Hey friends! I have launched a Kickstarter campaign for my new full-length solo album! Please check it out here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/maxcarlisle/max-carlisle-titanium-reign
Man but does it look good. I mean stupid good. Had I not seen this video I would have thought it was a junk guitar with a high quality term. Turns out their low priced guitars are junk but they make more expensive good quality guitars.
I put the FRX on my Les Paul back in 2016 and everyone told me I was foolish. I purchased it directly from Floyd Rose and I was immediately impressed with the performance on this new bridge. Tuning stability increased 10 fold and I no longer had to constantly tune my guitar as before. This FRX replaced the Bigsby Vibrato which would never return to "0" Kudos to Floyd Rose for developing this marvelous bridge...!!! Thanks Max for this review...🤘✌️👍
@@FrankHarv well Mine was put on a 2011 Gibson Les Paul Traditional, back in 2016...!!! The video is about the FRX, not just about the Sawtooth.... Have a rocking day!🤘
I put one of these on my SG, and I'm actually fairly impressed by the quality. One quick tip from personal experience though, putting a small dab of either beeswax or paraffin wax on the pivot points helps it move a lot more smoothly. Other than that, I haven't had any issues with mine.
My 1998 Vigier Excalibur has ball bearings at the fulcrums instead of blades. The bridge tremolo is a locking Floyd Rose style with locking nut. It stays in tune forever no matter how crazy I get with it. It also has a zero fret that makes it the fastest buzz free neck I've ever played. I think I'll die owning it. It's basically the only electric guitar I play any more. My PRS Custom 24 will get out of tune if I get too crazy with the whammy bar, it hasn't been played for a long time now. Both guitars have wonderful tone, but I think the Vigier sustains a little more. I have to admit the PRS is a lot easer to string up and tune.
I've done that (some paraffin scrapings) on my regular Floyd trems too, it does indeed work perfectly!! Graphtec could (should) make replacement posts... 😎👍
I purchased an FRX second-hand to install on my Les Paul DC. I have zero experience either Floyd Rose bridges nor Installing bridges on any guitar. It's not as intimidating as it looks. I followed the instructions, took my time and had excellent results. By far, the best tremolo of any guitar I own, including several guitars that are stock. return to zero on this tremolo is second to none. My only critique about it is the included locking nut. The screw that comes with it appears as though it will come out the other side of the head. It didn't, but was easily twice the length of the original truss cover it replaced. If you have a guitar that's been refinished, I'd be willing to bet it would go through. Other than that, it is a beautiful replacement tremolo. The price is the only reason I haven't installed one on every guitar I own that has a stopbar tailpiece. Hard to justify paying $300 to install it on a $300 Epi.
I guess it depends on if you plan on selling the guitar. If you plan on keeping the guitar, it's totally worth putting a FR on it. Even if your guitar is only $300, adding the bridge may give you playability of a $1200 guitar
@@way2sh0rt07grad 💪😎👍 My thoughts exactly! No surgery or routing, either! Going to install the new FRX that I just got @ $250 on sale onto either my Epiphone LP Special (twin P90's) or one of my Firefly Les Pauls... Instant upgrade & now it's one sick axe for either $330 or $450, depending which one!!
I discovered this bridge because of you Max. I now have one on my Harley Benton SC Custom II EMG and I love it. Works EXACTLY like it should and looks fantastic!
I have not had the pleasure of playing a guitar equipped with this bridge. In fact, I had no idea it existed until I watched this video. Max, I subscribed to your channel just now. I am a _looooong_ time Floyd Rose user and advocate. What that means is, I have 8 guitars, and every one of em has a Floyd on it. The whammy bar to me is like a little instrument of its own, but unlike other instruments must be attached to a guitar to work its magic. Setup can certainly be a gigantic torment if you don't know what you're doing, _but_ ... .....once you realize that the plane of the strings is what you need to match with the plane of the movable part of the bridge , you're all downhill from there. As long as the flat top surface of the movable bridge piece is _exactly parallel_ with the strings (and as long as you stretch your new strings as you install them), you literally cannot go out of tune. If you have the bridge sort of leaning forward (front edge low, rear edge high), when you drop or raise pitch with the bar, you're gonna come back a bit flat. Reverse that so the front of the bridge is high & the rear low, and you will come back sharp. Every.damn.time. Which brings us to the FRX. Imma tell ya right now, I like this thing a lot. Your concise, clear, and accurate demo style is superb, so much so that you convinced me that I need at least one guitar with an FRX on it. For anyone reading through these comments, I wanna say that what Max is telling you is like 1,000% correct. Floyd Rose units are something I know very well, it being that my very first Floyd was purchased by sending my guitar to Floyd himself, in Washington, where he installed it himself on my 1973 blonde Strat. This was when fine tuners were still in Floyd's inventive subconscious mind my Floyd Rose was the very first model. I think only EVH, Randy Hansen, and Brad Gillis were ahead of me; I got FR # 15 or something. This FRX bridge is bad _ass!_ Also, Max, so is that Sawtooth Voodoo guitar. So _duuuude,_ you sold me on two items, not one lol. Really like your demo style, Max, and it does not hurt that you're also an excellent player. I do not mean to sound like some snob, because I was a guitar noob when I first started, you were a guitar noob, Steve freaken Vai was a guitar noob lol...BUT...there is nothing more frustrating to me than trying to make a decision about a guitar or guitar gear based on a demo by someone who cannot ( _yet_ emphasis is there to hammer that nothing-wrong-with- being-a-beginner nail home) play very well. Sorry about the long winded comment🤣but you really did sell me on FRX and the Sawtooth guitar. †‡DISCLAIMER†‡ I am not being financially compensated for the views expressed here. This comment is so favorable towards Max, the FRX & Floyd Land in general, simply because I think the product and the dude demo'ing them are in point.
I have 3 frx units. Wonderful piece. If you're deficient with set-up, don't even think about it. It's as much of a beast as a regular floyd to adjust. Once adjusted can't beat it....
@@atakdragonfly1675 I agree, I went to a guitar shop and watched a very nice vid on how to properly tune a Floyd Rose. Did it on the spot and it sounded great to my amateur ears lmao!
@@quickdrawmcgraw3567 I just never had... ANY of the problems I hear people come up with! And that's whether it's a real Floyd, licensed Floyd ..Whatever and whatnot.
@@atakdragonfly1675 totally agree. I had never had a floating bridge of any kind until last year. Finally said screw it and got a guitar with a Floyd. Watched a few RUclips vids and when the guitar came in I didn't really have any problems setting it up at all. People just get intimidated and freak themselves out. If you use a little common sense and do a little research they're actually not that bad to set up. Besides once you have one set up it's not going ANYWHERE...
@@atakdragonfly1675 I’ve owned a few & I don’t generally like them. Not for inability to set them up. Just that it makes tuning a PITA & I think it’s ridiculous I need to cut the ends of my strings off. Why it couldn’t be designed to incorporate the strings that _every other guitar takes naturally_ seems to me, as an engineer, to be a sheer stupid engineering decision. They’re great if you care about whammy technique (I don’t. I’m fine with bends & other technique), but otherwise just introduce additional maintenance into the guitar that isn’t worth it unless you need it.
I have a Tokai Pink Paisley LP and a Tokai LP Custom both fitted with FRX. Super happy. I fitted myself. The Custom needed a little route (small indent made to the top) to make space for part of the spring attachment. No big issues. These bridges absolutely rock!❤❤❤
I have one on my custom built guitar I had made, easily one of my favorite bridges next to the Gotoh brand Floyd Rose. I love the ease of setting it up and actually being able to do bends without taking the guitar out of tune, tuning stability is amazing, the range of motion is really good and how tight it is, plus being able to show people who are interested in my guitar when they ask about the bridge that there isn’t a route on the back is a bonus.
There is one other thing with the magic wheel that locks the bridge is that you can lean your picking palm on the bridge without activating the trem and detuning the strings. This would be why I normally would not touch a Floyd Rose as I find them unplayable, but this is a game changer. Great review thanks
I put an FRX on my Epiphone Les Paul and I absolutely love it. I also put in Seymour Duncan Black Winters and it’s amazing. Probably my best player right now
I completely forgot about the Floyd Rose FRX; I think they've fallen out of public favor because people tend to go after a Stetsbar for an aftermarket TOM Tremolo upgrade Also Gibson did a few production guitars with an FRX in it: 2016 Gibson SG CM Black Floyd FRX
I'm a Stetsbar owner (on a '92 Gibson V) and coupled with Steinberger Gearless tuners I've had a decent experience with it. Tuning without a locking nut has been good, using a taller Fender Strat type bar has given me great divebomb depth. But like most Gibsons the Stetsbar hasn't been as sturdy as I'd like. I'm a progressive metal shredder kind of player and I've had an issue with pulling up with the Stetsbar. The Stetsbar gets its down & up pitching by having the entire bridge & tailpiece roll from to back on roller bearings rather than how a FR tilts up & down. This feature of the Stetsbar is really nice for tuning stability BUT if you pull up with some gusto the tailpiece/bridge plate assembly can lift UP and pop the bar attachment mechanism out of position. I have to be exceedingly care ful pulling up and doing any Dime-esque upward squeals are an absolute no-go. I'm thinking I just might move up to this FRX being it seems to be made of sturdier stuff than my Stetsbar. This video all but sold me on it for upgrading my Gibson V and I'm positive I want one on my new custom V I'm building.
