Own three. Love all. Full floating, no flat top screw stop, no ball head. If you aren't set up inclined pass the job on. You can hit road blocks, but if you love the floyd as I do, you'll take up the challenge, & master your personal preferences.
Very kind. I was interested in one but never really found much in depth stuff - so like many things I review I bought one and did my own. Thanks for watching.
The pick guard is not lost. Re-work your notch, which is a reverse curve to the original curvature, so that it starts lower and arcs gracefully to the bottom of the bridge pup. Showing a bit more of the body around the screw. Copy the corner points on the guard to your starting angle, as you plunge into the edge of the guard. Then bevel the edge to show the BWBW. Custom shop looks! Thanks for the tutorial Tony. As always, I learned something good today.
Good answer on the pick guard. I won't do it myself, but it's a very useful point and I'm sure some guys will do that. A very interesting tremolo and it certainly works for me. Thanks for watching.
The screw on the trussrod cover on a Gibson are NOT in the same place as they are on a epiphone and the reason Floyd used the 2 screws on the side instead of screwing through the truss rod cover is to A ensure the nut was held in place on both sides not just in the middle and B so if you need to make a truss rod adjustment you don't have to take the nut off (unscrewing the fasteners that hold the nut in place even under string tension could allow the nut to move) it literally took me 15 minutes to install and set one of these up on my Les Paul using just knowledge from experience working on guitars and from watching Floyds installation video on the FRX I mean no offense, I'm just voicing my own personal experience with this bridge. One thing that helps with the installation is before you remove anything measure your string height at the bridge on both E strings (and write it down) I used that same measurement for the post height on the front and back and had no problems.
No its a good point. I was really voicing an opinion that 'maybe' using something like the Gibson holes might have been better in preserving the headstock and that the provided screws were in my opinion a little big. Clearly other guitars need to use the screws too and they would be out of line but screwing in to say a $4k guitar reduces somewhat the number of customers that actually would do that... me included. It's good feedback and I 'get it' OK but I could think of a number of options that would work for 'most' guitars rather than just a fixed and not really compatible with ANY truss rod cover screws. Thanks for the post and for watching...
Thanks for your help Tony. This guide made the whole process a breeze! It's a real pro tip to screw the bolts in after placing the FRX and it worked perfectly on my Firebird!
Great to know you did it OK - these can be a bit picky to install but mine is still going strong and likely yours will too. Thanks for watching and if the video helped its exactly why its here...
Such a deep dive!!! I nearly got the bends coming back up to the surface!! Thanks, as always for your excellent videos, and stay cool - the next few days will be stifling.
:) Ha classic... I had wanted to look at one of these for a while but never got to it... then I was in it up to the neck! (or was it bridge) :) - anyway seemed like a plan so I bought one. Thanks for watching.
Am not going after this product anywhere in the near future.. But I love how this entire episode went.. Learned so much.. Everything sounded like a NatGeo special.. It was as if David Attenborough himself is teaching us the ropes.. And the final music demo? Fantastic! Thank you for putting this up here.. More power! ❤️
This was a great in depth overview! I’ve been using it fitted to an SG for over 2 years now and overall it’s pretty good however it has one design flaw I haven’t seen anyone discussing, the placement of that thumb screw. Because my palm rests over that screw, when I’m playing for long hours or doing some palm muting it gets sweaty and will slip loose. If you’re setting the screw to block pulling back if the screw gets sweaty and comes loose the rest angle will change and you’re tuning is suddenly sharp. However not everyone will have this problem but it’s something I wanted to point out in case anyone is having a similar phenomenon.
I so nearly bought one of these, but the other videos on TH-cam put me off. I the end I bought a Les Trem 2 which took 10 mins to install. Great video from you. Thanks for your honestly. Keep em coming…….
Hi Raymond - exactly like me... and I thought, can they all be wrong? or maybe it was junk... I had to find out myself and at the £305 Thomann wanted I bit the bullet. For me this bridge does work well on the Epiphone SG Custom and so I don't really regret it. The problems with many reviews are that they seem either totally against a product or totally for a product because they were often given it... sometimes a general bias. I have NOT tried the Les Trem 2 but you should post here what you think about that one, the good, the bad and even the ugly :) it always helps other guys to get good info especially from real owners of the gear. And thanks for this info and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Regarding the Les trem 2, I have a Yamaha Revstar with humbuckers. I really don’t like the look of Bigsby trems so that version of Revstar was a big no no. So I watched a few videos on the Les trem 2 from Duesenberg. Trem was around £100 so it wasn’t going to hurt too much. It literally took as long as it takes to change a set of strings to fit. Has similar feel to a Bigsby, but looks more elegant and simple. No drilling of holes. Uses the tail stop holes and imperial and metric fittings are provided. I’m enjoying it so far. Only con is that my access to volume knob isn’t quite as immediate.
Excellent video. Very very interesting and informative. I understand more the Floyd Rose FRX. The only thing I regret from Floyd Rose company is that this Floyd Rose is only with the Standard Floyd Rose tremolo of the beginning. In my side I use Floyd Rose Pro for my 2 guitars and if I would set up a FRX tremolo it would be with the Floyd Rose Pro because I don't like to have the head of tuning screws inside my hand when I play. That the reason I am disappointed that the FRX tremolo is only with the STANDARD Floyd Rose tremolo. Anyway, tony did the job to inform all musicians with this hardware product. Many thanks, Kind regards, Phil from Dunkirk
Thanks for the info you posted Phil... interesting and I get that point. Thanks fr watching - I wanted to really look at the FRX it was interesting to say the least...
I had this unit on my black LP. I wound up putting a bigsby back on it. Suggestion for those buying the unit…….if you put the locking nut in, two small screws go into your headstock. When removing the locking nut, beware…….those two screws will need to be filled.
Hi Tommy... yes I was concerned about the string lock part with the screws. So why did you put the Bigsby back on the guitar? Tuning? or something else?
@@tonymckenzieofficial Why did I remove it? Well, frankly it worked fine. I just didn’t dig the look. It’s huge. Plus I hate having to go through all the BS changing strings. On bigsbys, it’s just rounding a ball end and done.
Yes... That's the only thing that kept me from getting one... On top of that I don't divebomb like a raving maniac like I used to ( only a few times here and there 😁😁 ) so the Stetsbar systems are smooth and stable enough for me, whether I installed them on my Gibsons/ Epiphones or my Teles or whatever... They really don't need any extra "help" to work but adding a tusq nut and locking tuners make them even more stable than they already are... Without the hassle of locking nuts...
That guitar work at the end of this video is so damn atmospheric, so enjoyable to listen to. Great video Tony. Heard some Pink Floyd in there and just some kick ass jamming too.
I'm looking to order one of these for my Tokai les paul. My luthier just finished installing one on a Flying V and he said it was one of his favorite tremolos he's ever used and everything worked perfectly. I tried a bigsby on my LP and absolutely hated it. This looks like the real solution.
Its substantially different than a bigsby. Takes a bit of setting up as I hope I showed, but once its right generally seems OK to me. And BTW I actually bought it too :) so my comments are not particularly biased. Thanks for watching.
Yes I thought so too - the quality was certainly there (as opposed to an up coming piece of gear weekend review which is very enlightening really) in this unit - but at the price it should be! I like FR too and being with Ibanez so long whats not to like really. Its just a bit awkward to install really but I still like it. Thanks for watching 29.0075 psi ;-)
@@tonymckenzieofficial Spectacular analysis of my screen name!! You are the first person, in 16+ years of me on TH-cam, to actually figure out my name! I am truly flattered! I really enjoy your content, and follow you regularly! Thanks for all you do Tony 🤘🤘🤘!!
Thank you Tony. I salute you my friend because the skills to comment especially when it comes the other party is well known trusted high quality top of the range and praising the inventor the master him self, but at the same time highlighting your own inputs especially with your valued respected experiences. Great video please keep the good work my friend bless you and very appreciated.👍🤘
As a fan of floating trems this FRX unit looks like the best way to upgrade an SG, in terms of apperance it improves the look of the guitar, and unless you were told, it could have been a factory fitted part until you look how far it is off the body. As with any floating trem, you need at least a full half day to get it right, and some long life strings. There is a right and wrong way to setup any floating trem, there are some special tools to help with the intonation and i strongly advise investing in them. From Thomann this one is listed at £305, which might seem a lot, but the price of genuine Ibanez replacements realy hurt your wallet. I tend to use Gotoh's on the Jem Jr's they are excellent replacements. Excellent demo at the end Tony, i hope you have many happy hours with this upgrade.
Yes I like the FRX, not so much re the install which could have been better with a bit more info but the match to the guitar I agree it does look pretty good. BTW from others in the UK that FRX was if I remember correctly over £370 so on this occasion Thomann was great for the price and great because of their 3 year warranty. I don't think any UK dealers that I could see came near. Thanks for the info on the Ibanez whammy - I never bought parts for mine, but worth knowing... thanks for watching too...
@@tonymckenzieofficial I am wary of buying a guitar from Thomann, but sometimes they are hard to beat on price. Hardware is a lot easier to return if there are any issues. The instructions for this Floyd were poor, it was a case of working out for yourself why it wasn't floating correctly. Replacing or fitting any bridge is down to experience, they often need a bit of tinkering to get them as you would like.
