The REAL Reasons They HATE The Floyd Rose Special

[@adam5744]

I have a few on my guitars and no issues with any of them they stay in tune its all about the setup and the player and proper string stretching

[@marcelo.bassalo]

Zinc alloy saddles suck. That's pretty much it as you said.

[@benjaminwilsonroberts]

It's the zinc alloy saddles. They strip out really easy.

[@pipelineaudio]

Because the saddles break when you tighten the lock screw down. Pay the 60 bucks for the steel ones and now you got a great trem

[@pauln6803]

But an extra 60 retail puts you into Gotoh GE1996t territory with change to spare. Throw in a brass spring block for extra sustain and your knocking on the door of the Schaller Lockmeister, which is the Floyd Original in all but name. There's an argument for upgrading an OEM Special, but the retail cost makes little sense when much higher quality units can be had for not much more.

[@pipelineaudio]

@@pauln6803 as someone obsessed with oil slick I’m kind of stuck with Floyd rose. But my favorite trem is the 1996t and I have a 1996t-7 at an automobile custom shop right now trying to oil slick a chrome one. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

My Floyd's have a lot of Ibanez parts swapped out. I call them my Nevertune model.

[@atreusii7411]

Underrated comment

[@zanzabar4ky7]

The 1996t posts are wider so you can repair leaning posts from a bad Floyd setup.

[@2Funky4me]

In my experience, virtually any term with a $20 spring stabilizer on the back works just fine.

[@Jonesy35776]

Prayers coming from deep WNC. I’m an hour west of Asheville. We didn’t get hit that hard. So sad what happened to all surrounding areas. I have family in all of them. Glad you’re ok brother.

[@nikaxeguitar]

I REALLY appreciate that. Thank you very much sir!

[@Jonesy35776]

@@nikaxeguitar absolutely.

[@connorhart7597]

I've got some family out that way too, but I live out near Raleigh. If I know anything about southerners, it's that we can persevere and adapt to most things.

[@nikaxeguitar]

@@connorhart7597 agreed!!

[@RowdyAF]

I have a floyd rose special on an older dean black bolt ML, and I feel like i got lucky because I dive bomb like crazy and it holds tune great.

[@duosonic391]

Could we have more Ibanez Edge and Gotoh content?

[@nikaxeguitar]

Of course!

[@friedrudibega6384]

I have a 1984 Floyd that I’m putting in a newer pacer body with a Focus 3000 neck. I’m pretty stoked.

[@nikaxeguitar]

That is insanely awesome

[@MAX96MENDES]

The main reason some people hate them is because no one knows how to set them up properly. I have one in my EVH Wolfgang Special "Stealth" (Made in Mexico) and it is working perfectly after so many years and hard playing.

[@Javier-qk7ms]

That is a Floyd Rose 1000 dude, same as Charvel SoCal and San Dimas. The special is in the Wolfgang Standard, I have one.

[@captpootis8495]

kinda shocked, decided to do some research into what floyd i have on my new guitar, and it came with a OFR, I bought it used for $732 with tax so id say thats pretty good.

[@nikaxeguitar]

That’s amazing!

[@captpootis8495]

@@nikaxeguitar yea I was interested because there’s no specs online for it anymore (it’s a 2015 LTD M1001 Deluxe, so I don’t know if it was modded or not but I’ll take it) and decided to take it out and see the bottom and lo and behold, made in Germany stamp.

[@nikaxeguitar]

@@captpootis8495 that’s killer

[@ctgblue]

The only issue I ever had with one, was the high E didn't want to clamp. Figured it was the zinc saddles, upgraded to stainless steel, had the same problem. I've had it with only 8's or 9's. I put them on my builds, because I cannot recoup the extra 250 for an original, and most people will never wear one out (got a 10 year old one)

[@Exit111]

I had 2 FRS on 2 LTD's & they were terrible! Nothing would stay tight Nothing would stay in tuner, 3 of the saddles 2 on 1 1 on the other kept braking strings i was constantly wrenching on it. Replaced them both with Floyd Rose Originals & haven't had a problem since. So I absolutely refuse to have 1 but that's just me, they might work for some but I'll never have a FRS again, ever! 🎸😎👍

[@nikaxeguitar]

Great insight! Good to know!

