idea what you’re talking about

[@doublebguitarplayer9434]

Wow. Definitely can hear the difference. Great video as usual. Love that guitar. Looks and sounds absolutely amazing. Keep up the videos my friend.

[@joepope5793]

This is something that i really thought would make no difference but the upgrades make it sound significantly brighter and clearer

[@Magik1369]

I noticed a big difference. With the block the guitar resonates more and has more chime and high end...thicker sound. I put these brass blocks in all my Floyd Rose equipped guitars. They make a big difference in tone. You'll notice it when you play clean also...the notes are harmonically richer, louder, and resonate better.

[@Aditya_Paliwal_9]

Well said !!

[@JaxJSwiss]

I can’t believe how much better it sounds.

[@praetorxyn]

I bought "the works" from FU-Tone back in 2016 I think, titanium screws, titanium sattles, titanium / tungsten block (can't remember which), black box stopper (still lets you float), don't know if they had noiseless springs back then. Then I had to move to a different state, lost my job, went through bankruptcy, and it wasn't until this year that i touched the guitar again. I may have to actually install those now lol.

[@Dastardly_X]

🙏

[@eddiejr540]

I've held off on the bigger block cuz i thought it was a scam and they're pricey....but OMH...what a difference!!!....btw...i've bought quite a few things from FU-Tone and they are GREAT to deal with...awesome products and awesome company....those upgrades freakin rock dude!!!!

[@KyleBurnsMusic]

The brass sounds brighter and snappier for sure i dig it

[@93mccann]

Just got my first RR Jackson and want to upgrade the 1000 series Floyd. Came back to this video. On a side note and rewatching your older videos, your weight loss journey really shows, dude! Just want to give you that nod and say keep kicking ass!

[@carlmcgilton1120]

I have loaded one of my guitars with the titanium screws string locks, intonation and locking nut.I also use the noise dampening springs as well the yellow ones. And the big brass block. it changed the guitar entirely. It feels like a custom shop beast. FU makes great parts for your Floyd. not only will you hear it but the guitar just plays better.

[@wormfost5578]

Huge difference! I’m sold. I have a super rad 17’ Jackson Slatt 6 soloist with the Floyd Rose special and it’s a beast I could only imagine how much more beastly this thing would be with the upgrades. 🤘 Great video my dude!

[@lowalkoroc]

Brass block makes a huge difference IMO, just makes it ring like a mofo

[@maximdefoy8165]

Huge difference ! I absolutly didn’t thonk that id would make as much difference

[@xsonicassassinx]

impressive: the obvious difference in tone unbelievable: the fact that one can get THAT much chunk out of a hiwatt. i had no idea

[@LesPeterGuitarJam]

wow.. im impressed.. did not expect that huge difference.. im mostly a hard tail guy but this want me to upgrade my old jackson soloist pro xl.. cheers from Denmark...

[@thespectralights2072]

This video is beyond helpful. Amazing comparison. I had to chuckle with the drink review as well! Well done good sir well done

[@jayz6008]

Brass blocks make a huge difference especially in trem guitars that are overly bright or lack dynamics / sustain. I upgraded a Carvin with a 37mm block and it make a noticeable difference. My only regret was not buying a bigger one, i'm sure it would've fit a 42mm. They also have L block shaped ones that fill in the empty space behind the tremolo arm and there's also brass spring claws! I gotta get me one of those next.

[@jasong546]

The riffs are huge. And that’s why I watched.

[@popedimejr]

Wow, I honestly thought that the brass block upgrade was going to be more of a feel thing than an actual tonal difference. And even if it was just a feel thing but it made you enjoy playing the guitar more, the upgrade would be worth it. But damn, it almost sounded like there was a boost added after the upgrade.

[@BrandonLTyson]

Been buying from fu tone for years! Great little secret in the search for tone

[@xenochrist13]

The FU-Tone stuff makes a surprisingly big difference here. Immense riffing there too!

[@AXPena]

Crushing riff, dude! Totally sold me on this stuff!

[@Jbeland1]

I’ve purchased this stuff before. Worth every penny. I do it to all my Floyd’s.

[@Fitheach81]

I’ve been considering their product upgrades for some time now. I’m watching this through a tv’s speakers and could hear a difference, a clarity and distinct separation between strings/notes. I honestly did not expect very much from such seemingly minor changes.

