Which Floyd Rose Tremolo was on The Californian Elite?

[rickrock999]

I have a Californian Elite that had the Floyd Rose removed and a different setup put on, I want to bring it back to original, I need to buy the new Floyd. I see there are many types out there. My question, what came with it, also what would be a good replacement if I can't get the original?

Thanks

[veatch]

Depending upon the year, it was likely a Hamer branded Schaller. 

[diablo175]

Use a Schaller Tremolo-

https://schaller.info/en/tremolos/359/schaller-tremolo

The Hamer stamped trem was an earlier version of this exact model but without the improvements added in more recent times, like hardened steel inserts.

You can also use a Schaller LockMeister but will need to get the shorter string bolts-

https://www.thomannmusic.com/schaller_string_locking_screw_set_short.htm

[rickrock999]

Thanks for the info. Can anyone tell me the difference between these 2 besides the fact that one is almost double the price of the other

 

Schaller Gold Original Floyd Rose® Locking Tremolo System w/R2 Nut SB-0290-002    $200

https://reverb.com/item/59453391-schaller-gold-original-floyd-rose-locking-tremolo-system-w-r2-nut-sb-0290-002

 

Floyd Rose FRTS3000 Special Series Tremolo Bridge System w/R3 Locking Nut - GOLD    $109

https://reverb.com/item/3399717-floyd-rose-frts3000-special-series-tremolo-bridge-system-w-r3-locking-nut-gold

 

[rickrock999]

OK I think I found the difference one is made in Germany the other Korea? Is the German one twice as good? I will most likely get the better German one anyway.

[rickrock999]

6 hours ago, diablo175 said:

Use a Schaller Tremolo-

https://schaller.info/en/tremolos/359/schaller-tremolo

The only Schallers I am seeing are in gold and are $200

https://reverb.com/item/59453391-schaller-gold-original-floyd-rose-locking-tremolo-system-w-r2-nut-sb-0290-002

So it is either this or a FRT 100 (chrome $219 ) or SRT 200 (Black $261)

Of course the FRT's are not Schaller, what do you think? I kind of like the Gold so am thinking of The Schaller, they appear to be pretty similar quality wise.

 

[veatch]

Personally, I'd go with a Gotoh if you're buying new. If you're trying to return it to original, used Hamer branded Schallers do show up from time to time, but you will need to be patient. : )

I find the new Gotohs tighter than the new Schallers or OFRs. 

[Cboss]

Is there a noticeable tone, sustain difference with the gotoh versus the schaller?

[veatch]

I'm sure opinions vary,  but to me, the gotoh was easier to set up, and got better "warble" when I dialed it in. Return to pitch was dead on out of the box after setup. The Schaller, not so much. 

I'm pretty sure the GE1996t just dropped in as a replacement,  but I'm not 100% sure on that. Can't recall if I had to get shorter string lock screws or not.  

As a bonus, the Gotoh is cheaper : )

[Jeff R]

Worth mentioning ... the last six Gotoh 1996Ts I've purchased had factory brass blocks, which is an aftermarket upgrade you'll have to pay for on a Floyd or Schaller.

Yes, "the last six" Gotohs ... it's my bridge of choice on my shop's locking trem fabrications. Keep in mind too I'm an authorized Floyd Rose and an authorized FU-Tone dealer.

Here's the latest ...

 

 

 

[Jeff R]

I have one guitar with a non-German Floyd, and it's decked for drop-only performance. That's all it's good for IMHO.

The Asian Floyd-branded bridges, you get what you pay for. They work, initially ... but eventually the cheaper, softer alloys that made the bridge that affordable will make themselves known, in the form of

dulled knife edges on the bridge plate and studs that create pitch return problems;

screws will strip prematurely;

plating will pit and chip off prematurely; and

saddles and clamp blocks will split and crack with less than excessive wrench torque.

I'd get a used cosmetically beat to shit German-made Floyd over Floyd 1000, Special, whatever, all day and every day, with zero hesitation.

[rickrock999]

I am taking the guitar to my guy tomorrow to have him check it out, then I will decide. I have heard good things about the Floyd Rose 1984, so it is that, the Gotoh or the Schaller. Can't wait to get it set up.

[rickrock999]

After much research I went with the Floyd Rose 1984. It's the re-issue of the original. Very close between that and the Gotoh.

I got a pretty good deal on the 1984 I think, $250 with the nut including tax and shipping. Hope I made the right choice. I am going to have my local guitar guy install it and do a general setup. So it should be good.

[Dave Scepter]

35 minutes ago, rickrock999 said:

Hope I made the right choice. 

You did👍

[veatch]

Nice bridge. If you need shorter tuning bolts, I think you can get them at monsterbolts. 

[Biz Prof]

[rickrock999]

2 hours ago, veatch said:

Nice bridge. If you need shorter tuning bolts, I think you can get them at monsterbolts. 

My guitar guy might already have them, if not I will check into that. Thanks

[rickrock999]

Another question. I am thinking about replacing the Bill Lawrence bridge pickup. I am into playing mostly classic rock and metal. Any suggestions?

[Biz Prof]

1 hour ago, rickrock999 said:

Another question. I am thinking about replacing the Bill Lawrence bridge pickup. I am into playing mostly classic rock and metal. Any suggestions?

Well, those are two tonally different  genres. I'd suggest a low-mid output A2 or A4 for classic rock and a higher output with an A5 or ceramic for metal.

[Dave Scepter]

1 hour ago, rickrock999 said:

I am thinking about replacing the Bill Lawrence bridge pickup. I am into playing mostly classic rock and metal

Huh?.. is there anything wrong with that BL pickup?.. should be great for that style of music 

[scottcald]

I'd say try the Lawrence and try to dial it in before you replace it.  Otherwise you may go on the pickup merry go round. 

 

ETA:  @Jeff R That build is sweet, and I'm no relic fan. 

[rickrock999]

4 hours ago, Dave Scepter said:

Huh?.. is there anything wrong with that BL pickup?.. should be great for that style of music 

 

4 hours ago, scottcald said:

I'd say try the Lawrence and try to dial it in before you replace it.  Otherwise you may go on the pickup merry go round. 

You are right. I still need to get some more time playing with the Bill Lawrence before I decide wihether or not to keep. Once I get the Floyd installed I will get a chance to really get to know it. Not looking to replace anything right away. Thanks for the all the info and advice.