GOTOH GE-1996T Licensed Floyd Rose locking tremolo bridge - Black

I got this to replace the "Licensed Floyd Rose" on my Kramer Pacer Classic. It was even easier to replace than I imagined. I opted not to use the Gotoh studs and stick with what was already in the Kramer. This saves a lot of time and effort if you are OK with the existing studs. The bridge went right in with no modifications needed. I took some quick measurements before I installed it and had to do very little setup. Bridge feels great and I think the guitar sounds better from the brass tone block. Also PLS had awesome service and confirmed my suspicions on keeping the old studs with my situation.

I've owned at least 5 of these in the last 20 years, and they've been terrific. It 'feels' slightly different than OFR or Schaller Tremolo ('FR 2?") both in terms of the actual action and tone, but it's great nonetheless. While the trem itself is a drop-in replacement, you WILL spend sometime working on intonation and action. The anchoring posts are not a drop-in replacement --- it'd require a luthier intervention to install them properly -- but if you're happy with existing wooden screws or inserts, use the "If it ain't broke..." rule. Also, the super tiny screw for the arm tension adjustment --- I've managed to unscrew it accidentally and lose it --- is something I recommend having spares of. It's available at hobby shops, known as "M3x3 grub screws" -- you can get a bag of 8 for about $3. Also note: the new 2019 version looks different from stock photos posted online --- the new version no longer has "Licensed...." and the Gotoh logo is a bit more visible. The black finish is almost mirror smooth. It also seems to be a couple grams lighter than old ones but that could just be from lighter screws, no idea. I assume the main chunk of the metal has not changed in its formulation over the years, or maybe it improved. Anyways.... I still believe that GE-1996's 1) arm tension adjustment screw, 2) straight knife edge on one side, and 3) spring securing screws onto the block, all are some of the best improvements to FR-style trems ever made.

I used this Gotoh to replace my Floyd rose special that did not stay in tune. It's cheaper than the standard Floyd rose by a lot and its the same quality if not better. Be sure to look at all the measurements. The mounting studs are bigger than the standard Floyd rose studs so you will need to drill bigger holes. The Gotoh is also slightly longer so some routing to the bottom of the guitar body will be required. Keep that in mind. It definitely feels heavy duty. The guitar has a nice clearer sound with more bass now with the Gotoh Floyd. The arm is bigger and doesn't hit against the body like the Floyd rose did. Gotoh has made some improvements with this over the Floyd rose.

this gotoh 1996 is perfect for me. no wiggly bar anymore. Suhr uses these

Great price, great product. Fast shipping. Good company to deal with.

I used this in an older Gibson MIII where the Schaller made Floyd Rose was no longer reliable. As most know by now, on many models the metal was soft, things go stripped, and quite frankly, I wasn't willing to pay for a real Floyd replacement. Look around on the forums and you'll see plenty of thumbs up for the Gotoh. They've taken the original and certainly improved on it. Do some due diligence and take some measurements for best fit (all provided here on the PL site). On a side note, PL provided fast and accurate support. I had a brain fart moment, and PL politely got me straightened away. Would totally buy here again.