Thanks! Always been an Ibanez player, but this cemented it for me. I also work at a guitar store. I really appreciate all the technical details you provide on guitars and hardware. I've used quite a few things I've learned on your channel to help customers find the right guitar. I've become the go-to guy for people looking for metal guitars at my store. Some of that is thanks to you. Cheers🤘
The Ibanez edge can be upgraded with the same Gotoh 1996t 33mm block. It's the same dimensions and threads as the Original edge. Also the Red Bishop makes a upgraded trem arm with an adjustable tension screw. If you don't like the ibanez push in bar
having owned both i will always and forever stand by the Ibanez Edge, the Floyd is a close second, but the only problem with the edge is the fact that they are very hard to find for sale. Thomans has the Edge low pro which is also great and basically the exact same as the edge but they are always sold out. also, i cant deal with the way the bar mounts on a Floyd, i know you can get conversion kits, but you can also swap out the Edge block for a brass one, kind of cancels each-other out. they are both head and shoulders above all others. i cant think of anybody who Abuses a trem more than Steve Vai, and he still uses the Edge. i mean that guy puts more abuse on in one show than most guys do in 6 months, if there was a problem he has the pull with Ibanez to get a Floyd offered.
Steve Vai is the only guitarist I know of that can kill a Floyd. It has worked to advantage on at least one song, though. Many years ago, David Lee Roth famously left Van Halen and started doing his own thing. He wisely chose Vai as his guitarist and proceeded to record a stellar album with him. One song Roth chose to cover was "Tobacco Road." At the very end of the song, as Roth is singing the title words for the last time, Vai's abused guitar somehow makes a collection of noises that together sound compellingly like the word "tobacco!" And they CAPTURED IT! I became a Vai fan because of that album, and I've also figured out that that guitar's vibrato didn't have long to live after that recording session. It made those noises because it was dying already!
The thinner material on the arm on the Ibanez Edge where the plastic bushings go are a weak spot, and has broken on me twice. The Gotoh version does from pictures not appear to have the bushings. Otherwise similar to the Ibanez Edge (prod by Gotoh). Do you have any thoughts on the differences between those two? Is it only the bushings?
I have two Charvels and a Jackson with Floyd Rose 1000's and an Ibanez RG550 Genesis with an Edge. When comparing them, I notice that the fine tuners on the Edge are much smoother than the 1000. I have never owned an Original Floyd Rose, so maybe the stiff fine tuners are peculiar to the 1000 model.
All awesome videos, I've had them all and currently have: Low TRS, Edge, and an Original floyd on my B.C. Rich, all good trems but I like how you break them down from the design, and materials aspect. It really lets people know what they are buying, though I would replace any trem today with the Gotoh stainless.
Thank you for the videos, very informative. Could you consider making a video on floyd blocks affecting sustain? And possibly try different block materials, I want to know how much of an improvement they make if any at all.
Two trems are the best ever made. #1 - The original Ibanez Edge. Just as good and neither better or worse is #2 The original Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge. Beyond these, the original Floyd Rose has its place. Not before those. The original Edge Trems by Ibanez, Lo-Pro or Original, are the best floating tremolos ever made. Period.
I just dont like the angled baseplate with the Edge It makes it a little bit more difficult to eyeball when the bridge is perfectly level during setup. That's much easier with the Original or Gotoh :)
In the studio I really enjoy both, but the OFR will always flutter longer and deeper than the Edge, even with all brand new parts and mods to operate closer to the same specs. The Edge will always feel more comfortable under my hand, so it can be much nicer to play for hours and hours in guitar tracking. On tour, I’ve had to replace WAY more Ibanez parts WAY more often. My OFR’s can have 3 nights of sweat on it and still run EXACTLY as you would expect. I love both, but one definitely is built for comfort and the other for exacting peak performance under the worst possible conditions.
Doesn't matter. Use any official Floyd or Edge version, get noiseless springs and a Floyd Rose push-in arm for it, and it will be great. The King of trems was the Ibanez "LoPro Edge One" of the nineties.
Have guitars with both, love both. As I get older find myself gravitating towards non locking. The Wilkinson locking saddles on a pop in arm fender with an aftermarket brass block sounds great and stays in tune well. The Vega trem , while not made as well feels phenomenal and also stays in tune good. Obviously locking tuners and a well cut nut are important, especially the nut.