Just my two cents... I've played a friend's SG that he installed the FRX on. It plays very well, and like you said, it actually feels great under the hand...much better than I expected. I love the fact it can be retrofitted without permanent mods, AND it's mass gives added sustain from many testimonials....I tend to agree as well. My only beef with it is the bulk of the attachment plate/mechanism and how much real estate it takes up. Not such a big deal on a dedicated performing, or recording mule, but I'd think twice about putting it on a guitar that I value the appearance of as much as the playability, and tone. That said, I do think it's a cool way to get classic Floyd ultra stable tuning no matter what you throw at it. I'd definitely consider putting a guitar together around this system to get the benefits of the features, and make it look a bit less of an add on piece which is the main complaint I've heard about it.
Best logical presentation on the FRX out there., next to Floyd Rose. The Sawtooth looks like a nice package at reasonable price. I'm more interested in the FRX for a custom build. Good info, will help me on my journey.
Haven't used it, but I think the more I think about the functions, the more I see how much work Floyd obviously put into this thing. His original "retrofitting an SG" video was cool.
Finally an honest opinion on this bridge! I have been on the fence for a few years on this bridge because of the videos that I have viewed that were not detailed enough. Thank you Max!
@@GuitarMAXMusic Thank you for replying back! I have one question that all other reviews have not mentioned. How low is the string action? I consider low action to be 1.5mm to 2mm on the low E string and 1.5mm to 1mm on the high E string.
Taz you can still get that action I play lower than that. Only problem I have had with this tremolo is on a sg where the pick guard is. You can’t let the under side of this Floyd rose touch the pick guard or else it will cause it to bind and not return to center at all. Therefore I had to cut out some of my pickgaurd but you can not see it. I figure if I ever remove it I can buy another pickgaurd cheap.
I Installed the FRX on a Fernandes Burny Gold Top Les Paul when it first came out I think it was like 2014. I’m not a great guitar tech, but I got it done, yet my action is high. After seeing you play this one, i’m going to experiment a bit more to try to get the action lower, so thanks! Agree on the set screw! But I’m still learning how to use it in unison with the thumb screw. I like a sensitive to the touch, trem, but I do not like strings going out of tune! The thumb screw will give you this! But as you suggest, a professional setup is really the way to go here!
I put one on my Herman Lee.it already had a Floyd Rose on it, but the pressure on my posts ruined my posts. I had to do some routing on my guitar but my new rose works rather well and I'm glad I made the change.
Been considering putting one of these on my next project guitar and there were no reviews that went as in-depth as I needed. This video is perfect and the bridge is 100% going on the next guitar I make modifications to
I find this demo, review, and video very informative. Great presentation, like always. Please keep the informative and fantastic demos, reviews, and videos coming!!
I have one on every Paul except my 71' Gold Top with the baby-buckers with the Gibson logo on the pick up cover. Some when I did them when they came out, I had to block the bridge so I could put a D-Tuna on it. I never pulled up anyway but it appears, [at a glance] I wouldn't have had to do that "possibly" with that wheel you demonstrated. Absolutely LOVE THEM! Ironically I don't use a whammy bar often. I love them for how incredible they stay in tune more than the trem. I have a traditional Charvel, a Frankenstrat I had built with era accurate components that took longer to get than to have the guitar built and man did this luthier nail it! I'm glad you mentioned the bridge isn't bulky because it's not and you don't lose ANY SUSTAIN! Highly recommended product!!! Great Video!
Nice technology. I retrofitted my SG with a Duesenberg trem system that does not have you modify the guitar and is totally reversible. Neat upgrade if you don't want to rout or damage your guitar. It basically replaces the stop tail by mounting to the already installed posts. This Floyd rose fx looks very interesting. I would purchase the whole guitar system.
I've gotten to the point where I've been able to adjust a Floyd inside and out where it holds up very well. It can still be a pain in the arse! lol. It's patients with the floyds mechanisms and a proper setup with the guitar in my opinion. Any device that comes out that helps make it easier, is definitely welcoming in my mind. Great review, like the channel, ROCK ON! This FRX seems like an ingenious device.
I love the original 1984 Floyd rose with brass fine tuners looks so awesome on my Jackson soloist and that new one is sick! If I had a Gibson I would get one for sure
It looks awesome, there are complaints about this bridge from the "divebomb" community in terms of range, I like to use the tremolo in a "gentle way", looks Goth to me and I really like all the features, plus the fact that the extra routing in the back is eliminated
4:08 unison bends are harder but by no mean impossible on Floyd Rose. Actually I played for so long on one that hard tail bends became bit hard for me on muscle memory
About time the Floyds were demystified. There are cases for and against, it's down to the player. The locking capability could be a game changer, for those on the fence, and for those who grew to hate the Floyd.
@will Roland that was a very cool bridge, and the one piece neck thru fly, I guess it was the fly deluxe... was probably the smoothest fretboard I ever played. It was carbon with stainless, and boy was it sweet.
I'd forgotten these existed! 😳 Looks as much work as a regular Floyd though. Honestly the best low maintenance, easy to set, and tune, and most stable trem I ever have used is the Washburn Wunderbar on my old G2V. What a trem! Strings are straight through and the whole trem is surface mounted and rocks on a torsion bar and no springs. Simply cannot knock that thing out of tune! If I could I'd buy up a heap of them and replace all my Floyds! Great video as always Max! 👍
Hey Guitar MAX Thank you for the awesome content I installed the FRX on my single cut Sawtooth with no issues just took my time and did some work on the strat style as well
Wow I didn't know those existed... that thing is like my ideal bridge, it's perfect. Genius. I love it. Need to see them on mainline guitars like Ibanez and stuff.
Kahler made their super whammy for retrofitting Les Pauls and other Tune-O-Matic equipped guitars many decades ago way before Floyd Rose did. I have installed quite a few for clients over the years, and it rocks. Of course the Kahler's have a slightly smoother feel, and a slightly shorter range, so not as good with dive bombing, but many who don't do dive bombs prefer it, including myself. Oh, and anyone complaining that their Kahler doesn't stay in tune like it used to, then they never bothered to read the instructions, because it uses ball or needle bearings, not a knife edge pivot, and therefore requires occasional lubrication. A drop of oil (Not WD-40 but real machine oil) in a few spots, and it's good to go. It too isn't cheep, but well worth the price considering how much better both Floyd Rose's and Kahler's are than most others. kahler's can also be setup for just about any fingerboard radius, and is way easier to setup too with tools everyone should have, unlike the floyd's which need a special tool that is on the annoying and time consuming side to use. Now the Gohtoh version of a regular Floyd (not an FRX) is the best bang for your buck, because it too is really well built and even a lot smoother on your palm having more rounded off saddles. Too bad they don't make 7 and 8 string versions, at least not yet. Schaller who makes the Floyd rose originals has their own version of the original Floyd's; The Lockmeister which is built even better than the Floyd's, but also more expensive, and the best you can get.
I'm a Kahler guy all the way. The cam system is just butter. Whereas the knife-edge Floyd style always just feels wrong to me. My favorite guitar is an '84 Gibson Explorer with the stop-tailpiece Kahler installed at the factory. Gibson also built some Les Pauls with the Kahler, and for a year or two in the early 80s some of the bridges were actually stamped "Gibson." People that hate Kahlers typically just haven't had them set up properly. Kahler themselves have a couple videos on RUclips with Gary K himself showing how it's done. It's actually pretty straightforward once somebody shows you how, way easier - and more versatile - than tweaking a Floyd. I will say, the behind-the-nut stringlock that guitars with Kahlers typically use is kind of a pain. It locks just fine, and I like that it has a set screw for each string instead of three clamps, but if your nut isn't slotted correctly, you can still have issues with the strings binding after hard bends or trem-bar use. That's another factor I think a lot of people incorrectly blame on the Kahler bridge itself... they THINK the bridge is going out of tune, but what's probably really happening is the nut isn't cut right for the strings they're using and that's where the tuning problems come from. My understanding is that Kahler originally used a locking nut just like the Floyds, but they got sued over it. You can sometimes find those Kahler-marked Floyd-style locking nuts on the used market, and they're on guitars that have the Kahler Spyder, which is essentially a Floyd, knife-edge style bridge.
