Floyd Rose Tremolo Bridges

[H.I.P.TOOLER]

I was wondering how many users of floyd rose tremolos and licensed hamer floyd users were having tuning and intonation issues with their bridges. I am a patented inventor and have experience , know how and service/repair tools I am attemting to sell online. (not here) I also just like playing guitars and building custom and aftermarket guitars, especially guitars with floyd rose tremolo. I have many guitars with floyds. Mostly old charvels and of course my old Hamer ss1 I have listed for sale. If any body has issue with their strings slipping (yes they can slip) while trying to tune up let me know. I will be more than happy to help and enter serious discussion.Forget trying to intonate or use any intonation device if your strings are slipping unless you really enjoy being a part of the twilightzone.I have 25 years experience setting up guitars with floyd rose tremolos and for the most part it has been for private hire or personal R&D for my patents but would like to engage some hfc'ers and see if i can help out. Some other forums I have approached lately are less receptive than the hfc so I hope you will join in on this discussion and feel free to ask me questions about any issues with your bridges

seemingly (or not) malfunctioning. This can be a very subtle phenom. and has baffled many players , many times over. I have the parts and ability to service your bridge if you send it to me or you can be instucted how i do it for myself.The product is sold online at my website. Thanks

[cmatthes]

Is this your creation?

http://www.prorockgear.com/alignhiptools.aspx

There are a lot of Floyd players and setup/repair guys & girls here who might find this to be of interest...

[Devnor]

Looks like an expensive single-tasker screwdriver. Maybe a video of two of how the tool is supposed to be used would help. I've been servicing my floyd bridges for 15 years with only basic tools (and about 500 3mm allen wrenches!)

[Hamer95USA]

Hey guys,

I'm a friend of H.I.P. Tooler and his device is for real. Yes, CMatthes, that is his device listed on that website link and he's the inventor of that device. Hip Tool is distributed by Floyd Rose and can be purchased from that website or their dealer network. I'm not here to schill this product either, but I've seen what it does and addresses a lot of issues that a lot of owners have to deal with. He has also has some other devices that are in the works which I cannot discuss without his permission.

H.I.P.Tooler has also helped put my '93 Diablo into good repair by servicing my Schaller/Floyd Rose bridge which had a lot of issues, a crown/level/polish on the frets, and totally intonated the bridge. He used the HIP Tool to service the bridge. The guitar plays great and stays in tune very well, no matter how hard I beat on the whammy bar. He has also serviced my '94 Diablo II as well. He's also knowledgeable in guitar building & repairs and has recently rebuilt one of my Strat parts guitar with a new body with some custom options on it. If anyone here on this website is interested in the H.I.P. Tool, I would be happy to help you obtain one by contacting me via PM or e-mail.

Guitar George

[cmatthes]

I don't think that this has evolved into a "For Sale" thread at this point, but think that there would be some interest here who have struggled/struggle with Floyds over the years - more from an informational standpoint.

I know that for about 20 years (from '85-'05), I dreaded the Floyd string change process. Even when I was regularly changing strings on 4-5 Floyded guitars and had the whole rhythm of that chore down pretty well, I still hated doing it!

[atquinn]

...Maybe a video of two of how the tool is supposed to be used would help...

Seconded.

-Austin

[Armitage]

The only problems I've ever had with strings slipping on a Floyd was because the string clamping saddle inserts were over tightened by a previous owner and notched. I replaced them, and no problems.

[Hamer95USA]

...Maybe a video of two of how the tool is supposed to be used would help...

Seconded.

-Austin

H.I.P. Tool guy will be releasing a video pretty soon explaining how his HIP Tool works with the Floyd Rose/Schaller tremolo systems.

Guitar George

The only problems I've ever had with strings slipping on a Floyd was because the string clamping saddle inserts were over tightened by a previous owner and notched. I replaced them, and no problems.

Hey Armitage,

I've had cracked insert blocks and saddles with their brass base falling out which causes a lot of these problems when I had H.I.P. Tooler repairing my '93 Diablo. The cracked insert blocks were removed using the HIP Tool which worked flawlessly. I ended up buying a new set of insert blocks and a couple of saddles to make the bridge work properly. I had no issues once I replaced the broken parts with new ones and I'm glad that you got your bridge repaired as well.