[@vorpalblades]

I've never had an issue using Specials and I've had at least 15 of them. I get fairly heavy on the bar too.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Very nice

[@pauln6803]

Personally I think the FR Special was FR Industries response to the patents expiring. They eyed up the market for a name brand product that could be bought dirt cheap OEM for guitar brands to put on their budget and lower mid priced instruments. If they didn't offer something cheap the likes of Ping, Takeuchi and maybe even Gotoh would completely relegate FR Industries income to the higher end due to not having to pay the licencing fee anymore. With the Special and 1000 series FR still gets a licencing cut on each unit and guitar bands (most instrument production is outsourced unless it's a USA or custom shop operation) get something name brand for marketing.

[@TheWolvesCurse]

the original baseplate is not completely milled. it's just got some finer care afterwork after bending it, just a few manufacturing steps more than on the cheapers variants, which add up in cost.

[@pipelineaudio]

Korean QC is pretty damn hard to beat, and I'd say that for the last 6 years or so, much more consistent than the German floyds

[@captainhowdy3104]

stainless hardware and brass block set u back 75$ will make big difference

[@kevinedgeman4259]

I always have used and loved Floyd Rose trem systems. The materials used are inferior and much softer or brittle in my experience. Under somewhat gentle use, the unit works flawlessly. If used aggressively or if you slightly overtighten the block screws you will eventually experience failure. They are not for me, but some may find them fine . Good luck with your journey.

[@Rickjinxx]

In my country floyd rose 1000 and fr specials have the same price so there's no doubt about specials just bought the 1000 series and last long for me

[@pauln6803]

@@Rickjinxx Here in the UK a Special retails for around £130-£150. The far superior Gotoh GE1996t is £150-£160. Schaller Lockmeister is £200 if keeping the exact dimensions of the Floyd Rose is important. Apart from the ludicrously priced (£350+) low profile variant, we don't see any 1000 for sale as they are only available for manufacturers.

[@Paincakes]

I'm convinced that everyone looking down on Specials are for the most part beginners who don't know how to properly set them up.

[@KennethFinuf]

I got a floyd rose special on an 800 dollar sheckter c-1 Platinum. Its fine I've had the guitar for 4 years!!😊

[@hunterheffley3166]

I hate to tell yall, not a rich dude, so most of my floyds have been specials, and wouldn't ya know? If you set up the guitar properly and don't pick it up by the tremolo system like it's a fuckin jem handle you'll have 0 issues. Plain and simple.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Love this. Great maintenance goes a long way!

[@connorhart7597]

Exactly. You really shouldn't drive an Evo like it's a WRX, but that doesn't mean it's bad or shit or not worth even messing with. Just that there's a better thing out there, and that's a pretty fuckin stupid reason to not get a cheaper version lmfao

[@AdamRocksOut]

I’m not a rich dude, but a beginner. I have 2 Jackson guitars with LICENSED Floyds and my first one (got it back in march) has been holding up amazing so far. I’ve hammered it at probably 5 shows since I got it and the tuning stability is amazing. I knew the risks when buying so I did a ton of research to figure out how to maintain it. Most of the problems I see people have are problems where I can understand what they did wrong

[@danielshafer3227]

I still want the harder steel. I had a Jackson licensed Floyd Rose JS32 and it was awful. The Tuner screws would catch like it was rusted it was machined so bad. The saddle blocks would be grooved after every restring. When you tightened down the saddle screws it would indent the metal. So now what? I have to order upgraded saddles, blocks and fine tuning screws (which I did) so it will last for how long? I don't know. I sold it. I watched Guitar Max's upgrade videos and then got pissed at him for lying to me. Lol. FR 1000 and up for me.

[@Blr57]

@@AdamRocksOut you just wait awhile and the strings will without a doubt pop out of those soft saddles. It’s not if it will happen it’s when…I’ve had several and they all do the same thing. They’re just plain crap.