@@dogslobbergardens6606 I have been building and repairing guitars for over 40 years, and although I agree for the most part, the nut has nothing to do with the kahler string lock behind the nut not being as good as an actual locking nut, which you can install to use with a kahler. The old Kahlers do have 3 clamps not individual screws, but they are lever clamps, not screw clamps, and don't hold as well, and being behind the nut, and needing space, they reduce the string break angle at the nut, which can reduce sustain if too much, but that depends on the headstock angle too. What exactly would you change on how to cut the nut? It's cut to purpose, accept for that at the factory, most do not have the string slots cut deep enough to make up for wear, which isn't good for intonation and playability, and why I strongly recommend a brass (360 series the tough stuff, not soft so called "Musical" bell brass used in horns) or stainless steel for nuts, which I make all the time for guitars with bridges without fine tuners. They will last longer than most people have their guitar, or live! Sorry, but it's also false that most people don't like them because theirs isn't setup properly, which is easy to do, and any bridge can be setup bad, but because of the way the ball end and the windings that secure them to the string can stretch. Some people use solder to reinforce them, but I think it's ridiculous, and really a non issue. On modern strings (after 1984) the windings there are much tighter and stronger, and the real problem is the angle they come off at from the fine tuners. That can easily be fixed by pre-kinking the string end a bit, to take out any slack that can come out when going whammy happy. If you do that, the tiny bit more string compared to none at all on a Floyd Rose isn't going to make a difference at all and it's just more non scientific guitar snob bullshit, because they have no clue how to stretch strings to stabilize tuning in the first place, a Floyd rose can't fix that either! Sometimes I think it's like other guitar mythology, where some numpty started it, and a bunch of other numpties just believed it, and called it fact, including a bunch who never had a Kahler, or even a Floyd rose for that matter! It's only Bigsbies, Fenders especially jazz masters and jaguars, and really any whammy system that has more than an inch or two of excess string beyond the scale length that are more prone to tuning issues, and even there, less windings on the tuners with the windings tight up against each other, or locking tuners, and pre-stretching the strings helps a lot. Whatever happened to tuning by ear, and on the fly? It's all exaggerated nonsense. BTW: I know Garry Kahler personally, and have made suggestions for improvement he took to heart: The fine tune levers that hold the string ball end would eventually break with the low strings of heavy gauges, like the .013 to .058. sets I used, and he started using a stronger alloy, and just in time for 7 and 8 string guitars to become fashionable too. I machined new ones for my own guitar out of Stainless steel myself, and told him about it. I also left more meat near where they are held by a metal rod (the pivot) as there was plenty of room for it.
@@Bob-of-Zoid You've apparently misread what I said. Any conventional nut should be cut so that the string just barely slides through it without binding. You don't want it real sloppy but if any slot is too narrow the string will bind and cause tuning problems, I know you know that, it's guitar set-up 101. *The string-lock itself is fine* as I said. But if the NUT itself isn't right for the set of strings, the NUT will cause problems. And sometimes people blame the lock or the bridge when a simple dressing of the nut would fix their problem. I agree, the three-clamp canted locking nuts aren't great, that's why I said I like the six set screws on the Kahler behind-the-nut lock. I'll come back and look over your other comments as well. That's a lot to go through :)
@@dogslobbergardens6606 I didn't misread anything, but you made it sound like either most nuts are not cut right, or that adding a Kahler string lock requires the nut to be changed, which just isn't true. It also doesn't require string gauge changes either, so you just can't make that "The reason" without some evidence it's even true. Sure, I get DIY, and even a few "Professionally" cut ones that are botched I have to remedy at my shop, but most factory ones are good unless worn badly. So why not just say it's not the String locks fault, but any number of things, including user error? Actual Locking nuts are still technically better, because they replace the nut altogether, eliminating potential problems, and It also looks better not having a string tree that may require ditching or changing a truss rod cover, or obfuscating a logo... And Kahler only made them because Floyed Rose is sue happy! Did you know his first iterations had no fine tuners, but did have the locking nut making it pretty much useless without a few hours of tweaking before in tune right! And so a German company "Rockler" redesigned it to have fine tuners, and even changed the rest of it slightly, so way more than the legally required 10% change needed to not violate patent, and yet still lost the suit to Floyd? Yep, and that's when Rose took their design, in exchange for not making them pay the huge amount they had lost, and they took the deal instead of appealing the courts fallacious decision because they were like two guy's just getting started, and didn't have the funds... It's also when he started the "Licensing" thing and sued anyone and everyone he could, because it was lucrative! Well, his sole patent rights have meanwhile expired, and it's how others (Schaller, Gotoh) don't need the license anymore, and may just be why he has some new and different designs now; Business as usual. Rockler went on to make other improvements to guitar tech, and got big into customizing instruments for anyone wanting it... and not sure, but may still be around, possibly with a name change. I still prefer to use a Locking nut with a Kahler bridge though,because it replaces the nut altogether with one that will not wear hardly at all, and doesn't go in a bad spot and either mess with truss rod access and covers, or cover a logo... and it just looks better. I'd also rather not even deal with the rhetoric, and save my customers from it too if they agree.
@@Bob-of-Zoid good grief. You sure go a LONG way to blow simple statements out of proportion and argue about basically nothing. I DID say the stringlock itself is fine. Twice. And that most complaints about the Kahler are just the owner not knowing how to use/set them up. I've already been agreeing with all your basic points, for pete's sake. Relax.
I did like this though, but I've always been put off by how big it looks. I'd love to see something more like the Duesenberg Les trem, but offering more range and stability.
You should check the Stetsbar system ( s) they won't require any modifications to your guitar regardless of the model... You can totally divebomb it ( them ) and tuning stability is great as is...And even better if you add locking tuners...
I have a pretty heavily modded Les Paul Studio that I want to put one of these on. To me it seems like it would have immense amounts of musical and instrument maintenance utility. The aged finishes they make for them look very cool.
So you got me super into this so I am indeed buying a hardtail Ibanez for 350, swapping in this trem, and swapping out the Ibanez pups for Fishmans and the standard tuners for locking rotomatics. All chrome. Gonna look hot!
I’d like to see a model/option where the large frame is in black while the bridge (resembling a traditional FR) is chrome/gold. I think that would help considerably with the bulky look of it.
The thumbscrew also allows you to fix the bridge when changing the strings, which is a *huge* plus for a FR trem. Concerning the look: it may be a monster, but it still beats the Stetsbar in terms of sleekness and understatement. Which is saying a lot.
Great review as always, Max. Watching this video, I am reminded of the old surface mounted Washburn Wonderbar trem system from the ‘80’s. They don’t look the same, but the FRX is functionally doing the same things. I have one of the old Washburn Wonderbars and it’s great when it’s all set up perfectly. However, it takes forever to string, tune, fine tune, redo, and so on, ad infinitum. Good luck.
i think it looks cool..my problem with sawtooth at the moment is i want the bit wilder body styles..i think it would look awesome having that on like a flying V style guitar
@@Obxhatman yeah but still that trem is 300$ and as he said if you don't do set ups probably a pain so gonna cost about 400 plus the other guitar getting it...better just buying it already, plus I think this has the locking nut too, which is not normally part of the package with the frx
Get a Epiphone V. I got the newest explorer which is more or less the same. The bridge pick up will need a upgrade (the neck pick up is alright) but it comes with Grovers and a graft tech nut, the pots are good quality, stays in tune. Only comes in black. Ive had mine for two years and its holding up. It's 650 for a pretty solid guitar definitely worth putting a few hundred in to.
I've never played one but it seems to me that you could set the thumb screw in a position where when you pull up, it would stop in tune to where you set it. Like two semitones or something. I did that to my strat with a vintage trem by loosening the mounting screws and adjusting the springs. Or something like that, there's a video on how to do it. It's really nice to just pull it up until it stops and that's in tune
After doing several side by side listening tests between say, 2 les pauls, one being retrofitted with an original with the center cavity routed out, and a standard LP with an FRX revealed exactly what i predicted- the FRX paul blew the Lifeson LP away!
I had asked my go-to luthier about these a week ago funny enough and what he thought since he's installed a few. He didn't have a single bad thing to say about them other than they don't feel like a traditional Floyd (he said they're softer like a Kahler), which isn't really a bad thing to me. I am probably going to pull the trigger and get one for my Gibson SG since I've been itching for another locking trem system for a long time, but didn't want to gut any of my current guitars. It's amazing how limited the selection is when it comes to reliable locking trems after you take out super strats and guitars catered more to the hard rock or metal audience. I don't have anything against those guitars, but it's just not my style anymore, so I thought this was an amazing (almost game-changing) little device!
I have a Gibson Les Paul Special Florentine Custom Purple/Magenta Love Burst all gold Sperzel Locking Tuners Trimlok with Mother of Pearl peg heads,Marty Friedman Signature EMG pickup set in Gold with the solderless system,Gold Finish Floyd Rose FRX and let’s not forget to mention that depending on the finish to the bridge it will determine the price points,Satin Gold being the Highest Korean Made Bridge,But then you have the Titanium which is at $3k.Overall,it’s an exceptional bridge which can be made to float or just fixed to dive bomb.Love it.
I remember looking for trems to put on a build I was making. I stumbled across the FRX before I knew it was made for Gibsons, but I thought it would look badass on a Strat-style body. Maybe one day I’ll route a Fender body to fit one.
I'm curious if someone has used both this Floyd Rose FRX and the Virtual Jeff digital whammy bar. Both can be installed on almost any guitar, and both will let you dive bomb without going out of tune. The difference is the Floyd Rose FRX (or any Floyd Rose whammy) does so by loosening the strings while the Virtual Jeff does not, opting instead to do the effect totally digitally. With the VJ, you keep your hard-tail bridge in tact. Thus with the strings not actually losening, the guitar does not go out of tune. They're both systems that will let you whammy as much as you want without going out of tune. They just do it in totally different ways. I would love to hear from someone who has used both so I could get an idea of which might be preferable.
great video, a good reference i’ve seen of the bridge is annihilator’s jeff waters’ insistence on using these over the years, specially since, as a gibson endorsee, he definitely has access to other stuff, yet still chooses to use the bridge.