Ibanez edge is hard to beat...but after the first run of JP musicmans were made i was stunned by having no locking nuts at the the headstock and being able to tune with the tuners...while staying in tune with divebombs and flutters.
I’ve played on edge Lo pro, Floyd rose 1000, Gotoh 1502 in my Az, and a prog NX strandberg trem. Lo pro is most responsive among the lot. Strandberg is the least responsive. Second comes the Gotoh trem followed by Floyd 1000. Opinions will vary I’m sure, but the most comfortable for me is the Gotoh! Which I believe is underrated.
Responsiveness depends on how many springs. Two springs on a Floyd is more responsive than three, string gage and tuning being kept the same. Try this out. Spring rate and length of the springs are also factors. To compare trems for responsiveness, all trems would need to have the exact same springs swapped in, same number of springs, same string gages, same tuning.
I've got a 2011 S-Series Ibanez with ZR bridge. In my opinion it has features that neither Edge nor FR have. In my opinion Ibanez ZR is by far the best tremolo system. As far as I know it was discontinued do to licensing problems. I am very sad about that.
I hate the Ibanez trem. I hate the way the arm always drops down. I changed mine for a Schaller Lockmiester, which is a million times better. It also sounds a lot better than the old Ibanez trem.
Original Edge is the best trem ever made, you forgot the locking studs but otherwise great review and break down! Don't get me wrong I love the OFR as well but...
If you take the price into account, the Gotoh 1996 is by far the best. Even without the price in mind, I see hear and feel no advantage of my ofr, trs, kahler, steinberger trems that I own.
Both great trems in their own rights, but the Edge has no equal. I would also like to mention that I found a third offering and it's amazing. It's called the Blade Runner made by Super V. IMHO, that is the superior system because it's all connected with hardened spring steel. There's no "contact" points. Just Google it and you'll see how it's made, but it makes any guitar sound huge. It really is one of those secrets that not many know about, but those who do have a secret weapon
I have both. Floyd rose is slightly brighter . easier to set up & eyeball to make the bass plate parallel. Ibanez edge has flatter radius saddle (less setup work to match compound radius & flatter radius fretboard. Ibanez edge bar is faster to pull & put in. Ibanez edge has nut under the bar that will get loose unless it is bonded using lock tite or epoxy. Floyd rose is compatible with D tuna . Floyd rose bar will loose retaining torque tension faster than Ibanez Edge , more wobble too. Floyd rose push in arm is not that great , because it is not anchored by thread like Gotoh arm. For sake of maintenance & enjoyment : Gotoh GE1996T > Ibanez Edge > Floyd Rose.
I put the different Floyds up for review in the 90s The Kramer, later Fender, Original Floyd Rose (by Schaller), ESP Synclair II (by Gotoh) and the Kahler Steeler (also Gotoh) came out best. Then the Ibanez Edge (Gotoh) a bit sterile feel, and the Kahler Spyder made of one Brass-block (too heavy) Killer (the most sensitive action, but over-engineered) then the Schaller FloydRose II with the alloy metal base plate, which can mellow down brittle sounding guitars, but lacks sustain 3rd place to the The Fernandes Headcrasher, Washburn Bendmaster Pro and the Korean OEM still better than most competing solutions at that time
Have an RG550 with an Edge and a Kiesel DC with an FR. The Kiesel is about 3X the price of the Ibanez and sounds better and plays better in almost every aspect, except when I'm using the trem. For some reason, the Edge seems to have better sustain, better flutters, better dives, etc. At first, I thought it was due to the screw on of the FR vs the push in of the Edge, so I installed a push in on the FR. It got a little better, but still all trem effects were still better on the edge. I'm looking into getting another custom guitar built, possibly by Aviator this time around, and I might see if they can put an Edge on it.
Never tried the Ibanez, but literally every guitar I've played in the past 30 years would go completely out of tune if you touched the tremolo. People say "oh, it wasn't installed properly, or set up or adjusted properly" or whatever. Well, ok...some of them may have been. But ALL of them??? Very unlikely. Extremely unlikely. I've only eveey played 2, maybe 3, guitars where I could use the tremolo & it stay in tune, they weren't FR. One of them was a strat style guitar with what looked like a regular strat bridge if I remember correctly. I never understood the hype around FR trems.
