Scored this Pink Ibanez RG450exb and it needed some care. Installing a Gotoh 1996 + neck some care.

While not a perfect "Drop In" replacement, this Gotoh GE1996T, it has a very close radius to the Ibanez's 15" neck, coming in at 13.75. So a little shimming could get your action even lower. It also isn't limited to your post spacing, with a flat edge on the lower string section of the bridge plate. Smooth movement, solid locking, and a nice flutter!!!
I will be on vacation when this airs, so apologies upfront for not getting right back to comments. I will not have cell reception, but at least this Ibby has been tended to. See you soon!

[@Holtenstein]

I'm about to do this same job on an Ibanez XPT700XH because I'm not happy with the bridge. Thanks for the correct sizes of the drill bits! That will come in handy

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@Holtenstein right on and you’re welcome! Let me know how it comes out, I’m glad you found the vid 🤙🏻

[@ubisuccle]

I did something very similar with an RG450EX. I absolutely love the Gotoh feels even better than my floyd and almost better than my edge pro, however its not been without it's issues. I used the standard Floyd Rose posts, and the bridge has a habit of slipping off of them. The Gotoh trem arm mount also kept hitting against the body of the guitar when pitching the trem up causing the issue I just mentioned. After changing it the Ibanez one does the same thing, but to a lesser degree.

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@ubisuccle nice! The gotoh stuff is really some of the best out there. Thanks for checking out the video 🤘🏻🤙🏻

[@julietspaintings]

you put so much careful and excellent work into this and it turned out great. I LOVE that guitar!

[@DoubleDguitar]

Thanks Juliet! It is definitely now a keeper. Thanks for watching😁

[@RogueStarMusic]

That color is supreme!

[@DoubleDguitar]

Thanks, I agree!!! It sold me on the whole thing, and I am really happy with how it has come out. Thanks for watching the vid!

[@jeremygavins9607]

I have one as well replaced the tremolo with gotoh my guy did a great job of settling it up, mine came with 2 pink hat knobs both said volume & a pink pickup selector switch

[@DoubleDguitar]

Nice! Thanks for checking out the video 🤘🏻 I love this thing, now!

[@POLLOTROM]

The video that was looking for... Thank You!

[@DoubleDguitar]

Right on, glad you found it! I made it to try to help anyone in this bind. Hope the mod works out for you.

[@MainPrism]

Awesome guitar, love that shade of pink! Great video brother, very informative and to the point without much sidetracking. Not that sidetracking is a bad thing. I have ADHD so I do it all the time 😂. Couldn't agree more on doing the fret ends, changing strings, cleaning/hydrating the neck, etc when you buy a new guitar. The fine details make ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. I think sometimes people take for granted the state of "cheaper" guitars and what will be done for you already. Never assume the guitar is finished when you get it lol. Fantastic job on the work my man! I bet that thing is a blast to rip on. Gotta get me an RG... Been eyeing one forever just haven't done it yet for some reason (just spent $1,400 on a Wolfgang Special). 😂😂😂 I'm subscribing man this channel is friggin' awesome!!! Thanks for the videos and recommending that I watch this one in particular!!!🎸🔥💪🤘

[@DoubleDguitar]

I am super stoked you like the channel, my brother. And I totally agree about some simple things done to a cheaper guitar being essential to get them way past their initial stages. Glad you found me, keep me posted about your build and which trem system you get. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MainPrism]

@@DoubleDguitar most definetly! Thanks again brother man, glad to be here!

[@jeremygavins9607]

I have one as well same gotoh the metal quality & the brass block is nice

[@DoubleDguitar]

Right on, I agree. It’s a great trem system. Thanks for watching. 🤘🏻

[@JoeR203]

I have the Jem Jr. and put the 1996T in that. My tech didn't want to risk splitting the wood so he didn't drill for the 11mm sleeves and ended up using the stock posts. But at least now it stays in tune, flutters great and the bar doesn't get loose like the stock one always did. No matter how many times I tightened the Allen screw under the collar.