I bet ya Kahler thought of this idea 40 years ago and never developed it. I'm scared to put it on my Les Paul. But the itch is there. Max nice presentation here.
i retrofitted my FRX on two of my Gibson SG's. One must be careful because you can dent your guitar where that big spring thing is. It's odd because on one of my SG's it doesnt touch the body at all and it left a dent on my other SG (I have identical SG's so not sure how that happened). If you try to put it on a curved surface such as a Les Paul, you can risk damaging the surface of your guitar. Dents can also, actually WILL happen on the two posts in front of the bridge. It comes with some plastic sticky discs that are supposed to help prevent the denting, but believe me it will leave two dents. The FRX has too much pressure for that area for those plastic discs, allthough the discs help lessen the dents. Besides that though, if you understand the mechanics of and how to set up an original Floyd Rose, you will understand how to set this up. I recommend watching the official video for the FRX, where Floyd Rose (the creator, yes he's an actual person and that's his name), goes through set up. I like the thumbwheel that lets you go dive only mode, which comes in handy for string changes and initial setup. The trem bar feels alot smoother vs traditional Floyd Roses, but less range also. One last thing; though not part of the bridge, the locking nut it comes with is different from this vid and imo isn't as good. You screw the locking nut it comes with behind your regular nut and mines doesn't lock as well as a traditionally routed FR locking nut.
Gibson in 2016 made the SG CM that came with an FRX installed from the factory. Sometimes still today you can find Gibsons with an FRX installed from the Gibson Mod Shop or the Gibson Demo shop straight from Gibson with a warranty.
I retro fitted one of these on to a 40 year old baby dean ml. The guitar was pretty much a jigsaw puzzle when it came to my bench. Its now in one piece and in primer, but im waiting for the weather to break before i can lay paint down. Before i started any of the body work, i did play around with it. It is quite intimidating. First 2 dive bombs and it completely fell apart. But after messing with it a bit, it was working like a dream. Definitely a bit bulky. It also looks a little odd hanging off the back side of that ml body by 2 inches but im not mad about the choice i made to install it. Definitely going to look pretty sick when all is said and done.
No mods needed to install? Except for the fact you have to rout out wood under the trem spring. You can see the rout on this guitar. Great invention none the less. Love Floyd rose.
Wow! That thing is cool. I think its beautiful in gold. Id love one and the guitar seems like a descent quality and price. I might have to save for one of those instead of the Dean Cadillac ive been saving for
I got two Floyd Rose specials and outfitted my two MexiStrats with 'em... they were $250 each (not including shipping), and I had to have a luthier friend of mine do a lot of the routing of the body. And while I'm grateful to him for the great work he did, those guitars weren't designed with a Floyd Rose originally in mind, and I think it shows in the way I had to also make cuts to the pickguards and the pickup placements. The tuning stability is pretty good, but not pristine either. So, $300 for an FRX, which would not involve excessive routing of the body or any of those problems that come with a regular Floyd Rose (or the licensed or specials)... that feels like a real bargain as far as mods go. While I wouldn't personally want to retrofit any of my guitars with one (the only one that I could would probably be the Wolf 450LP... which I bought because of you, Max ;) hehe), I would see it as a solid investment to get one for a guitar I'll purchase in the future. I didn't know about the FRX prior to this video, so thanks for this video and thank you for all that you do for the guitar-playing community, Max!
@@1peanut Do you mind sharing which trems you replaced with the 1996t? The Jemsite trem chart says only EdgePro, TRS, Lo-TRS and Lo-TRS II routes can take OFR-compatible trems. According to dimension charts, the 1996t is ever so slightly smaller than OFR.
I purchased an FRX years ago for an Eastman SB57/n. However, the Eastman has the very high arched body, turned out to be very difficult to setup for FRX. Just now got it setup perfectly. I might have bought this guitar if it was available at the time. Looks very similar, but the body was shaped for the FRX. My Eastman, again, had a very high arch. Had to route body and move posts. No idea if this guitar is as good as the Eastman with FRX... Took an expert luthier for me, but now mine hits every note in every position dead on pitch. Also the neck and tone with Eastman is better than any true Les Paul I've played. It was that way from factory. The Eastman is stunning. Hated tuners and replaced with Ratio's. Didn't like bridge but it worked well. Replaced with FRX. To me, its now perfect. FYI: Here is full video of what it took to setup properly: ruclips.net/video/EyJMIora6zQ/видео.html I can't recommend Mike enough. Multiple luthiers failed. Mike is the best you can get. He also teaches luthiers and if you want the best advice follow his channel and join his Patreon. As far as FRX, I have been using Floyd's for a while. I only like dive-only standard Floyds for many reasons. With the FRX I get it all. Can't recommend enough. I now can have hardtail mode that can't go out of tune like a Les Paul, a floating Floyd, a Floyd with that setscrew where I can bend notes without other strings going out of tune... honestly, it is weird at first... because it is sticky in that mode at balance point, but compared to dive-only, it just adds options, like pulling back. You get used to it. Then, you can have dive-only too. It does have it all. I will admit, the range overall is less than standard Floyd, but it is more controllable and can be used more subtly. I won't lie, it cannot be switched between all modes on stage, but it is quick to switch. It also has its own feel. Personally. I prefer it now. This Sawtooth looks a lot like my Eastman, don't know if its as good (skeptical at described price), but you can't pry my Eastman from my fingers. Again, if available at the time, I likely would have purchased the Sawtooth and found out for myself.
Very nice and thorough demo! I've never played one of these bridges but I do own that Halo guitar, in part because I wanted one ever since seeing it on your channel :)
Cool system, Max does the extra length on the scale eliminate ether untunable g string problem that you would have on every Les Paul ever made? Thanks Rik
I've been on the fence about FRX for a good while now I first saw them on those funky gibsons, fully black with red accents, made of ash, I believe and was really interested, but it's somewhat difficult and understandably pricey in my country, so it was in the back of my mind, occsionally rearing it's head I was interested in owning guitar with your typical floyd, but it never seemed worth it, too much hassle Keep in mind I'm using hipshot's hardtails almost exclusively at this point, even tune-o-matic seems... suboptimal after so many years on big and smooth hardtails After this video, I might actually get some cheapo used arrow and install an FRX on it, for the fun of it, if nothing else, so thank you for comprehensive video, Max!
I must say . I did not know about that set up . I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul . With a fllod rose set up . So I could get an ep a phone & that flod rose set up & be in the guitar for about 600.00 bucks . I can't spell but I am crafty & crazy enough to do something like that .
Hey :-D i put the FRX on my Schecter SOLO II Custom and it was the best choice i ever made. The FRX is soooo incredable and works on point what performance boost!!!! I can 100% totaly recommand it and its not my last FRX , i can tell ya ;) . Greetz from germany ;)
Surley the major thing to mention on the bridge that fits any carved top guitar without making permanent changes to it,,, is the routed hole where the spring is!
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey friends! I have launched a Kickstarter campaign for my new full-length solo album! Please check it out here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/maxcarlisle/max-carlisle-titanium-reign
That bridge has a guitar installed on it.
🤣👏
Man but does it look good. I mean stupid good. Had I not seen this video I would have thought it was a junk guitar with a high quality term. Turns out their low priced guitars are junk but they make more expensive good quality guitars.
@@yactabay ???
😂👍
Under it
I put the FRX on my Les Paul back in 2016 and everyone told me I was foolish. I purchased it directly from Floyd Rose and I was immediately impressed with the performance on this new bridge. Tuning stability increased 10 fold and I no longer had to constantly tune my guitar as before. This FRX replaced the Bigsby Vibrato which would never return to "0" Kudos to Floyd Rose for developing this marvelous bridge...!!! Thanks Max for this review...🤘✌️👍
To me these guitars are way overpriced , after looking at several reviews on amazon these guitars are not worth the price IMO!
@@mikeg.9238 This video is about a Floyd Rose BRIDGE... that can fit on Chinese Les Pauls, Epiphones, etc.
@@FrankHarv Your point!?
@@FrankHarv well
Mine was put on a 2011 Gibson Les Paul Traditional, back in 2016...!!! The video is about the FRX, not just about the
Sawtooth....
Have a rocking day!🤘
@@mikeg.9238 The video is about a Floyd Rose bridge. Not if the demo guitar is worth what they ask for it.
Parents: We need to talk about the Birds & the Bees
Guitar MAX: We need to talk about the Floyd Rose FRX
😊
I put one of these on my SG, and I'm actually fairly impressed by the quality. One quick tip from personal experience though, putting a small dab of either beeswax or paraffin wax on the pivot points helps it move a lot more smoothly. Other than that, I haven't had any issues with mine.
My 1998 Vigier Excalibur has ball bearings at the fulcrums instead of blades. The bridge tremolo is a locking Floyd Rose style with locking nut. It stays in tune forever no matter how crazy I get with it. It also has a zero fret that makes it the fastest buzz free neck I've ever played. I think I'll die owning it. It's basically the only electric guitar I play any more. My PRS Custom 24 will get out of tune if I get too crazy with the whammy bar, it hasn't been played for a long time now. Both guitars have wonderful tone, but I think the Vigier sustains a little more. I have to admit the PRS is a lot easer to string up and tune.
I've done that (some paraffin scrapings) on my regular Floyd trems too, it does indeed work perfectly!!
Graphtec could (should) make replacement posts... 😎👍
@@insanetubegainVigier guitars are stunningly well made... Expensive but definitely worth it.
I purchased an FRX second-hand to install on my Les Paul DC. I have zero experience either Floyd Rose bridges nor Installing bridges on any guitar. It's not as intimidating as it looks. I followed the instructions, took my time and had excellent results. By far, the best tremolo of any guitar I own, including several guitars that are stock. return to zero on this tremolo is second to none. My only critique about it is the included locking nut. The screw that comes with it appears as though it will come out the other side of the head. It didn't, but was easily twice the length of the original truss cover it replaced. If you have a guitar that's been refinished, I'd be willing to bet it would go through.
