Floyd Rose string spreads? I need help....

[Scottcrud]

I have a 99 BC Rich NJ Mockingbird. It has a Licensed By Floyd Rose "Floyd rose". I'm now understanding that there are several different string spreads used. What is mine, and if I were to replace my "Floyd" what would be a direct drop in replacement for mine?

[Bobby Marshall]

I believe most of not all Floyd rose terms have the same radius and post width. If you measure from the center of the top post to the center of the bottom post you will know the post width. Then go to a website like prorockgear. I remember that site having a page with the OFR specs. Then you can see if it matches. I was talking to Murkat recently and he mentioned the Gotoh Floyd rose as being a trem to consider in a situation similar to yours. Wish I could help more but just have my phone as my wife is working on the computer.

[tobereeno]

I do know that Floyd Pro bridges are narrower than OFR bridges. I prefer this narrower spacing.

[RobB]

I believe most of not all Floyd rose terms have the same radius and post width. I was talking to Murkat recently and he mentioned the Gotoh Floyd rose as being a trem to consider in a situation similar to yours.

I agree. In my estimation, the Gotoh Floyd is the best Floyd on the market, including the OFR.

As far as stud spacing goes, the nice thing about the Gotoh FR is that the base-plate knife-edge on the bass side is straight and not notched. This makes using the Gotoh as a replacement for other FRs a little more forgiving, give or take a millimeter or two left/right. Of course, if this shifts the proper string spacing on the neck, that is problem to consider, YMMV (post-to-post spacing on a OFR is 73.9mm. The Gotoh is 74mm so it should be good to go). All I know is that it replaced the OFR on my Charvel perfectly and was an improvement over the stock bridge:

Brass spring block with machine screw anchors for the springs

Locking inserts for the bridge posts eliminate post wobble and slop

Solid saddles (no "forks") don't warp from the lock-down allen screws.

Superior machining, metals.

The Charvel Gotoh is floating and always stays in tune with whammy abuse. "Chunked-up" the rhythm sound a good bit, too.

Get one and don't look back.

[Jeff R]

Another fan of the Gotoh over the OFR, and I've honestly lost count of how many nice guitars I've had with OFR trems over the years.

[Hamer Dave]

Is he not referring to string spacing? I know there are different locking nuts to accommodate different nut widths/spacing.

I'm building a guitar with a 2" nut width (i.e. nylon, I'm 6'6" with longer fingers), widest spread I could find in a bridge (trem), was a Wilkerson.

btw... Where can I get some of those little steel blocks that slip inside each saddle which clamp up against the string? I believe I need a complete set for one bridge on a Centaura, plus I've one missing on yet another bridge.

Dave

[Scottcrud]

I'm referring to bridge string spacing. I thought there were several different widths and some Floyd Rose types don't retro-fit....

[RobB]

Where can I get some of those little steel blocks that slip inside each saddle which clamp up against the string? I believe I need a complete set for one bridge on a Centaura, plus I've one missing on yet another bridge.

Here ya go...saddle blocks in sets/individuals

[Hamer Dave]

Thanks RobB! That's what I need!

[Hamer95USA]

Where can I get some of those little steel blocks that slip inside each saddle which clamp up against the string? I believe I need a complete set for one bridge on a Centaura, plus I've one missing on yet another bridge.

Here ya go...saddle blocks in sets/individuals

Cool stuff! My friend is the inventor of the H.I.P. Tool.

Guitar George

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

A Floyd Rose Special is a good alternative. Exactly the same dimensions as an OFR. I just started imporing 'em from Asia & have sold 10 the last month. The only difference from a real Floyd is that the Specials have zinc saddles & a zinc block (you could always upgrade the block/saddles if need be - deffo the block IMO). The Gotohs are every bit as good as a real Floyd (if not better) - I tried em all thru the years...

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

Some older licensed Floyds do not fit the bridge-posts btw - I have a couple only 72mm post spacing rather than the traditional 74mm (on an 80s Hohner & an early 90s Aria). I think that's what you're getting at - best to plop another in & check...