[@jorgemosqueda9812]

I want to buy a jem jr but i know the bidge is bad, is it worth it to buy the gotoh?, also its going to be my first electric guitar

[@JoeR203]

@@jorgemosqueda9812 If it is your first guitar, I would say use it as is until you feel you want a better bridge. No sense in investing money into it from the start.

[@jorgemosqueda9812]

@@JoeR203 thanks

[@perch336]

What a cool Ibby. You scored a good deal. I love their shark tooth inlay. 🤘🏻🤘🏻Gotta admit dive bombing is cool when you have a Floyd Rose. 😂

[@DoubleDguitar]

Even after a few months, I am still really digging this one and really love that bridge. Thanks Perch!

[@daviddowling3397]

Glad you found that gitfiddle,lookin good .

[@DoubleDguitar]

Me too, thanks pop!

[@justy256]

I did the same mod with a Jem and whilst I thought the only sensible option was to use my drill press, I ended up hand-drilling and it worked out great- I just sneaked up on the drill sizes and used a mirror to make sure I was perpendicular to the guitar body.

[@justy256]

p.s. Mine's pink too!

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@justy256 these pink ones look soo cool, imo. I just did this to a Schecter I grabbed and ended up doing some of the post work by hand. Steady and level, no worries. Thanks for watching, my man 🤘🏻

[@r2skyvader]

I replaced my cheaper terms on a couple of Ibanez last year. I ended up using Floyd Rose posts rather than the Gotoh so I did not have to drilll larger holes. The FR stud inserts were easy replacements. One trem was 73 mm post hole distance rather than the standard which created a lot more work though. I had to use a dremel on the Gotoh in a few places in order in order to make it fit the cavity. My only complaint with the Gotoh is that the tuners are higher on the bridge than the Ibanez. However the improvements in tone and especially sustain were worth it.

[@DoubleDguitar]

I left them in my next project that used a 1996. Works great. I agree that some minor feel things are different than a Floyd or Edge, but the tuning stability is simply amazing.

[@tuomaspietinen1485]

Nice. Planning to replace the original bridge of my Jackson DK2 with a Gotoh.

[@DoubleDguitar]

It’s a wise choice! I have an older Jackson Floyd licensed bridge and it’s a little bigger than the Gotoh, so it should fit with no issues. Thanks for checking out the video and let me know how it goes. I just put another one of these in my recently acquired Schecter. It’s definitely my favorite Floyd replacement bridge.

[@jrg770]

Does you DK2 not have the usual 580LP ? Usually that is a reliable bridge. A Japanese Takeuchi made TRS Pro with a different arm assembly.

[@edwinstovall3334]

I upgraded Floyd-oids on 2 different Ibanez South Korean guitars. These were super cheap when they were new and had little resale value. One had a bad gouge in the face of the axe -- filled in but ugly to the eye; the other had a headstock crack. I'm lucky I didn't destroy them, especially the cracked neck one. I went all out on that one, even routing out extra wood for the insert set -- which had that connecting bar. While I'm pleased with the results, I'm not going to replicate them. From now on, either the guitars I buy (if any) will be easy to modify or they'll need none.

[@DoubleDguitar]

Ibanez are perfect for these kinds of mods and repairs. Glad you found the video and thanks for checking it out.

[@anthonyoresteen4767]

I have just built 2 RG450s from parts. The low end DL trem is actuly a FLOYD Rose Original copy. Worn studs? Just pop in a set of FR Original or FR 1000 studs and problem solved. A 37mm FR big brass block fits great in the RG450 with the DL trem. I also put in a FR push in trem arm upgrade in my Ibanez DL trem. I also installed a new Ibanez Edge trem in my other RG450 using new FR 1000 studs. The FR1000 is made in Korea and the FR Original is made by Schaller in Germany. The RG450 rocks!

[@JohnWiku]

The Ibanez DL trem is made of cast molten cheese, even if you replace worn out posts, the knives on the trem plate are shot, so it's better to just replace the whole thing. The Gotoh GE1996T is the best version of the Floyd Rose trem, only second to the Gotoh made Ibanez Edge!!!