[@hydrosapien5947]

I have a special on my Dean Custom 380f. Have only just had to replace it after 7 years of use. Once intonated and set up to my preference, can give the bar hard workout and tuning is stable as. Is the only guitar I've owned that the G string sound perfect to my ears. Love chugging an open A to an open D, . It rings beautiful. Also in Australia the cost of special is half the price of a Gotoh 1996t. The special is far better quality than non branded licenced Floyd trems. Was the selling point between the Dean and the Jackson l. I made better choice by far. Love my Dean, love my Floyd Rose Special

[@matthew80127]

Heard the Kahler Steeler is supposed to be a great copy

[@pauln6803]

It's a locking fulcrum akin to the FR, but Kahler has made a lot of changes that make it its own thing.

[@matthew80127]

@@pauln6803 they make a good Floyd style lock nut too, and I don’t mean the behind the nut thing.

[@infinidominion]

Schaller Lockmeister too

[@riffmondo9733]

Because they are made of cheap metal and the allen screws that secure the string to the bridge strip easily. Simple. Get a Gotoh and be done.

[@brandonharris9160]

You have to torque the screws properly or you will surely strip the saddle thread if you overtighten it

[@gitaarmonster]

i am just the lucky one with my Jackson slx with the Floyd Rose special, never had no problem, and it is my main guitar, use it over 4 years and still... i also have a Fender HM 2 with it and it works really good ( for what i do) good vid, thank you for posting.

[@androtekman6131]

4th tier - licenced by Floyd Rose.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Not really. There are licensed models that are just as good. So… doesn’t really fit in the scheme

[@Wabin22]

I have a question.. Im new to Floyds and Im getting an Ltd Arrow next week that just says it has "Fh by Floyd Rose".. What are these? A assume it's one of the cheaper models

[@WolfieboyMachi]

Most likely a licenced one then. Don't worry about it. Try it out. Most likely it'll work just fine.

[@saarbrandvin7749]

How can I know what material my washburn tremolo made of The guitar is jb-80

[@the43rdparallelthrift34]

What people need to understand is that a true, German steel (or perhaps American steel, since they are soon to produce an all, Made in USA, model) Floyd Rose costs as much as these budget guitars that come with licensed FR's or Floyd Rose specials. The demand for them is why they are so prevalent on cheap guitars but I, personally, feel like they should be avoided at all costs. Which kinda sucks because so many guitars come with them. It's made me have the thought, that I don't want any guitar with a FR, even a $1500 guitar...which is not quite true but I've had so much problems, tuning instability, crappy knife edges and cheap pot metal getting grooves in almost every point of contact with the strings...that I just want a guitar with a fixed bridge. Let's be honest, in 26 years of playing with trems, I've never done a flutter or a dive bomb and I can play, damn good still and can bend with my fingers, just fine. I did, once, have a true vintage 80s Floyd that I took off a Made in Japan Squier from 1986...sold that thing for over $200, several years ago... So, I know that the real deal is tried and true. Maybe I'll get another with a real FR... Another issue I have with FR equipped guitars (especially the cheaper ones) is the holes where the posts are installed, expanding over time from high tension setups. Nothing worse than half of your FR, leaning forward and making it impossible to come back to a stable position or to intonate your guitar.

[@nikaxeguitar]

Very interesting take. Thanks for your insight?

[@jfo3000]

I've had the posts lean on a couple guitars. Drilling and doweling didn't work. Guitar body destroyed. More a function of body wood with pickup cavity too close to the studs.

[@pauln6803]

​@@jfo3000 For a bridge that can stress the posts like a Floyd, something as hard as maple or ash would be a better choice. Some of the bastard hard tropical hardwoods would be an even better solution from a physical properties point of view. But of course there's the cost and environmental issues, and the problem of marketing guitars to the "tonewood warriors". Someone really needs to point out how much contact the string has with the wood vs the hardware, but I digress. Most bolt on guitars use woods such as basswood, which sits right on the edge between hardwood and softwood. Some pieces of alder can also be in that range. Ibanez kinda gets around this problem with the Edge, due to Gotoh's large diameter body anchors, distributing the stress a smidge better.

[@pauln6803]

​@@jfo3000 It's got nothing to do with the route as any softer wood will compress, no matter how much wood it has in front. If that were the case, then you'd see deformation in the pickup cavity. From a mechanical/engineering perspective all that's needed is enough wood to prevent splitting or bulging. The issue you describe is purely down to the body wood being too soft for the long term forces transmitted from the bridge into the post anchors. Drill and fill with a harder wood. Sand down a maple drumstick if you can't find suitable dowels. To prevent this happening again, drill for a wider dowel, get it as close to the cavity (assuming it's a recessed Floyd) wall as you dare.