I have a 2012 Les Paul Traditional that would not stay in tune for longer than a half dozen bends. (Even after fitting some top shelf Kluson locking tuners). I sourced the FRX locking nut from this system and a '70's vintage TP6 fine tuning tail piece. Now I believe I have the most in-tune Gibson on the planet. The nut was a 5 minute job to install with only a couple of small screw holes in the head stock. I'm not a whammy user as I never used one that doesn't go out of whack almost straight away. (My Strat is permanently blocked). I don't think I can be sold on the whammy bar but I score their locking nut 11 out of 10, all thumbs up.
Thanks for the info... I wished they had reduced (or better still) moved the screws to under the truss rod cover but it is what it is. I also thought the screws are a little big and I used thinner and shorter ones that worked well too. Yes the installation of the nut was easy, but rather not so on the FRX itself I thought. Thanks for watching...
@@Thomasdgolden Agreed, With a bit of thought, they could have used the existing truss rod cover holes. I hated putting even these two small holes in, but the guitar was unusable. At least it didn't require the wholesale destruction of the head stock like all other locking nuts that I've seen.
@@Thomasdgolden The only reason that I went ahead with it, is that it's my guitar for playing. The holes and the re-sale value will be my future widow's problem ;)
Have re-subbed to the channel Tony. This video does a great service to players considering a purchase ( not me btw I am Telecasters thru and thru ) and your highlighting how instruction manuals can be useless is worth the viewing alone . Cool video Tony and well done.
Yes it seems to me that this tremolo has not been as successful as some others, and I never really saw much on it. But overall, I'm happy I bought it as it worked really well on that Epiphone SG. It's worth looking at... and thanks for watching.
Great video Tony, I think if your looking for a Floyd Rose for a Gibson this would be my choice your reviews are so in depth and all the tips and tricks you do are priceless Tony, thanks for all your time spent making these killer videos.
I appreciate your attention to detail and the knowledge you share with me regarding guitars and the musical products pertaining to them. I've already put the knowledge I've learned from you to good use. Now,🤭🤭 for reasons unknown to me??🤔Your accent, vocal timbre, speaking style and mannerisms.Your unique sense of humor combined with your gesturing nuances and the way you point out things you're specifically addressing and describing with your pointer stick.🤔 Well, I guess in trying to describe it, puts me into an induced state of combined tranquility, relaxation and attentiveness for lack of a better discription.🤔🤣 The result being something I can only describe as similar in the overall effect received to my mood and perception and feeling of general well being.🤔 As Compared to the similar effect millions of viewers recieved from that deceased, hippy, artist, painter guy who's program aired on Sunday mornings in the 1970's-80's. Who's teachings of various painting techniques and nuances had a relaxing, calming,tranquility type effect on everyone that watched his show. He was known for his relaxing voice timbre, his speaking,talking,speech mannerisms and style.God rest his soul..🤔🧐🤷💆💆🤤🧑🎨🪔🎨🖌️🎸🎸🌈🧘🧘💆💆🧘🧑🎨🖌️🎨🎸🎸🧘💆🥰🤣🤣💆🧘🎶🎸 That's where the similarities end though as the content he was teaching wasn't revelant to me personally like the knowledge your video's share. Thanks again, for all that you do and God Bless.
Johnathan what could I possibly say :) However, and strangely, I was a couple of mornings ago at about 4:30 AM (Jet lag or something like it) there I was watching that 'painter guy' and I was enthralled at just how incredible his technique was. It took him 5 mins to create a mountain range! Incredible to watch and I 'get it' re his attitude and mannerisms - like a friend showing me how to paint with a knife. I also learned that the company he had is still around and they are selling recordings of him so you can learn his technique. That is such a 'coincidence' its hard to believe but completely true. In any case, thanks for the kind words and that my videos are not wasted on guys that don't quite get from them what you do. And thanks for watching too.
This was very informative regarding installing this trem; I'm saving it.. But for me, having been an 80's metal player, you needed to do some Brad Gillis stuff: a deep dive-bomb, a harmonic pull-back scream, his tremolo trills, just to get a full awareness of what's possible with the trem. What you did was something akin to what Fender and Wilkinson (amongst others) users do (as long as their trems are set up properly). You really don't need a Floyd for what you demonstrated. No offense, but...yeah.
Ha no problem I understand, but I'm just me really :-) My style can use whammy bars and my 'fave' guitar is a RG550LTD and as you know has Floyd style on it. You're right the trem has to be set up correctly, and as much as anything I tried hard to show what I did. Mine works fine still. My regular playing style is more like this: th-cam.com/users/shortsM8j0oa6nWhE?si=tJzc2fJXAfHE5ypZ so while whammy plays a part, the wah pedal plays far more in to my playing style. But good point. Thanks for watching.
great explanation....my epi explorer will be getting one....your the first video I've seen that dumbs it down enough for me HAHAHAHA....seriously I appreciate taking the time to make this video
There were many guys either loving or disliking the FRX, but to be honest, if you like Floyd Rose trems then this one seemed good but a bit difficult to set up right - hence the video. Thanks for watching...
@@tonymckenzieofficial I own a kramer buretta special it's just what I'm looking for, and before the comments say I should have brought it's big brother with it fitted I actually love the guitar!!
I guess it's a great choice if you want a really usable trem bar and don't want to butch your guitar. The only difference I noticed is that fast vibrato when you release the bar abruptly or bump it. It doesn't sound like the real thing. But anyway, even taking 2 or 3 hours to set, it's great. Imagine routing your guitar.
Yes I agree it would not do the whammy warbling trick but that I think is because I have that little round black screw fitted to the whammy... I intend to look at that again and see if the screw changes things... well spotted :) No I would not like to even try to route a guitar - ha my attempts at that are not good! Thanks for the comments and for watching...
@@tonymckenzieofficial I don't know if warble trick is flutter, but this was very doable with my FRX with the black screw off. It's just that I needed to have the bridge installed relatively high off of the guitar. The lower, in my case, also considering the balance between front and back posts, and the more you said goodbye to the flutter. But tuning stability would begin evaporating. At least, this kept happening on my Edwards, a guitar with relatively straight neck angle. Ps: yes the round black screw also stops flutter.
I could not get the FRX to have low enough action with my Edwards Explorer (very little neck angle). It would just eventually get really tight, lose tuning stability, flutter would go away. Balancing the front posts with the ones on the back VERY carefully and I could get the action ok for most people. But even after extremely subtle tweaking it was still too high for what I wanted for the guitar, provided the neck relief I like, for it to function properly. Also, the knife edge metal seems soft as hell compared to my Schaller lockmeister. Maybe it is just the finish -- I can't tell for sure. I like the idea of the FRX, don't get me wrong. It could work better on other guitars. But overall, considering this isn't too cheap anyway, I'd rather go ahead and install a Schaller lockmeister, I think. Just feels more stable for me when installed right. Ah, and also there were issues with the locking nut, in my case. I had to make a shim for it. But then the locking nut would move a little, get stuck, and cause tuning issues. Eventually I used an extra screw to hold it in place. 3rd one. Worked. Fun part: it also worked ok just floating lol. No need to actually drill. Yes, it moved back and forth, but as long as it was floating, it would return to the original position just right. Of course, the original guitar nut was cut well -- or else you could have issues with strings binding there.
Hi Demetris - great points you raised and I liked the 'floating locking :) ha. I considered super glue (just a spot) but in the end used small screws that seem fine. Your post includes a lot of very useful stuff and from a user is pretty priceless which is what I like to see - I'm not perfect and my opinion is only an opinion. So thanks for taking the time to watch it and comment... really apreciated.
Will it go out of tune with the locking nut engaged or disengaged if a string breaks? At some point at the beginning of the video you pulled up on the bar and there was a loud metalic type sound. Was this from a piece of the unit hitting the guitar surface or hitting upon itself? Can this sound be eliminated from occurring?
On the noise probably hitting the stop - in reality this is a very good tremolo. I never broke a string so truthfully I can't answer it, but it could be set up so that it does not go out of tune if thats what you wanted... the adjuster can handle a lot of ways when using the trem for sure. Thanks for watching.
@tonymckenziecom Thanks for answering. Wish I could find out if it stays in tune with and without the locking nut. I don't like locking nuts for the reasons that you showed and because of inconvenience. I'm more apt to utilize a self lubricated nut with locking tuners. Thus the string break tuning question. Hey! Cut a string with and without the locking nut engaged and find out.😃 After all, what do you do duing a living performance if you don't know what will happen? How do you eliminate that metalic stop bar whack on pull-up?
You added a shim under the string lock at the nut looks like…. I did that too…. Very informative thanks… Mine has been on my explorer for months now…. I never had it adjusted to float…. Mine was about 1/4” off the body so I’m raising it now to check it out…. The center Allen screw at the very back was dead center though even at the lower height
No I did not add a shim... it would have been on here if I had, but great point. What I would say re the 1/2 inch is to look at that photo on the video I took - it shows the bridge actually - as I did not measure the exact height... my guess 1/2 inch but could have been 3/8 for example.... but it was not 1/4 on my guitar. When mine was too low I got that bumping of the components and the travel was severely reduced. If the Allen screw is centered then you're in a good place I think... thanks for posting your experience with the FRX - all good info... and thanks for watching.
ive bought this unit and love it when it works. but i have had the leaf spring break on me 3 times already. it lasts about a week and it always cracks at the weak point and stops holding tune. super frustrating...