[@anthonyoresteen4767]

@@JohnWiku My Ibanez DL trem is the first one I have ever used and I have no history with it so I can't say how good or bad it is. I will know in a year if it is "cast molten cheese". Should the base plate or studs wear out I would replace it with a FR 1000 base plate; ditto for the studs. I keep a couple new FR100 base plates & studs on hand in black & chrome. I do have a lot of experience with the FR1000 & Ping licensed FR double locking trems. The Ping made trems are from 1999-2001 and I have been surprised how well the play and last. I always replace the trem blocs with larger brass blocks and upgrade the trem arms to FR 1000 push in arms. The Ping trems are very well made and most FR1000 parts fit the Ping trems Since I buy my Stagemaster guitars used, I do see a wide variety of conditions of the trem have I have yet to wear out a FR 1000 base plate or trem studs. Right now my count of Stagemaster guitars is around 45 guitars. I keep hearing good things about the Gotoh GE1996T and I plan on getting one soon as I have never seen one in person let alone play one.

[@jrg770]

I have used the Gotoh GE1996T along with it's inserts and posts but it is a bit intimidating removing inserts and then doweling the holes and then redrilling for a larger diameter like the Gotoh needs. I use a 10.7mm bit. - After you showed the image of the proline though, would you rather the Gotoh or the Edge that was in that Pro Line? I mean, thats really why I am commenting. That was a first year Edge rigth there. It is beautiful. The bridge to Rule all bridges 😀 🍻 I have a made in 1987 bought in 1988 RG560 with the Edge and it's still 100%.

[@DoubleDguitar]

Nah, not an edge. I didn’t “have “ to change out the posts, just wanted to. Can totally use them. I had the original Edge on my first Ibby and it was a killer bridge.

[@phillosopherguitarist2673]

Though I am happy with the trem performance of the Edge III in my Ibanez I'll move to either Floyd or Gotoh, to be able to use a D-tuner. Saves me a lot of guitar changes during gigs. Nice to see that Gotoh fits right in.

[@DoubleDguitar]

It’s such a good bridge! Just put one on a Schecter. Thanks for checking out the video. 🤘🏻

[@marksvideochannel3592]

Does a D-tuna work with the Gotoh..? I'll be stoked if so, I've wanted one for my RG470 for ages.

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@marksvideochannel3592 yeah, it should work fine. There shouldn’t be any issue getting that on a Gotoh.

[@426baron]

I recently bought an Edge III equipped guitar and just looking at it is enough to put it out of tune. Then again I don't know which damage the previous owner did by slamming it against the body to make it a fixed bridge, old Strat style... (Apart from a very bent neck, a visible misuse of the double action truss rod, a gouge under the bridge, a matchstick in a claw screw hole and all microtuners maxed in...)

[@miketeall8605]

Nice work. I just swapped out my LO-TRS trem for the Gotoh GE1996T on my 2000 Japanese RG470. I used a 27/64 bit on the drill press, and like you, used the press to press in the bushings. In my case, the wood wasn't having it and cracked when pressing them in. I removed the bushings, reseated the wood and soaked in thin cyanoacrylate glue and let dry 24 hours. I then drilled out to 7/16 and pressed them in. Still pretty snug and only a little hairline crack, which I glued. I just finished the setup last night, including shimming 4 saddles, truss rod adj, action height and intonation. In my case it BARELY fits. I am completely out of room on the back screws and the trem cavity, and just barely got my low E right. Also, on the FRONT of the bridge on the treble side, its less than 1mm to the wood on the corner. Did you round yours off? Mine is less round than yours on that front corner.

[@DoubleDguitar]

Hey man, thanks a ton. I appreciate it. I didn’t have to round anything on this one, but the Schecter I just got needed some done. I actually ended up shaving the bridge down, instead of the body. I didn’t want to risk messing up the finish.