I think it interesting that you and I made opposite choices, but we do come from differing points of view. I'm 66 years old and I don't play out. Guitars for me are a hobby that I spend money on. They are indulgences, not investments. That said, I'll add that it means that I'm not so concerned with longevity of gear -- I'm not at all worried that I'll wear something out. Where I'll put my money is on tone. I would favor the Floyd Original's materials over those of the Ibanez Edge because I am convinced that I don't like the sound of zinc. There might be so little of it in the Edge units as to be inaudible, but unless it was it would cruddy up the sound of the unit to some certain extent. I think it unlikely that I wouldn't hear a zinc base plate AND sustain block. Add to that the fact that I don't find the ergonomics of the OFR objectionable in the slightest, and there you are. I do have to admit to having experienced NEITHER of these products and speak from theory only. I have swapped vibratos of various sorts, though, and Floyd types are among them. I'm for sure a brass and steel guy. Zinc? Meh.
My honest opinion....the Edge feels more comfy, fluttery, buttery, which for crazy acrobatic style playing 🎸 or leads is essential....the Floyd is stronger, harder, heavier, less buttery fluttery....but gives you more sustain. To me if I only had one choice.....id say no and just give me a 550 and a esp at LTD level or above lol 🤣...that's what I want on my desert island
you can't discuss the topics by just talking it will be better to put some demo, btw edge is a far worse quality to floyd rose, if it comes to floating bridge comparison nothing can beat floyd rose by far
The Floyd Rose special is a real Floyd Rose what I don't understand how some always claim having issues with the Floyd Rose special never in the 4 years I've had the Floyd Rose special did I have any issues neither have my friends..I would keep the Floyd Rose special over the Ibanez trem
One of the most helpful videos frr 🤘🏽
Thanks brother!
Ibanez Edge is the best trem ever made. And you forgot to mention that the Edge comes with locking trem studs and the Floyd doesn't.
The locking studs are an important part, IMO the Edge Lo Pro is a minor refinement on the perfection of the Edge trem.
ZR
Thanks! Always been an Ibanez player, but this cemented it for me. I also work at a guitar store. I really appreciate all the technical details you provide on guitars and hardware. I've used quite a few things I've learned on your channel to help customers find the right guitar. I've become the go-to guy for people looking for metal guitars at my store. Some of that is thanks to you. Cheers🤘
Glad you're putting your knowledge to good use!
Now you need to do a comparison between the Edge and the GE1996T.
Second this!
Big YES to this !!!!
Yup 👍🏻
The Ibanez edge can be upgraded with the same Gotoh 1996t 33mm block. It's the same dimensions and threads as the Original edge. Also the Red Bishop makes a upgraded trem arm with an adjustable tension screw. If you don't like the ibanez push in bar
Good to know!
having owned both i will always and forever stand by the Ibanez Edge, the Floyd is a close second, but the only problem with the edge is the fact that they are very hard to find for sale. Thomans has the Edge low pro which is also great and basically the exact same as the edge but they are always sold out. also, i cant deal with the way the bar mounts on a Floyd, i know you can get conversion kits, but you can also swap out the Edge block for a brass one, kind of cancels each-other out. they are both head and shoulders above all others. i cant think of anybody who Abuses a trem more than Steve Vai, and he still uses the Edge. i mean that guy puts more abuse on in one show than most guys do in 6 months, if there was a problem he has the pull with Ibanez to get a Floyd offered.
Steve Vai is the only guitarist I know of that can kill a Floyd. It has worked to advantage on at least one song, though. Many years ago, David Lee Roth famously left Van Halen and started doing his own thing. He wisely chose Vai as his guitarist and proceeded to record a stellar album with him. One song Roth chose to cover was "Tobacco Road." At the very end of the song, as Roth is singing the title words for the last time, Vai's abused guitar somehow makes a collection of noises that together sound compellingly like the word "tobacco!" And they CAPTURED IT! I became a Vai fan because of that album, and I've also figured out that that guitar's vibrato didn't have long to live after that recording session. It made those noises because it was dying already!
@@edwinstovall3334 So ridiculous . Vai was actually Roth's 3rd choice .