[@Vashaco]

Hello! I am here to ask whether the circled "FR" Floyd Rose is original floyd or something else. It is on LTD Arrow-200 MGS and it got my attention. Thank you!

[@nikaxeguitar]

Hey! Is it on the tremolo block or base plate?

[@Vashaco]

@nikaxeguitar no, its on the front where there is written floyd rose

[@nikaxeguitar]

Interesting. Let me call the Floyd people and get an answer for you!

[@Vashaco]

@@nikaxeguitar thank you!

[@fredericadda]

I like the new style of the podcast, looks much more serions

[@nikaxeguitar]

Awesome. Glad you like it my friend

[@scottshepherd1365]

There is no problem with the special. Its people that crank down on the screws and dont know how to set hp a floyd properly. I've had plenty of them and zero issues ever

[@MORRIS-JACKSON-OF-PYROTECNIC]

nothing beats the Floyd rose special when you're chasing the iconic "trash metal" sound not even the pedal

[@infinidominion]

Except all the better models

[@ozzuk616]

Not only are the knife edges machined and finished poorly they are weak had a Jackson SDX it had some pull up range but limited as its a top mount was going to replace it with a gotoh perhaps played it for a month lightly and one of the knife edges was chipped and worn wouldnt trust it to last even if the threads of the fine tuners threads can be cleaned not worth 80 bucks complete false economy buy a second hand 1000 or gotoh or just save for a gotoh schaller lockmeister is also a good option especially in europe ofrs are stuipidly priced here.

[@scottdunn2178]

The biggest mistake noobs make is to overtighten their string lock screws - this will cause those soft zinc saddles to fail after a few string changes.

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

I just got an OFR. I only had Specials before, so I tried to avoid the 1000, It seems most guitars have 1000, even up to 2k. I got lucky with my Ormsby having OFR. I wouldnt mind trying Gotohs 7 string trem in time

[@infinidominion]

Normally the 1000's are exclusive to OEM makers so there's not many to find. 1000's are good too unlike the Special

[@jvguitarworks]

It's because the lock down intonation screw dents the saddles and it can never be re - intonated because the dent. Ibanez has the same problem with the trems that come in their Korean models.. They are both basically paper weights that should be thrown in the garbage.

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

I’m trying to figure out what happened to my reply on this video. Hmm

[@nikaxeguitar]

What happened?

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

@@nikaxeguitar I have no idea. This is what I said. All of the non-German Floyd, Rose tremolo and all of the other brands that use a Floyd Rose license pretty much get manufactured in Korea or China by Gotoh. go to manufactures Ibanez edge versions, and their own 1996t in their Japan factory. As well as their tuners, etc. I believe they manufacture Guyker products in theirKorean factory. I also said that I believe the Gotoh 1996t is the best tremelo for the money. I like the whammy bar mounting system better, and I also like the contoured saddles better. I have a few guitars with the original German. Floyd rose on them. But I prefer the Gotoh. Philadelphia Luthier Tools has the best prices on Gotoh I believe they are the distributor for the United States. Also, if you would be so kind. And help a girl out, and subscribe to my channel and like my videos. Most of them are guitars that I have either modified or built myself. If you read the descriptions in the videos, you’ll see the ones that I had help with. You are a very knowledgeable, young man. I know I don’t look, but I am a 55-year-old 80s metal chick! ☮️💜😊

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

@@nikaxeguitar I give up! I’ve replied to your question twice, and it disappears.

[@nikaxeguitar]

@@TarynnElizabeth619 that’s strange. I see your reply here

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

@@nikaxeguitar Instead of using my phone, i will try with my computer. First, I want to say, based on all of your videos, I think you are a fine young man, and very informative. I was born in 1969, I have been playing guitar since i was about 7, and since my early Teens around 1982 or so, I have been modifying and building my own guitars. With that said, Gotoh has factories in Japan, Korea, and China. They Make all non-German Floyd Rose Products as well as many other companies licensed Tremelo's. I'm not sure if they Own Guyker, but I kow they make their products. They also Make all of the Ibanez Edge series Tremelo's in their Japan Factory. In my Opinion, for the money, you can't beat the Gotoh 1996t, as it is in my opinion the best for the money, on the market. I love the contoured saddles, and the whammy bar mounting system as well. I am a woman, I have soft skin, and it just feels better when I play. Also, Gotoh is distributed in the US by Philadelphia Luthier Tools. they have the best prices on Gotoh. I have about nine 1996T's and maybe ten or more sets of Gotoh tuner's locking and regular from them. Lastly, can you please do a girl a favor and Subscribe to my channel, and like my videos! Thank You!

