I am thrilled to have some comparative sound samples of the Floyd-Rose(tm) drop-in replacement tremolo. First off: I put it on a guitar that is not the greatest instrument the world has seen, but the objective of the exercise was to note the differences in sound after replacing the tremolo unit. Secondly: the recordings were made through a Line6 TonePort(tm) using Cubase 4 software that was graciously provided by 4Sound Uppsala. The guitarist’s name is Peter Hansson – thanks Peter!
So, what were the results? Actually, the difference was more noticeable than what I would have guessed. It is not more than the difference from listening through your speakers and mine, the difference between an EMG and a Seymor Duncan pickup, or even a difference that could be compensated for by equalization. But the tone of the Floyd-Rose had more lows and highs and the “Strandberger” (had to name it that…) had a more pronounced mid range. But, I’m digressing. Here are the sound samples:
.neckSingle Coil Clean, Floyd-Rose*
.neckSingle Coil Clean, Strandberger*
.bridgeHumbucker Crunch, Floyd-Rose*
.bridgeHumbucker Crunch, Strandberger*
.neckSingle Coil Chorus, Floyd-Rose*
.neckSingle Coil Chorus, Strandberger*
Acoustically, Peter found that the sound was more pleasing with the Strandberger tremolo compared to the Floyd-Rose! Being that many think that Floyds sound “bad”, the difference in sound might be a good thing, but I will leave that up to you. It should be noted that the Floyd-Rose in question is the original, circa 1980, all weapon-grade metal version.
Other learnings:
- The edges of the base plate had been slightly deformed, i.e. the hard anodization, which is harder than hardened steel, had broken. This means that I will look into using hardened steel inserts like the ones on the Floyds themselves nowadays. It also means that I don’t have to use this surface treatment, which opens up for many more color choices.
- The height of the unit, the measurement between the tremolo edge and the string support, is higher on the Strandberger. This means that one will have to lower the posts to allow for the same neck setting. I will look into reducing this height. The difference was drastic enough that I had to insert an extra spring to resist the pull from the extra leverage.
- The string supports that I hand ground with my Dremel would sometimes twist and affect the sustain negatively. Will look into making the geometry a little bit different to counteract this possibility.
But all in all, a huge success. I am very pleased that it worked out as well as it did. My advice is: Watch this space for more sound samples when I have addressed the above issues.
Interesting System, especially since i’m trying to build a headless system out of a Standardtrem.
I ended up with this: http://x0x.gwebspace.de/TR-3.jpg
Looks somehow like a Lockingnut-compatible Vintagetrem.
But somehow I think there must be a better Solution than those Knifeedges? – I wonder if a hinge-joint system is more durable?.
Hi Wurst,
that is an awesome system you are building. I assume you will make it possible to convert someone’s “favorite trem” into yours by replacing the tremolo block?
I am trying to work with the constraint of making it as simple as possible to replace an FR system with mine (including re-using the existing posts) but I agree that there are better ways than the knife edges. Stay in touch!
Cheers,
Ola
Hi Ola,
That is a truly great-looking (and one hopes) feeling instrument!
Are you planning to make the trem commercially available at some point? Is a left-handed version possible at all?
Thanks!
Abhijit,
I am indeed planning on making a production run in the fall. I haven’t quite figured out how to perfect the tremolo design, so it will be a fixed bridge version with each tuner fastened individually. The intention is to sell tremolo base plates separately and the tuners separately (to accommodate 6, 7 and 8 strings as well as fanned frets). I will make sure I take lefties into consideration when I work on the design.
Cheers,
Ola
hello, make this bridge headless for a bass guitar? how much cost with the shipping to argentine? thanks
Hello Santiago,
I do not currently have this design for a bass guitar, but I plan to make one in the future. Watch this space for announcements.
Cheers,
Ola
“I do not currently have this design for a bass guitar, but I plan to make one in the future.”
We´re really exiting to see one (personally: 5-string) !
Haven´t seen anything Yet, getting there ?
/Hans
Yes, I am definitely getting there !-)
I did create a prototype earlier this year that I posted (http://guitarworks.thestrandbergs.com/2009/07/) and will move on to a production batch now that I have finally ordered the next batch of guitar bridges today.
Cheers,
Ola