About the same price as fitting a Bigsby & Vibramate but has the advantage of a locking bridge and locking the strings at the nut for better tuning stability than the Bigsby.
Hi mate , nice nice vid. I saw a pair mounted on a U2 and one on an LP before your review , I have to say esthetically fits much prettier on an SG. Just out of curiosity , is this version of yours metric version?
That's a great point! And not even one I considered... drat! :) but your point intrigued me so I went back to Thomann and checked... scarily they don't even mention it. However, if you relate to the two fulcrum pins (metric or otherwise) they do include some for Epiphone and for genuine Gibson USA. So for the threads its all good. For anything else re questions of spacing etc... no answer. If you do find the answer that could be a a great post.... and thanks for watching.
Looking to get just the FRX nut and a roller bridge for my 2022 Epiphone LP Custom. I know they make 2 different models for different headstock angles. Any issues with tuning super sharp after locking the nut down?
Watt aboot intonation? i removed the "intonation" screws like on a normal floyd rose but those dont actually hold anything in place it looks like they just welded ALL of the saddles together to be stuck on that position, its absurd, what if you have different gauge strings, help my guitar is now useless because of this
Gibson's have a notorious neck break angle- does this play into the design of this thing? I've got one still in the box that I'm doing a full guitar build with, but I'm curious if I will need to create a neck break angle in order for this to work, seeing how these things are touted as being a replacement for Les Paul's and such.
Well some will say it could I guess. I think looking after your guitar negates that - I never broke a neck on ANY guitar although I know how its done for sure. If you listen to the video about that I did NOT do what they said, but rather considered the possible weaker neck and took a slightly different route. It does work for me so I do think their fastening at the top of the neck is a bit heavier than it needs to be. Good point and thanks for watching.
Actually I do like the FRS - but I never could really 'get it' from the videos I watched so I just bought it. Glad I did really, but some might not get on with it. In any case thanks for watching.
That's true it CAN be removed. I tried that but the reality (for me) was that the slightest hand resting on the tremolo caused out of tune results. IMO that's the real reason the screw exists. I DID show it in the video with a very clear photo of that screw but to be honest removing it might then cause me to buy one of these: super-vee.com/products/essentials/mag-lok-anti-deflection-device which at $60 (or £60 near enough) ha I will keep the screw. Good point I did not say the unit could be 'fully floating' by removing that screw, but the 'fully floating' aspect is actually covered by the knurled screw - this round headed screw looks after (IMO) stability back to a sort of focused point of the tremolo. But great point - and thanks for pointing that out... and for watching of course.
Great video except you missed a ton of details... My first issue with this POS is the fact that the only installation and/or mentions anywhere are on flat top guitars and nothing for arched tops...like Les Paul style. You talked about the spring tension rod has to me centered in the back hole but you didn't say how to make that happen if it isn't. In fact, there's no talk any this anywhere. Intonation: how does intonation work when the saddles can't be moved forward anymore? For true setups, shouldn't you have set neck first before doing any final adjustments on this garbage from FR? Again, love your video, just too many things not discussed which may have helped my installation which still isn't done. Thanks
this is really a review and to be fair to it, not a fully detailed installation tutor. I showed info about how I went on with the FRX. I had no issues with saddles not being able to move forward any more, I did discuss the height of the FRX off the surface of the guitar in question, that helps with the correct centering of the bolt from what I saw. I showed a 'flat top' guitar as that was what I was installing on to. I get the points of course, but for me it's impossible to be an all inclusive training video, rather than an independent closeup review of the FRX whammy. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for making this video. Also my number one question is do you need F spaced or trembuckers to use this product or does FRX match up with standard pickup pole spacing?
The F spaced pickups have not always been around, but the Floyd Rose stuff has... so IMO I don't think it really matters for the FRX... in fact I did not even consider that aspect when I bought it! Hope it helps... and thanks for watching.
Hey there, Tony!!! Awesome video but I've run into a major problem. I had Sweetwater install one of these on my Epiphone Les Paul Custom (I didn't feel confident doing it myself). It worked great for about a week, and then one day, when I depressed the bar (not even all the way), the whole unit ripped out of the guitar, bridge posts, and all. I'm going hysterical because I don't know what to do to fix this and prevent it from happening again. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Well if I had paid for the installation - honestly I would take it back IMMEDIATELY and ask them to fix it. Mine here is still fine and I do use the unit a lot. If the posts have lifted I'm sure they can fix that probably easy enough so please do take it to them... Thanks for the info because noting any problems is a really good thing...
@@tonymckenzieofficial that is awesome I have a Jackson with 1984 Floyd original 💯 so I’m a big fan so Floyd if I ever get a ax like that I would get one
It's a good point... and I did question the screws too. Eventually I used smaller screws and they don't concern me. Locking tuners will help dramatically I agree, but also bear in mind that the string lock is provided in the kit so lockers are another cost on top of an already pretty expensive piece of gear. I also considered something like superglue instead of the screws which might well work... thanks for the point Mitchell and of course for watching too.
My friend just installed one of these on his Les Paul. He had a similar experience to yours, Tony. Much frustration and head scratching. He is an experienced Floyd user. But he believes the device will not last more than a few years. I wonder what the base plate is made out of?
Interesting. On the SG it seems to be fine, but there again I'm not using it for hours per day and in that circumstance honestly I would not really like to say. It does take a bit of fitting - but once you grasp it then it works fine I think. Not sure of the base material. But thanks for the post and about his experience - useful info. And thanks for watching.
i have one of these and i really hate it, first off it's zero point is never where it should be and throwing it out of tune, and second of all the action (i have an sg with a 5 ply full batwing pickguard) is a mile high at it's lowest (any lower an the the spring pole that counters that string's tension will dig into the pickguard, believe me, it already happened) im considering either getting another guitar with a full fledged floyd, getting a thinner pickguard, or getting a piece of mahogany to fill in the route between the humbuckers and getting a half wing pickguard, and that's just solving the second issue.
On that 'round headed screw' you can adjust that (very carefully) to get the correct zero point - I did it... but on the guitars with pick guiards etc. I agree it could be fun especially if you dont take some sort of action (like I did) to mod the pick guard. There is only so much adjustment on the front screws and also if you don't use those nylon stickers on the guitar it will leave an indent I agree. I would grab another pick guard that you don't mind modifying a bit and also use those nylon protectors. This FRX can be really good - but the getting to the point where it is could be problematic on some guitars I agree. My own installation was not easy, but the result is very good on mine. Because you bought one I would percevere a bit more and I'm sure you'll get there. Thanks for the post as it also shows another side of the problems you can get with the FRX and that will help many guys... and thanks for watching.
Sorry I haven't dropped by in a while. I just noticed I'm subscribed to nearly 400 channels. I was looking through them & saw the dot. I agree about the string lock at the nut, but it beats the one's requiring drilling holes through the neck, IMO. Good to see another honest review. Stay safe Tony, Gil (My true Identity when not fighting the forces of evil, in the seemy, dangerous, underbelly, of Wichita KS) I did get a commission today, I've been asked to do some Country & Western songs for a documentary. My God, the last time I wrote a Country song was 1986, when my step dad/dad died. He loved C&W & though he didn't admit it in public, the Blues. Wish me luck, hopefully I've not bitten off more than I can chew. I did tell them, the Country music I know, was OLDER stuff, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, etc. He said "That's fine>"As usual I leave my verbose statements, LOL.
No problem and good to see you. Good point against the bolts like Ibanez for the locking. Now then, I sincerely wish I could do that stuff... country and western... I watch guys like that in amazement and when it comes to the likes of Danny Gatton I watch and wonder... I could never do it as I can't fixate (as surely I would have to) long enough to do it. Hope its not too hot there in Kansas :) at least you guys have cooling - we went through about 40 degrees last tuesday without cooling... incredibly hot and I was making a review for week end... swealtering. In any case sounds a good 'gig' if ever there was one! Best of luck on it and sincerely let me know how it all goes... regards...
@@tonymckenzieofficial tbh Country music was never on my radar. But I learned some tunes by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Sr, etc so I could play in the house. Honestly I think my parents just wanted to hear the music they enjoyed. I was a decent singer then as well. You're so right about Danny Hatton, & those other Country guitar players, some are absolute monsters. Sadly I'm not one. I suppose now as I'm such an old fart, I should look at it as a business. I've got a co-writer (who's an absolute knock out btw) who's a lady from the back woods of Tennessee, even though she's actually a metal head, she likes Country too.(imagine that). Any Tony, wish me luck, it'll be basic, but sometimes those are the songs that last, it seems. (One of the 1st tunes I learned was "House of the Rising Sun" lol had to work to get that F chord to ring true.😂😂😂didn't know a thing about Barre chords. My buddy had a cheat he used. Lol) I'll let you go, I've got some lyrics to sort out. (Guess it is a business after all) Hope you & your family are well. Gil
Very first video in detail about this Floyd Rose FRX,I have the same one with the same finish it’s been 2 years officially.I’ve installed it on my Gibson/Chibson(Made by the epiphone guys) Les Paul Custom Florentine and I’ve equipped it with EMG Marty Friedman Signature pickups in Gold as well with Gold Sperzel Locking EZ Mount locking tuners in a Purple/Pink burst.And I agree the video was pretty informative and but lacked details for us DIY’s.And for $325 that it cost me to be made in Korea is pretty insulting.High quality nonetheless, however it should be milled in Germany for the price. P.S. If you remove the Nylon Ball adjustable screw by the big screw that deactivates “floating mode”,if that nylon ball screw is adjusted or fully removed will determine how well your Bar “Trill” sound sensitivity and can sound more noticeable or less prominent. #BUFFALO #NEWYORK
I like this whammy and while it was a bit 'awkward' to fit, it works pretty brilliantly on my SG Epiphone - I still have it and have no plans to get rid any time soon. Your guitar and experience is useful to post too. Yes the original vid by Mr Rose somehow did not quite get it over to me but I got there in the end anyway. Good point on the ball and the 'trill' effect too. It was expensive, and I really had little to judge it buy before the purchase in my case, I guess there is info but I never found it. In any case I think its a pretty cool device and can recommend it no problem any you did too really :) Thanks for the post and for watching... appreciated.