[@lautaromarcoporleylopo8349]

I had a FRS on an evh and it was impossible to play. Now i have a FRS on a kramer and works good. Is a lottery. But for sure i don't recommend that floyd

[@hehhehhee]

Yes yes yes! Wadabaut de edge zero 3 in ibanez rg series? Do people have to buy a new one in some point? Because I haven't had any problems with my trem, anthat ixatly is one of those "by floyd rose" trems if I remeber correctly.

[@hehhehhee]

In my opinion the edge zero 3 is a magic trem.

[@Blr57]

Lowest tier is the “by Floyd Rose” not the special. Those really are junk like they’re made of plastic and glass!

[@nikaxeguitar]

I hear you

[@zanzabar4ky7]

Where do you get that?

[@Blr57]

@@zanzabar4ky7 I have one and it’s crap period. I’ll never buy another guitar with that Floyd on it again. Have you had one? I have a Gotoh on there now and it’s fantastic. The special isn’t great but it’s better than those! I’ve had good luck with the 1000 as well as gotoh and of course the OFR. These come on the lowest end guitars and are trash. Strings pop out of the saddles constantly. You could upgrade but by then you’re better off replacing the whole thing! They look and the dimensions are the same as any Floyd so it’s a direct swap…

[@zanzabar4ky7]

@@Blr57 I have a special, 1k, and ofr. I was not familiar with a by Floyd. The special is fine, but it get burs in the knife edge if you play with the bar and do divew for an hour. But it is on a jem Jr with what looks like replaced studs. The 1k and for are much better feeling and never have issues

[@Blr57]

@@zanzabar4ky7 look up the lowest price Jackson like the JS series or lowest ESP etc..and there you’ll find the by Floyd Rose trems on them. Stay away from those

[@lancelucifer4851]

I own many Floyd style trems and one Special. All in all it works great but I did have to do some slight tweaking with a file, nothing too major. But the thing is, I dont mind doing whatever to it, I'll pull out a fckn chainsaw to it if I have to , afterall it's just a Special.

[@cnnr2101]

Damn I didn't know you lived in nc 😂

[@nikaxeguitar]

Yessir!

[@patrickshannon4516]

It's cheap quality metal not quite as durable. You can easily strip it out by over tightening the saddle screws. It's really not a horrible bridge but Floyd Rose original is better. But that being said I wouldn't turn a guitar down just because it has a Floyd special

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

The Gotoh 1996 beats it in every way and should be on way more budget guitars. Id rather pay 30 more for a 1996 or 60 more for a 1000 series on ANY guitar tbh... The soft ass screws breaking/stripping, shitty zinc saddles, and weak knife edges mean that they are just simply inferior.

[@LesGerver]

"I argue"...mamador

[@ronnieparker2546]

Few facts wrong

[@WallofSounds5317]

Weaker Metal on the Floyd Rose Special

[@GargantuanMetal]

I remember pat. trems flooding the market. I bit the hook and got an Ibanez with the Edge III, hands down the worst floating trem i've ever touched. Makes the Jackson pat. trems seem nice haha

[@scottdunn2178]

Bent whale tails are the biggest culprit on the Korean junk - two 1000 Series and a Special I had were bent. Schaller LockMeister all day...

[@infinidominion]

Nobody is saying that's an issue

[@scottdunn2178]

@@infinidominion That "dimple" that he refers to is because they are over bending the whale tail.

[@MORRIS-JACKSON-OF-PYROTECNIC]

because they have no taste

[@JeffreySwanson-o7r]

I was going to watch your video but you're breathing is freaking me out Darth Vader called he said stop it. What the f*** dude did you not listen to your video after that?

[@nikaxeguitar]

😂😂😂😂

[@nikaxeguitar]

I published the video like that just for you!!