@EDDIE-c7f8y If that's true, then Roth lucked out WILDLY!‼️🤘
Hey, have you heared about Hantug Locking Tremolos? They seem to be super hi end, but also very expensive. They also have a hight adjustable nut.
I'll check it out!
The thinner material on the arm on the Ibanez Edge where the plastic bushings go are a weak spot, and has broken on me twice. The Gotoh version does from pictures not appear to have the bushings. Otherwise similar to the Ibanez Edge (prod by Gotoh). Do you have any thoughts on the differences between those two? Is it only the bushings?
I have two Charvels and a Jackson with Floyd Rose 1000's and an Ibanez RG550 Genesis with an Edge. When comparing them, I notice that the fine tuners on the Edge are much smoother than the 1000. I have never owned an Original Floyd Rose, so maybe the stiff fine tuners are peculiar to the 1000 model.
All awesome videos, I've had them all and currently have: Low TRS, Edge, and an Original floyd on my B.C. Rich, all good trems but I like how you break them down from the design, and materials aspect. It really lets people know what they are buying, though I would replace any trem today with the Gotoh stainless.
You’re a man of fine taste!
Kahler master race.
I have an Ibanez PL2550 and the Edge tremolo on it has given me zero issues since I bought it back in 1989.
Glad to hear you've had a good experience with it!
Thank you for the videos, very informative. Could you consider making a video on floyd blocks affecting sustain? And possibly try different block materials, I want to know how much of an improvement they make if any at all.
Two trems are the best ever made. #1 - The original Ibanez Edge. Just as good and neither better or worse is #2 The original Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge. Beyond these, the original Floyd Rose has its place. Not before those. The original Edge Trems by Ibanez, Lo-Pro or Original, are the best floating tremolos ever made. Period.
Lo Pro Edge is the GOAT, imo.
I would love to see a video of how floyd rose tremolos are manufactured
I highly recommend the Edge Zero II from Ibanez. Best tremolo I've ever had! Extremely reliable!
Sorry, but as an owner of both a Floyd Rose original and an Edge trem, the Vega trem is the best trem ever made
I subscribe for the news about OFR. I can’t wait. Popcorn is going to be needed. 😂
Great details video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
1000 Blocks are also nickel-plated brass. It's the special blocks that are zinc.
I just dont like the angled baseplate with the Edge
It makes it a little bit more difficult to eyeball when the bridge is perfectly level during setup.
That's much easier with the Original or Gotoh :)
Maybe an Edge & Gotoh comparison would be great considering the edge is made by Gotoh
I can’t wait for the news on Floyd Rose. Popcorn is ready 😂
In the studio I really enjoy both, but the OFR will always flutter longer and deeper than the Edge, even with all brand new parts and mods to operate closer to the same specs. The Edge will always feel more comfortable under my hand, so it can be much nicer to play for hours and hours in guitar tracking.
On tour, I’ve had to replace WAY more Ibanez parts WAY more often. My OFR’s can have 3 nights of sweat on it and still run EXACTLY as you would expect.
I love both, but one definitely is built for comfort and the other for exacting peak performance under the worst possible conditions.
I opted for a vega trem in my strat instead of one of these two, would love to see how it compares.
I think you made a great choice!
OFR🤘 Best tone, build quality, looks and Feel/action
Doesn't matter. Use any official Floyd or Edge version, get noiseless springs and a Floyd Rose push-in arm for it, and it will be great. The King of trems was the Ibanez "LoPro Edge One" of the nineties.
Schaller offers an enhanced Floyd Rose model, utilizing premium materials.
Have guitars with both, love both. As I get older find myself gravitating towards non locking. The Wilkinson locking saddles on a pop in arm fender with an aftermarket brass block sounds great and stays in tune well. The Vega trem , while not made as well feels phenomenal and also stays in tune good. Obviously locking tuners and a well cut nut are important, especially the nut.
Well said!
Incorrect about the FR1000 - The specs are on the FR website, same as the original but made in Korea. Nickel plated brass block.
Ibanez edge is hard to beat...but after the first run of JP musicmans were made i was stunned by having no locking nuts at the the headstock and being able to tune with the tuners...while staying in tune with divebombs and flutters.