Other than that, it is a beautiful replacement tremolo. The price is the only reason I haven't installed one on every guitar I own that has a stopbar tailpiece. Hard to justify paying $300 to install it on a $300 Epi.
I guess it depends on if you plan on selling the guitar. If you plan on keeping the guitar, it's totally worth putting a FR on it. Even if your guitar is only $300, adding the bridge may give you playability of a $1200 guitar
@@way2sh0rt07grad 💪😎👍 My thoughts
exactly! No surgery or routing, either! Going
to install the new FRX that I just got @ $250
on sale onto either my Epiphone LP Special
(twin P90's) or one of my Firefly Les Pauls...
Instant upgrade & now it's one sick axe for
either $330 or $450, depending which one!!
I discovered this bridge because of you Max. I now have one on my Harley Benton SC Custom II EMG and I love it. Works EXACTLY like it should and looks fantastic!
I have not had the pleasure of playing a guitar equipped with this bridge. In fact, I had no idea it existed until I watched this video.
Max, I subscribed to your channel just now. I am a _looooong_ time Floyd Rose user and advocate. What that means is, I have 8 guitars, and every one of em has a Floyd on it. The whammy bar to me is like a little instrument of its own, but unlike other instruments must be attached to a guitar to work its magic.
Setup can certainly be a gigantic torment if you don't know what you're doing, _but_ ...
.....once you realize that the plane of the strings is what you need to match with the plane of the movable part of the bridge , you're all downhill from there. As long as the flat top surface of the movable bridge piece is _exactly parallel_ with the strings (and as long as you stretch your new strings as you install them), you literally cannot go out of tune. If you have the bridge sort of leaning forward (front edge low, rear edge high), when you drop or raise pitch with the bar, you're gonna come back a bit flat. Reverse that so the front of the bridge is high & the rear low, and you will come back sharp. Every.damn.time.
Which brings us to the FRX. Imma tell ya right now, I like this thing a lot. Your concise, clear, and accurate demo style is superb, so much so that you convinced me that I need at least one guitar with an FRX on it. For anyone reading through these comments, I wanna say that what Max is telling you is like 1,000% correct. Floyd Rose units are something I know very well, it being that my very first Floyd was purchased by sending my guitar to Floyd himself, in Washington, where he installed it himself on my 1973 blonde Strat. This was when fine tuners were still in Floyd's inventive subconscious mind my Floyd Rose was the very first model. I think only EVH, Randy Hansen, and Brad Gillis were ahead of me; I got FR # 15 or something.
This FRX bridge is bad _ass!_ Also, Max, so is that Sawtooth Voodoo guitar. So _duuuude,_
you sold me on two items, not one lol.
Really like your demo style, Max, and it does not hurt that you're also an excellent player. I do not mean to sound like some snob, because I was a guitar noob when I first started, you were a guitar noob, Steve freaken Vai was a guitar noob lol...BUT...there is nothing more frustrating to me than trying to make a decision about a guitar or guitar gear based on a demo by someone who cannot ( _yet_ emphasis is there to hammer that nothing-wrong-with-
being-a-beginner nail home) play very well.
Sorry about the long winded comment🤣but you really did sell me on FRX and the Sawtooth guitar.
†‡DISCLAIMER†‡
I am not being financially compensated for the views expressed here. This comment is so favorable towards Max, the FRX & Floyd Land in general, simply because I think the product and the dude demo'ing them are in point.
That is a fine looking and sounding guitar. Sawtooth puts a lot on amenities into their builds. Amazing benefits of this bridge are new to me.
I like the way it looks.
I have 3 frx units. Wonderful piece. If you're deficient with set-up, don't even think about it. It's as much of a beast as a regular floyd to adjust. Once adjusted can't beat it....
I have a theory that people that complain about Floyds...I think it's that they are just not mechanically inclined. I think it's as simple as that.
@@atakdragonfly1675 I agree, I went to a guitar shop and watched a very nice vid on how to properly tune a Floyd Rose. Did it on the spot and it sounded great to my amateur ears lmao!
@@quickdrawmcgraw3567 I just never had... ANY of the problems I hear people come up with! And that's whether it's a real Floyd, licensed Floyd
..Whatever and whatnot.
@@atakdragonfly1675 totally agree. I had never had a floating bridge of any kind until last year. Finally said screw it and got a guitar with a Floyd. Watched a few RUclips vids and when the guitar came in I didn't really have any problems setting it up at all. People just get intimidated and freak themselves out. If you use a little common sense and do a little research they're actually not that bad to set up. Besides once you have one set up it's not going ANYWHERE...
@@atakdragonfly1675 I’ve owned a few & I don’t generally like them. Not for inability to set them up. Just that it makes tuning a PITA & I think it’s ridiculous I need to cut the ends of my strings off. Why it couldn’t be designed to incorporate the strings that _every other guitar takes naturally_ seems to me, as an engineer, to be a sheer stupid engineering decision. They’re great if you care about whammy technique (I don’t. I’m fine with bends & other technique), but otherwise just introduce additional maintenance into the guitar that isn’t worth it unless you need it.
I have a Tokai Pink Paisley LP and a Tokai LP Custom both fitted with FRX. Super happy. I fitted myself. The Custom needed a little route (small indent made to the top) to make space for part of the spring attachment. No big issues. These bridges absolutely rock!❤❤❤
I have one on my custom built guitar I had made, easily one of my favorite bridges next to the Gotoh brand Floyd Rose. I love the ease of setting it up and actually being able to do bends without taking the guitar out of tune, tuning stability is amazing, the range of motion is really good and how tight it is, plus being able to show people who are interested in my guitar when they ask about the bridge that there isn’t a route on the back is a bonus.
Your knowledge, as always, is supreme. You make the best guitar and most informed videos around. Food for thought every time.
There is one other thing with the magic wheel that locks the bridge is that you can lean your picking palm on the bridge without activating the trem and detuning the strings. This would be why I normally would not touch a Floyd Rose as I find them unplayable, but this is a game changer. Great review thanks
I put an FRX on my Epiphone Les Paul and I absolutely love it. I also put in Seymour Duncan Black Winters and it’s amazing. Probably my best player right now
I completely forgot about the Floyd Rose FRX; I think they've fallen out of public favor because people tend to go after a Stetsbar for an aftermarket TOM Tremolo upgrade
Also Gibson did a few production guitars with an FRX in it: 2016 Gibson SG CM Black Floyd FRX
I'm a Stetsbar owner (on a '92 Gibson V) and coupled with Steinberger Gearless tuners I've had a decent experience with it. Tuning without a locking nut has been good, using a taller Fender Strat type bar has given me great divebomb depth.
But like most Gibsons the Stetsbar hasn't been as sturdy as I'd like. I'm a progressive metal shredder kind of player and I've had an issue with pulling up with the Stetsbar. The Stetsbar gets its down & up pitching by having the entire bridge & tailpiece roll from to back on roller bearings rather than how a FR tilts up & down.
This feature of the Stetsbar is really nice for tuning stability BUT if you pull up with some gusto the tailpiece/bridge plate assembly can lift UP and pop the bar attachment mechanism out of position. I have to be exceedingly care ful pulling up and doing any Dime-esque upward squeals are an absolute no-go.
I'm thinking I just might move up to this FRX being it seems to be made of sturdier stuff than my Stetsbar.
This video all but sold me on it for upgrading my Gibson V and I'm positive I want one on my new custom V I'm building.
Just my two cents...
I've played a friend's SG that he installed the FRX on.
It plays very well, and like you said, it actually feels great under the hand...much better than I expected.
I love the fact it can be retrofitted without permanent mods, AND it's mass gives added sustain from many testimonials....I tend to agree as well.
My only beef with it is the bulk of the attachment plate/mechanism and how much real estate it takes up.
Not such a big deal on a dedicated performing, or recording mule, but I'd think twice about putting it on a guitar that I value the appearance of as much as the playability, and tone.
That said, I do think it's a cool way to get classic Floyd ultra stable tuning no matter what you throw at it.
I'd definitely consider putting a guitar together around this system to get the benefits of the features, and make it look a bit less of an add on piece which is the main complaint I've heard about it.
A killer video, I'm not sure why this bridge isn't talked about more, it just makes sense. I'll be getting one for my ESP Phoenix!
Best logical presentation on the FRX out there., next to Floyd Rose. The Sawtooth looks like a nice package at reasonable price. I'm more interested in the FRX for a custom build. Good info, will help me on my journey.
Another awesome demo from an awesome fellow! Way to go Max!!
Haven't used it, but I think the more I think about the functions, the more I see how much work Floyd obviously put into this thing. His original "retrofitting an SG" video was cool.
Finally an honest opinion on this bridge! I have been on the fence for a few years on this bridge because of the videos that I have viewed that were not detailed enough. Thank you Max!
Glad it was helpful!
@@GuitarMAXMusic Thank you for replying back! I have one question that all other reviews have not mentioned. How low is the string action? I consider low action to be 1.5mm to 2mm on the low E string and 1.5mm to 1mm on the high E string.
Taz you can still get that action I play lower than that. Only problem I have had with this tremolo is on a sg where the pick guard is. You can’t let the under side of this Floyd rose touch the pick guard or else it will cause it to bind and not return to center at all. Therefore I had to cut out some of my pickgaurd but you can not see it. I figure if I ever remove it I can buy another pickgaurd cheap.