Guitar George

[diablo175]

...Maybe a video of two of how the tool is supposed to be used would help...

Seconded.

-Austin

H.I.P. Tool guy will be releasing a video pretty soon explaining how his HIP Tool works with the Floyd Rose/Schaller tremolo systems.

Guitar George

The only problems I've ever had with strings slipping on a Floyd was because the string clamping saddle inserts were over tightened by a previous owner and notched. I replaced them, and no problems.

Hey Armitage,

I've had cracked insert blocks and saddles with their brass base falling out which causes a lot of these problems when I had H.I.P. Tooler repairing my '93 Diablo. The cracked insert blocks were removed using the HIP Tool which worked flawlessly. I ended up buying a new set of insert blocks and a couple of saddles to make the bridge work properly. I had no issues once I replaced the broken parts with new ones and I'm glad that you got your bridge repaired as well.

Guitar George

Almost as a rule when I get a new/used guitar (always with Floyds or Schaller Floyds) I have to immediately replace the trem outright. Not the most cost effective solution admittedly but my 23+ years experience dealing with Floyds reveal one reoccurring issue- the knife edges on the OFR and Schallers become dull as do the edges of the pivot point posts. This causes the greatest decline in responsiveness/performance for my technique and has no quick remediation- unless you've got a diamond edge grinder that can fit into those tight areas. Found one luthier who could effect that repair and in the end, was just easier to just buy a new Schaller or OFR.

[BubbaVO]

I know that for about 20 years (from '85-'05), I dreaded the Floyd string change process. Even when I was regularly changing strings on 4-5 Floyded guitars and had the whole rhythm of that chore down pretty well, I still hated doing it!

Didn't take that long for me. I hated changing strings on my Centaura and that was a big factor in my decision to jettison that guitar.

Nonetheless, I'm curious to see what this thing does.

[Hamer95USA]

I know that for about 20 years (from '85-'05), I dreaded the Floyd string change process. Even when I was regularly changing strings on 4-5 Floyded guitars and had the whole rhythm of that chore down pretty well, I still hated doing it!

Didn't take that long for me. I hated changing strings on my Centaura and that was a big factor in my decision to jettison that guitar.

Nonetheless, I'm curious to see what this thing does.

The HIP Tool is designed to remove the Floyd Rose/Schaller string lock inserts without having to resort to using jeweler screwdrivers or other tools. More information can be found here:

http://www.prorockgear.com/alignhiptools.aspx

Guitar George

[Jem]

The only 'problem' i've had in 25 years of Floyd ownership is the over tightened, cracked block problem. Replace 'em and it's story over - seems an expensive alternative to a 75 cent screwdriver.

[silentman]

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

[veatch]

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

Suddenly, i have the urge to buy two!

[Jem]

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

Suddenly, i have the urge to buy two!

Pussies or expensive screwdrivers ?

[veatch]

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

Suddenly, i have the urge to buy two!

Pussies or expensive screwdrivers ?

Linky -->

[Hamer95USA]

The only 'problem' i've had in 25 years of Floyd ownership is the over tightened, cracked block problem. Replace 'em and it's story over - seems an expensive alternative to a 75 cent screwdriver.

Hey Jem,

The overtightened, cracked insert blocks are designed to be replaced in the field along with other assorted Floyd Rose bridge parts. I learned from H.I.P. Tooler guy to examine the insert blocks for cracks in the block with a magnifying glass when I do string changes. This is a good preventative measure to do rather than find out you've overtightened an already cracked insert block and it breaks or slips.

Guitar George

[Jem]

The only 'problem' i've had in 25 years of Floyd ownership is the over tightened, cracked block problem. Replace 'em and it's story over - seems an expensive alternative to a 75 cent screwdriver.

Hey Jem,

The overtightened, cracked insert blocks are designed to be replaced in the field along with other assorted Floyd Rose bridge parts. I learned from H.I.P. Tooler guy to examine the insert blocks for cracks in the block with a magnifying glass when I do string changes. This is a good preventative measure to do rather than find out you've overtightened an already cracked insert block and it breaks or slips.