Be careful to not strip the threads in baseplate of an Edge with the screws that secure the saddles. This is the major downfall of Edge trems.
Good to know!
I’ve played on edge Lo pro, Floyd rose 1000, Gotoh 1502 in my Az, and a prog NX strandberg trem. Lo pro is most responsive among the lot. Strandberg is the least responsive. Second comes the Gotoh trem followed by Floyd 1000. Opinions will vary I’m sure, but the most comfortable for me is the Gotoh! Which I believe is underrated.
Responsiveness depends on how many springs. Two springs on a Floyd is more responsive than three, string gage and tuning being kept the same. Try this out.
Spring rate and length of the springs are also factors.
To compare trems for responsiveness, all trems would need to have the exact same springs swapped in, same number of springs, same string gages, same tuning.
My favorites in order are the Edge Pro, Edge, Edge Lo Pro, Gotoh, Schaller then OFR.
I should have included a Kahler Steeler somewhere near the top.
what do you like about the edge pro?
@@estwrios3983 Sits really low. No need to cut the balls off the strings.
I've got a 2011 S-Series Ibanez with ZR bridge. In my opinion it has features that neither Edge nor FR have. In my opinion Ibanez ZR is by far the best tremolo system.
As far as I know it was discontinued do to licensing problems. I am very sad about that.
Gotoh 1996T is where its at.
Which is easier to intonate, the Floyd or the Ibanez?
Edge fine tuners run slightly smoother and hold the tuning forever. Floyd fine tuners are a bit less responsive in my experience.
The 1000 comes with a coated brass blocks so you’re wrong. The special comes with the zinc block
Low pro edge, the ultimate tremlo
Got both - Edge is far better
My edge trem is over 16 years old. Never had an issue. Except when my son lost the wiggle stick.
I did the exact same thing to my buddies older brother who let me borrow his guitar for a gig, he made me tear apart my car until I found it 😂
I hated playing my old Ibanez S, but the Edge trem on it was amazing.
IMO Edge = LoProEdge > Gotoh1996t > OFR > EdgePro
I hate the Ibanez trem. I hate the way the arm always drops down. I changed mine for a Schaller Lockmiester, which is a million times better. It also sounds a lot better than the old Ibanez trem.
Original Edge is the best trem ever made, you forgot the locking studs but otherwise great review and break down! Don't get me wrong I love the OFR as well but...
Appreciate the input!
You missed the best tremolo possibly ever made! kahler.
If you take the price into account, the Gotoh 1996 is by far the best. Even without the price in mind, I see hear and feel no advantage of my ofr, trs, kahler, steinberger trems that I own.
The Lopro Edge is better than original Edge. The tail sit lower out of the way your hand doesn’t hit the fine tuners.
Both great trems in their own rights, but the Edge has no equal. I would also like to mention that I found a third offering and it's amazing. It's called the Blade Runner made by Super V. IMHO, that is the superior system because it's all connected with hardened spring steel. There's no "contact" points. Just Google it and you'll see how it's made, but it makes any guitar sound huge. It really is one of those secrets that not many know about, but those who do have a secret weapon
I'll have to check that out!
I have both. Floyd rose is slightly brighter . easier to set up & eyeball to make the bass plate parallel.
Ibanez edge has flatter radius saddle (less setup work to match compound radius & flatter radius fretboard.
Ibanez edge bar is faster to pull & put in.
Ibanez edge has nut under the bar that will get loose unless it is bonded using lock tite or epoxy.
Floyd rose is compatible with D tuna .
Floyd rose bar will loose retaining torque tension faster than Ibanez Edge , more wobble too. Floyd rose push in arm is not that great , because it is not anchored by thread like Gotoh arm.
For sake of maintenance & enjoyment : Gotoh GE1996T > Ibanez Edge > Floyd Rose.
Great summary! I think your preference is what matters most.
Lockmeister by Schaller! 💯
The Edge is way better. The fine tuners don't get in the way of your picking hand.