I Installed the FRX on a Fernandes Burny Gold Top Les Paul when it first came out I think it was like 2014. I’m not a great guitar tech, but I got it done, yet my action is high. After seeing you play this one, i’m going to experiment a bit more to try to get the action lower, so thanks!
Agree on the set screw! But I’m still learning how to use it in unison with the thumb screw. I like a sensitive to the touch, trem, but I do not like strings going out of tune! The thumb screw will give you this! But as you suggest, a professional setup is really the way to go here!
I put one on my Gibson flying "V" and have no complaints!!! Works great!!!
I put one on my Herman Lee.it already had a Floyd Rose on it, but the pressure on my posts ruined my posts. I had to do some routing on my guitar but my new rose works rather well and I'm glad I made the change.
Been considering putting one of these on my next project guitar and there were no reviews that went as in-depth as I needed. This video is perfect and the bridge is 100% going on the next guitar I make modifications to
I find this demo, review, and video very informative. Great presentation, like always. Please keep the informative and fantastic demos, reviews, and videos coming!!
I have one on every Paul except my 71' Gold Top with the baby-buckers with the Gibson logo on the pick up cover. Some when I did them when they came out, I had to block the bridge so I could put a D-Tuna on it. I never pulled up anyway but it appears, [at a glance] I wouldn't have had to do that "possibly" with that wheel you demonstrated. Absolutely LOVE THEM! Ironically I don't use a whammy bar often. I love them for how incredible they stay in tune more than the trem. I have a traditional Charvel, a Frankenstrat I had built with era accurate components that took longer to get than to have the guitar built and man did this luthier nail it!
I'm glad you mentioned the bridge isn't bulky because it's not and you don't lose ANY SUSTAIN! Highly recommended product!!!
Great Video!
Nice technology. I retrofitted my SG with a Duesenberg trem system that does not have you modify the guitar and is totally reversible. Neat upgrade if you don't want to rout or damage your guitar. It basically replaces the stop tail by mounting to the already installed posts. This Floyd rose fx looks very interesting. I would purchase the whole guitar system.
I've gotten to the point where I've been able to adjust a Floyd inside and out where it holds up very well. It can still be a pain in the arse! lol. It's patients with the floyds mechanisms and a proper setup with the guitar in my opinion. Any device that comes out that helps make it easier, is definitely welcoming in my mind. Great review, like the channel, ROCK ON! This FRX seems like an ingenious device.
The FRX is completely different. It’s easier to set up than traditional trem systems.
I love the original 1984 Floyd rose with brass fine tuners looks so awesome on my Jackson soloist and that new one is sick! If I had a Gibson I would get one for sure
I came for the Floyd, I stayed for the Sawtooth. Great video and demo!
It looks awesome, there are complaints about this bridge from the "divebomb" community in terms of range, I like to use the tremolo in a "gentle way", looks Goth to me and I really like all the features, plus the fact that the extra routing in the back is eliminated
Of course they complain about anything. I love this thing and would 100% would own one if i could
Idk the dive bomb range sounded convincing enough for the low strings. At least for me 🤷♂️
Dive-bombing is actually almost unlimited with that thing. You can tilt it 60 degrees forward with no trouble and it will get back.
I just recently got a Les Paul CM Black with one of these, freaking love it!
4:08 unison bends are harder but by no mean impossible on Floyd Rose. Actually I played for so long on one that hard tail bends became bit hard for me on muscle memory
About time the Floyds were demystified. There are cases for and against, it's down to the player. The locking capability could be a game changer, for those on the fence, and for those who grew to hate the Floyd.
Switching around on the fly when you've got to do specific things for certain songs seems pretty ideal.
I used to hate floyd rose trems, these days I almost don't even consider a guitar if it doesn't have one.
@will Roland that was a very cool bridge, and the one piece neck thru fly, I guess it was the fly deluxe... was probably the smoothest fretboard I ever played. It was carbon with stainless, and boy was it sweet.
I've got one guitar with the floyd fixed at zero, so much more stable tuning using the fine tuners and locked nut.
I'd forgotten these existed! 😳 Looks as much work as a regular Floyd though. Honestly the best low maintenance, easy to set, and tune, and most stable trem I ever have used is the Washburn Wunderbar on my old G2V. What a trem! Strings are straight through and the whole trem is surface mounted and rocks on a torsion bar and no springs. Simply cannot knock that thing out of tune! If I could I'd buy up a heap of them and replace all my Floyds! Great video as always Max! 👍
Even though I don't have guitar cause my parents can't afford electric guitar I still love to watch your video haha
Hey Guitar MAX Thank you for the awesome content I installed the FRX on my single cut Sawtooth with no issues just took my time and did some work on the strat style as well
Wow I didn't know those existed... that thing is like my ideal bridge, it's perfect. Genius. I love it. Need to see them on mainline guitars like Ibanez and stuff.
Kahler made their super whammy for retrofitting Les Pauls and other Tune-O-Matic equipped guitars many decades ago way before Floyd Rose did. I have installed quite a few for clients over the years, and it rocks. Of course the Kahler's have a slightly smoother feel, and a slightly shorter range, so not as good with dive bombing, but many who don't do dive bombs prefer it, including myself.
Oh, and anyone complaining that their Kahler doesn't stay in tune like it used to, then they never bothered to read the instructions, because it uses ball or needle bearings, not a knife edge pivot, and therefore requires occasional lubrication. A drop of oil (Not WD-40 but real machine oil) in a few spots, and it's good to go. It too isn't cheep, but well worth the price considering how much better both Floyd Rose's and Kahler's are than most others. kahler's can also be setup for just about any fingerboard radius, and is way easier to setup too with tools everyone should have, unlike the floyd's which need a special tool that is on the annoying and time consuming side to use.
Now the Gohtoh version of a regular Floyd (not an FRX) is the best bang for your buck, because it too is really well built and even a lot smoother on your palm having more rounded off saddles. Too bad they don't make 7 and 8 string versions, at least not yet. Schaller who makes the Floyd rose originals has their own version of the original Floyd's; The Lockmeister which is built even better than the Floyd's, but also more expensive, and the best you can get.
I'm a Kahler guy all the way. The cam system is just butter. Whereas the knife-edge Floyd style always just feels wrong to me.
My favorite guitar is an '84 Gibson Explorer with the stop-tailpiece Kahler installed at the factory. Gibson also built some Les Pauls with the Kahler, and for a year or two in the early 80s some of the bridges were actually stamped "Gibson."
People that hate Kahlers typically just haven't had them set up properly. Kahler themselves have a couple videos on RUclips with Gary K himself showing how it's done. It's actually pretty straightforward once somebody shows you how, way easier - and more versatile - than tweaking a Floyd.
I will say, the behind-the-nut stringlock that guitars with Kahlers typically use is kind of a pain. It locks just fine, and I like that it has a set screw for each string instead of three clamps, but if your nut isn't slotted correctly, you can still have issues with the strings binding after hard bends or trem-bar use. That's another factor I think a lot of people incorrectly blame on the Kahler bridge itself... they THINK the bridge is going out of tune, but what's probably really happening is the nut isn't cut right for the strings they're using and that's where the tuning problems come from.
My understanding is that Kahler originally used a locking nut just like the Floyds, but they got sued over it. You can sometimes find those Kahler-marked Floyd-style locking nuts on the used market, and they're on guitars that have the Kahler Spyder, which is essentially a Floyd, knife-edge style bridge.
@@dogslobbergardens6606 I have been building and repairing guitars for over 40 years, and although I agree for the most part, the nut has nothing to do with the kahler string lock behind the nut not being as good as an actual locking nut, which you can install to use with a kahler. The old Kahlers do have 3 clamps not individual screws, but they are lever clamps, not screw clamps, and don't hold as well, and being behind the nut, and needing space, they reduce the string break angle at the nut, which can reduce sustain if too much, but that depends on the headstock angle too.
What exactly would you change on how to cut the nut? It's cut to purpose, accept for that at the factory, most do not have the string slots cut deep enough to make up for wear, which isn't good for intonation and playability, and why I strongly recommend a brass (360 series the tough stuff, not soft so called "Musical" bell brass used in horns) or stainless steel for nuts, which I make all the time for guitars with bridges without fine tuners. They will last longer than most people have their guitar, or live!
Sorry, but it's also false that most people don't like them because theirs isn't setup properly, which is easy to do, and any bridge can be setup bad, but because of the way the ball end and the windings that secure them to the string can stretch. Some people use solder to reinforce them, but I think it's ridiculous, and really a non issue. On modern strings (after 1984) the windings there are much tighter and stronger, and the real problem is the angle they come off at from the fine tuners. That can easily be fixed by pre-kinking the string end a bit, to take out any slack that can come out when going whammy happy. If you do that, the tiny bit more string compared to none at all on a Floyd Rose isn't going to make a difference at all and it's just more non scientific guitar snob bullshit, because they have no clue how to stretch strings to stabilize tuning in the first place, a Floyd rose can't fix that either! Sometimes I think it's like other guitar mythology, where some numpty started it, and a bunch of other numpties just believed it, and called it fact, including a bunch who never had a Kahler, or even a Floyd rose for that matter! It's only Bigsbies, Fenders especially jazz masters and jaguars, and really any whammy system that has more than an inch or two of excess string beyond the scale length that are more prone to tuning issues, and even there, less windings on the tuners with the windings tight up against each other, or locking tuners, and pre-stretching the strings helps a lot. Whatever happened to tuning by ear, and on the fly? It's all exaggerated nonsense.