Guitar George

I think you missed my point slightly. Whenever i got a new guitar the first thing i did was take the trem off and turn it upside down - if the blocks don't fall out there's a reason....either corrosion or they're knackered. If you can flick 'em out then it's a corrosion problem, clean the block and the slot, lube and re-assemble. If you have to pull them out they're knackered, no magnifying glass required. Replace all 6 as they're so cheap - job done. At one point i had 23 floyd equipped Hamer's, i think i'm down to around 16 now, so believe me, i've had some practice with the little buggers over the past 25 years.

Oh, and i'd do this on the bench, not in a field

PS: Veatch - i'm sorry to go all sloppy but hey, cute cat !

[H.I.P.TOOLER]

Is this your creation?

http://www.prorockgear.com/alignhiptools.aspx

There are a lot of Floyd players and setup/repair guys & girls here who might find this to be of interest...

Yes , I patented and invented these tools and others. They work very well and actually peform several functions beside insert removal. I think eveyone using F.R.Trems/Schaller Trems. etc on their Hamers or other guitars should have thes tools handy , or in the case. They should have a set for each guitar actually. They are that handy. You can read more and see more photos at the prorockgear.com website. Click on H.I.P.TOOL.

Hey guys,

I'm a friend of H.I.P. Tooler and his device is for real. Yes, CMatthes, that is his device listed on that website link and he's the inventor of that device. Hip Tool is distributed by Floyd Rose and can be purchased from that website or their dealer network. I'm not here to schill this product either, but I've seen what it does and addresses a lot of issues that a lot of owners have to deal with. He has also has some other devices that are in the works which I cannot discuss without his permission.

H.I.P.Tooler has also helped put my '93 Diablo into good repair by servicing my Schaller/Floyd Rose bridge which had a lot of issues, a crown/level/polish on the frets, and totally intonated the bridge. He used the HIP Tool to service the bridge. The guitar plays great and stays in tune very well, no matter how hard I beat on the whammy bar. He has also serviced my '94 Diablo II as well. He's also knowledgeable in guitar building & repairs and has recently rebuilt one of my Strat parts guitar with a new body with some custom options on it. If anyone here on this website is interested in the H.I.P. Tool, I would be happy to help you obtain one by contacting me via PM or e-mail.

Guitar George

Thats right Guitar George , You said it very eloquently.

I don't think that this has evolved into a "For Sale" thread at this point, but think that there would be some interest here who have struggled/struggle with Floyds over the years - more from an informational standpoint.

I know that for about 20 years (from '85-'05), I dreaded the Floyd string change process. Even when I was regularly changing strings on 4-5 Floyded guitars and had the whole rhythm of that chore down pretty well, I still hated doing it!

Yes , Iam am sure you may have felt that way but nothing ventured = nothing gained so it was a good thing you changed all those strings because you now also know that if you had used the H.I.P.TOOL system you could have cleaned the slot of the saddle and fast and easily removed , inspected the inserts and replaced as needed the damaged inserts. This prolongs the life of the string and gets you playing faster with less tuning and meesing around with a screwdriver. Using a screw driver is not recommended as It is also unprofessional ,and can be a safety issue as well. People using screw drivers tend to want to get their head down there so they can see. Then oops. There goes your eye.You save money loosing your eye. My tools are engineered for these bridges WAY better than any moron using screwdrivers.DO NOT listening to people taunting the use of a screw driver. Get a H.I.P.TOOL and you get a handy insert puller tool set.

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

Suddenly, i have the urge to buy two!

Pussies or expensive screwdrivers ?

These tools are not to be used on your pussy. They are for guitars equiped with F.R. Trem> systems.Get Hip. When you get a H.I.P.TOOL tm tools , tool set, you get a handy insert puller tool. Ask for the H.I.P.TOOL by name. Soon to be available at a music store near you.

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

What you think you know and what you actually know are obviously two Entirely different things. The prior is based in Fantasy, and the later is based on nothing. Thanks for your input and letting us know , what you don't know. Silentman, would be appropriate , to be silent. SILENCE I SAY. Let people that know what they are talking about exchange info without the sideshow.Let us know when you have a serious reply with useful facts., not dillusions of silly jokes.DONT use this on your pussy (cat?).