[@drdoom8793]

Killer comparison. The upgrades are like taking a blanket off your tone

[@lordsludge5678]

im listening to this on a pair of presonus eris 5s i hear a lil bit of difference, it seems like the tone block has more sustain and its a brighter.

[@matthewlima1882]

Wow. I’m both surprised and very impressed. Not a Floyd guy but if I happen to pick up a guitar with one, I will definitely consider upgrading to FU Tone products.

[@grimora-dg3vq]

You don't have to be. If you own ANY guitar with a wiggle stick or one way trem bar you'll still benefit.

[@m.e.c.j.5125]

I just got a new LTD Eclipse Custom 1987 Reissue. I've ordered replacement electronics already and, FU Tone brass: 42mm big block, inserts, trem stop, HD noiseless springs, claw & screws. Can't wait to get everything installed !

[@lpjbird]

I upgraded to FU-Tone blocks a few yrs ago, good stuff no question. I need to get my hands on that beer now!!! Great review on both...

[@bobhiggins77]

yeah the treble seemed to fatten out on the high notes, the stock notes sounded way thinner. Upgraded solo high notes sounded a lot more musical. Id be tempted to say for live work it wont matter much, but for recording its worth it for sure.

[@TheMeJustMe75]

About 5 years ago I picked my guitar back up after about 5 years of not playing at all. I put new strings on my Ibanez RG470. When I used the whammy bar I got squeaking sound. I ended up putting electrical tape on the strings and that stop the sound completely. This guitar is about 30 years old and still plays like new. I do need to take it to be cleaned and a setup done on it. I have never gotten the action lowered on it like I have wanted. I also have a RBIB21 with a fixed bridge that needs the action lowered on it also.

[@matthewbond8843]

Thanks for taking the time to do all this. So, wow, big changes in tone. Truth be told, though--I think the upgrades make it sound too bright. Obviously, that's a preference not a law, but I guess that means I'm happy with stock parts! Good for me...?

[@erichearrell3224]

hole shoot big nice and wow difference .... sweet i never new and watch quit a amount of you tube .... best vid on these upgrades ... dammit now a new tone chaser ...lol thank for the great video just like your others and keep it coming....

[@michaelsavides8856]

Sold!

[@misterringer]

That was really the only difference? (the upgraded parts I mean) The bottom sounds like a tone knob has been rolled back a good bit. wayyyyy darker. Crazy to think some different floyd parts really affected the sound that much.

[@bucky1985er]

Watch the FU Tone vids. They really do make a big difference.

[@FlyingSquirrelTony]

The heavy duty noiseless springs were instantly noticeable in recording!

[@grimora-dg3vq]

Same here. First thing I noticed was less flubbiness and much more articulation in my lower notes.

[@TheChrispablo]

these riffs dude!

[@Grindermetalhead]

Those riffs were sick, dude.

[@nicky91guitar]

that was one of the sickest riffs you ever made man! very nice with the dive in it.

[@bradk6170]

Did you used to be a beer taster for a living lol and hell yeah those upgrades surprisingly made a huge difference.

[@vernplaysguitar]

Wow I honestly wasn’t expecting that much of a difference

[@jbaker134]

The FU Tone stuff sounded a lot fatter to me. Might be time for an upgrade on my floyd...

[@danieltravis5082]

Wow I was surprised it made that big of a difference. That's sick.

[@theariesexperiment4642]

I don't use Floyd's. But my 2021 Charvel DK24 has F-U Tone everything under the hood. Claw, Silent Springs, Big Brass block. HOLY $HIT did it ever wake that guitar up!! Its absolutely incredible. I've used Kluson and other companies to upgrade,......but the parts never met my expectations. F-U and Adam are a joy to deal with. He kept in close contact through Gmail and even wanted pics after I completed the upgrades. He is a super cool, passionate, and down to earth cat who truly cares about his customers satisfaction. Plus he is always pushing the boundaries on new products to help fuel your tone journey. I cant recommend F-U Tone and Adam enough. If your on the fence about upgrades,?.?.?.?.don't be. It truly benefits your tone tremendously. Just contact Adam if your not sure about ANYTHING and he will go the extra mile to make sure you get it absolutely dead on concerning adaptability to you instrument. I cant speak on the Floyd upgrades but I have no doubt its significant. Thanks for everything Adam. F-U TONE RULEZ!!!!!