Between OFR and Edge the best is Edge but the best double locking tremolo system is gotoh 1996t
I put the different Floyds up for review in the 90s The Kramer, later Fender, Original Floyd Rose (by Schaller), ESP Synclair II (by Gotoh) and the Kahler Steeler (also Gotoh) came out best. Then the Ibanez Edge (Gotoh) a bit sterile feel, and the Kahler Spyder made of one Brass-block (too heavy) Killer (the most sensitive action, but over-engineered) then the Schaller FloydRose II with the alloy metal base plate, which can mellow down brittle sounding guitars, but lacks sustain 3rd place to the The Fernandes Headcrasher, Washburn Bendmaster Pro and the Korean OEM still better than most competing solutions at that time
I believe the Ibanez Jiva has a screw in arm.
You gotta throw the FU TONE into this
Best Floyd rose vids in the tube. Have you tried the locking trems made by guitar fetish? Curious what you’d think
GOTOH HANDS DOWN
Best is the edge, edge pro, low pro. Then Kahler 2710 killer then floyd.
Have an RG550 with an Edge and a Kiesel DC with an FR. The Kiesel is about 3X the price of the Ibanez and sounds better and plays better in almost every aspect, except when I'm using the trem. For some reason, the Edge seems to have better sustain, better flutters, better dives, etc. At first, I thought it was due to the screw on of the FR vs the push in of the Edge, so I installed a push in on the FR. It got a little better, but still all trem effects were still better on the edge. I'm looking into getting another custom guitar built, possibly by Aviator this time around, and I might see if they can put an Edge on it.
That's really interesting. Maybe it's the difference in the materials?
Due you have the same springs and same number of springs in each trem system? This makes a HUGE difference.
I had an rg420fmdx. I outgrew it. If I could take one thing of it with me: The bridge. It was a 8.5 or 9 out of 10. That's because 10 doesn't exist.
Never tried the Ibanez, but literally every guitar I've played in the past 30 years would go completely out of tune if you touched the tremolo. People say "oh, it wasn't installed properly, or set up or adjusted properly" or whatever. Well, ok...some of them may have been. But ALL of them??? Very unlikely. Extremely unlikely.
I've only eveey played 2, maybe 3, guitars where I could use the tremolo & it stay in tune, they weren't FR. One of them was a strat style guitar with what looked like a regular strat bridge if I remember correctly. I never understood the hype around FR trems.
I think it interesting that you and I made opposite choices, but we do come from differing points of view. I'm 66 years old and I don't play out. Guitars for me are a hobby that I spend money on. They are indulgences, not investments. That said, I'll add that it means that I'm not so concerned with longevity of gear -- I'm not at all worried that I'll wear something out. Where I'll put my money is on tone. I would favor the Floyd Original's materials over those of the Ibanez Edge because I am convinced that I don't like the sound of zinc. There might be so little of it in the Edge units as to be inaudible, but unless it was it would cruddy up the sound of the unit to some certain extent. I think it unlikely that I wouldn't hear a zinc base plate AND sustain block. Add to that the fact that I don't find the ergonomics of the OFR objectionable in the slightest, and there you are. I do have to admit to having experienced NEITHER of these products and speak from theory only. I have swapped vibratos of various sorts, though, and Floyd types are among them. I'm for sure a brass and steel guy. Zinc? Meh.
I appreciate the perspective!
Kahler Steeler
They’re VIBRATOS not “tremolo”. No I don’t care how many ignorant people call them tremolo it’s just a fact that’s a misnomer.
YOu keep calling the trems "bad boys". I assume Santa didn't bring them any presents.
You caught that! I guess they were on the naughty list 😅
My honest opinion....the Edge feels more comfy, fluttery, buttery, which for crazy acrobatic style playing 🎸 or leads is essential....the Floyd is stronger, harder, heavier, less buttery fluttery....but gives you more sustain. To me if I only had one choice.....id say no and just give me a 550 and a esp at LTD level or above lol 🤣...that's what I want on my desert island
Interesting take! It's all about personal preference.
@nikaxeguitar yes sir
edge by 3 miles
you can't discuss the topics by just talking it will be better to put some demo, btw edge is a far worse quality to floyd rose, if it comes to floating bridge comparison nothing can beat floyd rose by far
The Floyd Rose special is a real Floyd Rose what I don't understand how some always claim having issues with the Floyd Rose special never in the 4 years I've had the Floyd Rose special did I have any issues neither have my friends..I would keep the Floyd Rose special over the Ibanez trem
Interesting take
You're out of your dang mind . The Special is total shit .