[@mathewpybus1599]

Hey Double that's one beautiful guitar man! I totally understand why you put locking tuners on her Ibanez prestige 2020/21 models came with them standard including the RG models with the higher end edge and lo pro edge double locking systems which didn't make sense to me as the higher end trem systems are like a tank, I'm wondering did you go with 3 tension springs the outer 2 diagonally to the centre or just straight? Those locking screws inside the posts make a huge difference although admittedly the 1st time I changed to a heavier gauge and reset the action I had to read the manual to work out what was going on with the posts lol You did an awesome job as always enjoy playing her mate

[@DoubleDguitar]

Thanks a ton, Mathew! I am absolutely loving this guitar now. That bridge is amazing. I did only use the two springs, outer config. I like the warble and flutter that gives. The claw is cranked down! Thanks a bunch about my playing and for watching, bro. All my best!!

[@SloppyGoat]

You actually do not have to change the stock Floyd Rose posts. My luthier was not comfortable drilling out that much wood on a Saber model, since they don't have a lot of wood there to begin with. But I can practically grab the thing by the whammy bar, and shake it, and it always returns to zero. So no, you don't necessarily need to replace those with the bigger ones. However, you're either going to have to have the locking screws shortened, and rechamfered, or use some shorter ones from a Floyd. Rose. All in all, the 1996T is absolutely the best freaking upgrade you can do!! I love it!! 😎🤘✌️

[@DoubleDguitar]

Very true, I do know the trem will work well. The issue I was having with it stock did seem to be the placement of the original posts being a little loose and making that knock sound I was getting. I even tried just swapping out the studs, but it still knocked. The new posts, albeit a hair raising job, definitely solved the problem of the trem resting in one spot before settling. Was really frustrating. So yeah, if your current posts are good, use them!!! Thanks for checking out the video, I love this guitar now. 🤘🏻

[@SloppyGoat]

@@DoubleDguitar Of course, it doesn't hurt to buy some new FR posts, if yours are like 20 years old. Even though those are hardened steel, they're going have some wear after that long. I have a new set of them, just waiting, for the next time I tear it down. But otherwise, I have absolutely zero problems with that. And I actually think fine thread adjustment is better than coarse thread adjustment. They definitely aren't going to move, once they have tension on them, unless they're just sloppy and worn out. 👍

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@SloppyGoat my 2nd guitar in the 80s as a teen had a Floyd, I wish I knew then what I finally know now about the whole system.

[@SloppyGoat]

I've already got some new posts, for the next time I change the strings and tear it all down. I need to reshim the neck a little bit. But this little screamer plays like a dream. 😎

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@SloppyGoat sweet! I love getting guitars into that sweet spot zone. 🤘🏻

[@andyracksthecams]

Great video. I'm in the same boat with my RG550.

[@DoubleDguitar]

Thanks, man. Yeah, the inexpensive Ibanez trems aren’t terrible, just needed that extra bit that the Gotoh has. Amazing bridge. Thanks for watching the video, my man 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@jrg770]

How does your 550 not have an Edge in it?

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@jrg770 they started using the “DL” for these a few years back.

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@jrg770 and it’s a 450, not a 550.

[@jrg770]

@@DoubleDguitar No I know yours in this video is a RG450. I was responding to @andyracksthecams here who said they are in the same boat but with an RG550. A RG550 should have an Edge in it. As I had commented earlier, The Edge, the bridge to Rule All bridges. 🍻

[@maxziplock]

Interesting that you were able to fit 11.3mm Gotoh posts into a 10.7mm hole without issues, though I don't know how hard meranti wood is on your guitar. I'm getting ready to install the same bridge into my Jackson (poplar body) and I was thinking about using ether an 11mm bit or 7/16" as both should accommodate but I am still thinking.

[@DoubleDguitar]

The by hand reverse drill bit trick really did exactly what I needed it to do. Gently widened the wholes. I did the same to my Schecter, it was pretty easy. I say practice with some scrap wood and make sure you don't go too deep. Mark your bit. Thanks for watching the vid, my man!

[@maxziplock]

@@DoubleDguitar yes, I took a note of that, counter clockwise on the first bit, and drill press on the second. How did you level the guitar while on the press?