[@MetalGuitar06]

I have a dk24 and I was planning on a bunch of upgrades from FU. Good to hear it’s been done and well worth it

[@chrisbrooks3442]

The upgrades are apparently well worth it!! Wow!!

[@grantstewart5453]

You need the Ti saddle inserts! Point of contact with the string.

[@cliffsmithguitarlessons]

Great test - thank you!

[@172ventura]

I love the tone.

[@jordanmayer5932]

Wow was not expecting that

[@Lavabug]

I always buy brass blocks from the ebay seller hoockey, they're a bit cheaper than FU tone's but I've had one of those too. He makes them for almost any kind of trem including licensed floyds and has made me one-offs for oddball trems. Worth it.

[@bluematrix5001]

Thank you Arnoldo, and what beer are you drinking now?

[@bryand.5240]

Titanium has greater tensile strength than steel while being less dense, but it is not harder, it's actually quite softer, you're much more likely to strip the titanium screws than the steel ones it came with but they eliminate a very negligible amount of weight, titanium screws are usually an add on with a titanium block and saddles, all of which combined with the screws makes a bridge very much lighter

[@kasnitch]

that Framus is gorgeous

[@TerranMacKay]

Definitely prefer my brass block in my rg550

[@amitsapir2]

Great video! I like hardware upgrades comparisons

[@GuitarGodsUnite]

thinking about getting one for my strat

[@Norseman2]

So I must’ve watched your review of the PRS DW CE 24 Floyd about 50 times and finally decided to pull the trigger on purchasing one online. LOVE the guitar but I’m not at all crazy about the Floyd in it. They definitely should’ve put an Original Floyd Rose in but oh well. I actually live about 25 minutes away from Adam/FU-Tone. He has a great reputation and so do you. So now I’m also gonna upgrade my parts and used one of your videos as part of my decision process. I’m gonna have to lookup the beers in these videos next!! Rock on 🤘🏻

[@ehambright]

Fu-tone for the win!!’ Killer review as alwAys

[@iridium02]

So amazing that pickups relay material properties too ... I thought a set of pickups will sound the same on any guitar.

[@bandsbikesandboozereviews]

Loving the videos mate - subscribed!

[@Jimbo1268]

Dude, I only checked in for the beer.

[@lazerbladebrennerpurdy8314]

Hantug is a company that makes fully titanium Floyd’s, including the mounting studs and the locking nut

[@ChrisTarpleyAsylumOfCerberus]

It's night and day man 😉. Look into tungsten btw!

[@lazerbladebrennerpurdy8314]

Chris Tarpley my Razorback v has the fat 32mm block and not only it sounds great, it now weighs as much as a les paul

[@Keaganish]

Interesting seeing you here😉😂

[@GuitarGuy4647]

Now you just need a guitar with a US Kahler where you can test several different saddle and bridge materials.

[@scottdunn2178]

Nobody makes Kahler upgrade parts... because Kahler's SUCK!

[@GuitarGuy4647]

@@scottdunn2178 Kahler makes upgrades as do other manufacturers. If you’ve never gotten to play a well set up Hybrid/X-trem or any USA made Kahler you’re missing out. A good Kahler sounds and feels better than almost any Floyd.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@GuitarGuy4647 I hate Kahler's; *The rollers kill sustain *The saddles don't lock the strings, so they don't stay in tune for shit, same for the behind-the-nut locking nut *The bridge doesn't rise when dive bombing like a fulcrum designed Floyd Rose does, so there's no clearance for the strings when dive bombing... resulting in the strings buzzing and burping out on the frets *You can't get that desired "warble" when snapping the bar hard like you can on a Floyd Rose Basically a shit design... that's why nobody uses them... I have a Kahler Floyd Rose licensed bridge from the 80's... (ESP marked) so even Kahler had to succumb to the fact the Floyd Rose is a FAR superior tremolo system But to each their own

[@GuitarGuy4647]

@@scottdunn2178 no one has used a Kahler locking nut in about twenty years. They all use the superior FR locking nut. Between the nut, good set up, and some lube I’ve had several that worked flawlessly. A US G&L Rampage, an ESP LTD JH600, and several older Carvins. YMMV though.

[@steve2561]

definitely worth the money to upgrade.