My personal sorrow is with a Floyd Trem factory installed on a Japanese Stat.I typically put the heel of my palm on the bridge to use as a pivot point while picking. This pressure naturally changes the pitch on the guitar since I am pressing on the trem to a degree. Help! Is there anything that could be retrofitted to the two posts on the bridge that could provide a landing zone for my hand without affecting the position of the floating trem?
That small round headed screw (on my bridge) stops that from being a problem from what I see. If you are talking about regular Floyd Rose, then you might look for a tremolo stabilizer - those generally fit around where the strings are - check out this: super-vee.com/products/essentials/mag-lok-anti-deflection-device and hope it helps. Thanks.
I don't know if you're still looking for a solution, but I would either block the trem for dive only, or install a trem stabiliser, which is an adjustable spring piston thing that sits against the front of the trem block and counteracts the springs. It forces the trem to have a zero point, so it won't go out of tune, and it will resist the pressure from your hand. It will also help if you break a string or want to drop tune, if your fine tuners have enough range for drop tuning, which mine do on my Japanese strat with a factory Gotoh GE1996T trem.
I'll just point out Steve Vai has always used trem stabilisers in his guitars, and EVH always had his decked for dive only. Full floating trems are a nightmare.
I want an FRX for an left handed Epiphone SG I have, but they cost too much. By the way, that was sick 80's style playing at the end. Reminds me of a movie sound track, Fright Night.
I moved the strap post to the underside of the top horn... fixed 98% of the neck weight problem... video here: th-cam.com/video/aM4en-hmVSE/w-d-xo.html might be useful... and thanks for watching.
The locking nut I think would be better... look carefully and you might even get away with a bit of superglue that could be covered by the original cover if you remove the locking nut... Thanks...
Good point, but I did not want to start messing around with the nut on the guitar and it all can easily be reversed if necessary on this one - but good point and thanks for posting it - and for watching.
The time it took u sounds about right on what your doing, so many unforseen things to go not as planned ha ha ha😯.your pretty good for the time it took you.hay you should have a Floyd rose challenge hows the fastest.
Yes lots to spend time with. But it was worth it really. Whose the fastest? Certainly not me... I have an up coming review that took days as you will see some time this weekend... a guitar that most people disliked? But is it really different than they all said? Watch for it... and thanks.
Probably you can with this whammy. I don't see a reason not to if you want a whammy bar. Thanks for watching and do let me know if you do it and whether its good for you.
I think the tone remained the same (or very near), but the tone on that guitar 'stepped up' when I removed the original pickups... and the guitar is slowly turning in to a speed monster :) Maybe not best for Country & Western :). It did take some setting up though. Thanks for watching.
I get that... but check other reviewers and also reviews that I create that are subsequent that I use the particular guitar on.... and thanks for watching.
Wow, that's a lot of faffing about! I had a couple of Charvels with whammy bars about the mid eighties. I just got tired of the style of playing that required them and sold the things, opting for Les Pauls instead - starting with a Junior. I've not touched a whammy bar in 35 years and despite the obvious quality of this item it's never going to happen. Terrific video though!
I like the Goth or Steampunk look of it. Would have been cool if you'd depressed the arm with the unit upside down so we could observe the mechanics in motion.
Good point of course and I try and not script things so sometimes I forget particular aspects like that. I like its look on the SG - some can't get on with it but I used the guitar last night in another video at the end comparing another guitar with the SG and this and I can tell you that the SG shown here and its tremolo was incredibly better than the one in the review (coming weekend and look for a review of a guitar eveyone says is s***). Watch for it. Thanks.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I go for a subtle vibrato myself. I don't care for the new Bigsbys that have that tension bar. All my Strats are set to float. The string to spring pressure is balanced. I like the pitch to warble both ways.
Maybe not... it might be possible but honestly that needs checking with the maker. IMO probably not though because of the fulcrum pegs... Great question and thanks for watching.
I love the ibanez guitars (in fact my best playable one is just a £500 used guitar - RG550LTD with modified pickups) but on this SG I wanted a whammy and looking around not so many out there that needed no real mods. Thanks for watcing John...
Own three. Love all. Full floating, no flat top screw stop, no ball head. If you aren't set up inclined pass the job on. You can hit road blocks, but if you love the floyd as I do, you'll take up the challenge, & master your personal preferences.
Thomas - exactly right :) and thanks for watching.
I have a question, is the installation of a d tuna in this kind of Floyd roses possible? Cause im planning for a Floyd rose upgrade on my ltd!
Your tip for making sure the bridge is 1/2” off the body was the cure for my FRX! I was having some trouble and that cured it!!
Yes I was too, but once you get there they work great. Thanks...
The most in-depth review of this product I've seen.
Very kind. I was interested in one but never really found much in depth stuff - so like many things I review I bought one and did my own. Thanks for watching.
The pick guard is not lost. Re-work your notch, which is a reverse curve to the original curvature, so that it starts lower and arcs gracefully to the bottom of the bridge pup. Showing a bit more of the body around the screw. Copy the corner points on the guard to your starting angle, as you plunge into the edge of the guard. Then bevel the edge to show the BWBW. Custom shop looks! Thanks for the tutorial Tony. As always, I learned something good today.
Good answer on the pick guard. I won't do it myself, but it's a very useful point and I'm sure some guys will do that. A very interesting tremolo and it certainly works for me. Thanks for watching.
The screw on the trussrod cover on a Gibson are NOT in the same place as they are on a epiphone and the reason Floyd used the 2 screws on the side instead of screwing through the truss rod cover is to A ensure the nut was held in place on both sides not just in the middle and B so if you need to make a truss rod adjustment you don't have to take the nut off (unscrewing the fasteners that hold the nut in place even under string tension could allow the nut to move) it literally took me 15 minutes to install and set one of these up on my Les Paul using just knowledge from experience working on guitars and from watching Floyds installation video on the FRX I mean no offense, I'm just voicing my own personal experience with this bridge. One thing that helps with the installation is before you remove anything measure your string height at the bridge on both E strings (and write it down) I used that same measurement for the post height on the front and back and had no problems.
No its a good point. I was really voicing an opinion that 'maybe' using something like the Gibson holes might have been better in preserving the headstock and that the provided screws were in my opinion a little big. Clearly other guitars need to use the screws too and they would be out of line but screwing in to say a $4k guitar reduces somewhat the number of customers that actually would do that... me included. It's good feedback and I 'get it' OK but I could think of a number of options that would work for 'most' guitars rather than just a fixed and not really compatible with ANY truss rod cover screws. Thanks for the post and for watching...
Something you don’t see too often: gold hardware on a black Epi SG Custom. Really love that combination!
Yeah me too :)
You don't see gold on black often because it is probably considered by many to be gaudy.
Thanks for your help Tony. This guide made the whole process a breeze! It's a real pro tip to screw the bolts in after placing the FRX and it worked perfectly on my Firebird!
Great to know you did it OK - these can be a bit picky to install but mine is still going strong and likely yours will too. Thanks for watching and if the video helped its exactly why its here...
Such a deep dive!!! I nearly got the bends coming back up to the surface!! Thanks, as always for your excellent videos, and stay cool - the next few days will be stifling.
:) Ha classic... I had wanted to look at one of these for a while but never got to it... then I was in it up to the neck! (or was it bridge) :) - anyway seemed like a plan so I bought one. Thanks for watching.
Am not going after this product anywhere in the near future.. But I love how this entire episode went.. Learned so much.. Everything sounded like a NatGeo special.. It was as if David Attenborough himself is teaching us the ropes.. And the final music demo? Fantastic! Thank you for putting this up here.. More power! ❤️
Ha what a very nice comment... greatly appreciated I might add. Thanks for watching.
This was a great in depth overview! I’ve been using it fitted to an SG for over 2 years now and overall it’s pretty good however it has one design flaw I haven’t seen anyone discussing, the placement of that thumb screw. Because my palm rests over that screw, when I’m playing for long hours or doing some palm muting it gets sweaty and will slip loose. If you’re setting the screw to block pulling back if the screw gets sweaty and comes loose the rest angle will change and you’re tuning is suddenly sharp. However not everyone will have this problem but it’s something I wanted to point out in case anyone is having a similar phenomenon.
Good point - not one I have seen myself, but I get it... and thanks for posting that. - and for watching.
I so nearly bought one of these, but the other videos on TH-cam put me off. I the end I bought a Les Trem 2 which took 10 mins to install. Great video from you. Thanks for your honestly. Keep em coming…….