BTW: I know Garry Kahler personally, and have made suggestions for improvement he took to heart: The fine tune levers that hold the string ball end would eventually break with the low strings of heavy gauges, like the .013 to .058. sets I used, and he started using a stronger alloy, and just in time for 7 and 8 string guitars to become fashionable too. I machined new ones for my own guitar out of Stainless steel myself, and told him about it. I also left more meat near where they are held by a metal rod (the pivot) as there was plenty of room for it.
@@Bob-of-Zoid You've apparently misread what I said. Any conventional nut should be cut so that the string just barely slides through it without binding. You don't want it real sloppy but if any slot is too narrow the string will bind and cause tuning problems, I know you know that, it's guitar set-up 101.
*The string-lock itself is fine* as I said. But if the NUT itself isn't right for the set of strings, the NUT will cause problems. And sometimes people blame the lock or the bridge when a simple dressing of the nut would fix their problem.
I agree, the three-clamp canted locking nuts aren't great, that's why I said I like the six set screws on the Kahler behind-the-nut lock.
I'll come back and look over your other comments as well. That's a lot to go through :)
@@dogslobbergardens6606 I didn't misread anything, but you made it sound like either most nuts are not cut right, or that adding a Kahler string lock requires the nut to be changed, which just isn't true. It also doesn't require string gauge changes either, so you just can't make that "The reason" without some evidence it's even true. Sure, I get DIY, and even a few "Professionally" cut ones that are botched I have to remedy at my shop, but most factory ones are good unless worn badly. So why not just say it's not the String locks fault, but any number of things, including user error?
Actual Locking nuts are still technically better, because they replace the nut altogether, eliminating potential problems, and It also looks better not having a string tree that may require ditching or changing a truss rod cover, or obfuscating a logo... And Kahler only made them because Floyed Rose is sue happy! Did you know his first iterations had no fine tuners, but did have the locking nut making it pretty much useless without a few hours of tweaking before in tune right! And so a German company "Rockler" redesigned it to have fine tuners, and even changed the rest of it slightly, so way more than the legally required 10% change needed to not violate patent, and yet still lost the suit to Floyd? Yep, and that's when Rose took their design, in exchange for not making them pay the huge amount they had lost, and they took the deal instead of appealing the courts fallacious decision because they were like two guy's just getting started, and didn't have the funds... It's also when he started the "Licensing" thing and sued anyone and everyone he could, because it was lucrative! Well, his sole patent rights have meanwhile expired, and it's how others (Schaller, Gotoh) don't need the license anymore, and may just be why he has some new and different designs now; Business as usual.
Rockler went on to make other improvements to guitar tech, and got big into customizing instruments for anyone wanting it... and not sure, but may still be around, possibly with a name change.
I still prefer to use a Locking nut with a Kahler bridge though,because it replaces the nut altogether with one that will not wear hardly at all, and doesn't go in a bad spot and either mess with truss rod access and covers, or cover a logo... and it just looks better. I'd also rather not even deal with the rhetoric, and save my customers from it too if they agree.
@@Bob-of-Zoid good grief. You sure go a LONG way to blow simple statements out of proportion and argue about basically nothing.
I DID say the stringlock itself is fine. Twice. And that most complaints about the Kahler are just the owner not knowing how to use/set them up.
I've already been agreeing with all your basic points, for pete's sake. Relax.
Wow I love the color scheme on that guitar! The gold and dark gray is gorgeous. Plus I love the sound.
It reminds me of the Kaller witch I have used for 35 years ever since they came out love it! This looks a lot like it...
I did like this though, but I've always been put off by how big it looks.
I'd love to see something more like the Duesenberg Les trem, but offering more range and stability.
You should check the Stetsbar system ( s) they won't require any modifications to your guitar regardless of the model...
You can totally divebomb it ( them ) and tuning stability is great as is...And even better if you add locking tuners...
I have a pretty heavily modded Les Paul Studio that I want to put one of these on. To me it seems like it would have immense amounts of musical and instrument maintenance utility. The aged finishes they make for them look very cool.
So you got me super into this so I am indeed buying a hardtail Ibanez for 350, swapping in this trem, and swapping out the Ibanez pups for Fishmans and the standard tuners for locking rotomatics. All chrome. Gonna look hot!
Every details in on the description..thats a must subscribe dude.
I’d like to see a model/option where the large frame is in black while the bridge (resembling a traditional FR) is chrome/gold. I think that would help considerably with the bulky look of it.
Excellent find! I was looking for a solution for my ESP Edwards, and thought about a Bigsby, but this looks like a win!
I've been looking the Floyd Rose FRX for years, it never convinced me.
Then I drop on you video.
Me: Sold! I'm buying one for my Les Paul like.
I could tell you really liked that guitar. You played that thing better than all the other I've seen you play.Great video,now I want one💪🏽🔥👍🏽
I actually have an epiphone v2 from the late 80's with an non-locking, non-fine tuner Floyd Rose. It's difficult to find the sweet spot for the setup
I love the feel/control and over engineered look of the FRX. My complaints are added weight and getting the action set up low without fret buzz.
The thumbscrew also allows you to fix the bridge when changing the strings, which is a *huge* plus for a FR trem.
Concerning the look: it may be a monster, but it still beats the Stetsbar in terms of sleekness and understatement. Which is saying a lot.
PLZ do a video about Speedloader trem fail with the strings were not avalaible anymore...thank you
I have a Gibson CM Black with factory install. My favorite toy .
Great review 👍
Great review as always, Max.
Watching this video, I am reminded of the old surface mounted Washburn Wonderbar trem system from the ‘80’s. They don’t look the same, but the FRX is functionally doing the same things. I have one of the old Washburn Wonderbars and it’s great when it’s all set up perfectly. However, it takes forever to string, tune, fine tune, redo, and so on, ad infinitum. Good luck.
i think it looks cool..my problem with sawtooth at the moment is i want the bit wilder body styles..i think it would look awesome having that on like a flying V style guitar
Buy a Jackson Flying V, cheaper model with a standard tremolo, then add this to it. Would be insanely good.
@@Obxhatman yeah but still that trem is 300$ and as he said if you don't do set ups probably a pain so gonna cost about 400 plus the other guitar getting it...better just buying it already, plus I think this has the locking nut too, which is not normally part of the package with the frx
Get a Epiphone V. I got the newest explorer which is more or less the same. The bridge pick up will need a upgrade (the neck pick up is alright) but it comes with Grovers and a graft tech nut, the pots are good quality, stays in tune. Only comes in black. Ive had mine for two years and its holding up. It's 650 for a pretty solid guitar definitely worth putting a few hundred in to.
I've never played one but it seems to me that you could set the thumb screw in a position where when you pull up, it would stop in tune to where you set it. Like two semitones or something.
I did that to my strat with a vintage trem by loosening the mounting screws and adjusting the springs. Or something like that, there's a video on how to do it. It's really nice to just pull it up until it stops and that's in tune
Another great video Max, keep up the good work and great playing. Peace from Ireland to you mo chara.
I have been thinking of buying one to install on my Washburn WI566B. I've only tried one and it was enough. I think it's great.
After doing several side by side listening tests between say, 2 les pauls, one being retrofitted with an original with the center cavity routed out, and a standard LP with an FRX revealed exactly what i predicted- the FRX paul blew the Lifeson LP away!
I had asked my go-to luthier about these a week ago funny enough and what he thought since he's installed a few. He didn't have a single bad thing to say about them other than they don't feel like a traditional Floyd (he said they're softer like a Kahler), which isn't really a bad thing to me.
I am probably going to pull the trigger and get one for my Gibson SG since I've been itching for another locking trem system for a long time, but didn't want to gut any of my current guitars. It's amazing how limited the selection is when it comes to reliable locking trems after you take out super strats and guitars catered more to the hard rock or metal audience. I don't have anything against those guitars, but it's just not my style anymore, so I thought this was an amazing (almost game-changing) little device!
As someone else suggested I would also consider the Les Trem
@@nazmoking3171 Thanks I'll look into that as well!
I have a Gibson Les Paul Special Florentine Custom Purple/Magenta Love Burst all gold Sperzel Locking Tuners Trimlok with Mother of Pearl peg heads,Marty Friedman Signature EMG pickup set in Gold with the solderless system,Gold Finish Floyd Rose FRX and let’s not forget to mention that depending on the finish to the bridge it will determine the price points,Satin Gold being the Highest Korean Made Bridge,But then you have the Titanium which is at $3k.Overall,it’s an exceptional bridge which can be made to float or just fixed to dive bomb.Love it.
I’ve heard about those bridges, but I’ve never had the pleasure of playing one. Another great video Maxx, I think I will definitely check one out. 👍🏻
@GuitarMaxMusic, I am looking at putting one on an Epi LP I am heavily modifying. Still undecided, but at least now I know it's not a bad move.
I've always wanted a 1971 Gibson Les Paul custom black beauty and put a floyd rose frx system on it.
I remember looking for trems to put on a build I was making. I stumbled across the FRX before I knew it was made for Gibsons, but I thought it would look badass on a Strat-style body. Maybe one day I’ll route a Fender body to fit one.
Love you Max.