...Maybe a video of two of how the tool is supposed to be used would help...

Seconded.

-Austin

Yes , Austin , there will be a video or two comming soon. I have been finishing some work in the shop and also on the road getting the product out to local stores in my area of the San Francisco Bay here in northern Ca. It is basicly a no brainer, and the instructions are on the back of the package , and they are brief but there is also a write-up on the website at prorockgear.com. Hopefully this will get you going. If you fill out the login and rate the tool you get a certificate for 5 bucks.thanks for your intrest.Rock out dude.Staye Tuned,when you get a H.I.P.TOOL you get a Very handy insert puller tool set, and years of development. Their will also be a shopgrade tool available next year if you do repair. Thanks again

[cmatthes]

These tools are not to be used on your pussy. They are for guitars equiped with F.R. Trem> systems.Get Hip. When you get a H.I.P.TOOL tm tools , tool set, you get a handy insert puller tool. Ask for the H.I.P.TOOL by name. Soon to be available at a music store near you.

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

What you think you know and what you actually know are obviously two Entirely different things. The prior is based in Fantasy, and the later is based on nothing. Thanks for your input and letting us know , what you don't know. Silentman, would be appropriate , to be silent. SILENCE I SAY. Let people that know what they are talking about exchange info without the sideshow.Let us know when you have a serious reply with useful facts., not dillusions of silly jokes.DONT use this on your pussy (cat?).

Lou (Silentman) did not mean anything by this - it's a long-standing HFC joke regarding a comment somebody made years ago that "intonation is for pussies".

No need to take offense.

[H.I.P.TOOLER]

These tools are not to be used on your pussy. They are for guitars equiped with F.R. Trem> systems.Get Hip. When you get a H.I.P.TOOL tm tools , tool set, you get a handy insert puller tool. Ask for the H.I.P.TOOL by name. Soon to be available at a music store near you.

We all know that only pussies will own this tool.

What you think you know and what you actually know are obviously two Entirely different things. The prior is based in Fantasy, and the later is based on nothing. Thanks for your input and letting us know , what you don't know. Silentman, would be appropriate , to be silent. SILENCE I SAY. Let people that know what they are talking about exchange info without the sideshow.Let us know when you have a serious reply with useful facts., not dillusions of silly jokes.DONT use this on your pussy (cat?).

Lou (Silentman) did not mean anything by this - it's a long-standing HFC joke regarding a comment somebody made years ago that "intonation is for pussies".

No need to take offense.

My appology , not wanting to give or take offense and the running joke makes sense now. Actually intonation is required and people struggle if not aware of the perils of attempting to do so when the inserts have failed. I am just naturally interested in helping others with this issue.And will apologise to silentman, sorry dude,no hard feelings i hope.Thanks cmattes for bringing this to my attention.

[hamerjunkie]

Did I miss the info on the Hamer SS1 for sale????

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

replacing string blocks is hardly rocket science is it? & a 75c screwdriver will do... i agree that a lot of purchased guitars have tin-pot no-good licensed floyds... i buy (& recommend) the Gotoh (EVH MusicMan version)... i had 1 installed on my Hamer Diablo (Korean unfortunately)... will post pics once it's outta the spray shop... Vic (Concrete Sox)

[Hamer95USA]

Did I miss the info on the Hamer SS1 for sale????

Do you want to buy H.I.P. Tooler's Hamer SS1? The headstock & finish has issues, but the rest of the guitar is in good shape. Ask H.I.P. Tooler for more info.

Guitar George

[H.I.P.TOOLER]

Did I miss the info on the Hamer SS1 for sale????

The 86 SS1 is for sale. The issue is with the finish of the headstock , NOt the headstock . i have not had time to get digital pics of the guitar so the ones i have are on a didsposable or two during all the repair (it was smashed) while the headstock was re-attached. THE headstock is very stable. It was reattached probably 10 years ago or more. The finish on the headstock (black laquer) was an issue because I shot it in the sun and it cracked so redoing the headstock finish. The rest of this full story is listed for sale, and I am the H.I.P.TOOLER if you might be interested you can choose black speedloader or orig. stock o.e.m. floyd that came on it from the factory.