Hi Raymond - exactly like me... and I thought, can they all be wrong? or maybe it was junk... I had to find out myself and at the £305 Thomann wanted I bit the bullet. For me this bridge does work well on the Epiphone SG Custom and so I don't really regret it. The problems with many reviews are that they seem either totally against a product or totally for a product because they were often given it... sometimes a general bias. I have NOT tried the Les Trem 2 but you should post here what you think about that one, the good, the bad and even the ugly :) it always helps other guys to get good info especially from real owners of the gear. And thanks for this info and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Regarding the Les trem 2, I have a Yamaha Revstar with humbuckers. I really don’t like the look of Bigsby trems so that version of Revstar was a big no no. So I watched a few videos on the Les trem 2 from Duesenberg. Trem was around £100 so it wasn’t going to hurt too much. It literally took as long as it takes to change a set of strings to fit. Has similar feel to a Bigsby, but looks more elegant and simple. No drilling of holes. Uses the tail stop holes and imperial and metric fittings are provided. I’m enjoying it so far. Only con is that my access to volume knob isn’t quite as immediate.
Excellent video. Very very interesting and informative. I understand more the Floyd Rose FRX.
The only thing I regret from Floyd Rose company is that this Floyd Rose is only with the Standard Floyd Rose tremolo of the beginning.
In my side I use Floyd Rose Pro for my 2 guitars and if I would set up a FRX tremolo it would be with the Floyd Rose Pro because I don't like to have the head of tuning screws inside my hand when I play.
That the reason I am disappointed that the FRX tremolo is only with the STANDARD Floyd Rose tremolo.
Anyway, tony did the job to inform all musicians with this hardware product.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Phil from Dunkirk
Thanks for the info you posted Phil... interesting and I get that point. Thanks fr watching - I wanted to really look at the FRX it was interesting to say the least...
Thank you for the upload. Your delivery is tremendously good for my English listening and learning.
Ha my English is a sort of funny dialect really... all related to the area where I live... and thanks for watching.
I had this unit on my black LP. I wound up putting a bigsby back on it. Suggestion for those buying the unit…….if you put the locking nut in, two small screws go into your headstock. When removing the locking nut, beware…….those two screws will need to be filled.
Hi Tommy... yes I was concerned about the string lock part with the screws. So why did you put the Bigsby back on the guitar? Tuning? or something else?
@@tonymckenzieofficial Why did I remove it? Well, frankly it worked fine. I just didn’t dig the look. It’s huge.
Plus I hate having to go through all the BS changing strings.
On bigsbys, it’s just rounding a ball end and done.
Yes... That's the only thing that kept me from getting one...
On top of that I don't divebomb like a raving maniac like I used to ( only a few times here and there 😁😁 )
so the Stetsbar systems are smooth and stable enough for me, whether I installed them on my Gibsons/ Epiphones or my Teles or whatever...
They really don't need any extra "help" to work but adding a tusq nut and locking tuners make them even more stable than they already are...
Without the hassle of locking nuts...
@@jeromewagschal9485 I have a bigsby on it now. Bone nut. Works great. I wound up just buying a PRS S2 with a PRS trem. WoW.
That guitar work at the end of this video is so damn atmospheric, so enjoyable to listen to. Great video Tony. Heard some Pink Floyd in there and just some kick ass jamming too.
Glad you liked it... it was not really my best by a long way but its just a demo... in any case appreciated and thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial i couldn't resist jamming with you at the and of the video, u sir are such an amazing guitar player
Have them on numerous guitars and once set up and dialed in sound and feel great.
Thanks for the post and your experience with the FRX... great to know it works for you - works for me too! Thanks for watching.
I'm looking to order one of these for my Tokai les paul. My luthier just finished installing one on a Flying V and he said it was one of his favorite tremolos he's ever used and everything worked perfectly.
I tried a bigsby on my LP and absolutely hated it. This looks like the real solution.
Its substantially different than a bigsby. Takes a bit of setting up as I hope I showed, but once its right generally seems OK to me. And BTW I actually bought it too :) so my comments are not particularly biased. Thanks for watching.
What a great piece of engineering!! Gorgeous gold color too! Excellent installation video. I do like the feel on my palm of the Floyd Roses... 🤘
Yes I thought so too - the quality was certainly there (as opposed to an up coming piece of gear weekend review which is very enlightening really) in this unit - but at the price it should be! I like FR too and being with Ibanez so long whats not to like really. Its just a bit awkward to install really but I still like it. Thanks for watching 29.0075 psi ;-)
@@tonymckenzieofficial Spectacular analysis of my screen name!! You are the first person, in 16+ years of me on TH-cam, to actually figure out my name! I am truly flattered! I really enjoy your content, and follow you regularly! Thanks for all you do Tony 🤘🤘🤘!!
Incredible tutorial/review!!
Thanks so much! and for watching of course...
Thank you Tony. I salute you my friend because the skills to comment especially when it comes the other party is well known trusted high quality top of the range and praising the inventor the master him self, but at the same time highlighting your own inputs especially with your valued respected experiences. Great video please keep the good work my friend bless you and very appreciated.👍🤘
I appreciate that you came and watched the video and posted a comment that highlights your opinions... good stuff and thanks.
Great suped up SG. An SG that even EVH would dig. Very groovy.
Glad you liked it... I do too :) and thanks for watching
1) I like you 2) Love how you take your time and share 3) Have the satin FRX on a Eastman is its AWESOME!
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing about your FRX - they are great... and thanks for watching.
Nothing like Floyd Rose....They just work... period..😎 Nice picking and Tremolo work.... Great video as always....
This one was very good and still on the guitar :) Thanks for watching.
As a fan of floating trems this FRX unit looks like the best way to upgrade an SG, in terms of apperance it improves the
look of the guitar, and unless you were told, it could have been a factory fitted part until you look how far it is off the
body.
As with any floating trem, you need at least a full half day to get it right, and some long life strings.
There is a right and wrong way to setup any floating trem, there are some special tools to help with the intonation and i
strongly advise investing in them.
From Thomann this one is listed at £305, which might seem a lot, but the price of genuine Ibanez replacements realy hurt your wallet.
I tend to use Gotoh's on the Jem Jr's they are excellent replacements.
Excellent demo at the end Tony, i hope you have many happy hours with this upgrade.
Yes I like the FRX, not so much re the install which could have been better with a bit more info but the match to the guitar I agree it does look pretty good. BTW from others in the UK that FRX was if I remember correctly over £370 so on this occasion Thomann was great for the price and great because of their 3 year warranty. I don't think any UK dealers that I could see came near. Thanks for the info on the Ibanez whammy - I never bought parts for mine, but worth knowing... thanks for watching too...
@@tonymckenzieofficial I am wary of buying a guitar from Thomann, but sometimes they are hard to beat on price.
Hardware is a lot easier to return if there are any issues.
The instructions for this Floyd were poor, it was a case of working out for yourself why it wasn't floating correctly.
Replacing or fitting any bridge is down to experience, they often need a bit of tinkering to get them as you would like.
Awesome Review & Demo. I can Always Trust your Strong Detailed Insight. 💪
Thank you Mr: Tony McKenzie. 😁
My pleasure! and thanks for watching.
Awesome review Tony and love your SG,your playing is great the floyd sounds perfect,Cheers!
Thank you kindly! Glad you liked it all... and thanks for watching.
I have a 2012 Les Paul Traditional that would not stay in tune for longer than a half dozen bends. (Even after fitting some top shelf Kluson locking tuners). I sourced the FRX locking nut from this system and a '70's vintage TP6 fine tuning tail piece. Now I believe I have the most in-tune Gibson on the planet. The nut was a 5 minute job to install with only a couple of small screw holes in the head stock. I'm not a whammy user as I never used one that doesn't go out of whack almost straight away. (My Strat is permanently blocked). I don't think I can be sold on the whammy bar but I score their locking nut 11 out of 10, all thumbs up.
Thanks for the info... I wished they had reduced (or better still) moved the screws to under the truss rod cover but it is what it is. I also thought the screws are a little big and I used thinner and shorter ones that worked well too. Yes the installation of the nut was easy, but rather not so on the FRX itself I thought. Thanks for watching...
@@tonymckenzieofficial The screw locations suck.
@@Thomasdgolden Agreed, With a bit of thought, they could have used the existing truss rod cover holes. I hated putting even these two small holes in, but the guitar was unusable. At least it didn't require the wholesale destruction of the head stock like all other locking nuts that I've seen.
@@wetcat833 Yea. And if the hole filling and paint job repair isn’t perfect, it could look like a shit headstock repair.
Bad, bad design.
@@Thomasdgolden The only reason that I went ahead with it, is that it's my guitar for playing. The holes and the re-sale value will be my future widow's problem ;)
Have re-subbed to the channel Tony. This video does a great service to players considering a purchase ( not me btw I am Telecasters thru and thru ) and your highlighting how instruction manuals can be useless is worth the viewing alone . Cool video Tony and well done.
Well thanks James for that - its appreciated greatly from all guys that subscribe...
Interesting product that I'd never heard about until this video. I do have a couple intstruments that might ....might benefit from this! Thanks
Yes it seems to me that this tremolo has not been as successful as some others, and I never really saw much on it. But overall, I'm happy I bought it as it worked really well on that Epiphone SG. It's worth looking at... and thanks for watching.
Awesome video Tony... Love your Style brother!!!
Thanks for taking the time to post these kind words and for watching. A very useful tremolo!