I've got an 08 epiphone les paul custom that i'm going to do a full crazytown overhaul on and I'm seriously considering putting one of these on it
Just got mine in today, can't wait to put it on
Nice. I want one on my next build.
I'm curious if someone has used both this Floyd Rose FRX and the Virtual Jeff digital whammy bar. Both can be installed on almost any guitar, and both will let you dive bomb without going out of tune. The difference is the Floyd Rose FRX (or any Floyd Rose whammy) does so by loosening the strings while the Virtual Jeff does not, opting instead to do the effect totally digitally. With the VJ, you keep your hard-tail bridge in tact. Thus with the strings not actually losening, the guitar does not go out of tune.
They're both systems that will let you whammy as much as you want without going out of tune. They just do it in totally different ways. I would love to hear from someone who has used both so I could get an idea of which might be preferable.
great video, a good reference i’ve seen of the bridge is annihilator’s jeff waters’ insistence on using these over the years, specially since, as a gibson endorsee, he definitely has access to other stuff, yet still chooses to use the bridge.
Cool video, thanks for sharing! Very helpful in deciding on if I need to purchase one. Thank you!
Been looking at one of these for my flying v
I bet ya Kahler thought of this idea 40 years ago and never developed it. I'm scared to put it on my Les Paul. But the itch is there. Max nice presentation here.
i retrofitted my FRX on two of my Gibson SG's. One must be careful because you can dent your guitar where that big spring thing is. It's odd because on one of my SG's it doesnt touch the body at all and it left a dent on my other SG (I have identical SG's so not sure how that happened). If you try to put it on a curved surface such as a Les Paul, you can risk damaging the surface of your guitar. Dents can also, actually WILL happen on the two posts in front of the bridge. It comes with some plastic sticky discs that are supposed to help prevent the denting, but believe me it will leave two dents. The FRX has too much pressure for that area for those plastic discs, allthough the discs help lessen the dents. Besides that though, if you understand the mechanics of and how to set up an original Floyd Rose, you will understand how to set this up. I recommend watching the official video for the FRX, where Floyd Rose (the creator, yes he's an actual person and that's his name), goes through set up. I like the thumbwheel that lets you go dive only mode, which comes in handy for string changes and initial setup. The trem bar feels alot smoother vs traditional Floyd Roses, but less range also. One last thing; though not part of the bridge, the locking nut it comes with is different from this vid and imo isn't as good. You screw the locking nut it comes with behind your regular nut and mines doesn't lock as well as a traditionally routed FR locking nut.
Awesome video! I'm sold on the FRX!
I wonder what the used resale market of those sawtooth guitars are? Would it make more sense to get a high-end Epiphone?
Yeah i can't justify buying a Sawtooth guitar , i'd rather get a name brand...
Gibson in 2016 made the SG CM that came with an FRX installed from the factory. Sometimes still today you can find Gibsons with an FRX installed from the Gibson Mod Shop or the Gibson Demo shop straight from Gibson with a warranty.
I retro fitted one of these on to a 40 year old baby dean ml. The guitar was pretty much a jigsaw puzzle when it came to my bench. Its now in one piece and in primer, but im waiting for the weather to break before i can lay paint down.
Before i started any of the body work, i did play around with it. It is quite intimidating. First 2 dive bombs and it completely fell apart. But after messing with it a bit, it was working like a dream. Definitely a bit bulky. It also looks a little odd hanging off the back side of that ml body by 2 inches but im not mad about the choice i made to install it. Definitely going to look pretty sick when all is said and done.
The bridge is ingenious. Getting one by buying a Sawtooth guitar is insane!
I have one on my Silvertone Paul Stanley Apocalypse Special.
Best decision I ever made for that guitar.
No mods needed to install? Except for the fact you have to rout out wood under the trem spring. You can see the rout on this guitar. Great invention none the less. Love Floyd rose.
What a clever piece of kit.
It sounds incredibly articulate.
My DREAM GUITAR! That is BAD ASS AF! Love it!
Wow! That thing is cool. I think its beautiful in gold. Id love one and the guitar seems like a descent quality and price. I might have to save for one of those instead of the Dean Cadillac ive been saving for
I got two Floyd Rose specials and outfitted my two MexiStrats with 'em... they were $250 each (not including shipping), and I had to have a luthier friend of mine do a lot of the routing of the body. And while I'm grateful to him for the great work he did, those guitars weren't designed with a Floyd Rose originally in mind, and I think it shows in the way I had to also make cuts to the pickguards and the pickup placements. The tuning stability is pretty good, but not pristine either.
So, $300 for an FRX, which would not involve excessive routing of the body or any of those problems that come with a regular Floyd Rose (or the licensed or specials)... that feels like a real bargain as far as mods go. While I wouldn't personally want to retrofit any of my guitars with one (the only one that I could would probably be the Wolf 450LP... which I bought because of you, Max ;) hehe), I would see it as a solid investment to get one for a guitar I'll purchase in the future.
I didn't know about the FRX prior to this video, so thanks for this video and thank you for all that you do for the guitar-playing community, Max!
$250 for specials with pot metal knife edges, you got ripped off. Could've bought a gotoh ge1996t for the same or lower price.
@@Lomni I put the Gotoh 1996t on several ibanez, $125 at Philadelphia luthiers. great stuff.
@@1peanut Do you mind sharing which trems you replaced with the 1996t? The Jemsite trem chart says only EdgePro, TRS, Lo-TRS and Lo-TRS II routes can take OFR-compatible trems. According to dimension charts, the 1996t is ever so slightly smaller than OFR.
@@Lomni Lo-trs ii and a edge 3. Only thing is the Gotoh posts are fatter so you have to drill the post holes out a tiny amount.
@@1peanut Awesome, thanks!
I purchased an FRX years ago for an Eastman SB57/n. However, the Eastman has the very high arched body, turned out to be very difficult to setup for FRX. Just now got it setup perfectly. I might have bought this guitar if it was available at the time. Looks very similar, but the body was shaped for the FRX. My Eastman, again, had a very high arch. Had to route body and move posts.
No idea if this guitar is as good as the Eastman with FRX... Took an expert luthier for me, but now mine hits every note in every position dead on pitch. Also the neck and tone with Eastman is better than any true Les Paul I've played. It was that way from factory. The Eastman is stunning. Hated tuners and replaced with Ratio's. Didn't like bridge but it worked well. Replaced with FRX. To me, its now perfect.
FYI: Here is full video of what it took to setup properly: ruclips.net/video/EyJMIora6zQ/видео.html
I can't recommend Mike enough. Multiple luthiers failed. Mike is the best you can get. He also teaches luthiers and if you want the best advice follow his channel and join his Patreon.
As far as FRX, I have been using Floyd's for a while. I only like dive-only standard Floyds for many reasons. With the FRX I get it all. Can't recommend enough. I now can have hardtail mode that can't go out of tune like a Les Paul, a floating Floyd, a Floyd with that setscrew where I can bend notes without other strings going out of tune... honestly, it is weird at first... because it is sticky in that mode at balance point, but compared to dive-only, it just adds options, like pulling back. You get used to it. Then, you can have dive-only too. It does have it all.
I will admit, the range overall is less than standard Floyd, but it is more controllable and can be used more subtly. I won't lie, it cannot be switched between all modes on stage, but it is quick to switch. It also has its own feel. Personally. I prefer it now.
This Sawtooth looks a lot like my Eastman, don't know if its as good (skeptical at described price), but you can't pry my Eastman from my fingers. Again, if available at the time, I likely would have purchased the Sawtooth and found out for myself.
I have 2 gold ones on both my Fernandes Ravelle models..love em.!!🤘🤘
Very nice and thorough demo! I've never played one of these bridges but I do own that Halo guitar, in part because I wanted one ever since seeing it on your channel :)
I have one. Still on the fence about it. Doesn’t always zero out properly. I haven’t messed with it much so might just be a setup issue.
Once they are setup properly, they float , flutter and return to zero
Cool system, Max does the extra length on the scale eliminate ether untunable g string problem that you would have on every Les Paul ever made? Thanks Rik
Sorry ever untunable …. Hate spellcheck lol
You also have a phisher on your page
I've been on the fence about FRX for a good while now
I first saw them on those funky gibsons, fully black with red accents, made of ash, I believe and was really interested, but it's somewhat difficult and understandably pricey in my country, so it was in the back of my mind, occsionally rearing it's head
I was interested in owning guitar with your typical floyd, but it never seemed worth it, too much hassle
Keep in mind I'm using hipshot's hardtails almost exclusively at this point, even tune-o-matic seems... suboptimal after so many years on big and smooth hardtails
After this video, I might actually get some cheapo used arrow and install an FRX on it, for the fun of it, if nothing else, so thank you for comprehensive video, Max!
I must say . I did not know about that set up . I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul . With a fllod rose set up . So I could get an ep a phone & that flod rose set up & be in the guitar for about 600.00 bucks . I can't spell but I am crafty & crazy enough to do something like that .
Or buy an epi with a floyd they make them
Hey Max the fulcrum is the balancing point
Hey :-D i put the FRX on my Schecter SOLO II Custom and it was the best choice i ever made. The FRX is soooo incredable and works on point what performance boost!!!! I can 100% totaly recommand it and its not my last FRX , i can tell ya ;) . Greetz from germany ;)
Surley the major thing to mention on the bridge that fits any carved top guitar without making permanent changes to it,,, is the routed hole where the spring is!