[@scottdunn2178]

You will sometimes have to rout the cavity slightly in the block area when upgrading to the larger block if, like me, you want the full pull up/divebomb range the stock block had. Otherwise, the larger block may limit this somewhat.

[@darenwalker2517]

Framus customs are so friggin expensive, then to upgrade it even more...

[@ScottFuckinRitchie]

Fu was much brighter.

[@HearthVader]

After seemed much more defined. Way tighter.

[@Abyssaeon]

Excellent tone in the opening riffage, and throughout. What kind of pickups are those? Also, do you have any experience with the titanium block Adam sells, or just the brass? I've been considering either, but don't know how they compare. Thanks.

[@ArnoldPlaysGuitar]

Lollar dBs. And I actually don't have experience with the titanium blocks, I'm afraid.

[@TristanJCumpole]

Titanium is light but strong. Like hyper aluminium. Brass is fullest.

[@shaunzimmerman7593]

the block should make a dif in sustain and sustain is tone if the note rings longer its better in my opinion only thing is how much of a dif in sustain will it make. and do they make titanium screws now i never saw those saw the stainless but thats dif if they do saw titanium blocks and saddles and saddle blocks nuts and full floyds but didnt no they made titanium screws thought they had stainless in them that cool

[@grimora-dg3vq]

On sustain? Not enough for it to be noticeable. Darrel Braun did a test for this jumping his trem block from zinc to titanium which is the biggest leap by far and there was virtually no gain in the sustain time at all, you can check out the video for yourself. In tone yes, sustain is not tone. Sustain is the length the time a note will play.

[@silascf]

Killler riff....

[@zawaxe123]

i listen to speaker of my laptop i heard fu tone block sounded way brighter :) ok time to upgrade!

[@metal_helm]

Gary Holt uses FU tone. that's enough for me.

[@hvinthehouse]

Great video thanks ! Awesome guitar too!

[@ccchicken8889]

I have kind of dead sounding, but nice old Kramer with a Floyd Pro. Pickups that I like in other guitars are a bit lacking in this one, lacking in bite and sustain mostly. Seen the FU stuff for awhile...well guess it's time for upgrades :)

[@aatamisyren4747]

i have a cheap ibanez that i put a cheap floyd in and the tone is very different. doesn't have that bite anymore

[@57stratkat]

Ke wants one of those Framus guitars!

[@curtisgiesbrecht8325]

Thank you for doing a decent comparison. I'm going to make the changes

[@dustydreams5940]

I could hear the difference on my shitty phone speakers. Massive difference

[@JulesFox]

My favourite part was where you tasted the beer. hahahaa

[@robertclarkguitar]

All I can say, is what the hell bro? You've a kick ass Hiwatt! Hahaha

[@GretchZ]

Seriously? What the hell? If there are indeed no shenanigans, then this is WAY more of a difference than I expected. I expected a difference, but this is like a pickup change.

[@brandonharris9160]

Screw the part, listen to those riffs

[@profile_01]

If you block your trem would a brass block many any difference ./?

[@devonboes2376]

Tell me why im here exactly 4 years to the date lol... I needed some feedback on these parts upgrading my Charvels floyd system soon

[@chrislebowski1613]

Some LRB BLONDE MOCHA!! Rock hill, SC; represented well there I must say!

[@Fanafranky]

Huh I do have a big block since 2012 or so in my Jackson but I never checked any of the titanium stuff, I did expect more sustain but not so much the increase in brightness/definition, in your opinion which is the biggest factor between the block and screws? (Will definitely have to check those out either way :p)

[@ArnoldPlaysGuitar]

Fanafranky for sure the block. I doubt the screws made any sort of difference to be honest. You might want to also hit up Adam about the different materials available. He has brass, but also copper and titanium. I think he might be able to give way more insight into tone between the materials.

[@Fanafranky]

Interesting, at this point I'm only familiar with the "after" sound of my guitar so even though I do have the block I wasn't expecting that kind of difference (I guess I've assumed any increase in brightness was due to the 18v EMG mod I did around the same time)

[@danmancini4059]

The difference is actually huge. How new were the strings before you changed the parts though? That could also be part of the difference

[@juankyman8404]

Any plans for upgrading the saddle inserts to titanium or nb from fu-tone?

[@FloydUpgrades]

That is the second biggest upgrade!