Great video Tony, I think if your looking for a Floyd Rose for a Gibson this would be my choice your reviews are so in depth and all the tips and tricks you do are priceless Tony, thanks for all your time spent making these killer videos.
Ricky, really appreciated and thanks for watching.
I appreciate your attention to detail and the knowledge you share with me regarding guitars and the musical products pertaining to them. I've already put the knowledge I've learned from you to good use. Now,🤭🤭 for reasons unknown to me??🤔Your accent, vocal timbre, speaking style and mannerisms.Your unique sense of humor combined with your gesturing nuances and the way you point out things you're specifically addressing and describing with your pointer stick.🤔 Well, I guess in trying to describe it, puts me into an induced state of combined tranquility, relaxation and attentiveness for lack of a better discription.🤔🤣 The result being something I can only describe as similar in the overall effect received to my mood and perception and feeling of general well being.🤔 As Compared to the similar effect millions of viewers recieved from that deceased, hippy, artist, painter guy who's program aired on Sunday mornings in the 1970's-80's. Who's teachings of various painting techniques and nuances had a relaxing, calming,tranquility type effect on everyone that watched his show. He was known for his relaxing voice timbre, his speaking,talking,speech mannerisms and style.God rest his soul..🤔🧐🤷💆💆🤤🧑🎨🪔🎨🖌️🎸🎸🌈🧘🧘💆💆🧘🧑🎨🖌️🎨🎸🎸🧘💆🥰🤣🤣💆🧘🎶🎸
That's where the similarities end though as the content he was teaching wasn't revelant to me personally like the knowledge your video's share. Thanks again, for all that you do and God Bless.
Johnathan what could I possibly say :) However, and strangely, I was a couple of mornings ago at about 4:30 AM (Jet lag or something like it) there I was watching that 'painter guy' and I was enthralled at just how incredible his technique was. It took him 5 mins to create a mountain range! Incredible to watch and I 'get it' re his attitude and mannerisms - like a friend showing me how to paint with a knife. I also learned that the company he had is still around and they are selling recordings of him so you can learn his technique. That is such a 'coincidence' its hard to believe but completely true. In any case, thanks for the kind words and that my videos are not wasted on guys that don't quite get from them what you do. And thanks for watching too.
Quality Review. Great Content.
Much appreciated!
This was very informative regarding installing this trem; I'm saving it.. But for me, having been an 80's metal player, you needed to do some Brad Gillis stuff: a deep dive-bomb, a harmonic pull-back scream, his tremolo trills, just to get a full awareness of what's possible with the trem. What you did was something akin to what Fender and Wilkinson (amongst others) users do (as long as their trems are set up properly). You really don't need a Floyd for what you demonstrated. No offense, but...yeah.
Ha no problem I understand, but I'm just me really :-) My style can use whammy bars and my 'fave' guitar is a RG550LTD and as you know has Floyd style on it. You're right the trem has to be set up correctly, and as much as anything I tried hard to show what I did. Mine works fine still. My regular playing style is more like this: th-cam.com/users/shortsM8j0oa6nWhE?si=tJzc2fJXAfHE5ypZ so while whammy plays a part, the wah pedal plays far more in to my playing style. But good point. Thanks for watching.
great explanation....my epi explorer will be getting one....your the first video I've seen that dumbs it down enough for me HAHAHAHA....seriously I appreciate taking the time to make this video
Glad I could help! I too wanted to see one of these as it really is... and thanks for watching.
Looks excellent
It works very well... and thanks for watching.
Fitted to nothing my Tokai LP Custom and LP Pink Paisley. These things rock!
Agreed! Thanks...
Enjoyed that one Tony cheers.
There were many guys either loving or disliking the FRX, but to be honest, if you like Floyd Rose trems then this one seemed good but a bit difficult to set up right - hence the video. Thanks for watching...
@@tonymckenzieofficial I own a kramer buretta special it's just what I'm looking for, and before the comments say I should have brought it's big brother with it fitted I actually love the guitar!!
I guess it's a great choice if you want a really usable trem bar and don't want to butch your guitar. The only difference I noticed is that fast vibrato when you release the bar abruptly or bump it. It doesn't sound like the real thing. But anyway, even taking 2 or 3 hours to set, it's great. Imagine routing your guitar.
Yes I agree it would not do the whammy warbling trick but that I think is because I have that little round black screw fitted to the whammy... I intend to look at that again and see if the screw changes things... well spotted :) No I would not like to even try to route a guitar - ha my attempts at that are not good! Thanks for the comments and for watching...
@@tonymckenzieofficial I don't know if warble trick is flutter, but this was very doable with my FRX with the black screw off.
It's just that I needed to have the bridge installed relatively high off of the guitar. The lower, in my case, also considering the balance between front and back posts, and the more you said goodbye to the flutter. But tuning stability would begin evaporating.
At least, this kept happening on my Edwards, a guitar with relatively straight neck angle.
Ps: yes the round black screw also stops flutter.
I could not get the FRX to have low enough action with my Edwards Explorer (very little neck angle).
It would just eventually get really tight, lose tuning stability, flutter would go away. Balancing the front posts with the ones on the back VERY carefully and I could get the action ok for most people. But even after extremely subtle tweaking it was still too high for what I wanted for the guitar, provided the neck relief I like, for it to function properly.
Also, the knife edge metal seems soft as hell compared to my Schaller lockmeister. Maybe it is just the finish -- I can't tell for sure.
I like the idea of the FRX, don't get me wrong. It could work better on other guitars.
But overall, considering this isn't too cheap anyway, I'd rather go ahead and install a Schaller lockmeister, I think. Just feels more stable for me when installed right.
Ah, and also there were issues with the locking nut, in my case. I had to make a shim for it. But then the locking nut would move a little, get stuck, and cause tuning issues. Eventually I used an extra screw to hold it in place. 3rd one. Worked.
Fun part: it also worked ok just floating lol. No need to actually drill. Yes, it moved back and forth, but as long as it was floating, it would return to the original position just right. Of course, the original guitar nut was cut well -- or else you could have issues with strings binding there.
Hi Demetris - great points you raised and I liked the 'floating locking :) ha. I considered super glue (just a spot) but in the end used small screws that seem fine. Your post includes a lot of very useful stuff and from a user is pretty priceless which is what I like to see - I'm not perfect and my opinion is only an opinion. So thanks for taking the time to watch it and comment... really apreciated.
Great video thanks!
Glad you liked it! and thanks for watching.
Will it go out of tune with the locking nut engaged or disengaged if a string breaks?
At some point at the beginning of the video you pulled up on the bar and there was a loud metalic type sound.
Was this from a piece of the unit hitting the guitar surface or hitting upon itself?
Can this sound be eliminated from occurring?
On the noise probably hitting the stop - in reality this is a very good tremolo. I never broke a string so truthfully I can't answer it, but it could be set up so that it does not go out of tune if thats what you wanted... the adjuster can handle a lot of ways when using the trem for sure. Thanks for watching.
@tonymckenziecom
Thanks for answering.
Wish I could find out if it stays in tune with and without the locking nut.
I don't like locking nuts for the reasons that you showed and because of inconvenience.
I'm more apt to utilize a self lubricated nut with locking tuners. Thus the string break tuning question.
Hey! Cut a string with and without the locking nut engaged and find out.😃
After all, what do you do duing a living performance if you don't know what will happen?
How do you eliminate that metalic stop bar whack on pull-up?
I like this goold old guy. These guys are much more demanding, than the younger generation(s)
Ah the old guy... whose he :)
@@tonymckenzieofficial My english is poor sorry. But take it easy, i'm old guy too :)
You added a shim under the string lock at the nut looks like….
I did that too….
Very informative thanks…
Mine has been on my explorer for months now…. I never had it adjusted to float…. Mine was about 1/4” off the body so I’m raising it now to check it out…. The center Allen screw at the very back was dead center though even at the lower height
No I did not add a shim... it would have been on here if I had, but great point. What I would say re the 1/2 inch is to look at that photo on the video I took - it shows the bridge actually - as I did not measure the exact height... my guess 1/2 inch but could have been 3/8 for example.... but it was not 1/4 on my guitar. When mine was too low I got that bumping of the components and the travel was severely reduced. If the Allen screw is centered then you're in a good place I think... thanks for posting your experience with the FRX - all good info... and thanks for watching.
I wonder why they didn't utilize the original bridge inserts to control the front height. Even if another platerneeds to be made.
Who knows... not me! But hey thanks for watching.
ive bought this unit and love it when it works. but i have had the leaf spring break on me 3 times already. it lasts about a week and it always cracks at the weak point and stops holding tune. super frustrating...
Thanks for this info - its what the reviews are really all about and great info from you. Thanks for watching too...
About the same price as fitting a Bigsby & Vibramate but has the advantage of a locking bridge and locking the strings at the nut for better tuning stability than the Bigsby.
Yes I like this one, a bit awkward to set up but it works well... thanks
Hi mate , nice nice vid. I saw a pair mounted on a U2 and one on an LP before your review , I have to say esthetically fits much prettier on an SG. Just out of curiosity , is this version of yours metric version?
That's a great point! And not even one I considered... drat! :) but your point intrigued me so I went back to Thomann and checked... scarily they don't even mention it. However, if you relate to the two fulcrum pins (metric or otherwise) they do include some for Epiphone and for genuine Gibson USA. So for the threads its all good. For anything else re questions of spacing etc... no answer. If you do find the answer that could be a a great post.... and thanks for watching.