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@maxziplock I used a couple of clamps and some cloth, then took a bubble level to it to make sure I had is straight and flat, so the bit went down with no angle into the guitar.

[@maxziplock]

@@DoubleDguitar awesome, thanks a lot!

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@maxziplock you got it, if you end up doing the mod, let me know how it goes for you.

[@nuggetstew4380]

Would you recommend using the same bit sizes for scraping and drilling on any guitar with a Floyd Rose? I have an LTD Alexi-600 and I want to install my new Gotoh so bad, but I've never done something like this before so I am nervous.

[@DoubleDguitar]

If it’s a gotoh, these are the sizes I have seen used and should work, as long as it’s their large posts. They do have smaller ones, but I am pretty sure the large are what comes standard and smaller need to be ordered.

[@jayeye89]

Did you use the original gotoh string locking screws? I find them too long for my cavity

[@DoubleDguitar]

You mean the 6 long, Alan screws to tighten the stings down? I don’t think I had to change any for this one, but for my Schecter I did. The low E and G string ones were too long for that.

[@itaiitai8960]

WHAT will happen if i keep the original posts and stud ?

[@DoubleDguitar]

You will be fine. It will work great. I could have for this, but chose to use the gotoh ones. Lots of comments below should confirm that for you, as well. It’s a great trem!

[@JoelGrindMusic]

Hi, where did you buy the block to shave down the fret sprout?

[@DoubleDguitar]

Hey man, off amazon. Let me go check the brand name.

[@DoubleDguitar]

TAOZUA Guitar Fret Beveling File for Fret End Dressing I like this one because it offers the two angles and has a decent finish. I still put some blue painters tape on it, to minimize scratches.

[@JoelGrindMusic]

@@DoubleDguitar Thank you!

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@JoelGrindMusic you got it.

[@tylerlaiche8443]

Do you have to use the gotoh posts inserts or could I stick with the Ibanez ones ?

[@DoubleDguitar]

You could easily stick with the Ibanez ones. Especially if they are not worn out.

[@tylerlaiche8443]

Wouldn’t happen to know if the ge1996t would fit a rg5ex1? Thank you

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@tylerlaiche8443 it’s a little hard to tell from pics, but I would bet yes. You may not want the deepest trem block, a 43 was a little too deep for this and a couple other guitars. The 1996 seems to have a very slightly smaller overall shape than the Ibanez trems that I have seen.

[@Neshek023]

change the posts is a must. Otherwise it is like buying a Porsche and put wooden wheels on it. The standard studs are pot metal and with very sloppy threads. The Gotoh trem knife edges are going to ruine the soft posts. I did it, and I am no luthier at all.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZXOnaOceNOIn8ksi=gULQhCmEICc_oDu_

[@rodolfoamaralguitar]

I don't know why Gotoh uses thicker studs...I doubt it is better in stability than the thinner ones.

[@DoubleDguitar]

They do have the smaller size available on eBay, from what I later found out. Same design, just smaller. But….agreed lol

[@liys540]

i think you should use bigger block instead of regular block size . floyd rose website and fu tone have gotoh big brss block . lastly , floyd rose also sell stone tone block with gotoh . futhermore , way more sustain and huge tone . i promise you would not regret that

[@DoubleDguitar]

I will definitely get a proper sized block. I can tell in the other guitar that I put a Gotoh into that could fit the big block, super noticeable. Thanks for watching,🤘🏻

[@Mickocarbomb]

Thats usually how the floyd rose special goes. Edge special, floyd special. Theyre both cheap ass metals. The 1996T is an amazing replacement option.

[@DoubleDguitar]

Right on. This one had something called the DL trem and it was baaaad lol. Thanks for watching 🤘🏻

[@Mickocarbomb]

Yeah, I've had a few. They rival the Jackson branded specials that are on everything below the pro series guitars. The Floyd special I've always had a hatred for

[@DoubleDguitar]

@@Mickocarbomb oh man, I have one of those Jackson specials. The 1996 will be my standard upgrade from now on.