Looking to get just the FRX nut and a roller bridge for my 2022 Epiphone LP Custom. I know they make 2 different models for different headstock angles. Any issues with tuning super sharp after locking the nut down?
They ALL go sharp, but balancing the string tuning can alleviate that a little. Good point and thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Thanks! Just wanted to make sure it wasn’t unmanageable! You’re truly a master craftsman!
Watt aboot intonation? i removed the "intonation" screws like on a normal floyd rose but those dont actually hold anything in place it looks like they just welded ALL of the saddles together to be stuck on that position, its absurd, what if you have different gauge strings, help my guitar is now useless because of this
No, you CAN adjust the intonation no problem... with those allen keys on the end of the saddles... thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial oh i see yeah i just had my saddles stuck on something i couldnt move the g string saddle is all good now thanks
Gibson's have a notorious neck break angle- does this play into the design of this thing? I've got one still in the box that I'm doing a full guitar build with, but I'm curious if I will need to create a neck break angle in order for this to work, seeing how these things are touted as being a replacement for Les Paul's and such.
Well some will say it could I guess. I think looking after your guitar negates that - I never broke a neck on ANY guitar although I know how its done for sure. If you listen to the video about that I did NOT do what they said, but rather considered the possible weaker neck and took a slightly different route. It does work for me so I do think their fastening at the top of the neck is a bit heavier than it needs to be. Good point and thanks for watching.
I love how bulky and industrial it looks, and you saying how good it feels makes me wanna try one, it seems like the next kinda evolution of the floyd
Actually I do like the FRS - but I never could really 'get it' from the videos I watched so I just bought it. Glad I did really, but some might not get on with it. In any case thanks for watching.
The trem stabilizer can be screwed out, making the bridge 100% floating. Thought this is an interesting thing abt the bridge and it wasn't mentioned
That's true it CAN be removed. I tried that but the reality (for me) was that the slightest hand resting on the tremolo caused out of tune results. IMO that's the real reason the screw exists. I DID show it in the video with a very clear photo of that screw but to be honest removing it might then cause me to buy one of these: super-vee.com/products/essentials/mag-lok-anti-deflection-device which at $60 (or £60 near enough) ha I will keep the screw. Good point I did not say the unit could be 'fully floating' by removing that screw, but the 'fully floating' aspect is actually covered by the knurled screw - this round headed screw looks after (IMO) stability back to a sort of focused point of the tremolo. But great point - and thanks for pointing that out... and for watching of course.
Looks like a Mahler, or whatever they’re called.
@@smelltheglove2038 kahler. kahlers are actually pretty good, from what i have seen lately
Great video except you missed a ton of details...
My first issue with this POS is the fact that the only installation and/or mentions anywhere are on flat top guitars and nothing for arched tops...like Les Paul style.
You talked about the spring tension rod has to me centered in the back hole but you didn't say how to make that happen if it isn't. In fact, there's no talk any this anywhere.
Intonation: how does intonation work when the saddles can't be moved forward anymore?
For true setups, shouldn't you have set neck first before doing any final adjustments on this garbage from FR?
Again, love your video, just too many things not discussed which may have helped my installation which still isn't done.
Thanks
this is really a review and to be fair to it, not a fully detailed installation tutor. I showed info about how I went on with the FRX. I had no issues with saddles not being able to move forward any more, I did discuss the height of the FRX off the surface of the guitar in question, that helps with the correct centering of the bolt from what I saw. I showed a 'flat top' guitar as that was what I was installing on to. I get the points of course, but for me it's impossible to be an all inclusive training video, rather than an independent closeup review of the FRX whammy. Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for making this video. Also my number one question is do you need F spaced or trembuckers to use this product or does FRX match up with standard pickup pole spacing?
The F spaced pickups have not always been around, but the Floyd Rose stuff has... so IMO I don't think it really matters for the FRX... in fact I did not even consider that aspect when I bought it! Hope it helps... and thanks for watching.
Hey there, Tony!!! Awesome video but I've run into a major problem. I had Sweetwater install one of these on my Epiphone Les Paul Custom (I didn't feel confident doing it myself). It worked great for about a week, and then one day, when I depressed the bar (not even all the way), the whole unit ripped out of the guitar, bridge posts, and all. I'm going hysterical because I don't know what to do to fix this and prevent it from happening again. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Well if I had paid for the installation - honestly I would take it back IMMEDIATELY and ask them to fix it. Mine here is still fine and I do use the unit a lot. If the posts have lifted I'm sure they can fix that probably easy enough so please do take it to them... Thanks for the info because noting any problems is a really good thing...
Yes it is that good 👍
The Floyd FRX is very good as you say. It takes a little setting up, but once its there its a very good upgrade. Thanks...
@@tonymckenzieofficial that is awesome I have a Jackson with 1984 Floyd original 💯 so I’m a big fan so Floyd if I ever get a ax like that I would get one
Do you need to have a stop tail and the bridge holes or can it work on a thru body with just the tune o matic bridge?
The stop tail is the anchor and the other two (bridge) dont get used if I remember correctly... thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Thanks Tony. Didn't want to impulse buy something that would not work.
Why not simply use locking tuners rather than drilling holes in the neck?
It's a good point... and I did question the screws too. Eventually I used smaller screws and they don't concern me. Locking tuners will help dramatically I agree, but also bear in mind that the string lock is provided in the kit so lockers are another cost on top of an already pretty expensive piece of gear. I also considered something like superglue instead of the screws which might well work... thanks for the point Mitchell and of course for watching too.
My friend just installed one of these on his Les Paul. He had a similar experience to yours, Tony. Much frustration and head scratching. He is an experienced Floyd user. But he believes the device will not last more than a few years. I wonder what the base plate is made out of?
Interesting. On the SG it seems to be fine, but there again I'm not using it for hours per day and in that circumstance honestly I would not really like to say. It does take a bit of fitting - but once you grasp it then it works fine I think. Not sure of the base material. But thanks for the post and about his experience - useful info. And thanks for watching.
Dude you rock just subbed!
Thanks Matt it's appreciated you took the time and effort to post.
i have one of these and i really hate it, first off it's zero point is never where it should be and throwing it out of tune, and second of all the action (i have an sg with a 5 ply full batwing pickguard) is a mile high at it's lowest (any lower an the the spring pole that counters that string's tension will dig into the pickguard, believe me, it already happened)
im considering either getting another guitar with a full fledged floyd, getting a thinner pickguard, or getting a piece of mahogany to fill in the route between the humbuckers and getting a half wing pickguard, and that's just solving the second issue.
On that 'round headed screw' you can adjust that (very carefully) to get the correct zero point - I did it... but on the guitars with pick guiards etc. I agree it could be fun especially if you dont take some sort of action (like I did) to mod the pick guard. There is only so much adjustment on the front screws and also if you don't use those nylon stickers on the guitar it will leave an indent I agree. I would grab another pick guard that you don't mind modifying a bit and also use those nylon protectors. This FRX can be really good - but the getting to the point where it is could be problematic on some guitars I agree. My own installation was not easy, but the result is very good on mine. Because you bought one I would percevere a bit more and I'm sure you'll get there. Thanks for the post as it also shows another side of the problems you can get with the FRX and that will help many guys... and thanks for watching.
Sorry I haven't dropped by in a while. I just noticed I'm subscribed to nearly 400 channels. I was looking through them & saw the dot. I agree about the string lock at the nut, but it beats the one's requiring drilling holes through the neck, IMO. Good to see another honest review. Stay safe Tony, Gil (My true Identity when not fighting the forces of evil, in the seemy, dangerous, underbelly, of Wichita KS) I did get a commission today, I've been asked to do some Country & Western songs for a documentary. My God, the last time I wrote a Country song was 1986, when my step dad/dad died. He loved C&W & though he didn't admit it in public, the Blues. Wish me luck, hopefully I've not bitten off more than I can chew. I did tell them, the Country music I know, was OLDER stuff, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, etc. He said "That's fine>"As usual I leave my verbose statements, LOL.
No problem and good to see you. Good point against the bolts like Ibanez for the locking. Now then, I sincerely wish I could do that stuff... country and western... I watch guys like that in amazement and when it comes to the likes of Danny Gatton I watch and wonder... I could never do it as I can't fixate (as surely I would have to) long enough to do it. Hope its not too hot there in Kansas :) at least you guys have cooling - we went through about 40 degrees last tuesday without cooling... incredibly hot and I was making a review for week end... swealtering. In any case sounds a good 'gig' if ever there was one! Best of luck on it and sincerely let me know how it all goes... regards...
@@tonymckenzieofficial tbh Country music was never on my radar. But I learned some tunes by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Sr, etc so I could play in the house. Honestly I think my parents just wanted to hear the music they enjoyed. I was a decent singer then as well. You're so right about Danny Hatton, & those other Country guitar players, some are absolute monsters. Sadly I'm not one. I suppose now as I'm such an old fart, I should look at it as a business. I've got a co-writer (who's an absolute knock out btw) who's a lady from the back woods of Tennessee, even though she's actually a metal head, she likes Country too.(imagine that). Any Tony, wish me luck, it'll be basic, but sometimes those are the songs that last, it seems. (One of the 1st tunes I learned was "House of the Rising Sun" lol had to work to get that F chord to ring true.😂😂😂didn't know a thing about Barre chords. My buddy had a cheat he used. Lol) I'll let you go, I've got some lyrics to sort out. (Guess it is a business after all) Hope you & your family are well. Gil
Very first video in detail about this Floyd Rose FRX,I have the same one with the same finish it’s been 2 years officially.I’ve installed it on my Gibson/Chibson(Made by the epiphone guys) Les Paul Custom Florentine and I’ve equipped it with EMG Marty Friedman Signature pickups in Gold as well with Gold Sperzel Locking EZ Mount locking tuners in a Purple/Pink burst.And I agree the video was pretty informative and but lacked details for us DIY’s.And for $325 that it cost me to be made in Korea is pretty insulting.High quality nonetheless, however it should be milled in Germany for the price.
P.S. If you remove the Nylon Ball adjustable screw by the big screw that deactivates “floating mode”,if that nylon ball screw is adjusted or fully removed will determine how well your Bar “Trill” sound sensitivity and can sound more noticeable or less prominent.
#BUFFALO
#NEWYORK
I like this whammy and while it was a bit 'awkward' to fit, it works pretty brilliantly on my SG Epiphone - I still have it and have no plans to get rid any time soon. Your guitar and experience is useful to post too. Yes the original vid by Mr Rose somehow did not quite get it over to me but I got there in the end anyway. Good point on the ball and the 'trill' effect too. It was expensive, and I really had little to judge it buy before the purchase in my case, I guess there is info but I never found it. In any case I think its a pretty cool device and can recommend it no problem any you did too really :) Thanks for the post and for watching... appreciated.
My personal sorrow is with a Floyd Trem factory installed on a Japanese Stat.I typically put the heel of my palm on the bridge to use as a pivot point while picking. This pressure naturally changes the pitch on the guitar since I am pressing on the trem to a degree. Help! Is there anything that could be retrofitted to the two posts on the bridge that could provide a landing zone for my hand without affecting the position of the floating trem?
That small round headed screw (on my bridge) stops that from being a problem from what I see. If you are talking about regular Floyd Rose, then you might look for a tremolo stabilizer - those generally fit around where the strings are - check out this: super-vee.com/products/essentials/mag-lok-anti-deflection-device and hope it helps. Thanks.
I don't know if you're still looking for a solution, but I would either block the trem for dive only, or install a trem stabiliser, which is an adjustable spring piston thing that sits against the front of the trem block and counteracts the springs. It forces the trem to have a zero point, so it won't go out of tune, and it will resist the pressure from your hand. It will also help if you break a string or want to drop tune, if your fine tuners have enough range for drop tuning, which mine do on my Japanese strat with a factory Gotoh GE1996T trem.
I'll just point out Steve Vai has always used trem stabilisers in his guitars, and EVH always had his decked for dive only. Full floating trems are a nightmare.
I want an FRX for an left handed Epiphone SG I have, but they cost too much. By the way, that was sick 80's style playing at the end. Reminds me of a movie sound track, Fright Night.
Well thanks for watching and the post... even the RH one is expensive for sure.
Thanks for this.
My pleasure! and thanks for watching.
Dimana saya bisa membeli Floyd rose frx ini ?
www.bing.com/search?pglt=171&q=buy+floyd+FRX&cvid=73f6e6ddf4d544acb8ebd82b2eeab729&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDYyNzlqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531 Thanks....
@@tonymckenzieofficial kalau di market palace Indonesia ada dijual gak ? Seperti di Lazada, Tokopedia, Bukalapak, dan lainnya ?
I love Floyds but I think I would go with a Kahler in this case.
Either way... thanks for watching.
Don't like the look of it at all (Looks like a fender of an old car), how does it feel like? does it feels like a standard Floyd?
It’s not standard really. Main use is imo for flat top guitars that want fl term. But it is different than std Floyd. Thanks for watching.
Did you try putting weights in the control cavity to help with neck dive or do you not want to make it heavier?
I moved the strap post to the underside of the top horn... fixed 98% of the neck weight problem... video here: th-cam.com/video/aM4en-hmVSE/w-d-xo.html might be useful... and thanks for watching.
noticed it scratches the finish on the guitar at the bottom
Really? Mine seems OK? thanks for the info... and for watching.
Tony if you have locking tuners is it worth fitting the locking nut
The locking nut I think would be better... look carefully and you might even get away with a bit of superglue that could be covered by the original cover if you remove the locking nut... Thanks...
Hello, I have a question, where did you get the gold pickup rings ?
Amazon but I went through three different sets to get the great ones! Thanks for watching...
Hi there. I was wondering is it compatible to a Firebird? Awesome content!
If the top of the guitar is flat and there are the stop/tail piece then it is and if not like the Gibson then not :(... Thanks for watching.
I have it's beautiful it sounds nice it's a pain in the ass to
:) correct - it can be, but that's like ALL Floyd Rose units I think. Incredible non the less... thanks.
Nice job Tony
Thanks 👍 and thanks for watching
Nice video only thing I am not sure about is why you left the plastic nut in place the FR string lock is both a string lock and the nut in 1 piece.
Good point, but I did not want to start messing around with the nut on the guitar and it all can easily be reversed if necessary on this one - but good point and thanks for posting it - and for watching.
The time it took u sounds about right on what your doing, so many unforseen things to go not as planned ha ha ha😯.your pretty good for the time it took you.hay you should have a Floyd rose challenge hows the fastest.
Yes lots to spend time with. But it was worth it really. Whose the fastest? Certainly not me... I have an up coming review that took days as you will see some time this weekend... a guitar that most people disliked? But is it really different than they all said? Watch for it... and thanks.
Good video.
Thanks for the visit and for watching.
I had issues with the rod not being centered and can't figure out why
Check the height in particular...
Just tried it. Unless you install the lock nut which REQUIRES screws in the HEADSTOCK, it doesn't stay in tune what so ever.
You saw what I did? Mine works... Thanks.
can i install with my 2013 les paul signature T
Probably you can with this whammy. I don't see a reason not to if you want a whammy bar. Thanks for watching and do let me know if you do it and whether its good for you.
You make really good videos. Did the tone change at all? And I mean when you're not using the tremolo.
I think the tone remained the same (or very near), but the tone on that guitar 'stepped up' when I removed the original pickups... and the guitar is slowly turning in to a speed monster :) Maybe not best for Country & Western :). It did take some setting up though. Thanks for watching.
I want to hear more tone comparisons before and after
I get that... but check other reviewers and also reviews that I create that are subsequent that I use the particular guitar on.... and thanks for watching.
Nice job. I have a guitar with one of these installed on order. Do you think the D-Tuna will fit on these? Keep up the good work!
Be careful with that as it hits the metal at the back... and height would also be critical...
@@tonymckenzieofficial ok thanks
Wow, that's a lot of faffing about! I had a couple of Charvels with whammy bars about the mid eighties. I just got tired of the style of playing that required them and sold the things, opting for Les Pauls instead - starting with a Junior. I've not touched a whammy bar in 35 years and despite the obvious quality of this item it's never going to happen. Terrific video though!
:) its all about what we want you're exactly right. It did take a bit of work but enjoyable really. Thanks for watching.
I would like they had it for lefty handed
Good point... and thanks for watching.
I like the Goth or Steampunk look of it. Would have been cool if you'd depressed the arm with the unit upside down so we could observe the mechanics in motion.
Good point of course and I try and not script things so sometimes I forget particular aspects like that. I like its look on the SG - some can't get on with it but I used the guitar last night in another video at the end comparing another guitar with the SG and this and I can tell you that the SG shown here and its tremolo was incredibly better than the one in the review (coming weekend and look for a review of a guitar eveyone says is s***). Watch for it. Thanks.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I go for a subtle vibrato myself. I don't care for the new Bigsbys that have that tension bar. All my Strats are set to float. The string to spring pressure is balanced. I like the pitch to warble both ways.
I can see where this could actually be better than the traditional Floyd Rose design. Seems like it could be much more stable.
Seems pretty good actually...certainly better than the old Bigsby :) Thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Good to know, I actually love Bigsbys. I’ve got a pile of Gibsons and Epiphones, I should maybe try one of these on one.
hello from the otherside of the pond
Hope its not too hot there Ricky... and thanks for watching.
Would I be able to install this on a Stratocaster?
Maybe not... it might be possible but honestly that needs checking with the maker. IMO probably not though because of the fulcrum pegs... Great question and thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial ok thanks man
I bet putting the rose on made the sg less neck dicey.
Truthfully... no I could hardly tell any difference! Good Point and thanks
hey bud, can the trem flutter?
It can - and depends on how you set the side wheel etc. Thanks for watching.
👍👍
Thanks for watching.
I would like one but i bet there not available for Southpaw's. Their not that invasive at all, a shame I'd have gone for one of these.
You know I think you're right... great point and one I did not consider. Thanks for watching too.
Helpful and confusing.
I tried :) and thanks Bret for watching.
hindsight, I should have just got an Ibanez. but it is really pretty.
I love the ibanez guitars (in fact my best playable one is just a £500 used guitar - RG550LTD with modified pickups) but on this SG I wanted a whammy and looking around not so many out there that needed no real mods. Thanks for watcing John...
Top
Only just ;-)
Great video! I only wish they made these left handed…
Someone said they did but I never saw one either. If you find out more do post it and thanks for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial spoke to the FR company, and they don’t make a left handed FRS at this time.. I’d love to put one on my LP tribute